[28] This great nobleman now proposed that a day should be fixed for considering the royal speech.

It was contended, on the other side, that the Lords, by voting thanks for the speech, had precluded themselves from complaining of it.

But this objection was treated with contempt by Halifax.

"Such thanks," he said with the sarcastic pleasantry in which he excelled, "imply no approbation.

We are thankful whenever our gracious Sovereign deigns to speak to us.