ts of caprice, he cannot be accused of having deviated from
the path of right in search either of unlawful gain or of unlawful
pleasure. Like his father he was a distinguished speaker, impressive,
but prolix, and too monotonously solemn. The person of the orator was
in perfect harmony with his oratory. His attitude was rigidly erect--his
complexion so dark that he might have passed for a native of a warmer
climate than ours; and his harsh features were composed to an expression
resembling that of a chief mourner at a funeral. It was commonly said
that he looked rather like a Spanish grandee than like an English
gentleman. The nicknames of Dismal, Don Dismallo, and Don Diego, were
fastened on him by jesters, and are not yet forgotten. He had paid
much attention to the science by which his family had been raised to
greatness, and was, for a man born to rank and wealth, wonderfully well
read in the laws of his country. He was a devoted son of the Church, and
showed his respect for her in two ways not usual among those Lords who
in his time boasted that they were her especial friends, by writing
tracts in defence of her dogmas, and by shaping his private life
according to her precepts. Like other zealous churchmen, he had, till
recently, been a strenuous supporter of monarchical authority. But to
the policy which had been pursued since the suppression of the Western
insurrection he was bitterly hostile, and not the less so because his
younger brother Heneage had been turned out of the office of Solicitor
General for refusing to defend the King's dispensing power. [268]

With these two great Tory Earls was now united Halifax, the accomplished
chief of the Trimmers. Over the mind of Nottingham indeed Halifax
appears to have had at this time a great ascendency. Between Halifax
and Danby there was an enmity which began in the court of Charles, and
which, at a later period, disturbed the court of William, but which,
like many other enmities, remained suspended during the tyranny of
James. The foes frequently met in the councils held by Dykvelt, and
agreed in expressing dislike of the policy of the government and
reverence for the Prince of Orange. The different characters of the
two statesmen appeared strongly in their dealings with the Dutch envoy.
Halifax showed an admirable talent for disquisition, but shrank from
coming to any bold and irrevocable decision. Danby far less subtle and
eloquent, displayed more energy, resolution