His mind was at best of too soft a temper for such work as he had now to do, and had been recently made softer by severe affliction.

He had lost two sons in less than twelve months.

A letter is still extant, in which he at this time complained to his honoured friend Lady Russell of the desolation of his hearth and of the cruel ingratitude of the Whigs.

We possess, also, the answer, in which she gently exhorted him to seek for consolation where she had found it under trials not less severe than his, [421] The first attack on him was made in the Upper House.

Some Whig Lords, among whom the wayward and petulant First Lord of the Treasury was conspicuous, proposed that the King should be requested to appoint a new Speaker.