"You ask about the 'converts;' and I must own that their
defection is a greater slur on Protestantism than any matter
of glorification to us. They are unceasing in their
exactions, and all fancy that no price is too high for the
honor of their alliance; not a shovel-hat amongst them who
does not expect to be a 'monsignore' at least!

"Some, however, like my friend Lady Hester, are wealthy, and
in this way reward the trouble they give us. On her security
I have obtained a loan, not of the sum you wished for, but
of a smaller amount, the particulars of which I enclose. I
know not if you will agree with me, but my opinion is, that
nothing should be expended on the Irish press. Its influence
is slight, and purely local; reserve all your seductions for
the heavier metal on the other side of the Channel, and who,
however ignorantly they talk, are always heard with respect
and attention.

"I cannot go over as you propose, nor, if I could, should I
be of any use to you. You all understand your people, their
habits and modes of thought, far better than we do, who have
been fencing with cardinals, and sparring with the sacred
college, for the last ten or a dozen years. Above all
things, no precipitation; remember that your grand policy is
the maintenance of that feverish condition that paralyses
every effort of English policy. Parade all your grievances;
but rather to display the submission with which you bear
them than to pray for their relief. Be touchy only for
trifles; keep all your martyrdom for great occasions; never
forget that this time it is your loyalty! is to be rewarded.
Adieu, my dear Michel. Tell his Grace whatever you think fit
of these my opinions, and say, also, that he may rely on us
here for withdrawing or confirming, as he pleases, any
concessions he may deem proper to grant the English
Government. We know his difficulties, and will take care not
to augment them. As to the cardinal's hat, let him have no
doubts; only beg him to be circumspect, and that this is not
the time to assume it! If men would but see what a great
cause we have, and how it is to be won by waiting,--nothing
more, Michel,----nothing more, believe me, than mere
waiting!

"All that you tell me, therefore, about titles and
digniti