The great orator entered the House, supported by two of his friends, pale, wasted, swathed in flannel beneath his embroidered robe.
He with difficulty dragged himself to his place.

The peers, overcome at the sight of this supreme effort, waited in silence.

Lord Chatham rose, leaning on his crutch and still supported by his friends.

He raised one hand to heaven.

"I thank God," he said, "that I have been enabled to come hither to-day to fulfil a duty and say what has been weighing so heavily on my heart.