THE UNION OF ENGLAND AND SCOTLAND. 25

none knew but Mrs. Veal and myself that the gown had been scoured.’
To this crushing piece of evidence, it seems that neither Mr. Veal (nor any
other assailant of Mrs. Bargrave) could invent any sufficient reply. One
can almost fancy De Foe chuckling as he concocted the refinements of this
most marvellous narrative.

We pass from the “Apparition of Mrs. Veal” to the poem of ‘‘ Jure
Divino,” published on the 20th of July 1706. The reasoning in it, as
Forster says, is better than the poetry; but much of the’verse is vigorous,
and its forcible advocacy of constitutional principles made it popular with
large masses of the people. In this, as in other works, De Foe lays claim
to be considered as the real founder of the Moderate Whigs—of the political
party represented at a later period by Fox, Huskisson, Russell, and Grey.

The year 1706 was rendered remarkable in English history by the legis-
lative movement in favour of a union between England and Scotland. AsI
have already stated, this was a favourite idea of De Foe’s, which he had
pressed upon King William; and it was his good fortune now to be con-.
cerned in its realization. By the advice of the ministers Harley and
Godolphin he was despatched on a mission to Scotland; and he rendered
effectual service in bringing to a successful issue the greatest measure of
statesmanship which for years had been submitted to an English Parliament.
He seems to have gained the esteem and good-will of all the Scotch officials
and illustrious Scotchmen with whom his duties brought him into contact;
and he certainly learned to admire the Scotch character, becoming thence-
forth a warm and vigorous advocate of the Scottish people. The Act of
Union was ratified by the Scotch Parliament on the 16th of January 1707;
by the English, on the 6th of March. Probably no measure ever concluded
between two allied nations has proved more fruitful in the happiest results
for both. Well might De Foe regard with honest pride his share in a
work so noble; and well may both England and Scotland love and honour
the memory, not only of the great novelist, but of the generous and sagacious
politician.

There are few better, and certainly no more interesting, narratives of the
circumstances attending this memorable event than that which is embodied
in De Foe’s own “ History of the Union,” published some years afterwards,
and written with unusual care.

In 1708 Harley was dismissed from the Cabinet; but-as Godolphin con-
tinued in it, De Foe did not cease to give it his active support, though he
deeply felt the unmerited disgrace in which his liberal patron was involved.
He was at this time specially favoured by the Queen, and was again sent to
Scotland on a particular service, whose details do not seem certainly known
to any of his biographers. Soon afterwards the Godolphin Ministry fell, and
Harley formed an Administration, of which he became the acknowledged
head. De Foe supported him, so far as he approved of his measures, with
characteristic energy ; but with equally characteristic honesty, he did not