predecessors. It is possible, however, that his extensive and minute
reading may have made him aware that Wolsey, peradventure, or
some great chancellor of old, had the fancy to be covered when the
suppliants approached. Let any one observe with what studied dignity
he performs the duty of announcing the royal assent to Acts of
Parliament: he assumes a solemnity of tone for which his voice is not
ill-fitted, but which is unusual with him. These small circumstances,
and many such which might be mentioned, show that State is not
uncongenial to his mind. Why should it? His weakness consists in the
unreal contempt for what is not really contemptible. With his high
notions of office, I should have been surprised if he had foregone the
levee; and assuredly he has not reckoned without reason; for a more
splendid or flattering pageant could not be witnessed than that which
his rooms exhibited. Unquestionably the most remarkable man in the
empire at this moment, it is his fortune to attract the honourable
regards of all who are distinguished as compeers. It is not my
intention to offer any estimate of what I conceive to be his genuine
worth, as he may be appreciated in a more dispassionate time; I
speak of him only as a great man filling a very large space in the
consideration of the empire. Judging from the throng of all classes
upon this occasion, whose favour is desirable, no man is more popular
* * *. The Chancellor took his place at a corner of the room, backed
by his chaplain, and was soon encircled by the visitants; his dress
remarkably plain, being a simple suit of velvet in the court cut. The
names were announced from the bottom of the stairs, and each person as
he entered walked up to the Chancellor and offered his respects. The
numbers were so great that it was impossible to devote any marked
attention to each; as soon, therefore, as the visiter had made his
bow, he retired into the throng, or took his departure through the
adjoining room. I was not present at the first of the levees which