Page:Life of William Shelburne (vol 2).djvu/312

276 the Bills of so little importance, that I have never answered the very few lines, in which he enclosed the first and last; which I certainly should have done, if I could have conceived that he meant anything like what you mention.

"I have a strong opinion of my own on the India business, which it would be tedious to enter into by letter, and now at least of no avail.

"I think between you and me, Mr. Jenkinson might as well let the past alone; especially as I am willing to do so, relying always on the entireness of your friendship, that you will not suffer a shade of imputation to be lodged in any conversation, which may be supposed relateable to me, where you know there is no room for it. A renewal of confidence and good humour may make it matter of curiosity, if not of useful information, to tread back that very tender ground, when 1 shall be very glad to find it correct. In the meantime I consider myself as bound to the King by my own expressions and by yours. When I say so, I do not mean it by halves, or in a pitiful style, which I count it would be to indulge suspicion or ombrageousness. Therefore nothing would give me such concern, as to hear of the King inclining to bend directly or indirectly under the language you mention, which can be taken up only in one way, with propriety to himself or safety to us all. Let what will have been done or omitted, the King's person is and must be sacred.

"It is impossible for me to say more, knowing so little as I do. It remains for others to act their part. I will never be wanting to the King or to men; when I say so I mean it with a round degree of confidence, not by halves, much less to encourage suspicion or ombrageousness."

On the 17th December, the East India Bill was thrown out in the House of Lords by a majority of 19. During the whole of the 18th it was expected that the Ministers were resigning, and while things were still in