May 13.—­Breakfasted with Sir George Philips—­there was Sydney Smith, full of fun and spirit, and his daughter, who is a good-humoured agreeable girl.  We had a pleasant breakfast party.

The Catholics have carried their question, which I suppose will be thrown out in the Lords.  I think they had better concede this oft-disputed point, and dissolve the league which binds so many people in opposition to Government.  It is a matter of great consequence that men should not acquire the habit of opposing.  No earthly advantage would arise to Ireland from ceding what is retained, where so much has been already yielded up.  Indeed the Catholic gentry do not pretend that the granting the immunities they require would tranquillise the country, but only that it would remove from men of honour all pretext for countenancing them.  This is on the principle of the solicitor of the unhappy Rajah Nuncomar, who after extorting as much money as he could, under pretence of bribing persons to procure his pardon, facilitate his escape, etc., found himself pressed by his victim for a final answer.  “The preparations for death are ready,” said the Rajah; “I fear, notwithstanding all you have told me, their intention is to take my life.”  “By G—­d,” replied the trusty solicitor, “if they do I will never forgive them.”  So if there are further disturbances after the Catholic claims are granted, I suppose those by whom they are now advocated will never forgive their friends the Pats; and that will be all John Bull will get for it.  I dined with Lady Stafford, for whom I have much regard.  I recollect her ever since she stood at her aunt Lady Glenorchy’s window, in George Square, reviewing her regiment of Sutherland giants.  She was, as she ever is, most attentive and kind.

May 14.—­I carried Lockhart to Lady Francis Gower’s to hear Mrs. Arkwright sing, and I think he admired her as much as his nature permits him to love anything musical, for he certainly is not quickly moved by concord of sweet sounds.  I do not understand them better than he, but the voce del petto always affects me, and Mrs. A. has it in perfection.  I have received as much pleasure from that lady’s music as sound could ever give me.[200] Lockhart goes off for Brighton.  I had a round of men in office.  I waited on the Duke at Downing St., and I think put L. right there, if he will look to himself.  But I can only tee the ball; he must strike the blow with the golf club himself.  I saw Mr. Renton, and he promised to look after Harper’s business favourably.  Good gracious, what a solicitor we are grown!

Dined with Lady Davy—­a pleasant party; but I was out of spirits; I think partly on Johnnie’s account, partly from fatigue.  There was William Henry Lyttelton amongst others; much of his oddity has rubbed off, and he is an honoured courtly gentleman, with a great deal of wit; and not one of the fine people who perplex you by shutting their mouths if you begin to speak.  I never fear quizzing, so am not afraid of this species of lying-in-wait.  Lord have mercy on me if I were!