[55] This declaration of the Duke has frequently been alluded to since, even in the Lower House. The following, which I heard from the amiable lady to whom it was addressed, is less known.—In the month of November of this year, (1830,) the Premier was conversing with Princess C—— and the Duchess of D——, on various characteristics of the French and English nations, and their respective advantages. “Ce qui est beau en Angleterre,” said the Duke with evident self-complacency, “c’est que ni le rang, ni les richesses, ni la faveur ne sauraient élever un Anglois aux premières places. Le génie seul les obtient et les conserve chez nous.” The ladies cast down their eyes; and in a week from that time the Duke of Wellington was out of office.—Editor.
[56] How little did my departed friend suspect that this badly organized head was destined to bring such evils upon the world! Good will indeed arise out of that, as out of all evil; but we shall hardly reap the fruits.—Editor.
[57] Daughter of the lady to whom these letters are addressed, by her former husband, Count Pappenheim—Transl.
[58] Eine alte Freiheit.—At the great Councils of the Church, the political meetings, such as coronations and the like, and other assemblages in the middle ages, a part of the city or encampment where they were held, was appropriated to the persons of forbidden professions who resorted thither; such as jugglers, gamblers, light women, &c. This part was called the Freiheit or Free Quarter.—Transl.
[59] Mid dem todten Mann, I believe is Englished as above—Transl.
[60] I thought of omitting this part, which certainly belongs too much to confidential correspondence to interest the generality of readers. But as it really paints the departed author with uncommon fidelity, and he often refers to it in subsequent letters, I hope I shall be forgiven for retaining it.—Editor.
[61] A word difficult to translate. Foresight (Vorsichtssinn) does not express it adequately; it is rather the power of calling to mind in a moment everything that can possibly result from an action; and thus, almost involuntarily, of painting it from every point of view, which often cripples the energy.
[62] The individual in question is Dr. Herschel, of whose head Mr. Deville possesses two casts corresponding to the description above. Mr. Deville bears testimony to the accuracy in the main of the above report, though the language is, he says, considerably more ornate than that which he is likely to have used.—Transl.
[63] It is a matter of history that even the true old German knights had contracted the bad habit of occasionally interlarding their discourse with French phrases.—Editor.
[64] Fässer. Fass, a butt, barrel, tun, tub, &c.—Grosse Quart. I do not know whether these measures correspond to the English words, or whether I have used the appropriate technical expressions—Transl.