If particular men had grown into an attachment, by the distinguished
honour of the society of their Sovereign, and, by being the
partakers of his amusements, came sometimes to prefer the
gratification of his personal inclinations to the support of his
high character, the thing would be very natural, and it would be
excusable enough. But the pleasant part of the story is, that these
KING'S FRIENDS have no more ground for usurping such a title, than a
resident freeholder in Cumberland or in Cornwall. They are only
known to their Sovereign by kissing his hand, for the offices,
pensions, and grants into which they have deceived his benignity.
May no storm ever come, which will put the firmness of their
attachment to the proof; and which, in the midst of confusions and
terrors, and sufferings, may demonstrate the eternal difference
between a true and severe friend to the Monarchy, and a slippery
sycophant of the Court; Quantum infido scurrae distabit amicus!
So far I have considered the effect of the Court system, chiefly as
it operates upon the executive Government, on the temper of the
people and on the happiness of the Sovereign.
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