9G 



over-statement of facts, uncharitable, and, probably, 

 false constructions of the motives of public men. 

 The author, in his love for a democratical form of 

 government, towards which he says we are approach- 

 ing, and in his desire to adopt a course of policy 

 which would promote it, and to do away with any 

 institution which opposes it, loses no opportunity of 

 holding up the nobility to public contumely and re- 

 proach, men who have ennobled their country : 

 born to distinction and power, enjoying exclusive 

 privileges by birth, it is not to be wondered at in 

 these levelling days that they should be regarded with 

 the jaundiced eye of envy. But the English nobility 

 have not been more distinguished for their palaces 

 and territorial possessions, than for their generosity, 

 kindness to their dependents, benevolence to their poor 

 neighbours, courage, independence for that native 

 gentlemanly, independent, and refined feeling which 

 belongs to and characterize the great and high born- 

 They are associated with the great events of English 

 history, in which they have almost uniformly acted a 

 leading, noble,, and important part. And though the 

 conduct of the Peers, during the discussion of the 

 reform question, was not marked by that prudent and 

 wise conduct which has generally distinguished them, 

 and which, on this great occasion, eminently distin- 

 guished a certain portion, still, it is hard to believe, 

 though it would be merely in conformity with the 

 general course of human action, that they should wish 

 to retain those privileges which the march of events 

 had placed within their power for selfish considera- 



