he
worst view of every subject, and does as much mischief as he can....

Lord Melbourne is just starting for Panshanger.[23] The evening is
better than the morning was, but cold.

[Footnote 21: Lord Melbourne's house on the Lea, about three
miles north of Hatfield. Its construction was begun by Sir
Matthew Lamb, and completed by his son, Sir Peniston, the
first Lord Melbourne.]

[Footnote 22: Princess Alexander of Wuertemberg. On her
death-bed, she had expressed a wish to her husband that he
should join the Roman Catholic Church.]

[Footnote 23: Panshanger, not far distant from Brocket, the
house of Lord Melbourne's brother-in-law, Lord Cowper, and
celebrated for its pictures, was bought by Lord Chancellor
Cowper, _temp._ Queen Anne.]

[Pageheading: ENGLAND AND BELGIUM]

_Queen Victoria to the King of the Belgians._

BUCKINGHAM PALACE, _9th April 1839._

MY DEAR UNCLE,--... I regret to learn you are still not easy about
your own affairs, but trust all will now be speedily adjusted. You
always allow me, dear Uncle, to speak frankly to you; you will,
therefore, I hope, not be displeased if I venture to make a few
observations on one or two parts of your letter.

You say that the anger of the Belgians is principally directed against
England.[24] Now, I must say you are very unjust towards us, and (if
I could) I might be even a little angry with you, dear Uncle. We only
_pressed_ Belgium for her _own_ good, and _not_ for ours. It may seem
hard at first, but the time will come when you will see that we were
right in urging you not to delay any longer the signature of the
treaty.

I think that you will see in this frank expression of my sentiments no
wish to annoy or hurt you, but only an anxious desire to prove to you
that England is Belgium's sincere friend, and that my Government
are ever desirous of doing what is in their power for the welfare,
security, and prosperity of yourself and your kingdom.

I regret much the state of affairs in France,[25] which cannot but
make us all somewhat anxious; you will, I hope tell me what news you
hear from Paris.

Pray, dearest Uncle, receive my best, my very warmest, wishes for many
happy returns of dear Leopold's birthday, and also, though somewhat
late, for Philippe's birthday.

Give my love to my dear Aunt, and believe me, always, your most
devoted Niece,

VICTORIA R.

[Footnote 24: He had written on 5th