1890 SICK OF CONTROVERSY 293 



But by February 17 the Booth business was over, the 

 final rejoinder to Mr. Gladstone sent to press ; and he writes 

 to Sir J. Hooker : 



Please the pigs, I have now done with them wiped my 

 mouth, and am going to be good till next time. 



But in truth I am as sick of controversy as a confectioner's 

 boy of tarts. 



I rather think I shall set up as a political prophet. Gladstone 

 and all the rest are coming to heel to their master. 



Years ago one of the present leaders of the anti-Parnellites 

 said to me : " Gladstone is always in the hands of somebody 

 stronger than himself; formerly it was Bright, now it is Par- 

 nell." 



