He was “free to confess”—(whence comes this phrase?
Is ’t English? No—’tis only parliamentary)
That Innovation’s spirit now-a-days
Had made more progress than for the last century.
He would not tread a factious path to praise,
Though for the public weal disposed to venture high;
As for his place, he could but say this of it,
That the fatigue was greater than the profit.