clothed; and the purposes of Raymond, which before had crept around,

ensnaring by stealth, now stood a hunted stag--even at bay--as all

perceived who watched the irrepressible changes of his countenance. Ryland

ended by moving, that any attempt to re-erect the kingly power should be

declared treason, and he a traitor who should endeavour to change the

present form of government. Cheers and loud acclamations followed the close

of his speech.

After his motion had been seconded, Lord Raymond rose,--his countenance

bland, his voice softly melodious, his manner soothing, his grace and

sweetness came like the mild breathing of a flute, after the loud,

organ-like voice of his adversary. He rose, he said, to speak in favour of

the honourable member's motion, with one slight amendment subjoined. He was

ready to go back to old times, and commemorate the contests of our fathers,

and the monarch's abdication. Nobly and greatly, he said, had the

illustrious and last sovereign of England sacrificed himself to the

apparent good of his country, and divested himself of a power which could

only be maintained by the blood of his subjects--these subjects named so

no more, these, his friends and equals, had in gratitude conferred certain

favours and distinctions on him and his family for ever. An ample estate

was allotted to them, and they took the first rank among the peers of Great

Britain. Yet it might be conjectured that they had not forgotten their

ancient heritage; and it was hard that his heir should suffer alike with

any other pretender, if he attempted to regain what by ancient right and

inheritance belonged to him. He did not say that he should favour such an

attempt; but he did say that such an attempt would be venial; and, if the

The Last Man