ls Mr. Gladstone in knowledge of all
political questions? Who equals him in earnestness? Who equals him in
eloquence? Who equals him in courage and fidelity to his convictions? If
these gentlemen who say they will not follow him have any one who is
equal, let them show him. If they can point out any statesman who can add
dignity and grandeur to the stature of Mr. Gladstone, let them produce
him." A deputation against the bill from some popular body came to him
(May 11). Mr. Disraeli at once regretted that these "spouters of stale
sedition," these "obsolete incendiaries," should have come forward to pay
their homage to one who, wherever he may sit, must always remain the pride
and ornament of the House--

"Who but must laugh if such a man there be?
Who would not weep if Atticus were he?"

V

To the Duchess of Sutherland Mr. Gladstone wrote (July 9):--

I do not plead guilty to the indictment for "non-attendance." I
think that for three months I have been in the House for more
hours than the Speaker. I have heard every important word that has
been spoken on the Reform bill, and at least nine-tenths of all
the words. True, outside the Reform bill I only attend when I
think there is a chance of being useful; and in the present state
of the House these opportunities are few. I act from no personal
motive. But for me to be present and interfere continuously, or so
far continuously as I might in other circumstances, would exhibit
needlessly from day to day the divisions and consequent weakness
of the liberal party. I admit also that time tells on a man of my
age and temperament; and my brain tells me that I want more rest
and not less. Is this unreasonable? I am against all needless
waste of life or anything else. Everything should be husbanded. I
must add that more attendance would but aggravate the
susceptibility which depends on nerves rather than will, and
already makes my attendance less useful.

The Phillimore diary gives us one or two glimpses more:--

_May 9._--Carnarvon delighted with Gladstone's speech at S.P.G.
meeting. 10.--Called on Gladstone in bed at 1.30. Ill from effect
of the great exertion of yesterday--S.P.G. in the morning, H. of C.
in the evening.... The effect of these defeats of Gladstone in the
H. of C. has been to bind the whigs closer to him. 24.--The dinner
to Brand and presentati