LIFE OF MYTTON. 65 



me a pen and ink," said he, casting his eye over the 

 amount: and, scratching the words, ''Right, John 

 Mytton," with his usual expedition, under it, ex- 

 claimed, " There, take it to my agent, and get the 

 money." As may be supposed, the joy of this man 

 was excessive, but its outbreak was reserved until he 

 saw the agent at Oswestry draw a cheque at sight 

 for the entire sum. It was then no longer to be 

 restrained, and thus did the dealer in dogs, foxes, 

 pheasants, and monkeys, ei hoc genus omne, give vent 

 to the noble feelings of his nature. " Oh, my dear 

 sir," said he, " what can I do for you, in return for alli 

 this kindness ? " "I have done you no kindness,"' 

 said the agent ; " the only favour you can confer 

 upon me is, never to let me see or hear of you again." 

 This, however, did not satisfy the pheasant-merchant, 

 who was anxious, if not to make a display of his 

 gratitude, at all events to propitiate the good-will of 

 the agent, and once more addressed him, " Pray, 

 sir," said he, " are you a married gentleman .'' " On 

 being answered in the affirmative, the nature of the 

 donation was determined upon. " Then, sir," added 

 he, " allow me to present your lady wiJi a vionkey ! " 

 Well might the man of law have exclaimed — 



" Quicquid id est, timeo Danaos et dona ferentes ; " 



E 



