V. is a dangerous example for sovereigns that
are not, like him, splendid chevaliers and consummate captains. Louis
XIV., who was never seen but in a full-bottomed wig, even by his
valet-de-chambre, is a much safer model."[75]

[75] Lord Dudley's "Letters," p. 295.

The rumours of changes in the Government had taken every possible
shape; but, like the long-talked of negotiation to include the
Grenvilles, though often imminent, had never been accomplished. The
probable reason of this may be traced to the King's varying
disposition--possibly to his insincerity. It appears that two
arrangements were going on at the same time, totally opposite in their
intentions; one, a coalition of the Marquis of Buckingham and his
friends, was negotiated by the Duke of Wellington, with the express
authority of the King; the other, the introduction of a Whig Ministry,
with the Marquis of Lansdowne at their head, was evidently brought
forward under less creditable auspices, but could scarcely have gone on
without the King's cognizance. We are much afraid that it was but a
repetition of the old "Comedy of Errors," performed during the Regency,
where the principal character trifled with both parties, till he had
made more advantageous terms with the servants in his employ. The
comedy, however, still proceeded, for the last act had yet to be played
out.

MR. CHARLES W. WYNN TO THE MARQUIS OF BUCKINGHAM.

Llangedwin, Oct. 4, 1821.

I am very much obliged to you, my dear B----, for your letter. I
scarcely know what to wish as the final result of the arrangement.
If I had entirely my own way, I should desire that Lord Londonderry
should unite the offices of First Lord of the Treasury and
Chancellor of the Exchequer, and Lord Liverpool take some other
office; but this is not to be hoped for, and the question resolves
itself into that whether the increased strength which the
Government would derive from placing its chief in the House of
Commons, would counterbalance the general loss of character and
influence which would result from the retirement of Lord Liverpool.
On the whole, I am disposed to think it would; added to which is
the advantage which would result from the whole strength, if not
the whole of the Cabinet, being unanimous on the Catholic question.
You are perfectly right, in my opinion, in determining not to go to
Ireland unless you can carry concession