Note 65 — Chapter VIII

Before her formal introduction, however, the Countess had exchanged letters with her Grace, at the express request of the Rev. Moses Browne, who acted as the Duke’s chaplain, when his Grace did not himself officiate in that capacity; for he thought it not unbecoming his station as a peer of the realm to lead the prayers of his family. Mr. Browne was an eye-witness of the Duke’s singular worth, and had begun to taste his favours when he was taken to his eternal rest. “Had the Duke lived (observes Mr. Hervey), poor Browne would have met with the encouragement he deserves. He loved and fully intended to have served him.” A short poem, called “Percy Hill,” was written by Mr. Browne, at the request of the Duke and Duchess, but was not published till 1756, after the death of both.