Honour Lists

While William IV urged Melbourne to accept the Garter he remarked,”A Garter may attract to us somebody of consequence which nothing else can reach. But what is the good of my taking it? I can’t bribe myself.”
6
In those days most important church appointments carried political implications. Despite all efforts to avoid a storm it would still result in harassment from least unexpected quarters. He was so much harried by such intereference to remark thus:”I have always had much sympathy with Saul. He was bullied by the prophets just as I have been by the bishops, who would if they could, have tied me to the horns of the altar and slain me incontinently.”
7.
Recalling his past experience Lord Melbourne when informed of the passing of a bishop he exclaimed:”Damn it! Another bishop dead.”With a sigh he added,”I believe they die to vex me.”
compiler:benny