ly, most perfectly well, some incomparably well;
of these last I must name _honoris causa_, Bright, Bruce, and F.
Cavendish." To Mr. Bright he had written when the crisis first grew
acute:--

_Aug. 2._--You have seen the reports, without doubt, of what has
been going on. You can hardly conceive the reality. I apprehend
that the House of Commons by its abstinence and forbearance, must
be understood to have given us breathing time and space to
consider what can be done to renovate the government in something
like harmony and something like dignity. This will depend greatly
upon men and partly upon measures. Changes in men there must be,
and some without delay. A lingering and discreditable death, after
the life we have lived, is not an ending to which we ought to
submit without effort; and as an essential part of the best effort
that can be made, I am most desirous to communicate with you here.
I rely on your kindness to come up. Here only can I show you the
state of affairs, which is most dangerous, and yet not unhopeful.

From the diary:--

_Aug. 1._--Saw Lord F. Cavendish, also Lord Granville, Lord
Wolverton, Mr. Cardwell, repeatedly on the crisis. 2.--An anxious
day. The first step was taken, Cardwell broke to Lowe the
necessity of his changing his office. Also I spoke to Forster and
Fortescue. 4.--A very anxious day of constant conversation and
reflection, ending with an evening conclave. 5.--My day began with
Dr. Clark. Rose at eleven.... Wrote.... Most of these carried much
powder and shot. Some were Jack Ketch and Calcraft [the public
executioner] letters. 6.--Incessant interviews.... Much anxiety
respecting the Queen's delay in replying. Saw Lord Wolverton late
with her reply. 9.--To Osborne. A long and satisfactory audience of
H.M. Attended the council, and received a third time the seals of
my old office.

This resumption of the seals of the exchequer, which could no longer be
left with Mr. Lowe, was forced upon Mr. Gladstone by his colleagues. From
a fragmentary note, he seems to have thought of Mr. Goschen for the vacant
post, "but deferring to the wishes of others," he says, "I reluctantly
consented to become chancellor of the exchequer." The latest instance of a
combination of this office with that of first lord of the treasury were
Canning in 1827, and Peel in 1884-5.(293)

The corresponden