to her for his greatness and his fall, as for above twenty years she possessed the favour of the most indulgent mistress in the world, and never missed an opportunity of forwarding her interest, bat her temper was the cause of her losing it. Bishop Burnet says, "she was a woman of little knowledge, but of a clear apprehension, and a true judgment; a warm and hearty friend, violent and sudden in her resolutions, and impetuous in her way of speaking. She was thought proud and insolent on her favour, though she used none of the common arts of a court to maintain it, for she did not beset the princess, nor flatter her. She stayed much at home, and looked very carefully after the education of her children."
In 1742, was published, An Account of the Conduct of the Dowager Duchess of Marlborough, from her first coming to Court to the Year 1710." This work, which was meant to vindicate the part she had acted during her connection with queen Anne, is curious and interesting, and of use in elucidating our history. It was written under her direction by Mr. Hooke, to whom she gave five thousand pounds. She had a quarrel with him afterwards, because, as she affirmed, he endeavoured to convert her to popery; yet, according to Swift, she had little opinion of even the general doctrines of Christianity. This work displays much pique and passion, and shews the little events which sometimes influence the fate of nations. Pope characterised her under the name of Atossa, which she discovered and resented, though she afterwards forgave and courted him.
She was rather famous for a rough kind of wit. Lord Somers once paid a visit of ceremony to her husband in his illness. There had been a great coldness between these noblemen for some time; but his lordship brought
