134 LIFE OF MYTTON. 



the sacred compact between man and wife. But, as 

 the reader will perceive, I should fail in my object, in 

 writing this memoir of my departed friend, if I shrank 

 from the arduous and painful task. I need no justi- 

 fication for the performance of it ; I find it, first, in 

 the fact of the notoriety given through the public 

 journals to the proceedings in Chancery on the final 

 separation of Mr. Mytton from that amiable lady 

 who survived him ; and, secondly, in numerous mis- 

 representations that have gone forth to the world, 

 which, to the utmost of my ability, I shall endeavour 

 to clear up. I wish, however, for one sip of Lethe 

 now, and that my readers could partake with me of 

 the same cup ; for as in criminal law good character 

 bears no weight against positive evidence, at least as 

 regards the verdict returned, so I much fear the nume- 

 rous virtues of my old friend will not here more 

 than balance the account, unless large credit be given 

 him on one score. The follies of mankind are 

 familiar to our view, and we can always find an 

 excuse for i/uiu ; but it is difficult to account 

 for that evil principle which prompts a man to 

 give pain to a woman whom in his heart he loves, 

 and whom he has every earthly reason to love. Sic 

 visum est diis, " 'Tis the will of the gods," said the 



