was indisputable; the public in general would hardly have been so
much excited against a more popular character, without at least an
accusation or a charge of some kind actually expressed or
substantiated; for I can hardly conceive that the common and
every-day occurrence of a separation between man and wife could in
itself produce so great a ferment. I shall say nothing of the usual
complaints of 'being prejudged,' 'condemned unheard,' 'unfairness,'
'partiality,' and so forth, the usual changes rung by parties who
have had, or are to have, a trial; but I was a little surprised to
find myself condemned without being favoured with the act of
accusation, and to perceive in the absence of this portentous
charge or charges, whatever it or they were to be, that every
possible or impossible crime was rumoured to supply its place, and
taken for granted. This could only occur in the case of a person
very much disliked, and I knew no remedy, having already used to
their extent whatever little powers I might possess of pleasing in
society. I had no party in fashion, though I was afterwards told
that there was one--but it was not of my formation, nor did I then
know of its existence--none in literature; and in politics I had
voted with the Whigs, with precisely that importance which a Whig
vote possesses in these Tory days, and with such personal
acquaintance with the leaders in both houses as the society in
which I lived sanctioned, but without claim or expectation of
anything like friendship from any one, except a few young men of my
own age and standing, and a few others more advanced in life, which
last it had been my fortune to serve in circumstances of
difficulty. This was, in fact, to stand alone: and I recollect,
some time after, Madame de Staël said to me in Switzerland, 'You
should not have warred with the world--it will not do--it is too
strong always for any individual: I myself once tried it in early