occurred the most ludicrous instance extant of an attempt at
coalition; subordinates were promoted, while negotiations were
still pending with their chiefs; and these negotiations,
undertaken so crudely, were terminated in pique; in a manner
which added to political disappointment personal offence.
When even his parasites began to look gloomy, the duke had a
specific that was to restore all, and having allowed every
element of power to escape his grasp, he believed he could
balance everything by a beer bill. The growl of reform was
heard but it was not very fierce. There was yet time to save
himself. His grace precipitated a revolution which might have
been delayed for half a century, and never need have occurred
in so aggravated a form. He rather fled than retired. He
commenced his ministry like Brennus, and finished it like the
tall Gaul sent to murder the rival of Sylla, but who dropped
his weapon before the undaunted gaze of his intended victim.

Lord Marney was spared the pang of the catastrophe. Promoted
to a high office in the household, and still hoping that, by
the aid of his party, it was yet destined for him to achieve
the hereditary purpose of his family, he died in the full
faith of dukism; worshipping the duke and believing that
ultimately he should himself become a duke. It was under all
the circumstances an euthanasia; he expired leaning as it were
on his white wand and babbling of strawberry leaves.




Book 1 Chapter 4