recommending that he should be again restored to the government
of Egypt. Russia may not coincide in this recommendation; his
deposition from Egypt is now a part of the Treaty. Whatever was
the secret intention of the parties, we are now bound,[8] if the
Porte insists on it, to exert all our power to expel the Pasha
from Egypt as well as from Syria. Such are the inconsistencies
into which the precipitate violence of Ponsonby has plunged us.

[8] It is held (though this seems a nice point) that we are
_not_ bound.

Downham, October 23rd, 1840 {p.340}

[Page Head: DEATH OF LORD HOLLAND.]

From Livermere to Riddlesworth last Monday, and home to-day. This
morning I learnt (by reading it in the 'Globe') the sudden death
of Lord Holland, after a few hours' illness, whom I left not a
fortnight ago in his usual health, and likely to live many
years.[9] There did not, probably, exist an individual whose loss
will be more sincerely lamented and severely felt than his. Never
was popularity so great and so general, and his death will
produce a social revolution, utterly extinguishing not only the
most brilliant, but the only great house of reception and
constant society in England. His marvellous social qualities,
imperturbable temper, unflagging vivacity and spirit, his
inexhaustible fund of anecdote, extensive information, sprightly
wit, with universal toleration and urbanity, inspired all who
approached him with the keenest taste for his company, and those
who lived with him in intimacy with the warmest regard for his
person. This event may be said with perfect truth to 'eclipse the
gaiety of nations,' for besides being an irreparable loss to the
world at large, it turns adrift, as it were, the innumerable
_habitues_ who, according to their different degrees of intimacy,
or the accidents of their social habits, made Holland House their
regular and constant resort. It is impossible to overrate the
privation, the blank, which it will make to the old friends and
associates, political and personal, to whom Holland House has
always been open like a home, and there cannot be a sadder sight
than to see the curtain suddenly fall upon a scene so brilliant
and apparently prosperous, and the light which for nearly half a
century has adorned and cheered the world, thus suddenly and for
ever extinguished. Although I did not rank among the old and
intimate friends of Holland House, I came among the first of the
secon