LIFE OF MYTTON. 227 



High Court of Chancery, appealed to, to endeavour 

 to stop the final dissipation of the unentailed portion 

 of this fine property, since it is quite evident that for 

 the last several years the unfortunate proprietor was 

 not equal to the management of it ; no, not more so 

 than a child of six years old ? This question is 

 answered in many ways. Mr. Mytton's nearest con- 

 nections were compelled, early in life, to leave him to 

 his fate, their endeavours to save him from ruin 

 having been always rejected by himself He would 

 not, like Savage, spurn the friend who presumed to 

 dictate to him, but he heeded him not. That he 

 was half mad without drink, and rendered quite mad 

 with it, no man who knew him latterly can for a 



to leave his favourite, and therefore took out his handkerchief, tied it to 

 the bridle of his pony and then to his wrist, laid down by the side of his 

 wearied hunter, and went to sleep for the greater part of the night. On 

 the first blush of morning he got up, and finding his pony refreshed, 

 proceeded home, when his appearance dissipated the alarm which had 

 been created by his unaccountable absence. He went to bed for a short 

 period, and in two hours from his arrival at the hall of his ancestors was 

 out ferreting rabbits, quite hearty and well. On being asked if he had 

 not heard any one during the night, he said he had, and within a short 

 distance too ; and on being further asked why he did not call out and 

 make his situation known, he replied he was afraid to do that, as he 

 thought he should be well thrashed for being in the turnip field at that 

 time of night." 



