Lord
Melbourne has acted in this business, as he has always done toward
me, with the greatest kindness and affection."
It was a real wrench to the Queen when the time for parting came.
Melbourne, with his easy-going nature and somewhat free and easy
language, had schooled himself as well as his young pupil, and had
become a friend as well as an adviser. Some words of Greville's might
aptly serve for this great statesman's epitaph:
"It has become his providence to educate, instruct, and form the most
interesting mind and character in the world. No occupation was ever
more engrossing or involved greater responsibility . . . it is
fortunate that she has fallen into his hands, and that he discharges
this great duty wisely, honourably, and conscientiously."
The Queen was equally fortunate in his successor, Sir Robert Peel,
a statesman for whom she had every confidence and respect, "a man
who thinks but little of party and never of himself."
Peel was never afraid of making up his mind and then sticking to his
plan of action, although, as often happened, it brought him into
opposition with members of his own party. In his hands both the Queen
and her husband felt that the interests of the Crown were secure.
Peel naturally felt considerable embarrassment on first taking up
office, as he had given support in the previous year to a motion which
proposed cutting down the Prince's income.
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