ase like yours, and for once
show themselves disposed to be honest men and gentlemen; indeed, I have
no doubt they will, for having so deservedly an infamous character, they
would be glad to get themselves a little credit by a presentation which
could not possibly be traced to jobbery or favouritism.' The writer
begged his friend to give himself no trouble about the matter, as he was
not desirous of the appointment, being in tolerably easy circumstances,
and willing to take some rest after a life of labour. All, however, that
he could say was of no use, his friend indignantly observing that the
matter ought to be taken entirely out of his hands, and the appointment
thrust upon him for the credit of the country. 'But may not many people
be far more worthy of the appointment than myself?' said the writer.
'Where?' said the friendly Radical. 'If you don't get it it will be made
a job of, given to the son of some steward, or, perhaps, to some quack
who has done dirty work. I tell you what, I shall ask it for you, in
spite of you; I shall, indeed!' and his eyes flashed with friendly and
patriotic fervour through the large pair of spectacles which he wore.

And, in fact, it would appear that the honest and friendly patriot put
his threat into execution. 'I have spoken,' said he, 'more than once to
this and that individual in Parliament, and everybody seems to think that
the appointment should be given to you. Nay, that you should be forced
to accept it. I intend next to speak to Lord A---.' {376a} And so he
did, at least, it would appear so. On the writer calling upon him one
evening, about a week afterwards, in order to take leave of him, as the
writer was about to take a long journey for the sake of his health, his
friend no sooner saw him than he started up in a violent fit of
agitation, and glancing about the room, in which there were several
people, amongst others two Whig members of Parliament, said: 'I am glad
you are come, I was just speaking about you. This,' said he, addressing
the two members, 'is so-and-so, the author of so-and-so, the well-known
philologist; as I was telling you, I spoke to Lord A--- this day about
him, and said that he ought forthwith to have the head appointment in
---; {376b} and what did the fellow say? Why, that there was no
necessity for such an appointment at all, and if there were, why--And
then he hummed and ha'd. Yes,' said he, looking at the writer, 'he did,
indeed. What a