g as King of Great Britain and Ireland.

In truth, the Hanoverian strain in his nature had not been toned to the
degree of fineness needful for the kingly office in these islands. In a
time of peculiar difficulty he sought to govern almost absolutely by
means which ensured the temporary subservience of Parliament, and in a
spirit which brought disruption upon the Empire. The former half of
Pitt's career was largely occupied in repairing the financial waste
consequent on the American War, or in making good long arrears of
legislation. Here, indeed, is his most abiding contribution to the
national welfare. But his indebtedness to the King on questions of
foreign and domestic policy is rarely apparent. Reform, whether
Economical or Parliamentary, encountered the more or less declared
opposition of the Sovereign. On the other hand, George showed marked
ability in the support of corporate interests and the management of
men; so that his relations to Pitt were not unlike those of the Duke of
Newcastle to Chatham. The Pitts supplied the brain power while the
Monarch or the Duke by the award of favours ensured the needful degree
of subservience at the polls or in the lobbies of St. Stephens.

After the "surrender" at the close of the American War, the attitude of
George towards his British subjects was one of scarcely concealed scorn.
Now and again his feelings burst forth uncontrollably. Shortly before
his second attack of lunacy, which occurred near the end of the fortieth
year of his reign, he astonished the congregation in church by repeating
in loud and emphatic tones the response: "Forty years long was I grieved
with this generation and said: 'It is a people that do err in their
hearts, for they have not known My ways.'" The tones of the voice
betokened the approach of lunacy, but the conviction of the mind was
always the same. For the most part, however, scorn was tempered by
calculation. His letters to Pitt are full of commendation of the House
of Commons when it unquestioningly passed Government Bills or the
Supplies; whereas he looked on Fox and Burke as baneful and wearisome
talkers, consumers of time, and foes to healthful slumber. Similarly, in
his political catechism, the whole duty of Parliament was to help
Ministers to govern; while their proper function was to raise the
maximum of revenue with the minimum of fuss and change. In short, to
maintain the existing social order; to allow no change in a constitution