^ET. 33.] REGENCY QUESTION. 509 



former, is, that the malady arises from a running hav- 

 ing stopt. But, as I said before, one's faith should 

 be in abeyance for some weeks. It is, however, no 

 matter of doubt that were you to come into office 

 in any way at this time, you would succeed to 

 a pretty inheritance of blunders and misfortunes. 

 Among other parts of your succession would be the 

 fine position of Torres Yedras ; the vigorous govern- 

 ment of Sir G. Barlow ; the post of Lord Minto in- 

 trenched behind 96 paragraphs ; the Scheldt, &c. &c. 

 However, I need not say anything to you to lessen 

 the inclination for office, as I am confident your bitter- 

 est enemy never seriously accused you of it. Yours 

 faithfully, HENRY BROUGHAM." 



Towards the close of this year, that very interesting 

 and most difficult question of the regency occupied 

 the attention of ministers and of both Houses of 

 Parliament. 



The mental malady of the king produced, as was 

 generally believed, by anxiety caused by the alarming 

 illness of his favourite daughter the Princess Amelia, 

 and by grief at its fatal termination became so serious, 

 that early in November ministers were compelled to 

 announce that Parliament could not be prorogued, 

 the king being unable to sign the commission for 

 that purpose, and Lord Eldon having (most pro- 

 perly) refused to affix the great seal to the commission 

 in the absence of the sign-manual. The continued 

 illness of the king rendered further prorogations 



