"حياة ومراسلات اللواء السير جون مالكوم، قائد فرسان وسام الطُهر، المبعوث السابق إلى بلاد فارس وحاكم بومباي؛ من رسائل ومذكرات غير منشورة. في مجلّدين. المجلد II." [‎١‎٣‎٥] (٦٥٤/١٥٢)

GREATNESS OF WELLINGTON'S CHARACTER. 135
we were nearly running against a dozen carriages and horses. We
got there safe, to my great surprise.
August 19.—Walter Scott is here. I took him to the Duke,
who has been very attentive to him. He wrote me to bring him
to dinner to-day, and that he would make a party to meet him.^
The poet is happy.
August 27.—I have just received your letters of the 14th and
18th, from Burnfoot. Every line you have written me from that
place has delighted me. I know you incapable of concealing a
feeling, much less of pretending one, and I am delighted with the
acquaintance you have made with scenes that ever have been and
ever will be dear to me; and tell my darling Minny and George
that I love them better because they love Burnfoot.
September 1.—I dined yesterday with the Duke, and had him
in great feather for two or three hours by myself. He is now dis
playing his character in what I deem the finest point of view. He
was at the summit of fame; and as they chose, instead of employ
ing him to settle affairs, to send Lord Castlereagh, he might well
have stepped aside, and said, " I would rather confine myself to
my military dutiesfor it must be as evident to himself as to
others that by lending his name to the negotiations he may, as far
as he values popularity in England, do himself a world of injury,
and can derive no additional reputation ; for the utmost that can
be said is that he assisted Lord Castlereagh. When the negotia
tions are attacked, the Ministers will defend themselves with his
name as with a shield. Of all this there can be no doubt he is
aware, and he knows that many of his real friends groan over the
part he is acting. But he thinks of nothing but serving his
country. He is confident that his opinions may do*good, and
cannot do harm; and he is ready to encounter all the abuse that
can be poured upon him rather than show that prudence which
fights more about personal character than public interests.
On the 13th of September, after the excursion to
Chalons, Malcolm found himself again in Paris. He re
mained there till the 25th, and then turned his face
towards home, weary of excitement, and glad to escape
* There is no account of this party in the journalj except that Grassini was
in great force.