DIGITISED MANUSCRIPTS

( 20) to the nation, and was called Blenheim after the victory. To the Duchess Queen Anne gave an exquisitely painted miniature of the Duke, covered with and set in magnificent diamonds. I fancy it might be difficult to find an analogous ay case in our day to this proof of the national generosity. While the mob cheered itself hoarse, Addison, in a hymn on the victory, sang of Marlborough :— | ‘So when an angel by Divine command | With rising tempests shakes a guilty land i ii (Such as of late o’er pale Britannia pass’d), Hal, Calm and serene he drives the furious blast, ; And, pleased the Almighty’s orders to perform, | Rides in the whirlwind and directs the storm.’ The storm which is here alluded to had occurred the preceding year, and was the most fatal one which ever | passed over this country. It uprooted forests of trees, sent the Thames into Westminster Hall, drove men- of-war on shore, blew down part of St. James’s Palace, and killed the Bishop of Bath and Wells in his bed. During the seven years which elapsed between the battle of Blenheim and the peace of Utrecht, the conduct of the two great parties of State is not with- out a certain analogy to that of our own parties at a recent date. i Marlborough naturally was inclined for the con- | tinuation of the war; he was supported by the