After making so great a sacrifice in the choice of a
governor, William became less scrupulous in inferior regu-
lations. Except the nomination of Burnet, as the preceptor,
against the wish of the princess, who disliked his political
principles, the king seems to have left to her, or rather to
Marlborough, the selection of the different attendants who
were placed about the person of his nephew.

The very evening of his appointment, Marlborough was
restored to his place in the privy council, and to his military
rank and employments. In the course of the two succeeding
years he was also named one of the lords justices, who were
intrusted with the government during the absence of the
king.

The appointment of Bishop Burnet gave great offence to
the violent Tories, and they were little more satisfied with
that of Marlborough, in whose post they were anxious to
place the earl of Rochester, uncle of the young prince.
Accordingly a motion was made in parliament, for an address
to remove Bishop Burnet, in consequence of the censure
passed by the House of Commons on his Country and Pas-
toral Letter, which had been ordered to be burnt by the
common executioner. This invidious attack was, however,
repelled by a great majority. Marlborough supported his
colleague with all his interest, having even prevailed on his
brother, George Churchill, who was a zealous Tory, to absent
himself from the house on the day the motion was decided.
Considering the known bias of the princess, and the diversity
of their political sentiments, this conduct reflects honour on
his candour and impartiality.

Trained up under a governor so accomplished, and under
so learned and skilful a preceptor, the young prince rapidly
improved in personal and mental acquirements; and gave
the most promising indications of virtues and qualities,
which were likely to adorn a crown. But like the Marcellus
of Rome, he was shown to an anxious country, only to be
admired and regretted. In the dawn of youth, amidst the
vows and prayers of his destined subjects, he was hurried to
a premature grave.

Lord and Lady Marlborough were at Althorpe when he
was first seized; but the progress of the fatal disorder was
so rapid, that the afflicted governor arrived at Windsor only

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