vely agreed to my
lord's having the nomination to the three boroughs during his own life.

_Sir Per_. Why yes,--in the first sketch of the agreement, I believe I did
consent:--but at that time, man, my lord's affairs did not appear to be
half so desperate, as I now find they turn out.--Sir, he must acquiesce in
whatever I demand, for I have got him intill sic an a hobble that he
cannot----

_Plaus_. No doubt, Sir Pertinax, you have him absolutely in your power.

_Sir Per_. Vary weel:--And ought rial a man to make his vantage of it?

_Plaus_. No doubt you ought;--no manner of doubt.--But, Sir Pertinax,
there is a secret spring in this business, that you do not seem to
perceive;--and which, I am afraid, governs the matter respecting these
boroughs.

_Sir Per_. What spring do you mean, counsellor?

_Plaus_. Why this Serjeant Eitherside,--I have some reason to think that
my lord is tied down by some means or other to bring the serjeant in, the
very first vacancy, for one of these boroughs;--now that, I believe, is
the sole motive why the serjeant is so strenuous that my lord should keep
the boroughs in his own power;--fearing that you might reject him for some
man of your own.

_Sir Per_. Odswunds and death! Plausible, you are clever,--devilish
clever.--By the blood, you have hit upon the vary string that has made aw
thjs discord.--Oh! I see it,--I see it now.--But hauld--hauld--bide a wee
bit--a wee bit, man;--I have a thought come intill my head--yes--I think,
Plausible, that with a little twist in our negotiation that this vary
string, properly tuned, may be still made to produce the vary harmony we
wish for.--Yes, yes! I have it: this serjeant, I see, understands
business--and, if I am not. mistaken, knows how to take a hint.

_Plaus_. O! nobody better, Sir Pertinax.

_Sir Per_. Why then, Plausible, the short road is always the best with sic
a man.--You. must even come up till his mark at once, and assure him from
me--that I will secure him a seat for one of these vary boroughs.

_Plaus_. O! that will do, Sir Pertinax--that will do, I'll answer for't.

_Sir Per_. And further--I beg you will let him know that I think myself
obliged to consider him in this affair, as acting for me as weel as for my
lord,--as a common friend till baith:--and for the services he has already
done us, make my special compliments till him--and pray let this amicable
bit of paper be my faithful advocate to convince him of what my gra