240 BURKE. been true; and he alleges, in confirmation of this, the authority of a letter written by Burke to Hamilton, which he had seen, and in which the former gentleman expostu- lates with his friend on his indolence, and reminds him, that he himself had a growing family to maintain, and must turn his talents to what would be useful; and, on that account, that he must politically associate with men of more active exertions. On his return to England, his pecuniary circumstances being less embarrassed, and himself raised above want by his Irish pension, he applied himself with equal ardour, and increased success, to the study of politics. Several pamphlets which he published about this time, together with some occasional disquisitions in the Public Adver- tiser, introduced him to the notice of Mr. Fitzherbert, through whose friendly medium, he became known to the Marquis of Rockingham and Lord Verney. Now it was that Burke was destined to shine in his proper colours, as a distinguished orator and enlightened statesman. The administration, over which Mr. Grenville presided, having become unpopular to the nation and unpleasing to the court, his majesty, in 1765, appointed a new ministry, composed entirely of the friends and political adherents of the Marquis of Rockingham. The marquis became first lord of the treasury, and Burke was appointed his private secretary; a dissolution of parliament took place, and Burke was nominated by Lord Verney to repre- sent the borough of Wendover, in Somersetshire. Johnson bad declared, that in whatever society Burke were placed, he would become the first man in it: "If he were to go into the stable," said Johnson, " and talk to the ostlers for five minutes, they would think him the wisest man they ever saw." This opinion was quickly realised. The high expectations which his party had formed of bis genius and abilities were not disappointed. With that ardour of mind which ever prompted him to shine, he devoted the time previous to the meeting of parliament to
