I am sorry that you are less pleased with the old Duke, but party spirit is in England an incurable disease.

These last two years he had rendered essential service to the present Administration; perhaps he has been soured by last summer's events.

It was my intention to have answered your questions sooner, but from Paris I had not the means.
Now the time draws so near when I hope to have the happiness of seeing you, that I think it will be better to treat the matter verbally, the more so as my most beloved Majesty is easily displeased with what may be written with the best intention, instead that in conversation the immediate reply renders any misunderstanding, however small, very difficult; and as I do not wish to have any great or small with you, and see no occasion for it, I will give my answer _de vive voix_.
Now comes a subject which will _astonish_ you.

I am charged _de sonder_ your will and pleasure on the following subject.

The King my father-in-law goes to Eu, where he hopes to remain till the 5th or 6th of September.