206 LORD CHATHAM (WHEN MR. PITT) AND THE KING OF SARDINIA. IN collecting anecdotes of eminent persons, the general tribute that is due to virtue assimilates the heroes of different countries into one group, which interesting picture may be greatly enriched by the contributions of our favoured isle. The freedom of her government, and the wisdom of her laws, with the originality of character that distinguishes her sons from those of her continental neighbours, have united in producing citizens superlatively excellent in the various departments of literature, philosophy, and morals. In her list of patriots she yields to no nation upon earth. The love of country glows in the bosoms of all orders of her inhabitants. She has even exhibited to the world the rare example of patriot ministers-an assertion that cannot be doubted, whilst the disinterested names of Chatham and Rock ingham remain engraven on the hearts of Englishmen. By the influence of his superior abilities, the former emerged from the retirement of a private situation to the highest offices of the state, which he filled with such a wonderful display of talents and vigour, as to retrieve our affairs from the embarrassments which at that time oppressed them, and raised them to the most exalted pitch of national prosperity. He became, at once, the dread of foreign enemies and the idol of his countrymen, who rewarded him with that degree of popularity that can only be bestowed by the unanimous voice of a free people; as remote from the corrupt plaudits of base sycophants, as the splendour of truth is from the glittering tinsel of falsehood. Every feature of his character was upon a great scale. His genius was vast and comprehensive-his perception clear and defined; which enabled him to adopt the most direct method of attaining the object of his pursuit. He had a great deal of ambition, but it was of that noble species that embraces the exaltation of a nation, not the paltry interests of an indivi dual. He was lavish of the public treasure; not for the purpose of enriching himself or his connexions, but for that of promoting the prosperity of the commonwealth. Although suffering, from his youth, under the weight of bodily infirmity, he was temperate in personal indulgence, and indefatigable in his attention to the affairs of government. After passing a long life in the service of his country, he was seized with the approach of death in the House of Lords, whilst ably defending her ⚫ from the machinations of pretended friends, and the open attack of declared enemies. This great man might, with more truth, be said to die in the bed of honour, than a mighty conqueror, when he expires upon the field of battle. Mr. Pitt. PERSONS. Secretary to Mr. Pitt. King of Sardinia. Minister of the King of Sardinia. Mr. Pitt and one of his private Secretarics. SECRETARY. Half per cent. on the sub sidies that are paid to foreign powers, is a regular perquisite of the paymaster's office; therefore, I suppose I may place the sum arising from those granted to the king of Sardinia and the queen of Hungary to your account. MR. PITT. By no means. I did not enter the service of my country for the sake of enriching my own private purse; and as interest is not my motive, I disclaim all advantages but those conferred upon me as the legal salary of my department. SECRETARY. I admire your disinterestedness; but surely you are entitled, without the least impeachment of your honour, to those perquisites which have always been accepted as their right, by your predecessors whose characters have been most approved. MR. PITT. The conduct of others is no rule for me to follow: the dictates of conscience are my surest guide; by them I am instructed, that whoever is entrusted with the public treasure, should have clean hands and pure hearts, free from the pollution of covetousness. By adopting received customs, I might easily amass riches. It has been usual to retain large sums in the paymaster's hands, which have brought several thousands annually to those in office. I do not approve the practice, and have, on that account, placed those sums in the bank, where they are not only safely deposited, but always ready to supply the exigencies of the state. SECRETARY. Your disinterestedness is truly astonishing. This incorruptible virtue will gain great admiration, though, it is much to be feared, it will find but few imitators. King of Sardinia and his Minister. MINISTER. I have the pleasure to acquaint your majesty, that the subsidy granted by the British parliament is received, attended by a very extraordinary circumstance. It has been an established custom for the paymaster of the forces to take half per cent. upon all subsidies paid to foreign courts, as a private gratuity; but the present paymaster declines it, from motives of disinterestedness, and has sent |