Note 73 — Chapter IX
Reading edition
In 1766, Lord Chatham, then Privy Seal, in going down to Parliament with Lord Shelburne, the Secretary of State, in his carriage, communicated to him some intelligence which it was important should be known to the Ministry, and equally important should be concealed from the public. Soon afterwards the coach stopped at the House of Lords, and Lord Shelburne carelessly asked Lord Chatham if he meant to speak that day?—“Not after what I have told you,” was his Lordship’s answer. His companion then observed, that he did not see why that should prevent him, as the matter communicated bore no sort of relation to the question coming on in the House. “True,” said Lord Chatham; “but when my mind is full of a subject, if once I get on my legs, it is sure to run over.”—E.