Page:Reminisences of Captain Gronow.djvu/253

Rh, who was in the habit of saying very ludicrous things, asked one of his friends in the House of Lords, on the occasion when William IV, assented to Lord Grey's proposition to pass the Reform Bill coûte que coûte, "Who is Silly Billy now?" This was in allusion to the general opinion that was prevalent of the Royal Duke's weakness, and which had obtained for him the sobriquet of "Silly Billy."

The Duke frequently visited Cheltenham during the season. Upon one occasion, he called upon Colonel Higgins, brother to the equerry of his Royal Highness the Prince Regent, and, on inquiring of the servant if his master was at home, received for answer, "My master is dyeing." "Dying!" repeated the Duke; "have you sent for a doctor?" "No, sir." His Royal Highness immediately ran back into the street, and, having the good fortune to find a medical man, he requested him to come at once to Colonel Higgins, as he was on the point of death. The Duke and the doctor soon reached the colonel's house, and, after again asking the servant how his master was, that functionary replied, "I told you, sir, that he is dyeing." They mounted the staircase, and were rather amused