PREFATORY NOTE 



From ' The Last Earls of Barrymore ' to William, 

 fourth and last Duke of Queensberry, better known 

 as * Old Q,' is a bold step. Readers of my last 

 two works will allow and admit that the latter 

 must be absolved from the riotous conduct of the 

 Barrymores. Here comparison ceases. 



The career of the Duke of Queensberry is one 

 that has rarely, if ever, found its parallel in history 

 or fiction. 



To exist for close on ninety years in the enjoyment 

 of rank and wealth, without accomplishing anything 

 worthy of a country's praise or gratitude, is a feat 

 still accomplished by many ; but to be the ' observed 

 of the observed' for over sixty years, and enjoy as 

 much notoriety as an eminent statesman or hero, 

 is accorded to few. 



