Note 226 — PART THE SECOND. (continued 3)
Reading edition
The secret influence, here mentioned, was at this time, and often afterwards, said to be employed by the Court; and, being highly unconstitutional, was frequently adverted to, in strong language of reprehension, in the House of Commons. Mr. Powys, afterwards Lord Lilford, called it "a fourth estate in the realm;" and Mr. Burke denominated it "a power behind the throne greater than the throne itself."