Page:A short history of social life in England.djvu/287



UEEN ANNE, dying without heirs, was succeeded by her cousin, Deorge, Elector of Hanover. A short, elderly, pale-faced man, addicted to drink, low in his tastes and conversation, knowing not a word of English and, moreover, disliking English ways and English manners—this was the man "suddenly thrust" upon the English people and proclaimed King of England. The mass accepted him with stolid indifference. It was not likely that he would interfere with existing conditions. The old sentiment of "blind unconditional homage" to the King was fast dying out. Stronger forces were at work. The romance of kingship was at an end. Moreover, the nation