Gibbon, Edward, 1737-1794; Historians -- Great Britain -- Biography
He fell (in 1784) with the unpopular coalition; but his merit has
been acknowledged at the last general election, 1790, by the
honourable invitation and free choice of the city of Bristol.
During the whole time of my residence in England I was entertained
at Sheffield-Place and in Downing-Street by his hospitable kindness;
and the most pleasant period was that which I passed in the domestic
society of the family. In the larger circle of the metropolis I
observed the country and the inhabitants with the knowledge, and
without the prejudices, of an Englishman; but I rejoiced in the
apparent increase of wealth and prosperity, which might be fairly
divided between the spirit of the nation and the wisdom of the
minister. All party-resentment was now lost in oblivion: since I
was no man's rival, no man was my enemy. I felt the dignity of
independence, and as I asked no more, I was satisfied with the
general civilities of the world. The house in London which I
frequented with most pleasure and assiduity was that of Lord North.
After the loss of power and of sight, he was still happy in himself
and his friends; and my public tribute of gratitude and esteem could
no longer be suspected of any interested motive. Before my
departure from England, I was present at the august spectacle of Mr.
Hastings's trial in Westminster Hall. It is not my province to
absolve or condemn the Governor of India; but Mr. Sheridan's
eloquence demanded my applause; nor could I hear without emotion the
personal compliment which he paid me in the presence of the British
nation.
From this display of genius, which blazed four successive days, I
shall stoop to a very mechanical circumstance. As I was waiting in
the managers' box, I had the curiosity to inquire of the short-hand
writer, how many words a ready and rapid orator might pronounce in
an hour? From 7000 to 7500 was his answer. The medium of 7200 will
afford 120 words in a minute, and two words in each second. But
this computation will only apply to the English language.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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