It is certainly a great consolation to me, in this trouble and public disgrace to the King, and private distress to myself and to you, that you stand, as you do, upon such high ground in point of reputation; not a mouth is open against you, not a person but is ready to say, that no one ever executed a great office so becomingly or so judiciously as you have done.  But I am afraid not of your conduct, but of your decline, and therefore wish for a timely retreat if possible.  That others may repent of it, is true, but a good man and one who meant the good of his country only would never wish to have Administration pass out of your hands into those of such a calf as they now talk of.(214) But things must have their course; they are grievous to me, but not unlooked for.

If I had had any conception that this storm would have come so soon, I could have supported it with less embarrassment; but I must now bear up against it, as well as I can, and so must you, for si tout sera perdu, horsmais votre honneur, there is no help for it.  Le Roi ne s’est pas encore rendu.

As to Ireland, you have passed over that subject very slightly with me, but the approaching troubles or danger of them could not be a secret from me long.  As accounts were exaggerated, so I was in hope no part of them were (was) true, but it is manifest to me now, from what I hear, that there are materials in that country for the greatest confusion, tot ou tard.  There is a spirit of independency, and impatience of Government, and an aversion to rule, which has infected every part of his Majesty’s dominions.  It is to me wonderful that with all this he preserves his health, for to public distress is added the utmost degree of domestic infelicity, and no prospect of a change for the better.

Charles did not go to Lady Hertford’s ball last night, although invited, in so distinguishing a manner.  The Duke of Devonshire told him that twenty ladies had kept themselves disengaged in hopes of having him for a partner.  Mie Mie goes to-night to the Theodores’ benefit, with Lady Craufurd and Lady something Aston.  I shall stay at home with George and get Fawkner to be her beau, if I can.  I could not parry this off, but am in pain about it.

(214) The Duke of Portland, who subsequently succeeded Lord Carlisle as Lord-Lieutenant of Ireland.

(1782,) March 12, Tuesday.—. . . .  Dr. Ekins and I dined yesterday at Lord Gower’s, when I received your letter of the 6th, and Lady G. one from Lady Carlisle.  Lord G. and I had a good deal of discourse on the present state of things, but my curiosity led to know chiefly how any alterations would affect you in your present situation.  He seemed to think not at all.  What may become of Storer, of me, or of John St. J(ohn) is another thing.  These people, by long opposition, hunger, and engagements, are become very ravenous; and Charles, as far as he should be concerned, I am persuaded, would have no consideration upon earth but for what was useful to