(193) Secretary to the treasury.

(194) Gray also appears to have been greatly offended at this acceptance of the title and the pension:  “Oh!” he exclaim, “that foolishest of great men, that sold his inestimable diamond for a paltry peerage and pension!  The very night it happened was I swearing that it was a d-d lie, and never could be:  but it was for want of reading Thomas `a Kempis, who knew mankind so much better than I.”  Works, vol. iii. p. 265.  Mr. Burke took a very different view of Mr. Pitt’s conduct on this occasion.  “With regard to the pension and title, it is a shame,” he says, “that any defence should be necessary.  What eye cannot distinguish, at the first glance, between this and the exceptionable case of titles and pensions?  What Briton, with the smallest sense of honour and gratitude, but must blush for his country, if such a man retired unrewarded from the public service, let the motives for that retirement be what they would?  It was not possible that his sovereign could let his eminent services pass unrequited:  the sum that was given was inadequate to his merits; and the quantum was rather regulated by the moderation of the great mind that received it, than by the liberality of that which bestowed it."- E.

Letter 99 To George Montagu, Esq.  Strawberry Hill, October 24, 1761. (page 156)

I have got two letters from you, and am sensibly pleased with your satisfaction.  I love your cousin for his behaviour to you; he will never place his friendship better.  His parts and dignity, I did not doubt, would bear him out.  I fear nothing but your spirits and the frank openness of your heart; keep them within bounds, and you will return in health, and with the serenity I wish you long to enjoy.

You have heard our politics; they do not mend, sick of glory, without being tired of war, and surfeited with unanimity before it had finished its work, we are running into all kinds of confusion.  The city have bethought themselves, and have voted that they will still admire Mr. Pitt; consequently, be, without the cheek of seeming virtue, may do what he pleases.  An address of thanks to hit-() has been carried by one hundred and nine against fifteen, and the city are to instruct their members; that is, because we are disappointed of a Spanish war, we must have one at home.  Merciful! how old I am grown! here am I, not liking a civil war!  Do you know me?  I am no longer that Gracchus, who, when Mr. Bentley told him something or other, I don’t know what, would make a sect, answered quickly, “Will it make a party?” In short, I think I am always to be in contradiction; now I am loving my country.

Worksop(195) is burnt down; I don’t know the circumstances; the Duke and Duchess are at Bath; it has not been finished a month; the last furniture was brought in for the Duke of York; I have some comfort that I had seen it, and, except the bare chambers, in which the Queen of Scots lodged, nothing remained of ancient time.