chap. XII.} 1765. May 19. |
Sandwich, confident that no new ministry could be formed, each by himself, went in to the king. Grenville insisted upon receiving orders relating to the change of government. ‘I would have you adjourn the Parliament till Monday fortnight,’ said the king.‘cannot do it,’ answered Grenville. ‘I trust you will put nothing upon me that is disgraceful and dishonorable. Parliament must be adjourned by the man whom your Majesty destines to be my successor.’
The duke of Bedford went in next. He spoke of his personal relations from the moment of his consenting to go into France to make the peace; his resolution on his return to live in quiet retirement. He had yielded to the king's earnest solicitations to enter into the ministry; but only on the promise that Lord Bute should not be consulted on any matter. Having reminded the king ‘how very unfaithfully the conditions proposed by himself had been kept,’ he proceeded to sketch the character of the favorite, as of one who was at once very ambitious and altogether incompetent to conduct business. ‘For me,’ he continued, ‘I have served you well. All Europe is witness to the strength which your present ministers have restored to your authority, that was tottering under that of my adversary. The opposition is every day becoming more and more feeble. But since I can no longer be useful, I entreat you not to lose a moment in replacing us all, for the harmony which has subsisted between us does and will continue.’ Here the king interposed to say, ‘It is not yet time.’ Bedford
