LORD  BYRON  and  his  TIMES
Byron
Documents Biography Criticism
The “Pope” of Holland House
John Whishaw to Thomas Smith, August 1821
INTRODUCTION & INDEXES
DOCUMENT INFORMATION
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Preface
Contents
Introduction
Chapter I: 1813
Chapter II: 1814
Chapter III: 1815
Chapter IV: 1816
Chapter V: 1817
Chapter VI: 1818
Chapter VII: 1819
Chapter VIII: 1820
Chapter IX: 1821
Chapter X: 1822
Chapter XI: 1824-33
Chapter XII: 1833-35
Chapter XIII: 1806-40
Chapter XIV: Appendix
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Aug., 1821.

The poor Queen has closed a wretched, uncomfortable life with great fortitude and resignation.
238
Death of the Queen
Notwithstanding the courage with which she faced her enemies, she had for a long time been very unhappy, and seems to have been altogether indifferent to existence. She was, however, very cheerful throughout her last illness, as well as kind and attentive towards those domestics and friends by whom she was surrounded. Dr. Holland, who was with her, says that her character never appeared to so much advantage, and that he never witnessed so much feeling and gentleness united with so much courage upon any similar occasion. She certainly possessed several good qualities, and the seeds of some great ones. Had she been properly treated she might have adorned her station. As it was, she owed her principal claim to the public support to her misfortunes and the persecution which she experienced.

Her death is a political event, and will probably open a new field for intrigues. The King will immediately think of marrying, and the Court will be completely occupied by schemes for procuring him a young and handsome Queen, which, according to the usual good fortune of the Tories, will probably turn to the advantage of the Ministers and enable them to recover their lost favour.

The intense loyalty, or rather servility, of the Irish nation, might furnish a good pretext and opportunity for establishing a new Government, on the principle of completely emancipating Ireland. But the firmness necessary for such a change is altogether wanting. His Majesty’s present servants will not again commit the error of resigning, but will compromise differences, and yield to nothing short of actual dismission.