disputed the legality of
such a proceeding, was compelled, at length, to comfort himself with
the improbability of the young Master of Ravenswood's finding friends in
parliament capable of stirring in so weighty an affair.

"Do not comfort yourself with that false hope," said his wily friend;
"it is possible that, in the next session of Parliament, young
Ravenswood may find more friends and favour even than your lordship."

"That would be a sight worth seeing," said the Keeper, scornfully.

"And yet," said his friend, "such things have been seen ere now, and in
our own time. There are many at the head of affairs even now that a few
years ago were under hiding for their lives; and many a man now dines
on plate of silver that was fain to eat his crowdy without a bicker; and
many a high head has been brought full low among us in as short a space.
Scott of Scotsarvet's Staggering State of Scots Statesmen, of which
curious memoir you showed me a manuscript, has been outstaggered in our
time."

The Lord Keeper answered with a deep sigh, "That these mutations were no
new sights in Scotland, and had been witnessed long before the time of
the satirical author he had quoted. It was many a long year," he said,
"since Fordun had quoted as an ancient proverb, 'Neque dives, neque
fortis, sed nec sapiens Scotus, praedominante invidia, diu durabit in
terra.'"

"And be assured, my esteemed friend," was the answer, "that even your
long services to the state, or deep legal knowledge, will not save you,
or render your estate stable, if the Marquis of A---- comes in with
a party in the British Parliament. You know that the deceased Lord
Ravenswood was his near ally, his lady being fifth in descent from the
Knight of Tillibardine; and I am well assured that he will take young
Ravenswood by the hand, and be his very good lord and kinsman. Why
should he not? The Master is an active and stirring young fellow, able
to help himself with tongue and hands; and it is such as he that
finds friends among their kindred, and not those unarmed and unable
Mephibosheths that are sure to be a burden to every one that takes them
up. And so, if these Ravenswood cases be called over the coals in the
House of Peers, you will find that the Marquis will have a crow to pluck
with you."

"That would be an evil requital," said the Lord Keeper, "for my long
services to the state, and the ancient respect in which I have held his
lordship's honourable family and