At fourscore he retained a strong relish for innocent pleasures: he conversed with great courtesy and sprightliness: nothing could be in better taste than his equipages and his table; and every cornet of cavalry envied the grace and dignity with which the veteran appeared in Hyde Park on his charger at the head of his regiment, [426] The House of Commons had, with general approbation, compensated his losses and rewarded his services by a grant of a hundred thousand pounds.

Before he set out for Ireland, he requested permission to express his gratitude for this magnificent present.

A chair was set for him within the bar.

He took his seat there with the mace at his right hand, rose, and in a few graceful words returned his thanks and took his leave.

The Speaker replied that the Commons could never forget the obligation under which they already lay to His Grace, that they saw him with pleasure at the head of an English army, that they felt entire confidence in his zeal and ability, and that, at whatever distance he might be, he would always be in a peculiar manner an object of their care.