ower of his mind,
the resources of his experience, his influence, and his eloquence.
It was, however, through his voice that it was to be proclaimed and
consummated. His only alternative (resignation) would have been
unavailing, and could have added nothing to his character. His
expressive countenance bespoke the inquietude of his feeling;
solicitude was perceptible in every glance, and his embarrassment
was obvious in every word he uttered.

"The galleries were full, but the change was lamentable; they were
no longer crowded with those who had been accustomed to witness the
eloquence and to animate the debates of that devoted assembly. A
monotonous and melancholy murmur ran through benches, scarcely a
word was exchanged amongst the members, nobody seemed at ease, no
cheerfulness was apparent, and the ordinary business, for a short
time, proceeded in the usual manner.

"At length the expected moment arrived. The order of the day for
the third reading of the Bill for a 'Legislative Union between
Great Britain and Ireland,' was moved by Lord Castlereagh.
Unvaried, tame, coldblooded, the words seemed frozen as they issued
from his lips; and, as a simple citizen of the world, he seemed to
have no sensation on the subject.

"At that moment he had no country, no God but his ambition: he made
his motion, and resumed his seat with the utmost composure and
indifference.

"Confused murmurs again ran through the House; it was visibly
affected. Every character in a moment seemed involuntary rushing to
its index--some pale, some flushed, some agitated; there were few
countenances to which the heart did not despatch some messenger.
Several members withdrew before the question could be repeated, and
an awful momentary silence succeeded their departure. The Speaker
rose slowly from that chair which had been the proud source of his
honours and of his high character; for a moment he resumed his
seat, but the strength of his mind sustained him in his duty,
though his struggle was apparent. With that dignity which never
failed to signalize his official actions, he held up the Bill for a
moment in silence; he looked steadily around him on the last agony
of the expiring Parliament. He at length repeated, in an emphatic
tone, 'As many as are of opinion that