no THE LIFE OF SIR JOSEPH BANKS 



I have the consolation of being certain that I do not 

 deserve it, I trust I shall be able to bear it. 



" We have both observed that for some years past 

 His Majesty's mind has been much more irritable and 

 less placable than it formerly was. I do not now recollect 

 an instance of any one, of whom he has said so hard a 

 thing as he has said of me, being restored to confidential 

 favour ; and it will be far better for me to be dismissed 

 than to remain upon sufferance only. I feel a friendship 

 for the King, and if it is returned as it used to be can 

 never forego it. But coldness from a friend I can never 

 support. ..." 



Greville replied with assurances that everything was 

 most satisfactory with the King, who was " quite affected 

 and much grieved that Banks took it so much to heart." 

 But Banks told Greville frankly that he had not got 

 over his surprise. He did not expect, if the King felt a 

 friendship for him, to become the victim of anger origi- 

 nating in the want of information that might be had 

 without difficulty. He did not like being dismissed by 

 " a declaration that my intentions were good which 

 implies that my conduct was bad." He pressed his wish 

 to resign his duties. In the course of the following 

 summer the King accepted his resignation, "if it must 

 be," with unqualified approval of the zeal and ability 

 with which Banks had conducted His Majesty's affairs. 



But, after all this, we find Banks as full as ever of the 

 King's farming business ; and he continued to be suffi- 

 ciently busy with sheep until the terrible blow fell, 

 which caused His Majesty's private affairs to be put into 

 commission. 



