cellor, he equalled that nobleman in eloquence, if he did not even surpass him. Churchill, in one of his satires, has thought proper to describe Wedderburne, as "Mute at the bar, but in the Senate loud." No man, however, in public life, possessed more versatility of talents, or abilities better adapted to every situation. He proved himself as refined a courtier at St. James's as he was an able lawyer at Westminster. His defence of Lord Clive, when under accusation before the House of Commons, augmented Wedderburne's legal as well as parliamentary reputation. It had been perpetually progressive since that time, and rendered him, whether a member of the lower or of the upper house, one of the most distinguished ornaments of the long robe." (Wraxall's Own Times, v. ii. p. 54.)

SIR NICHOLAS BACON.

"I have come to the Lord Keeper," says Puttenham, "and found him sitting in his gallery alone, with the works of Quintilian before him. Indeed, he was a most eloquent man, of rare wisdom and learning, as ever I knew England to breed, and one that joyed as much in learned men and good wits; from whose lips I have seen to proceed more grave and natural eloquence than from all the orators of Oxford or Cambridge."

ERASMUS'S CHARACTER OF SIR T. MORE.

"More seems to be made and born for friendship, of which virtue he is a sincere follower and very strict observer. He is not afraid to be accused of having many friends, which, according to Hesiod, is no great praise. Every one may become More's friend; he is not slow in chusing; he is kind in cherishing, and constant in keeping them. If by accident he becomes the friend of one whose vices he cannot correct, he slackens the reins of friendship towards him, diverting it rather by a little and little, than by entirely dissolving it. Those persons whom he finds to be men of sincerity, and consonant to his own virtuous disposition, he is so charmed with, that he appears to place his chief worldly pleasure in their conversation and company. And although More is negligent in his temporal concerns, yet no one is more assiduous than himself in assisting the suits of his friends. Why should I say more? If any person were desirous to have a perfect model of friendship, no one can afford him a better than More. In his conversation there is so much affability and sweetness of manner, that no man can be of so austere a disposition but that More's conversation must make him cheerful; and no matter so unpleasing but that with his wit

he can take away from it all disgust." (Erasm. Epist. ad Ul. Haller.)

LORD CHANCELLOR BATHURST.

"His son (the Lord Chancellor Bathurst) may be considered the least able lawyer to whom the great seal of this country was confided, in the course of the eighteenth century. For Lord King, who became Chancellor under George I. though he survived his faculties and is said to have drivelled on the Bench, originally displayed eminent parts, which deservedly raised him from an obscure origin, his father having been a bookseller at Exeter, to that great legal dignity. Yet Lord Bathurst held his office during seven or eight years, and I have been assured that his decrees, while at the head of the Court of Chancery, are in general regarded by the bar as wise, just, and unexceptionable. He was of all the members of the cabinet the most advanced in age; nor could he, like his father, boast of exemption from the infirmities usually attendant on that period of life. A degree of caducity was visible in the frame, and even his mind did not appear to be wholly exempt from decay. In parliament his talents were rarely exerted; but his unsullied character and moral qualities entitled him to universal respect."(Wraxall's Own Times, v. i. p. 532.)