larly discussed than it would otherwise have been.

The year 1786 was farther distinguished by a circumstance in the history of the illustrious subject of these memoirs, not less extraordinary than that which we have just had occasion to mention, and which reflected much honour on his character and principles. Possessing a narrower income than former Princes of Wales, and certainly not exempt from the carelessness and extravagance of youth, his royal highness was found at this period to have contracted a debt to the amount of between two and three hundred

thousand pounds. In this situation he did not act in the manner, which custom has in some measure authorized in royal personage; he did not imitate the conduct which has frequently been adopted by persons much less elevated in their situations, and look

with indifference on the inconveniences and distresses that might fall upon his creditors: he felt like a man of virtue and honour. Having waited for a considerable time in the hope of some favourable change in his situa tion, he is reported to have applied to his royal father for assistance; observing at the same time, that, if any part of his conduct were thought improper, he would alter it, and conform to the wishes of his majesty, in every thing that became him as a gentleman. The king, on receiving this dutiful communication, desired that a statemen of the Prince's affairs might be laid before him. This was accordingly done, and on the 4th of July the king's answer, which was a direct refusal to interfere, was conveyed to Lord Southampton, groom of the stole to his royal highness.

The Prince, with a promptitude

that did honour to his spirit as a man, took only one day to deliberate upon the conduct he should hold in this emergency. He then resolved, in justice to his creditors, to suppress the establishment of his household, to abridge himself of every superfluous expence, and to set apart a large annual sum, which was rumoured to be of the amount of 40,000l. for the liquidation of his debts. Nothing could be more noble, generous, and high-spirited than the whole of this proceeding.

But the Prince of Wales's notions of equity were far from stopping here. His royal highness had hitherto indulged in a passion, frequent among persons of high rank, that of training running horses for Newmarket, and other places of public contention of the same kind. But in this emergency, he scrupled not a moment to give up a fa

vourite and an innocent relaxation, the more speedily to satisfy the claims of his creditors. Accordingly his racing stud, which had been formed with great judgment and expence, and was looked upon as one of the most complete in the kingdom, his hunters, and even his coach horses, were sold by public auction, and produced to the amount of seven thousand guineas. At the same time the buildings and interior decorations of Carlton-house were stopped, and some of the most considerable rooms shut up from use. The number of his attendants was also diminished; but with that thoughtfulness and kind consideration which always distinguish a truly generous mind, care was taken to settle pensions on those who would have otherwise been reduced to distress on quitting the Prince's service. This trait in the character of his royal highness it

would have been unpardonable not to have noticed, and we may add to it, that as he is a kind, provident, and indulgent master, so no prince was ever more cordially and zealously beloved by his servants. In this shipwreck (if we may be allowed the term) of his fortunes, many of them made him a voluntary offer of their services, free from every expence; and it was not without tears of reluctance, soothed with the promise of being taken into his service again, whenever his circumstances would admit of the re-esta→ blishment of his household, that these humble, but faithful retainers were prevailed on to quit the palace of their much loved prince.

With this magnanimity of feeling did the Prince of Wales think proper to retire from the splendour which belonged to his high station, rather than forfeit that character of honour