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matters of state, which must take their rise from the king and his council, upon motives that cannot possibly be within the cognizance of the nation in general; and therefore cannot properly fall under the consideration of the economical parts of government. When, in the administration of public affairs, events happen of dangerous consequence to the nation, the representative body of the people ought to make an enquiry into them, in order to have the misfortunes redressed, and the criminal authors of them punished; but warm instructions from constituents to their representatives, without any light into the true causes of things, which they cannot possibly have from public rumour or clamour, are improper; because they may be founded in ignorance, or in ill design."

Lord Walpole is said to have been intimately acquainted with the history of ancient and modern times, while his political knowledge was accurate and comprehensive. From the time of his brother's resignation till his own death, he neither desired nor courted any official employment. During this period he acted a part which every man of moderation and integrity will admire and imitate. Instead of going into petulant opposition, or combating the measures of government, he thought it his duty openly to support them whenever they deserved approbation. When he differed from the king and ministers in essential points, he always privately delivered his opinion, either in person or by letter. Whenever he was convinced that government was pursuing weak or improper measures, he gave his sentiments

with respect and firmness, and was not discouraged by observing that his advice was not acceptable. 3 He appears to have been an able statesman, and a man of considerable talents.]

• Coxe's Memoirs, ut sup. p. 467.

HENRY,

LORD HYDE,

AND

CORNBURY.

THIS amiable and disinterested lord was author of a few pamphlets, published without his name, of some tragedies still in manuscript, and of a comedy called

"The Mistakes; or, the Happy Resentment." 1758.

Given to Mrs. Porter for her benefit, and printed by subscription, with a little preface by the author of this work.

[The preface here noticed, as the production of lord Orford, was printed at Strawberry Hill, and contains an eulogium on the noble dramatist, which it is gratifying to transcribe.

"He had," says his lordship, "one of the best hearts that ever warmed a human breast. He was upright, calm, and steady. His virtues were of the gentlest complexion, yet of the firmest texture. Vice could not bend him, nor party warp him; even his own talents could not mislead him. Though a mas

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ter of eloquence, he preferred justice and the love of his country to all the applause which the violence of the times in which he lived was so prodigal of bestowing on orators who distinguish themselves in any faction: but the tinsel of popularity, and the intrinsic of corruption, were equally his contempt. He spoke, nor wrote, nor acted for fame. Goodness was the object and end of all his actions."

The ingenious and accurate editor of Biographia Dramatica has given a particular statement of the circumstances attendant on the publication of lord Cornbury's comedy, and concludes with saying, that although he cannot pay any great compliment to his lordship's genius from the execution of his drama, yet there breathe through the whole such sentiments of honour and virtue as reflect the brightest lustre on a much more valuable quality, viz. goodness of heart."

"2

This distinguished nobleman was eldest son of the last earl of Clarendon, was called up to the house of peers in 1750, during his father's life, and had the misfortune to be killed, in France, by a fall from his horse, May 2. 1758.

3

Pope has neatly complimented the virtuous taste of this lord, by making it a criterion of merit to "disdain whatever Cornbury disdain'd."

2 Biog. Dram. vol. ii. p. 238.

3 So says Mr. Reed, on whose statement I rely; though lord Orford and Bolton's Peerage place his death in 1753. Sir E. Brydges suggests that this latter date is likely to be right, because Thomas Villiers was created baron Hyde in 1756.

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Lady M. W. Montagu has pointed out the following occasional lines as the production of lord Cornbury: they occur before Lintot's edition of Pope's works, printed in 1736.

"TO THE AUTHOR OF THE ESSAY ON MAN. 4

"When love's great goddess, anxious for her son,
Beheld him wand'ring on a coast unknown,
A huntress in the wood, she feign'd to stray,
To cheer his drooping mind, and point his way.
But Venus' charms no borrow'd form could hide;
He knew, and worshipp'd his celestial guide.

"Thus vainly, Pope, unseen you would dispense Your glorious system of benevolence;

And heav'nly taught, explain the angel's song,
That praise to GOD, and peace to men belong!

Conceal'd in vain, the bard divine we know,

From whence such truths could spring, such lines could

flow;

Applause, which justly so much worth pursues.

You only can deserve, or could refuse.

"C."

"Common Sense, or the Englishman's Journal, of

Feb. 12. 1737,"

has been ascribed to the same noble writer.

"Lord Cornbury's Letter to the Vice-chancellor of Oxford, with a Letter to his Lordship thereupon," appeared in 1751.6

4 First published anonymously in separate books.

Eneid I.

6 Vid. Bibl. West. No. 1243.

VOL. IV.

S

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