Page:Letters of Junius, volume 2 (Woodfall, 1772).djvu/267

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JUNIUS.
257

common sense, what are your grace's merits, either, with King or ministry, that should entitle you to assume this domineering authority over both?—Is it the fortunate consanguinity you claim with the house of Stuart?—Is it the secret correspondence you have so many years carried on with Lord Bute, by the assiduous assistance of your cream-coloured parasite?—Could not your gallantry find sufficient employment for him in those gentle offices by which he first acquired the tender friendship of Lord Barrington?—Or is it only that wonderful sympathy of manners which subsists between your grace and one of your superiors, and does so much honour to you both?—Is the union of Blifil and Black George no longer a romance?—From whatever origin your influence in this country arises, it is a phenomenon in the history of human virtue and understanding.—Good men can hardly believe the fact; wise men are unable to account for it; religious men find exercise for their faith, and make it the last effort of their piety not to repine against Providence.

JUNIUS.