I should say something about Lord Liverpool, not only on account of his
rank as a minister, but also on account of the talents which have
qualified him for that high situation. The greatest objection that I
have to him as a speaker, is owing to the loudness of his voice--in other
respects, what he does say is well digested. But I do not think that he
embraces his subject with so much power and comprehension as some of his
opponents; and he has evidently less actual experience of the world.
This may doubtless be attributed to his having been almost constantly in
office since he came into public life; than which nothing is more
detrimental to the unfolding of natural ability, while it induces a sort
of artificial talent, connected with forms and technicalities, which,
though useful in business, is but of minor consequence in a comparative
estimate of moral and intellectual qualities. I am told that in his
manner he resembles Mr. Pitt; be this, however, as it may, he is
evidently a speaker, formed more by habit and imitation, than one whom
nature prompts to be eloquent. He lacks that occasional accent of
passion, the melody of oratory; and I doubt if, on any occasion, he could
at all approximate to that magnificent intrepidity which was admired as
one of the noblest characteristics of his master's style.
But all the display of learning and eloquence, and intellectual power and
majesty of the House of Lords, shrinks into insignificance when compared
with the moral attitude which the people have taken on this occasion.
You know how much I have ever admired the attributes of the English
national character--that boundless generosity, which can only be compared
to the impartial benevolence of the sunshine--that heroic magnanimity,
which makes the hand ever ready to succour a fallen foe; and that sublime
courage, which rises with the energy of a conflagration roused by a
tempest, at every insult or menace of an enemy. The compassionate
interest taken by the populace in the future condition of the queen is
worthy of this extraordinary people. There may be many among them
actuated by what is called the radical spirit; but malignity alone would
dare to ascribe the bravery of their compassion to a less noble feeling
than that which has placed the kingdom so proudly in the van of all
modern nations. There may be an amiable delusion, as my Lord Castlereagh
has said, in the popular sentiments with respect to the queen. Upon
that, as upon her case, I offer no opinion. It is enough for me to have
seen, with the admiration of a worshipper, the manner in which the
multitude have espoused her cause.