to the moment of his malady. I believe it is by persons believing
themselves in the right that nine-tenths of the tyranny of this world has
been perpetrated. Arguing on that convenient premiss, the Dey of Algiers
would cut off twenty heads of a morning; Father Dominic would burn a score
of Jews in the presence of the most Catholic King, and the Archbishops of
Toledo and Salamanca sing Amen. Protestants were roasted, Jesuits hung and
quartered at Smithfield, and witches burned at Salem, and all by worthy
people, who believed they had the best authority for their actions.

And so, with respect to old George, even Americans, whom he hated and who
conquered him, may give him credit for having quite honest reasons for
oppressing them. Appended to Lord Brougham's biographical sketch of Lord
North are some autograph notes of the king, which let us most curiously
into the state of his mind. "The times certainly require," says he, "the
concurrence of all who wish to prevent anarchy. I have no wish but the
prosperity of my own dominions, therefore I must look upon all who would
not heartily assist me as bad men, as well as bad subjects." That is the
way he reasoned. "I wish nothing but good, therefore every man who does
not agree with me is a traitor and a scoundrel." Remember that he believed
himself anointed by a Divine commission; remember that he was a man of
slow parts and imperfect education; that the same awful will of Heaven
which placed a crown upon his head, which made him tender to his family,
pure in his life, courageous and honest, made him dull of comprehension,
obstinate of will, and at many times deprived him of reason. He was the
father of his people; his rebellious children must be flogged into
obedience. He was the defender of the Protestant faith; he would rather
lay that stout head upon the block than that Catholics should have a share
in the government of England. And you do not suppose that there are not
honest bigots enough in all countries to back kings in this kind of
statesmanship? Without doubt the American war was popular in England. In
1775 the address in favour of coercing the colonies was carried by 304 to
105 in the Commons, by 104 to 29 in the House of Lords. Popular?--so was
the Revocation of the Edict of Nantes popular in France: so was the
massacre of St. Bartholomew: so was the Inquisition exceedingly popular in
Spain.

Wars and revolutions are, however, the politician's province. The great
e