Page:Biographia Hibernica volume 2.djvu/222

 218 GRATTAN. though I did not bring any fictitious subject before you, or set out without the least appearance of any argument. In consequence of interruption, Sir, I left the House, but soon after I understood, that the House thought proper to say, they would give me liberty to proceed; and I wish to take the earliest opportunity of returning them my thanks for that permission. At the same time, Sir, that I return my thanks for that permission, I hope they will suffer me to render it not an empty indulgence; but, upon the present occasion, to take up the subject where I left it last night. (Mr. Toler rose to order; but Mr. Flood proceeded.) I hope gentlemen will not interrupt me: when they find me going out of order, when they find me drawing fictitious characters, let them stop me; when I say any thing unparliamentary; when I recal the asperity of that day, which, whilst I despise, I must disapprove. I rise in defence of what I think an injured character. As I have endeavoured to defend the rights of this country for twenty-four years, I hope they will permit me to defend my reputation. My life, Sir, has been divided into three parts, and it has been dispatched by three epithets: one part, Sir, that which preceded Lord Harcourt's adminis tration; another, which passed between Lord Harcourt's and Lord Carlisle's ; and the third, which is subsequent. The first has a summary justice, or injustice done to i t , b y being said t o b e intemperate; the second i s treated i n like manner, b y being said t o b e venal; and the conduct o f the third i s said t o b e that o f a n incendiary.” Mr. O'Hara.—“To order; i t i s against order t o speak o f what passed o n a former day, not that any thing the honourable gentleman has said now, i s improper; but that the order of the House forbids a reference to the debates o f a former day.” Mr. Flood—“I take this matter up, upon the ground o f a n interrupted debate; i t i s i n that light i t comes within order. I have a right t o begin where I was interrupted; but, Sir, there are some cases o f s o particular a nature, that a strict adherence t o a general order, would b e the