MEMOIRS, &c. &c. AMONGST the Potentates of Europe, not one can boast of so fine a progeny as the monarch of these realms. Himself, the pattern of every domestic virtue, he beheld with delight his offspring arriving at maturity, and in the midst of them he shone like a patriarch of old, surrounded by the dearest objects of his affections. Within the circle of his family he found a solace from the cares of royalty; and in their affectionate endearments a relief from the duties of executive power. Amongst his progeny, his elder son, the present Regent, shone conspicuous for manly beauty, for princely accomplishments, and for mental endowments. Gifted with a high and noble spirit, in the gay and volatile season of youth, he roamed from beauty to beauty; which, like the fruit bursting with luxuriance, fell spontaneously within his power. That the affections of an indi, vidual of so exalted a rank, and of accomplishments so rare, should not be considered as a prize D of intrinsic value, can only be questioned by those whose knowledge of the world and of man is confined within very narrow bounds. The coldblooded alliances of royalty, which are formed on the basis of political connexions, and established on the ground of national aggrandizement, carry with them something repugnant to the generous feelings of spontaneous affection. The heart partakes not in the choice, and disgust and aversion are too often the result of these misshapen marriages. As the heir apparent to these realms, the residence of the Prince of Wales was necessarily restricted within the limits of the kingdom, and consequently no personal acquaintance could be formed with any of the Princesses of the foreign courts, worthy of receiving his hand, and being elevated to the high rank of Consort to the presumptive monarch of one of the most powerful nations of the world. The interests of the nation however required, for the purpose of establishing a legitimate succession to the throne, that a matrimonial alliance should be formed between the Prince of Wales and a foreign Princess, and the necessary arrangements were made for the purpose. It is certain that the first idea of the establishment of the Prince originated with a great personage; and by him was the illustrious female selected, who was to be the destined partner of his son on the British throne. His late Serene Highness Charles William Ferdinand, Duke of Brunswick Wolfenbüttel, was married to her Royal Highness the Princess Augusta, sister to his present Majesty. Amongst the issue of this marriage, was Caroline Louisa, who, at the age of twenty-six, was invited to become the consort of her cousin, the Prince of Wales. It appears from well authenticated documents that this marriage had been long upon the tapis in the royal circle, before any official notice of it was communicated to the Cabinet; and the first intimation which the ministers of state received of it, was the royal command to institute the necessary preparations for the embassy, and other forms attendant on matters of that high importance. An application was then made to Parliament for a suitable provision for the royal pair, and Carlton-House was to be furnished with all possible magnificence for their reception. It was stipulated that the Prince on his marriage should be exonerated from his debts, and his annual allowance was accordingly raised from 60,000/. to 125,000l. a year; out of which sum 25,000/, were set apart for the discharge of his debts. To this were added 27,000l. for preparations for the marriage; 28,000l. for jewels and plate, and 26,000l. for the completion of Carlton-House. The Juno of 50 guns, two yachts, four frigates, and two sloops of war, were appointed to escort this illustrious female to the British shores, and, to give every possible eclat to the mission, the Prince despatched some of his principal officers of state to attend on the Princess, and maids of honour were specially appointed for the purpose. The eyes of the whole nation were now directed to the arrival of the Princess of Brunswick; congratulatory addresses were prepared, and the powers of poetry were invoked to hail her arrival on British land. Dr. Hurdis, the Professor of Poetry in the University of Oxford, stood the foremost in the poetic ranks; and, in honour of the expected Princess, he called upon all the powers of the air to grant a genial season; and although the inclemency of the weather which succeeded is still remembered, yet the invocation is such as the sternest powers might have heard with complacency. Impending season! to the frozen North Bid the strong gale, and low redundant cloud, Thy feath'ry show'rs, and drift it with thy breath; |