position with Granville and Glyn, then joined by Bright. To the
Queen again at six to keep her informed. Large dinner party for
the Duke of Edinburgh, and an evening party afterwards, to hear
Joachim.

_Friday, March 13._--After seeing Mr. Glyn and Lord F. Cavendish, I
went at 10.40 to see Dr. Clark. He completed his examination, and
gave me his careful judgment. I went to Lord Granville, sketched
out to him and Glyn my views, and went to the cabinet at 12.15.
Stated the case between the two alternatives of resignation and
dissolution as far as regarded myself. On the side of resignation
it would not be necessary to make any final announcement [of his
retirement from the leadership]. I am strongly advised a temporary
rest. On the other hand, if we now dissolve, I anticipate that
_afterwards_ before any long time difficulties will arise, and my
mission will be terminated. So that the alternatives are not so
unequally weighed. The cabinet without any marked difference, or
at least without any positive assertion to the contrary,
determined on tendering their resignations.(287) After cabinet saw
Hartington and others respecting honours. At 2.45 saw the Queen
and resigned. The Queen informed me that she would send for Mr.
Disraeli; suggested for consideration whether I would include the
mention of this fact in my announcement to parliament, and added
as I was leaving the room, without looking (apparently) for an
answer, that she would inform me of what might take place. At 3.45
saw Granville respecting the announcements. Made announcement in
House of Commons at 4.30. More business at Downing Street, and
home at six.

At a quarter to seven, or a little later, Colonel Ponsonby called
with a communication from her Majesty. "Any news?" I said. "A
great deal," he replied; and informed me as follows. Mr. Disraeli
had been with the Queen; did not see the means of carrying on the
government by the agency of his party under present circumstances;
did not ask for the dissolution of parliament (this was understood
to mean did not offer to become minister on condition of being
permitted to dissolve); did not say that his renunciation of the
task was final; recommended that the Queen should call for my
advice. Upon this the Queen sent Colonel Ponsonby, and he said,
"She considers this