A fellow, whose father was a butcher, desiring a lawyer to be a referee in some little brangle between him and his neighbour, complained that the lawyer excused himself in the following manner: Sir, I am your most humble servant, but dare not venture to interfere in the quarrels of you great men., Which I take to be just of a piece with Harlequin's swearing upon his honour. Jealousies, quarrels, and other ruptures, are as frequent between neighbouring squires, and from the same motives; the former wrangling about their meres and bounds, as the others do about their frontiers. The detestable tyranny and op. pression of landlords are visible in every part of the kingdom. created earl of Mornington and viscount Wellesley, Aug. 25, 1760; and dying May 22, 1784, was succeeded by Richard, second earl, who was, December 2, 1799, advanced to the dignity of Marquis Wellesley, of Norrah, in Ireland, for his signal services as governor-general of India. J. Damer, esq. of the county of Tipperary. See vol. xvi p. 209. A LETTER A LETTER TO THE KING AT ARMS. FROM A REPUTED ESQUIRE, ONE OF THE SUBSCRIBERS TO THE BANK. SIR, IN November 18, 1721. a late printed paper, containing some notes and queries upon that list of the subscribers' names which was published by order of the commissioners for receiving subscriptions, I find some hints and inuendoes that would seem to insinuate, as if I and some others were only reputed esquires; and our case is referred to you, in your kingly capacity. I desire you will please to let me know the lowest price of a real esquire's coat of arms: and if we can agree, I will give my bond to pay you out of the first interest I receive for my subscription; because things are a little low with me at present, by throwing my whole fortune into the bank, having subscribed for five hundred pounds sterling. I hope you will not question my pretensions to this title, when I let you know that my godfather was a justice of peace, and I myself have been often a keeper of it. My father was a leader and commander of horse, in which post he rode before the greatest lords of the land; and, in long marches, he alone presided over the baggage, advancing directly before it. My mother kept open house in Dublin, where several hundreds were supported with meat and drink bought at her own charge, or with her personal credit, until some some envious brewers and butchers forced her, to retire. As to myself, I have been for several years a foot officer; and it was my charge to guard the carriages, behind which I was commanded to stick close, that they might not be attacked in the rear. I have had the honour to be a favourite of several fine ladies; who each of them, at different times, gave me such coloured knots and public marks of distinction, that every one knew which of them it was to whom I paid my address. They would not go into their coach without me, nor willingly drink unless I gave them the glass with my own hand. They allowed me to call them my mistresses, and owned that title publicly: I have been told, that the true ancient employment of a squire was to carry a knight's shield, painted with his colours, and coat of arms. This is what I have witnesses to produce that I have often done; not indeed in a shield, like my predecessors, but that which is full as good, I have carried the colours of a knight upon my coat. I have likewise borne the king's arms in my hand, as a mark of authority; and hung them painted before my dwelling-house, as a mark of my calling: so that I may truly say, his majesty's arms have been my supporters. I have been a strict and constant follower of men of quality. I have diligently pursued the steps of several squires, and am able to behave myself as well as the best of them, whenever there shall be occasion. I desire it may be no disadvantage to me, that, by the new act of parliament going to pass for preserving the game, I am not yet qualified to keep keep a greyhound. If this should be the test of Your friend, and servant to command, Postscript. |