All these vexations and scandals he imagined that his ministers might have averted, if they had been more solicitous for his honour and for the success of his great schemes of policy, and less solicitous about their own popularity.

They, on the other hand, continued to assure him, and, as far as can now be judged, to assure him with perfect truth, that it was altogether out of their power to effect what he wished.

Something they might perhaps be able to do.

Many members of the House of Commons had said in private that seven thousand men was too small a number.

If His Majesty would let it be understood that he should consider those who should vote for ten thousand as having done him good service, there might be hopes.