t is that I dare not
write even in cypher, what would save me all the embarrassment
of this letter, and you the uneasiness of its obscurity, till I
see you. My dear brother, reflect, if it is not too late, upon
the opinions we have held in common, upon the judgment we have
formed in common, of the rectitude and integrity of some men,
and the utter and absolute want of it in others. Recollect, if
it is possible, the uneasiness that you felt, the doubt that you
expressed and I made light of, in the very last conversations we
had together. Think over all that might have happened, and be
persuaded that all has; think over the most pleasing parts of
your last letter, and be persuaded that a few plain words,
whenever I see you, will make you blot it out with indignation.
But above all, I do conjure you, in the most solemn terms, to
guard against expressing the surmises this letter may suggest to
you, and to drop no word of suspicion or jealousy till I see
you. The caution of this letter--to which I dare not add a
cypher, however it must grieve me to speak to you in the
dark--every circumstance, must show you how deeply my honour,
how much more deeply than human wisdom could apprehend, my
honour is involved in this business.

One word more, though I think every minute an hour till the
messenger is gone. Trust me till you hear me; and above all, if
you are applied to persuade me to stay, do not think of so
doing; it may make the delay of one post, and that will hurt me;
it can do no more.

God Almighty bless you, my dearest brother; a warmer affection
no man can bear you. Think of all my impatience to see you, and
do not forget that in pressing my recal, you do me a more
essential and honourable service than you know. Once more, God
bless you, my dearest brother.

* * * * *

Before Lord Temple had received this letter he had declined the
secretaryship, and accepted the appointment of Lord-Lieutenant of
Ireland, his brother, Mr. William Wyndham Grenville (afterwards Lord
Grenville) accompanying him as Chief Secretary. In the reply that
follows, Lord Temple expresses the profound sorrow he felt at his
brother's determination to resign, of which he was confessedly not in a
position to form a competent judgment.

LORD TEMPLE TO MR. THOMAS GRENVILLE.

Pall Mall, Jul