formed part of your Sunday studies. A wretched, trumpery,
imitation of Godwin's worst manner. What a number of stories I shall
have to tell you when we meet!--which will be, as nearly as I can guess,
about the 10th or 12th of August. I shall be as rich as a Jew by that
time.

Next Wednesday will be quarter-day;
And then, if I'm alive,
Of sterling pounds I shall receive
Three hundred seventy-five.

Already I possess in cash
Two hundred twenty-four,
Besides what I have lent to John
Which makes up twenty more.

Also the man who editeth
The Yellow and the Blue
Doth owe me ninety pounds at least,
All for my last review.

So, if my debtors pay their debts,
You'll find, dear sister mine,
That all my wealth together makes
Seven hundred pounds and nine.

Ever yours

T. B. M.

The rhymes in which Macaulay unfolds his little budget derive a
certain dignity and meaning from the events of the ensuing weeks.
The unparalleled labours of the Anti-Slavery leaders were at length
approaching a successful issue, and Lord Grey's Cabinet had declared
itself responsible for the emancipation of the West Indian negroes. But
it was already beginning to be known that the Ministerial scheme, in
its original shape, was not such as would satisfy even the more moderate
Abolitionists. Its most objectionable feature was shadowed forth in the
third of the Resolutions with which Mr. Stanley, who had the question
in charge, prefaced the introduction of his bill: "That all persons, now
slaves, be entitled to be registered as apprenticed labourers, and to
acquire thereby all the rights and privileges of freemen, subject to
the restriction of labouring, for a time to be fixed by Parliament,
for their present owners." It was understood that twelve years would
be proposed as the period of apprenticeship; although no trace of this
intention could be detected in the wording of the Resolution. Macaulay,
who thought twelve years far too long, felt himself justified in
supporting the Government during the preliminary stages; but he took
occasion to make some remarks indicating that circumstances might occur
which would oblige him to resign office, and adopt a line of his own.

As time went on it became evident that his firmness would be put to
the test; and a severe test it was. A rising statesman, whose prospects
would be irremediably injured by abruptly quitting a Government that
seemed likely to be in power for the next quarter