The Ayrshire Legatees

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.