His answer from York, where he was, must have been here yesterday. There is some screw loose about the sugar duties. The protectionists will support Lord John, and you may depend on this—if he will not insert in his second resolution, which I have not seen, some abstract principle, which they say is in it now, about the harm of protection in general. If those objectionable words are kept in the resolution they will oppose him. Now, I believe they ought to be kept in good humour as much as possible, and certainly at the sacrifice of uncalled-for abstract propositions. Lord Ponsonby is to go to Vienna, though he says he does not. Now, I know he knows, and his _nolo episcopari_ sort of tone is all humbug. He wishes to go particularly; he thinks there he may settle matters with the Papal Nuncio, and be sent thence Ambassador to Rome—the aim of his ambition. Yours, &c., &c., A. PANIZZI. Peel has cut his leg sadly in washing his feet, by the breaking of the tub.” The versatility of thought displayed in this letter, the rapidity with which its author speeds from subject to subject, and his clear and decided views, are worthy of close observation. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ [Illustration] CHAPTER VII _Thiers; Spanish Marriages; Downfall of Lord Melbourne’s Administration; Corn Laws; Coolness between Panizzi and Thiers._ [Illustration: Adolphe Thiers] Amongst the eminent men whose friendship Panizzi had the good fortune to enjoy, not the least was M. Adolpho Thiers, who must ever be regarded as one of the ablest and most honourable, if not the most successful of European statesmen. Thiers and Panizzi first met about 1840. Frequent association community of friends, similarity of tastes, and especially the interest felt by both in political affairs, soon united them in a friendship both intimate and lasting, which bore its fruits in due season. Thiers, writes Panizzi to Lord Rutherfurd, Oct. 30, 1845, has taken up all my time when here. It was I who brought him and Lord Palmerston together, and I have sent him away quite pleased with the reception. We shall talk about it, and you will be amused—if you answer my letters—with what I shall tell you of him and from him, and about him.”