Page:Life of William Shelburne (vol 1).djvu/240

214 "Introducing it at this moment into another profession in a manner so unprecedented as this, appears a most extraordinary measure and betrays the most abandoned principle.

"Though it's late at night, I would not scruple travelling, if I did not think it better for me to delay going to Court till Monday, especially if there is any question about going into the closet, till I can see and hear more of this measure, which I suppose cannot be meant to end with you and me, though I shall think nothing extraordinary, for the whole of this implies a communication certainly between Luton and administration: I am very curious to know the terms. I shall be at Whitton certainly on Sunday at five, where I shall be very glad to meet you and Calcraft, and bring all the information you can from every quarter. I shall have a thousand questions to ask you. Calcraft knew Ned Harvey better than I do, but if it is so, what is one to think of that creature called man? But you know how much account I make of temper in all human affairs, so I must take care not to transgress myself."

When Shelburne presented himself at Court, the King in his own words to Mr. Grenville, "took no notice of him but spoke to the two people on each side of him, which he thought was the treatment he deserved, for having broke his word and honour with him, having pledged both upon his not going into opposition, and then taking the first opportunity to oppose a measure which personally regarded the King." At the same time all further communication with him on the part of Bute ceased, and Mr. Grenville going to Court upon the Princess of Wales's birthday, "heard her exclaim against Lord Shelburne's conduct, and say that the night before Lady Jane Stuart had asked her if she had heard of the part Lord Shelburne had taken in the House of Lords, wondering what he could mean by it, and saying she knew of no friend he had, and seemed to disclaim all intercourse between him and her father, which all Lord Bute's friends in general do."