The Last War
MR. PITT, speaking in the House of Commons of the glorious war which
preceded the disastrous one in which we lost the colonies, called it
the last war. Several members cried out, The last war but one. He
took no notice; and soon after, repeating the mistake, he was
interrupted by a general cry of The last war but one,--the last war but
one.--I mean, sir, said Mr. Pitt, turning to the speaker, and raising
his sonorous voice,--I mean, sir, the last war that Britons would wish
to remember. Whereupon the cry was instantly changed into an
universal cheering, long and loud.
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