DOI Page / Citation link:
https://doi.org/10.11588/diglit.70302#0177
LIFE OF LORD CAMELFORD.
153
deplorable plight. The windows were completely de-
molished. It is said, that on the succeeding nights of
illumination, his lordship had in waiting a party of sailors,
ready to be let loose on his opponents in case of a repe-
tition of the outrage.
With that rugged and unbending disposition, which
his lordship appeared to possess, those who enjoyed his
intimate acquaintance can testify, that he combined a
high degree of sensibility and benevolence. The following
circumstances prove that his character was not destitute
of amiable qualities.—He always manifested uncommon
affection for the two children of his sister. For the grati-
fication and amusement of these boys, he purchased them
a couple of ponies, together with all the necessary ac-
coutrements of corresponding dimensions, and it was one
of his favourite recreations to take them out with him in
the vicinity of the metropolis. On these little excursions,
if he perceived any labourers at work, or perhaps taking
their frugal repast in the fields, he used to stop, and
seating himself on the bank beside them, he would engage
them in conversation. By his affability, he commonly
obtained a knowledge of their circumstances, their diffi-
culties, and the little secrets of their families. Never on
these occasions did distress plead in vain, and never did
his lordship part from those whom he considered deserving
objects of his bounty, without leaving behind him some-
thing to alleviate their wants : thus affording an example
which it is to be hoped will not be lost on his youthful
companions. On his return home his little favorites
were always the first objects of his care. He would him-
self take off their boots and spurs, and he attended to
their ease and comfort before he would occupy himself
with any other concerns.
In order to try the disposition of those whom he con-
sidered his friends, Lord Camelford has been known to
Eccentric, No. IV. x represent
153
deplorable plight. The windows were completely de-
molished. It is said, that on the succeeding nights of
illumination, his lordship had in waiting a party of sailors,
ready to be let loose on his opponents in case of a repe-
tition of the outrage.
With that rugged and unbending disposition, which
his lordship appeared to possess, those who enjoyed his
intimate acquaintance can testify, that he combined a
high degree of sensibility and benevolence. The following
circumstances prove that his character was not destitute
of amiable qualities.—He always manifested uncommon
affection for the two children of his sister. For the grati-
fication and amusement of these boys, he purchased them
a couple of ponies, together with all the necessary ac-
coutrements of corresponding dimensions, and it was one
of his favourite recreations to take them out with him in
the vicinity of the metropolis. On these little excursions,
if he perceived any labourers at work, or perhaps taking
their frugal repast in the fields, he used to stop, and
seating himself on the bank beside them, he would engage
them in conversation. By his affability, he commonly
obtained a knowledge of their circumstances, their diffi-
culties, and the little secrets of their families. Never on
these occasions did distress plead in vain, and never did
his lordship part from those whom he considered deserving
objects of his bounty, without leaving behind him some-
thing to alleviate their wants : thus affording an example
which it is to be hoped will not be lost on his youthful
companions. On his return home his little favorites
were always the first objects of his care. He would him-
self take off their boots and spurs, and he attended to
their ease and comfort before he would occupy himself
with any other concerns.
In order to try the disposition of those whom he con-
sidered his friends, Lord Camelford has been known to
Eccentric, No. IV. x represent