See Sir S. Northcote’s report of a conversation with Disraeli in his last years (Life of Sir Stafford Northcote, vol. ii.).
In the Life of Lord George Bentinck (written shortly after Peel’s death), Disraeli, after dilating upon the loyalty which the Tory aristocracy had displayed towards Peel, observes, “An aristocracy hesitates before it yields its confidence, but it never does so grudgingly.... In political connections the social feeling mingles with the principle of honour which governs gentlemen.... Such a following is usually cordial and faithful. An aristocracy is rather apt to exaggerate the qualities and magnify the importance of a plebeian leader.”
When he did set himself to examine the condition of the people, the diagnosis, if not always correct, was always suggestive, e.g. the account of the manufacturing districts given in Sybil, or the Two Nations.
“The old Jew, that is the man.”
In the Life of Lord George Bentinck.