5 JULY 1902, Page 23

THE KING.

[To THE EDITOR OF THE "SPECTATOR."] SIR,—Will you allow me to say a few words of comment on the close of your article in the Spectator of June 28th headed "The King" ? You say :—" For the future we think as well as hope that the King will be judged by comparison with Kings as they have been and are, rather than by comparison with the ideal which each man sets up in his own mind of Kings as they ought to be." I venture to think that if we follow your advice we throw away a splendid opportunity, and neglect a solemn duty. By hoping and praying for others we lift them toward the height of our hopes and prayers. We have heard what were our King's words in a moment that would have called forth less noble ones, I fear, from many of us. If he knows that. we look for his coming ;back to the life regiven full a pure resolves to renounce everything that may still withhold him from being the ideal King, and to be in all things a servant of the Highest, I think he will say—not in spoken word but in secret vow—" I will not disappoint my people." Shall we dishsnour him by a less worthy expecta-