he Gazette, I shall
not use the same reserve with you. I intend to write constantly to
you, or to my Lord, what comes to my knowledge, true or false, and
when I may cite the authors of my news I will, and what I ought to
keep secret I must, but I think that there will be no occasion for
that; I desire to be trusted with no secrets myself. Those who are,
tell them soon enough for me. . . .

The account of the K(ing) this morning in the papers, and which, to
a certain degree, is generally true, is as bad as it can be, and
from such information I dare say, with regard to his health or the
continuance of his disorder, the whole world can have but one and
the same opinion. But I am obliged, I find, to be cautious of saying
in one place what I am ordered to believe from authority in another;
and when I am enquiring or saying anything concerning the present
state of things, I am precisely in the situation of Sir R. de
Coverley, enquiring, when he was a boy, his way to St. Ann's Lane.
Nothing, it is supposed, will be said to-day in either House. We
shall meet about three or four, and agree to adjourn, about which I
hope and presume there will be no difference of opinion. Lord
C(arlisle) thinks that there will not, and that the adjournment will
be for a fortnight.

To-day, I have heard, is fixed upon to speak reason to One who has
none. Dr. Warren, in some set of fine phrases, is to tell his
Majesty that he is stark mad, and must have a straight waistcoat. I
am glad that I am not chosen to be that Rat who is to put the bell
about the Cat's neck. For if it should be pleased (sic) God to
forgive our transgressions, and restore his Majesty to his senses,
for he can never have them again till we grow better, I suppose,
according to the opinion of Churchmen, who are perfectly acquainted
with all the dispensations of Providence, and the motive of his
conduct; I say, if that unexpected period arrives, I should not like
to stand in the place of that man who has moved such an Address to
the Crown. If the Dr. should, as it was told me, say simply that he
must be under government, the K. will not be surprised at what, bon
gre, mal gre, has happened to him so often. But what happens, when
it comes to my knowledge, I will write it, and something or other I
shall write to C(astle) H. every day. . . .

(236) This and all succeeding letters are written to Lady Carlisle

(1788, Nov. 26?) Wednesday m(orning).--I have had the infinite
plea