Perhaps the greatest indignation
against him was, and is to this day, felt by reason of his treatment
of his two wives, Mrs. Fitzherbert and Queen Caroline. There are some
scandals that never grow old, and I think the story of George's
married life is one of them. It was a real scandal. I can feel it. It
has vitality. Often have I wondered whether the blood with which the
young Prince's shirt was saturate when Mrs. Fitzherbert was first
induced to visit him at Carlton House, was merely red paint, or if, in
a frenzy of love, he had truly gashed himself with a razor. Certain it
is that his passion for the virtuous and obdurate lady was a very real
one. Lord Holland describes how the Prince used to visit Mrs. Fox, and
there indulge in `the most extravagant expressions and actions--
rolling on the floor, striking his forehead, tearing his hair, falling
into hysterics, and swearing that he would abandon the country, forego
the crown, &c.' He was indeed still a child, for Royalties, not being
ever brought into contact with the realities of life, remain young far
longer than other people. Cursed with a truly royal lack of self-
control, he was unable to bear the idea of being thwarted in any wish.
Every day he sent off couriers to Holland, whither Mrs.
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