CHAPTER XXXVI.

GEORGE THE SECOND-FROM 1727 TO 1760.

GEORGE THE SECOND was forty years old when he came to the throne. The people of England were more disposed to like him than his father, because he spoke English and had lived much among them; nevertheless he does not seem to have been very popular. He was reserved and cold in manner, and yet both violent and obstinate in temper; a disposition which led to frequent and disgraceful quarrels between him and his eldest son Frederic, prince of Wales, and from which even his beautiful and excellent queen, Caroline of Anspach, occasionally suffered, although he sincerely loved and respected her. Aunt Anne has so often, in the course of this little work, pointed out the evils attendant on the want of habitual government of the temper, that she might perhaps have passed this case over without remark, had she not lately met with an observation on the subject, by an Italian writer,* which she thinks worthy of remem* Manzoni.

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brance. He says that, "Those who give way to passion are guilty, not only of their own sin, but also of that to which they may provoke others who suffer from it;"-a very serious consideration, which should make young people especially careful to avoid falling into this fault.

George the second certainly behaved ill to his son ; he compelled him, in the first place, to remain at Hanover until he was twenty-one, although, as heirpresumptive to the throne, he should have been brought up in England, among his future subjects. When he did come over, he was made very unhappy by his father's unkindness. This was the more to be deplored because, in one instance in particular, the prince gave up his dearest wish to his sense of filial duty. Although deeply attached to his cousin, the princess of Prussia, he consented to marry another lady, the princess of Saxe-Gotha, whom his father preferred. I am happy to tell you that he was rewarded for his obedience by finding her an excellent wife, who was devoted to him, and did her best to make him happy, so that he could not help loving her dearly. Afterwards, when they had a little son, they named him George, hoping that the king would be pleased; but it does not seem to have made any im

pression on him, and the poor prince continued in disgrace. I think this is the first instance I have had to relate to you of a father devoid of affection for his son ;—it is indeed a very rare case, and as lamentable as it is rare and perhaps George the second really did, in the bottom of his heart, love the prince; but from long indulgence in a harsh, suspicious temper, had rendered himself incapable of feeling those "gentle charities" (as the poet calls them) which are required to make domestic life happy. His strange fancy, too, of having his son educated away from home, at Hanover, must have had a tendency to shake the affection naturally subsisting between father and

son.

The first event of importance in this reign was a riot at Edinburgh. It arose in this way: a noted highway robber was ordered to be hanged at Edinburgh, and a captain Porteous had to superintend the execution. The mob, having some favour to the robber, began to throw stones at the soldiers appointed to guard him; and Porteous, without orders, fired on them, killed five persons and wounded several As he had done this without authority, he was tried for murder and condemned to die; but meanwhile, as it appeared he had received great provoca

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tion, and that the stones which had been thrown were of immense size, queen Caroline (who was acting as regent during a visit of the king to Hanover) sent a respite of six weeks, to give time for further inquiry. As soon as this was known, the mob, thinking that Porteous would be pardoned, became much enraged, and determined to take upon themselves to punish him. In immense numbers they went to the Tolbooth, or prison where he was confined, and tried to break open the doors. These, being very strong, for a length of time resisted their efforts. But they set fire to them, and having thus effected an entrance, they set free all the prisoners except captain Porteous, whom they took away, and hanged near the usual place of execution.

This was a very lawless proceeding, and seems surprising to us who live in quieter times. But, at the period of which I am writing, there was a very great disregard shown to the laws. Highway robbery had become so common that it was not safe to travel without arms and several attendants. Even the sons of noblemen and gentlemen of property often turned highwaymen, under the strange idea that it was a very spirited and heroic life; and the now safe and pleasant neighbourhoods of Blackheath, Hounslow

Heath, Highgate, Finchley, &c., were then dangerous to pass through. It was quite a usual thing then for gentlemen, before starting on a long journey, to make their wills, and have prayers offered up on their behalf in their parish church, so great were the dangers they had to encounter. And only think how

anxious their wives and children must have been during their absence! Indeed, dear children, we have much to be thankful for, that we live in times when the laws are so well observed, and the life of the humblest subject is protected.

In those days very insufficient attention was paid to such affairs. This was to be accounted for, partly by the fact that all our rulers, from the time of Charles the first to the reign with which we are now occupied, were continually engaged in wars, either civil or foreign, which left little time for the regulation of laws so nearly concerning the comfort and the welfare of private individuals. The people, too, from such constant fightings, had contracted false notions of glory, which they thought was to be obtained only by bloodshed, swearing, and drinking! It is lamentable to read of the state of society at this time. It was thought a fine, manly thing for gentlemen of the highest rank to drink many bottles of wine after