By his not receiving an academical education, he escaped that
stiffness and moroseness of temper frequently contracted by those who
have been for some time condemned to a collegiate obscurity. Neither
had he the least tincture of a haughty superiority, arising from
the nobleness of his birth, and the lustre of his abilities. His
conversation was easy, pleasant, and instructive, always suited to his
company, of whatever quality, humour, or capacity they were.

As it was the earl of Wharton's view, to qualify his son to fill
that high station, in which his birth would one day place him with
advantage to his country; his great care was to form him a compleat
orator. For this purpose some of the principal parts in the best
English Tragedies were assign'd him at times to study, particularly
those of Shakespear, which he used to repeat before a private
audience. Sometimes his father gave him speeches which had been
uttered in the house of peers, and which the young lord got by heart,
and delivered with all the graces of action and elocution; with so
much propriety of expression, emphasis of voice, and pronunciation
wherever it was requisite, as shewed his lordship was born for this
arduous province. Nor did the excellency of these performances receive
a small additional beauty from the gracefulness of his person, which
was at once soft and majestic.

Thus endowed by nature to charm and persuade, what expectations might
not have been formed on him? A youth of a noble descent, who added to
that advantage the most astonishing parts ever man possessed, improved
by an uncommon and well regulated education. What pity is it, this
illustrious young man, born to have dictated to the senate, and
directed the business of a state, with the eyes of a people fixed upon
him, should fall so exceedingly short of those fair hopes, he had so