Louis Philippe has had a remarkable history; but it has been
distinguished to an extraordinary degree by its vicissitudes, amongst
which we must not forget his involuntary exile, and his residence in
this country, where he lived for many years as Duke of Orleans. A worse
man than his father it would be difficult to imagine. He was a vain,
ambitious, and cowardly voluptuary, who gratified his personal passions
at the expense of his sovereign and his country; but his son was reared
in a different school, and to that accident, conjoined with a better
nature, he probably owes the high position which he now occupies as a
European monarch. Misfortune is a stern teacher, and its effects on
Louis Philippe may be exemplified by a little story that was told of him
and Lord Brougham some years ago:--"I am the most independent crowned
head in Europe," said he, "and the best fitted for my office of all my
brethren." The praise might be deserved, but it seemed strange to the
_ex_-Chancellor that it should come from his own mouth--he, therefore,
bowed assent, and muttered some complimentary phrases about his
Majesty's judgment, firmness, and the like. "Pooh, pooh, my lord," he
observed, laughing heartily, "I do not mean that--I do not mean that,
but that I can--brush my own boots!" This was practical philosophy, and
indicated a clear perception of the constitution of modern society,
particularly on the part of one who is known to be by no means
indifferent to the fortunes of his race. We believe, also, that Louis
Philippe has been happy beyond most men of regal rank in the possession
of an admirable woman for a wife, the present Queen of the French being,
in all respects, a lady of superior intelligence and virtue; properties
which are luckily confined to no condition of life, and to no country or
creed. She has shared in all her husband's troubles during the last
eventful forty years, and now adorns that throne which the exigencies of
the times demanded that he should fill if the French monarchy was to be
preserved. Her attention to her children has been unremitting, and the
result is, that high though their position be, a more united household
nowhere exists.