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THE REIGN

most ardent hopes of their young Sovereign; in his education and very youth he had given signs of what was one day to be expected of him; and all ranks of people turned their weary eyes on him, as their pilot through that sea of troubles which it was too evident was rising to overwhelm them. The King, in all his actions, showed himself worthy of their confidence. His father's ministry was composed of a set of men, who, though they did not want abilities, were not such as he chose to employ; but his inclinations in this point could not be fully indulged, from several circumstances. The Duke of Bedford, Lord High Treasurer, had such prodigious interest in the parliament, owing more to his immense riches than his personal merit, that his removal would have been dangerous, so he continued him in his post till a more favourable opportunity should offer itself. The Duke of Northumberland was removed from beingPresi-