GEORGIAN STAG-HUNTING 33 



reigns a king over the water gave the zest, not only of 

 self-interest but even of self-preservation, to the dreariest 

 routine of Court life. Great people hung about the Court 

 and kept themselves in evidence not perhaps so much on 

 account of what they might be able to say or to do for 

 themselves, but for fear of what others might say or do for 

 them. Besides, an immense number of places, not merely 

 of profit, but of influence under the Crown, were to be had, 

 which entailed little ability or trouble. There were no 

 Blue-books, no long speeches to read, no Press Associa- 

 tion or Renter telegrams — no public affairs or interests to 

 keep in touch with. Politics were comparatively private 

 transactions. Both in this country and in France the 

 quick-witted, sharp-eared memoir- writers make us see that 

 politics were then largely carried on by intercourse often of 

 a gallant and agreeable kind, by conversation, and by the 

 repetition of conversations. More business was got through 

 in the corridors of St. James's or Kensington than in White- 

 hall. The Court backstairs teemed with better opportunities 

 for parliamentary preferment than the House of Commons. 

 The most powerful minister had often to square his accounts 

 with a lord of the bedchamber or an attractive maid of honour, 

 before he consulted his colleagues or gave the rein to his 

 statesmanship. William III. had never let the conduct of 

 foreign affairs out of his own hands. Up till the death of 

 Anne, the Court to a great extent qualified the Cabinet. 

 Anne presided with solemnity at her Cabinet. She kept up 

 all the prestige of the appearance of a governing monarchy. 

 But George I. and George II. were depressingly constitutional 

 sovereigns, and were very much aware of Parliament and of 

 the Whigs. George I. was preoccupied with the desire to leave 

 well alone and to live out of England as much as he could ; 

 George II., although he was always crowing loudly to the 

 contrary, was led by his wife, and his wife was guided by the 



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