Page images
PDF
EPUB

uncorrupted feelings of our nature inspire-to call wicked things by their right names, whether done by princes and statesmen, or by vulgar and more harmless malefactors-was the plan of that work. Longer experience of the world has only excited a stronger desire to see such lessons inculcated, and to help in tearing off the veil which the folly of mankind throws over the crimes of their rulers. But it was deemed better to direct the attention of the people, in the first instance, to more recent times, better known characters, and more interesting events. In this opinion these Historical Sketches had their origin. The other work will probably (at least as regards the author's name) be posthumous; it must, from its nature, be too dull to be patiently borne from a living writer.

It remains to be explained why the Dialogue upon Monarchical and Republican Government was originally omitted in the present publication, after being announced in the advertisement. Beside the inconvenience of increasing its bulk, it would have given the book a controversial aspect, and engendered political animosities, thus impeding the effects intended to be produced by a work avoiding all partial or violent discussions. For this reason the appearance of the Dialogue was postponed. It was written many years ago; its doctrines have been destined to receive material confirmation from subsequent events: they are very certain to become at no remote period the prevailing faith of the country. It now appears in the third

volume of the Statesmen; but considerable additions have been made to it, and it bears the date of 1848 instead of 1835. After Lord Spencer's death, M. Arago was asked by letter if he had any objection to be made the speaker in favour of Republick as against Monarchy, such being his decided opinion; it certainly was not Lord Spencer's; but he had been the interlocutor in the Dialogues on Instinct, and

in all probability, he would not have objected to the form of the discussion. By a singular accident the letter, dated 23d February, 1848, crossed the telegraphic account of M. Arago being just proclaimed the leading member of the new Republican Government.

But, although this more general discussion had been omitted, constant opportunities were afforded, in the course of these Sketches, for contemplating the comparative vices and advantages of the two forms of Government,-for holding up to Sovereigns the imminent perils into which they rush by setting up their pretensions, and gratifying their caprices, at the expense of their people's rights and interests-for reminding the people of the mischiefs occasioned to themselves by violent and sudden changes to which the state of society has not been accommodated-for exposing the evil consequences of those abuses to which party connexions are liable-and, above all, for teaching the important duty incumbent on all men, under what Government soever they live, the sacred duty of forming their own opinions upon reflection, nor suffering them to be dictated by others whose object it is to deceive and to betray. In proportion as the People are thus educated and fitted for the task of Self-government, will it be both safe and expedient to entrust them with an increased share of power; and it would be difficult to fix any bounds to the extent of that share, other than are set to their own improvement in political knowledge and experience.

9

GEORGE III.

THE centre figure round which the others that compose this picture group themselves, and with which they almost all have relations, is that of George III., a prince whose long reign, during by far the most important period in the history of the human race, rendered his character and conduct a matter of the deepest interest, not only to the people of his vast dominions, but to all mankind. He presided over the destinies of the British Empire, the only free state in the world, during an age that witnessed the establishment of independence in the new hemisphere, and the extension of liberty over a great portion of the old. He ruled the most enlightened nation of modern times, while civilization, rapidly spreading in all directions, dispelled the remains of feudal darkness in Europe, carried its light over other quarters of the globe, and discovered and cultivated unknown regions. Wherefore, his capacity, whether to appreciate his position, or to aid in the progress of his people and his species, if he should have the wisdom to choose the right path, or to obstruct it, should he erroneously deem resistance the better course, was a matter of the greatest importance both to himself personally, to the order in which his lot was cast, and to the rest of mankind. Unhappily he took the wrong direction; and, having once taken, persevered in it with the pertinacity that marks little minds of

all ranks, but which in royal understandings often amounts to a mental disease.

Of a narrow understanding, which no culture had enlarged; of an obstinate disposition, which no education, perhaps, could have humanized; of strong feelings in ordinary things, and a resolute attachment to all his own opinions and predilections, George III. possessed much of the firmness of purpose which, being exhibited by men of contracted mind without any discrimination, and as pertinaciously when they are in the wrong as when they are in the right, lends to their characters an appearance of inflexible consistency, often mistaken for greatness of mind, and not seldom received as a substitute for honesty. In all that related to his kingly office he was the slave of deep-rooted selfishness; and no feeling of a kindly nature ever was allowed access to his bosom, whenever his power was concerned, either in its maintenance, or in the manner of exercising it. In other respects, he was a man of amiable disposition, and few princes have been more exemplary in their domestic habits, or in the offices of private friendship. But the instant that his prerogative was concerned, or his bigotry interfered with, or his will thwarted, the most unbending pride, the most bitter animosity, the most calculating coldness of heart, the most unforgiving resentment, took possession of his whole breast, and swayed it by turns. The habits of friendship, the ties of blood, the dictates of conscience, the rules of honesty, were alike forgotten; and the fury of the tyrant, with the resources of a cunning which mental alienation is supposed to whet, were ready to circumvent or to destroy all who interposed an obstacle to the fierceness of unbridled desire. His conduct throughout the American war, and towards the Irish people, has often been cited as illustrative of the dark side of his public character; and his treatment of his eldest son, whom he hated with

« PreviousContinue »