England under Charles II. from the Restoration to the Treaty of Nimeguen, 1660-1678: English History from Contemporary Writers
Taylor, W. F.
1889
The Duke of York.
Anthony Hamilton : Mémoires de Gramont, translated. | |
The duke of York was very different [from the king] in character. He had a reputation for undaunted courage; a religious observance of his word; economy in his affairs; application, haughtiness and pride each in their turn. A scrupulous observer of the ties of duty and the laws of justice; he was counted a faithful friend, and an implacable enemy. | |
His morality and justice for some time struggling with his convenience, had at last triumphed, when he acknowledged as his wife Miss Hyde, maid of honour to the Princess Royal, whom he had secretly married in Holland. Her father, from that time Prime Minister of England, supported by this new alliance, soon saw himself at the head of affairs and had almost ruined them. He wanted not capacity: but he had more presumption. | |