Q14]

And now the queftion is, whether this rage fhall be faid to proceed from dilloyalty, 0r from hearts full of loyalty? Does it fpring from ha- tred, 0r from love? Shall it be deemed tlifobedience to rifque our lives for the fake of feeing our king reinltated in his wonted {plen- dor? Or will our faithful zeal, our anxiety for your rnajeliy’s being refpected and formidable, be pro- nounced criminal, or praife-worthy? Shall the ltudying means of relief for a bleeding people, that they may increafe and multiply, for the defence of your majelty’s perfon and government, that they may flourilh in opulence, be called a finifier defign, or the duty of a, good fitbjeét? Let any man, be he who he will, refolve thefe quell tions.

Perhaps the edift publiflaedagainlt cloaks, and flapped hats, may be efteemed the caufe of this alarm.

This indeed was made ufe of‘, after paving the way to the great end which was propofcd: but the iniiruments (incapable of diving into the ftate of the nation and the means of its re ellablilhrnent) were infligated only by their own feel- ings: they confidered themfelves only as deprived of a convenience by the prohibition of that drefs, and on {uch an occafion they are the neceflary tools.

But the truth is, your majelty’s principal fubjeéts had a nobler ob-

jeft in view; witnefs, the regulari-

ty of their proceedings; f0 that in a populous city, to outward ap- pearance in riot and confufion, as much good order wasobferved as in time of quiet and tranquil- llty.

fuliiered the leaft injury on this oc-

Lct any hoiieft man fay, that he '

ANNUAL REGISTER, 1769.

cation; and fcarcely was the 63v. pulfion of the marquis Squillacci confirmed, when the city of Mad- rid, beyond expectatioti, was f0 fuddenly reltored to caltnnefs and ferenity, that allpwho {aw it were firuck with admiration. Nay, the multitude of boys, to the number of 2000, who had been employed in giving the watch-word to the mob, ceafed their noify outcries, as if ltruck dumb in a moment.

We all know and confels, that no nation can have a prince more kind, affable, and beneficent, or a greater lover of jullice. To fuch a king what can be more deplora- ble, what more unfortunate, than the being involved in fuch a cloud of ignorance, with regard to his minifier, as to believe that he has the honour of the king and the good of the people at heart, at the very time when he is afting in direct oppolition to both?

Therefore, Sire, it would be belt to hear much, and believe but lit- tle, and to compare advice with information; and, to prevent {och bad confequences as often refult from too great credulity in the ca- binet, the counfel of fuch men, of low birth, as may be endowed with more than ordinary talents, ought not to be difdained. Conlider their opinions, and follow the advice that feems befi. Wifdom is not derived from birth, but from reafon, Underfianding cannot be inherited, though titles of nobility may.

What‘ can add fuch dignity to the crown, as the refpect of the fubjects? What can give it fuch fplendor, as their homage and their love?

Loyalty is the firil fruits of their homage; but your majelly mull thew an affefiion for them before you

can