It was, however, reported of him, that even in the midst of his wanderings in the labyrinths of politics, he not only meditated, but actually commenced, a great and arduous historical labour, to which his talents were fully adequate, and which promised to place his name on a pedestal, far more lofty and substantial too, than any fabrick which could possibly be raised by a subtle, ingenious, but powerless minority.
On the subject of this gentleman, with the exception of a few scattered notices, nothing more of importance appears in our Recollections. There is reason to apprehend, that at this period, the Sexagenarian retired from the world, and totally lost sight of his former associates.
Eam laudem hic ducit maximam, cum illis placet
Qui vobis universis et populo placent,
Quorum operæ in bello, in otio, in negocio
Suo quisque tempore usus est sine superbia.
CHAPTER XXI.
Another individual of the society was a Member of Parliament, of elegant connections, elegant manners, and elegant accomplishments. He had travelled a great deal, and was familiarly acquainted with most European languages, but he more particularly directed his attention to the literature of his own country. In this he was pre-eminently skilled, and has transmitted proofs of his knowledge and taste in this way, which will probably endure as long as the language. His society was peculiarly agreeable; he had seen a great deal of the world, was acutely observant, had much to communicate, which he always was prompt to do, and which he always did with vivacity, eloquence, and a considerable degree of dry humour.