George Selwyn : $b His letters and his lifeSelwyn, George Augustus
History
George Selwyn : $b His letters and his life
Selwyn, George Augustus
Selwyn, George Augustus, 1719-1791; Selwyn, George Augustus, 1719-1791 -- Correspondence
The Duke brings me word from Court that I am safe, but how I do not
comprehend. To take away my place, which is to be annihilated in two
months by Burke's Bill, (is absurd), and a pension I would not
receive, but as an appendix to a place or as a part of it. But the
D(uke), whose friendship for me is very vif, on some occasions, has
fished out this for me. I could not go to Court, my temper would not
permit. I could have seen my R(oyal) master on the scaffold with
less pain than insulted as he has been to-day. I am going out to
hear all that passed, and how he bore it. From my parlour window I
saw Mr. Secretary Fox step into his chariot from his office, and
Lord Shelbour(n)e and Dunning from the other office. The Levee was
not over till near five, that is, the audiences, a most numerous
Court--souls to be saved, and souls not to be saved.
Warner dined here, and Storer. Mie Mie went to her Academy, so I
stayed at home to keep George company. He was upon the dining table
hearing Warner, Storer, and I (me) talking over this political
history, with an attention and curiosity which would have charmed
you, as well as the questions he asked. He looked like a little Jesu
in a picture of Annibal Carraci's listening to the Doctors. He has
been reading to-day speeches in Livy, with the French translation.
We gave him sentences this evening to construe. It was wonderful how
well he did them. The weather grows fine, and I shall desire leave
to carry him back till the 25th of next month, for he is very well;
the cough which (he) has is trifling. He has no heat;--he looks
delightfully.
I was with Lord Gower this morning. The Chanc(ello)r dined there
to-day. I talked with Lord G. about you; he has explained your
situation, and I suppose has told you that arrangements will be made
here to your satisfaction. I see some comfort in all this. Nous
reculerons pour mieux sauter. Your return will mortify some of the
Opposition, who hope to keep you a year in Ireland out of charity,
to insult you, and for their convenience. Lord Carmarthen solicits
this with chaleur and impatience. I believe there is in this tant
soit peu de malice, et pour se venger, for he will have your
Lieutenancy in the County too. He has lost himself with me entirely.
A thousand traits of him have crowded upon me, which a little
partiality to him had obscured.
I was asked to dine at Derby's to-day with the new Ministers; I
could not accept it. Prudence forbid(s) that, as well as want of
temper. What I said or did not say would have been ill interpreted,
so I refused.
Charles has taken a house in Pall Mall. Sheridan is his secretary.
What becomes of Hare and Richard I know not. Richard has provoked me
beyond measure by his insolence and unfeelingness about everybody
and everything. The Garters are for the Duke of Portland, D.
Devonshire, Duke of Richmond, and one of the Princes.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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