It was impossible, for instance, to take seriously the resounding proposition that the Bill "would break up the Empire"-- that under the Bill the loyal minority would incur loss of life, liberty and property, and so on.

As Mr.Gladstone read out these propositions there was a deadly chill, a disheartened silence, on the Tory Benches which had its importance, for it showed plainly that, however ready they were to mouth these things on platforms they felt a little ashamed of them in their more sober moments.

Just once or twice, a stray Tory did venture to signify by a timid and faint cheer his acceptance of the ridiculous litany of prophecy and reprobation which Mr.Gladstone was repeating to him.

And then the Old Man was delightful; he smiled all over his face until its features were one vast mass of corrugated wrinkles; then he waved his hand a little to the other side, and finally congratulated himself on being in the happy position of being even partially corroborated by gentlemen of opposite opinions, Whereupon, of course, the whole House laughed, including the very member whom the Old Man had thus toasted.

In short, as will have been seen from my description, the Old Man was in his very best form, in full command of himself, of his friends, and even of his enemies.
[Sidenote: A solemn peroration.] Finally, there came a peroration--lofty, almost inspired--splendidly delivered, rapturously applauded.