In the case with which we are dealing, the lecturer had not time enough or room enough for real history.

His object was to let his audience know of what nature were the men; and we are bound to say that the pictures have not on the whole been flattering.

It was almost necessary that with such a subject such should be the result.
A story of family virtues, with princes and princesses well brought up, with happy family relations, all couleur de rose,--as it would of course become us to write if we were dealing with the life of a living sovereign,--would not be interesting.

No one on going to hear Thackeray lecture on the Georges expected that.

There must be some piquancy given, or the lecture would be dull;--and the eulogy of personal virtues can seldom be piquant.