-220 NORTHERN MEMOIRS. 



versies. What profit is there in unprofitable dis- 

 putations ? That genius to me seems disinge- 

 nious and turbulent, that is always angling in 

 tempestuous streams. Our occasion invites us 

 to recreation, not riot. To a description of the 

 country ; not to register her faults, and obliterate 

 her favours. What have we to do with secular 

 affairs ? the management of kingdoms and na- 

 tional concerns is nothing our business ; nor need 

 our curiosity inspect the artificers of the law that 

 fleece the country, whilst Presbyter John writes 

 his funeral- epitaph with Jure Divino. 



Theoph. Our discourse, I perceive, if we be 

 not mindful, will bring us about ; however, the 

 best on't is, here are no hedges to turn us. 



Arn. No, here's an open passage to the glit- 

 tering streams of Trespey, that generously accom- 

 modates the angler, whilst the natives frequent- 

 ly consult the net, for the treasures of pearl, stu- 

 diously concealed in the gravelly deeps. Why 

 should nature's ornaments want admiration, or 

 the industrious angler the fruition of contempla- 

 tion ? 



TJieoph. What fair fabrick is that which stands 

 before us ? 



Arn. Bogagieth, the Marquess of Huntly's 

 palace, all built with stone, facing the ocean ; 

 whose fair front (set prejudice aside) worthily 

 deserves an English man's applause for her lofty 



