as authentic
and as credible as the lies which Grattan and Forbes retail from
the porter's lodge at Carlton or Burlington House. Seriously
speaking, I am vexed to see the importance which you attach to all
these reports, because I know that it must work and agitate your
mind. A whole life would not suffice, on my part, to answer every
lie in circulation: but I beg you to believe that although,
perhaps, naturally a little sanguine in my temper, yet that if
there was any really unfavourable circumstance which arose here, I
would not conceal it from you. The King is better ever since that
examination; and this I speak on no partial authority, but on the
information of Warren himself, who gave yesterday to the person who
repeated it to me a much more favourable account.

I have not time to answer the rest of your letter to-day. Our Bill
is not prepared yet, nor can be till the resolutions have been
agreed to by both Houses; but it will be short, and nearly in the
same words with the resolutions, adding only the oath of office
from the Regency Bill of 1765, and a few other particulars.

Ever yours,
W. W. G.

I suppose you know that Lord Spencer certainly goes to Ireland.

The notion that the Regent would continue Mr. Pitt and his friends in
office was rapidly dissipated during the progress of these discussions.
The Household Bill, alluded to in one of Mr. Grenville's letters, gave
deep offence to His Royal Highness; and from the moment that part of the
plan was disclosed, there was no longer any disguise about the fact that
the Prince had not only made up his mind to dismiss the Ministers, but
that the list of the incoming Administration was actually settled, and
ready for use. The object of the Household Bill was to confide to the
Queen the care of the King's person, and the disposition of the royal
household, which would have the effect of placing at Her Majesty's
control the patronage of four hundred places; while the Regent was to
possess no power whatever over any office, reversion, or pension. This
appeared to the Prince and his allies a monstrous proposition,
calculated to introduce "weakness, disorder, and insincerity into every
branch of political business;" to "separate the Court from the State;"
to "disconnect the authority to command service from the power of
animating it by reward;" and to impose on the Rege