e gaps of the circle, only two, Wellesley and Canning, were men
of powers so exceptional as to claim more than passing notice. Though
descended from families domiciled in Ireland, they differed widely,
except in versatility and devotion to Pitt. Wellesley's nature was
Saxon in its inner hardness. Like his younger brother, the future Duke
of Wellington, he rarely displayed signs of emotion; but his
temperament, though cold at the heart, thrilled at the approach of great
and perilous enterprises, amidst which he rivalled his brother in
activity and resourcefulness. Accordingly, his Viceroyalty of India
moved Bonaparte to envy, patriotic Britons to rapturous applause, and
the parsimonious Directors of the Company to carping criticisms. Those
who deny to Pitt the gift of choosing able and inspiring men, forget
that he made Wellesley Governor-General of India, and supported him in
his quarrels with the India House. As Earl of Mornington, Wellesley had
helped the Irish Administration in various ways, and became closely
acquainted with the Grenvilles. His first letter to Pitt, dated Dublin,
January 1785, expresses thanks for assistance and for the offer of
support in case the annoyances of his situation drove him to England.
Thus, Mornington was first attracted to Pitt by his loyalty to
subordinates; and, later, after his return to England, respect for the
Minister ripened into admiration and love of the man.

They had much in common. Manly in bearing, persistent of purpose, and
prompt in decision, they were also richly dowered with social gifts.
Like Pitt, Mornington had classical attainments and literary gifts of no
mean order; and his high spirits and powers of repartee must have
brought new energy to the jaded statesman. Entering Parliament as member
for Windsor, he found his duties far from congenial. On some occasions
nervousness marred the effect of his speeches; and his constituents
involved him in so much expense and worry as to prompt a request, in the
autumn of 1794, for the intervention of Pitt, seeing that his rival,
Isherwood, had "the means of supplying the rapacity even of the electors
of Windsor." On 4th October he thanked Pitt for relieving him from
further obligations to "the worthy electors of that loyal borough"; but
he continued for a time to sit in Parliament. Meanwhile his fine
presence and lively converse brought him into favour with the Prince of
Wales. On 4th August 1793, writing at Brighthelmstone, h