Page:Lives of British Physicians.djvu/163

 RADCLIFFE. 145 in addition to foreign wines. The prince was so pleased with this national repast, that on taking his leave, he addressed Radcliffe in French to the following effect: — "Doctor, I have been fed at other tables like a courtier, but received at yours as a soldier, for which I am highly indebted to you, since I must tell you that I am more ambitious of being called by the latter appellation than the former. Nor can I wonder at the bravery of the British nation, that has such food and liquors of their own growth as what you have this day given us a proof of." In the following year (1713) he was elected Member of Parliament for the town of Bucking- ham, and began now to retire from practice, re- commending Dr. Mead to his patients. During his short sitting in the House, he is recorded to have made two speeches — one in favour of the malt-tax bill, the other in support of the bill to pre- vent the growth of schism. The first began in this manner : — " Mr. Speaker — I am sensible, that tho' I am an old man, I am but a young member, and therefore should defer speaking till my betters have delivered their sentiments ; but young and old are obliged to shew their duty to their coun- try, which I look upon with the eyes of a son to his parent. Crassus's son, that was tongue-tied, spoke when his father was in danger ; and I, who otherwise should have no relish for speech-making, do the same upon the same motive," &c. &c. On the 28th of July, 1714, Queen Anne was seized with the sickness which terminated her life. Radcliffe was at that time not in London, but L