consequence of this zeal for the new government, shewn at a time when
they stood much in need of men of abilities, and so little expected
from the young marquis, the king who was no stranger to the most
refined rules of policy, created him a duke, the highest degree of a
subject.

In the preamble to his patent, after a detail of the merit of his
father, and his services to the government are illustrated, his
lordship's behaviour in Ireland and his early endowments are thus
mentioned.

'When we see the son of that great man, forming himself by so worthy
an example, and in every action exhibiting a lively resemblance of
his father; when we consider the eloquence he has exerted with so much
applause in the parliament of Ireland, and his turn and application,
even in early youth to the serious and weighty affairs of the public,
we willingly decree him honours which are neither superior to his
merits, nor earlier than the expectation of our good subjects.'

As soon as the duke of Wharton came of age, he was introduced to the
house of lords in England, with the like blaze of reputation, and
raised jealousies in the breasts of the most consummately artful, and
best qualified in the house of peers. A little before the death of
lord Stanhope, his grace, who was constant in nothing but inconstancy,
again changed sides, opposed the court, and endeavoured to defeat all
the schemes of the ministry.

He appeared one of the most forward and vigorous in the defence of the
bishop of Rochester, and in opposing the bill for inflicting pains and
penalties on that prelate.