but it was _unavoidable_. I was abandoned by everybody--allies and all. I have done, I conscientiously believe, for the best, because I could not do otherwise: but had I found more opinions like mine, better might have been done.”’ His Majesty continued, at greater length than it is necessary to follow, to give his opinions upon the men and questions of the day; and this he did with great calmness, discrimination, and foresight. He was not one that believed Jacobinism was dead merely because it was quiet; and he spoke of the policy of Prussia of that day, and of the King who adopted it, as men speak of both in the present day--a mixture of atrocity, treachery, and meanness. Lord Malmesbury says little of the Queen, but enough to give an idea of her manner. ‘The Queen,’ he says, ‘kept me only a quarter of an hour. She said she should see me again in the evening, as I must be tired of standing so long with the King. Spoke kindly of my father and my dear children. Princess Mary was all good-humour and pleasantness: her manners are perfect, and I never saw or conversed with any princess so exactly what she ought to be.’ CHAPTER XI. THE END OF GREATNESS. Queen as an author--Domestic life of the Royal Family--Return of the King’s illness--His continual agitation--Dr. Symonds not the medical officer for the King--Capricious changes made by the King in his household--His humorous eccentricities-- Contest between the King and the Prince--The Queen’s conduct --Scant courtesy to the royal invalid--Errors committed by the King--Wellesley and Nelson--Gradual decay of the King-- His eccentricity at the installation of Knights of the Garter --Picture of the daily life of the Royal Family--Position of the Queen--The King’s resignation on his blindness--Distress of his mind--Renewal of the Regency question--Extraordinary assertion by Lord Eldon--The King’s person confided to the Queen--The Queen’s letters to Lord Eldon--Her merry letter to him--A touching incident--The Queen’s unpopularity-- Marriage of the Princess Charlotte--Decline of the Queen’s health--Disgraceful reception of her by the City--Her death --Considered as a parent--Her political influence--The debts of Prince of Strelitz--The Court on George III.’s ceasing to exercise authority--Regal retinue about the old King dismissed --The Queen’s funeral--Her will--Her diamonds--Death of the Duke of Kent--Death of the King--Visit of the Emperor of the French to the Duchess of Gloucester.