* * * * *
_The King_.--(_From the Spectator_.)--Touching the business habits of
the King, we have been favoured with the following statement, by a
gentleman on whose honesty we can place perfect reliance, and who has
ample opportunities of correct knowledge:--The attention of our present
excellent Sovereign to public business is truly exemplary; and whilst he
exceeds in regularity and despatch the habits of his late father,--whose
conduct in this respect has seldom been properly appreciated,--his
diligence forms a striking contrast to the supineness exhibited in the
late reign, when days and weeks sometimes elapsed before the Royal
signature could be obtained.
"The public learn from the Court Newsman that the King regularly comes
to town once a week, to receive his ministers, and for the transaction
of whatever business may be required; and these journeys are occasionally
repeated within a few days of each other without the slightest regard
for his personal convenience. Stronger proofs, however, exist of the
King's devotion to the duties of his station. Every document submitted
for his consideration and signature, is executed and returned to
the proper office within twenty-four hours after he receives it, and
generally within twelve hours. If a letter be addressed to Sir Herbert
Taylor or to Sir Henry Wheatley, no matter how trifling may be its
subject, it is certain of receiving an immediate and polite answer,
the contents of which show that his Majesty must undoubtedly have been
consulted; and if the request be refused, regret is expressed, and a
satisfactory reason is usually assigned. Those only who are aware of the
masses of papers submitted to the King, or of the innumerable subjects
on which his pleasure is taken, can appreciate the promptness, courtesy,
and decision which he displays; whilst in giving audiences, the extent
of his information, and his business-like habits, excite equal surprise
and satisfaction. When it is remembered that the King is above
sixty-seven years of age, the labour which he undergoes seems
extraordinary; and the admirable manner in which he executes his duties,
is consequently entitled to still higher applause. His office is indeed
no sinecure; and it would be well for the country if every department of
the State, and every public officer imitated the example set them by the
Sovereign.
"Before concluding this subject, justice demands that the manner in
which Sir Herbert Taylor and Sir Henry Wheatley conduct the Royal
correspondence, should not pass unnoticed; for, doubtless, a share of
the praise which has been here expressed of their Master's decision and
promptness, is due to them, and more especially for the extreme courtesy
with which their letters are written."
We had before heard the fact of the King's extraordinary punctuality in
signing papers, with this addition, that when they are more than
ordinarily numerous, the Queen sits at the table with her Royal husband,
lays the papers before him, and when signed, removes and arranges them,
like a secretary.
_Learned "Ladies."_--Mr. Murphy used to relate the following story
of Foote's, the heroines of which were the ladies Cheere, Fielding, and
Hill, the last the widow of the celebrated Dr. Hill. He represented them
as playing at "I love my love with a letter;" Lady Cheere began, and
said, "I love my love with an N because he is a Night;" Lady Fielding
followed with "I love my love with a G, because he is a Gustis;" and "I
love my love with an F," said Lady Hill, "because he is a Fizishun."
Such was the imputed orthography of these learned ladies.--_Taylor's
Records._
_Den._--The names of places ending in den, as Biddenden, are
perhaps not generally known to signify the situation to be in a valley,
or near woods.