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THE REIGN

met this winter was equally liberal; and that liberality was to their own honour, and the security of the nation; they had the highest opinion of the King; an opinion not founded on a sudden liking, nor a wild enthusiastic confidence; but was grounded on his admirable character, and the constant experience the whole nation had of his firmness, integrity, and love of his people. These virtues were diffused through all the parts of his character; no wonder, that a wise and generous people, should love and revere a sovereign, whose whole life was conducted on the principles of honour. His parliament well knew that he could ask nothing, which it was not their interest to grant. The King's designs on France, indeed, had raised some heats in the House of Commons; but these were all blown over: the vast splendor of success, reconciled every mind to the measure; and whathad