Page:Memoirs of a Trait in the Character of George III.djvu/52

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CONTENTS.
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a majority on the occasion—Lord Chesterfield's vague defence of clergymen—not to be expected that they should be exempt from reproach—isolated merit of this Prince a fit theme for the pulpit—he had neglected to ask leave of the Commissioners bad example of the Collegians—four months' delay—a sentiment of Francis I.—rarity of such self-command among distinguished men—Charles II. and other monarchs not so placable—had George 3rd been more irritable?—a supposed case for the Attorney, or the Solicitor General—cannot the King commit for contempt, as well as the Judges who represent him on his bench at Westminster?

18

A remark connected with the popular cry of "Wilkes and liberty" at that period—rashness of the Commissioners—William Harrison's version of the affair—the Consul and Antiochus—the younger Harrison's conduct tends much to avert the serious consequences that might have ensued—the Commissioners were provoking a trial of strength with the Crown—the Collegians would have much disgusted their friend Tully—the firmness of the King might have been severely illustrated—irritated and degrading motives of the opposed party at the Board—their conduct would have been reprobated in all our courts of justice—the prudence of the Claimant's Son blunts the edge of the mischief—a petition to Parliament becomes necessary—measures taken for its success—Lord North is written to—his apathy—an expedient to rouse his Lordship's attention; but it fails—the Author's surprise at that particular inattention of the Treasury bench—expected contest on this second reading of the petition—the gentle-