The fact that gout made movement painful to the Queen, was probably the reason why she so seldom visited the theatre; but that she enjoyed a good play was evident, for the actors of both houses were occasionally commanded to appear before her at the Court of St. James, when the tragedies or comedies of Shakespeare or Dryden were performed.

However, she far preferred sport to art, and in her younger days had been devoted to hunting. When increasing corpulency prevented her riding to hounds, she " gave herself the divertisement of hunting" in an open calash, in which she would sometimes ride above. forty miles. Her Majesty's interest in horse flesh was so great that she had a residence at Newmarket, which she frequently visited, and where she kept racers under the superintendence of Tregonwell Frampton, known as the father of the turf, the oldest and cunningest jockey in England, who made as light of throwing away five hundred or a thousand pounds at a time, as another man would his pocket money; and was as calm, cheerful, and unconcerned when he lost as when he won. Both the Queen and Prince George continually gave prizes of gold plate value a hundred guineas to be run for; but whether her own horses ever won one of these is uncertain, though it is true she gained a prize at the York races worth fourteen. pounds.

CHAPTER II

The Duke of Marlborough's Ardent Letters to His Wife -The Victory of Blenheim-Rejoicings in London -Thanksgiving in St. Paul's-Procession of the Trophies of War-Substantial Rewards to perpetuate the Memory of Great Services-The Ancient and Royal Manor of Woodstock-Its Historic Associations-The building of Blenheim Palace— A Magnificent Miniature-The Prince of Wales and his Sister Anne-Proposals to invite the Electress Sophia to England-The Queen's DispleasureGrowing Estrangement between Her Majesty and Her Favourite-Complaints of a Cold Letter-The Duchess writes plainly-Lord Sunderland is made Secretary of State-The Victory of Ramillies-Fresh Rejoicings followed by New Favours to the Duke -The Duchess coldly thanks her SovereignErection of Marlborough House-The Oak King Charles planted-The Queen humbly explains.

M

CHAPTER II

EANWHILE the Duke of Marlborough was commanding the allied armies abroad in the midst of almost insurmountable difficulties, that would have driven an ordinary man to despair. For he was not only obliged to plan great campaigns, fight battles, and endure weary marches, but to satisfy the Dutch deputies, to pacify mercenary and sluggish German princes and British ministers, to conciliate the jealousies of foreigners as well as of his own followers, to answer dispatches which poured in on him from every court in Europe, and to suffer fatigue and anxiety, fever and ague that brought insufferable headaches and dimness of sight in their train.

Anxious to share his troubles and care for his health, his wife had more than once asked permission to join him; but this he would not hear of, at a time when he could not ensure her comfort or safety. However, though he might spend fourteen hours in the saddle or be racked by headache, he found time to write to her whom he usually terms " My dear soul." In one of his letters written in May, 1704, he says that one

of hers (which seems to have been unusually affectionate), had almost gone astray, and adds, "I would not for anything in my power it had been lost; for it is so very kind that I would in return lose a thousand lives if I had them, to make you happy." In compliance with her wishes he had taken from his strong box the last note she wrote him and burnt it, but he asks permission to keep this, that he may have the pleasure of reading it often, and that it may be found amongst his belongings when he is dead; for, he continues, “I do this minute love you better than I ever did in my life before. life before. This letter of This letter of yours has made me so happy, that I do from my soul wish we could retire and not be blamed. What you propose as to coming over, I should be extremely pleased with; for your letter has so transported me, that I think you would be happier in being here than where you are, although I should not be able to see you often. But you will see it would be impossible for you to follow me; but love me as you do now, and no hurt can follow me. You have by this kindness preserved my quiet and I believe my life; for till I had this letter, I had been very indifferent of what should become of myself."

All his correspondence express the same tender affection, and generally speak of his hopes of ending his days quietly with her, whilst he continually refers to the violent headaches that distract him.

It has been stated that since the days of the Crusades, Europe had never been never been so generally excited, so