of his natural temper, he retained all its warmth in his at-
tachments to his friends and country; and he commanded
the respect and esteem even of those who were most hostile
to his principles. His elocution was flowing, perspicuous,
and manly; his reasoning close and powerful. As a lawyer,
he attentively studied the principles of the constitution; not
with the confined views of professional research, but with the
extensive comprehension and accurate discernment of a
statesman. Nor were his acquirements confined to internal
regulations; he was a master of foreign affairs, and pro-
foundly versed in diplomatic business, as well as in the
political interests of Europe. The respectable traits of his
character were blended and softened down with those amiable
propensities and pursuits which are calculated to adorn life
and illustrate high station. He possessed an exquisite taste
for polite literature and the fine arts; and for his attachment
to science he was chosen president of the Royal Society. He
carried his humility and reserve almost to an extreme; for
he was easy and flexible, and too often suffered his own better
judgment to be biassed by the violent counsels of his col-
leagues, who were far his inferiors in patriotism, disin-
terestedness, and information.

Somers entertained the highest respect for the great talents
and services of Marlborough, whose military plans he sup-
ported with all his eloquence and interest. He rendered
justice also to the financial talents and tried integrity of
Godolphin; but regarded his-want of firmness and decision
with a feeling almost bordering on contempt. He was dis-
gusted also with the domineering and captious spirit of the
duchess, and while he approved her zeal in the Whig cause,
he lamented her imprudent and intemperate conduct towards
her royal mistress, of which he foresaw the fatal effects. ^*

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