They  could  not  behold  the  workings  of  the  heart,  the  quiv-
ering lips,  the  trickling  tears,  the  loud  and  yet  tremulous
joys  of  the  millions  whom  their  vote  of  this  night  would
for  ever  save  from  the  cruelty  of  corrupted  power.— But
though  they  could  not  directly  see  the  effect,  was  not  the
true  enjoyment  of  their  benevolence  increased  by  the
blessing  being  conferred  unseen?  Would  not  the  omnipo-
tence of  Britain  be  demonstrated  to  the  wonder  of  nations,
by  stretching  its  mighty  arm  across  the  deep,  and  saving
by  its  fiat  distant  millions  from  destruction  ?  And  would
the  blessings  of  the  people  thus  saved  dissipate  in  empty
air  ?  No !  If  I  may  dare  to  use  the  figure,  we  shall  con-
stitute heaven  itself  our  proxy,  to  receive  for  us  the  bless-
ings of  their  pious  gratitude,  and  the  prayers  of  their
thanksgiving.  It  is  with  confidence,  therefore,  Sir,  that  I
move  you  on  this  charge,

«c  That  Warren  Hastings  be  impeached."
But  however  justly  admired  this  speech  was,  Mr*  She-
ridan is  allowed  to  have  surpassed  himself  in  summing
up  the  same  charge  before  the  lords  in  June  1788.  He
resumed,  or  rather  continued  the  subject  for  four  days
with  a  vigor  of  genius  which  seemed  to  derive  increasing
energy  from  unabated  exertion.  After  this  pause  on  the
second  day  (June  5th)  when  the  high  Court  of  Parlia-
liament  had  adjourned  from  Westminster  Hall,  and  die
commons  were  assembled  in  their  own  chamber,  the  de-
bate which  ensued  afforded  Mr.  Burke  an  opportunity  of
paying  him  the  following  highly-finished,  but  well-deserv-
ed compliment.
