It is an ordinary criticism, that my Lord Shaftesbury, and Sir William Temple, are models of the genteel style in writing.

Shaftesbury is not only Shaston to Mr. Hardy, but to the natives also, and, as will be seen presently, it had at least two other names in the distant past.

But when due allowance was made for this natural habit of command, Lord Shaftesbury was delightful company.

Twice he became secretary to his patron (once in 1667with an official secretaryship in 1672, when Shaftesbury became Lord Chancellorand again in 1679, when he became President of the Council), but both times he lost his post on his friend's fall.

Lord Shaftesbury was tall and sparealmost gauntin figure, but powerfully framed, and capable of great exertion.

Had Lord Shaftesbury been a Cabinet Minister, this triumph of officialism would probably not have occurred.