Note 250 — Chapter XI

Grenville, speaking in the House of Commons, on the Cyder Tax, explained that the bill was brought in because funds must be found, and turned to Pitt who had been speaking against the measure. "I call upon the honourable gentleman opposite to me to say where they would wish to have a tax laid? I say, Sir, let them tell me where! I repeat it, Sir! I am entitled to say to them—tell me where?" Thereupon Pitt, mimicking the monotonous tones of the speaker, murmured audibly in the words of the then popular ballad: "Gentle Shepherd, tell me where." The House roared with laughter, and the nickname "Gentle Shepherd" clung to Grenville for life.