an arbitrary government prevails. I hold such a government to be the best that ever was devised; and all your measures appear to me admirably well calculated to render this Government arbitrary, and the king at the head of it despotic. On this principle, as long as ever you continue minister, you may rely upon my voice.’
“I heard this story many years ago, and mentioning it long since to Mr. Andrew Stewart (author of the admirable letters to Lord Mansfield), he said it was certainly true; and that the gentleman was a Scotchman, a Mr. Falkiner, of Selkirk, as well as I recollect.”
The literary club cemented sincere friendship with Dr. Percy, Bishop of Dromore, familiar to students of old verse by Reliques of Ancient English Poetry. Frequent correspondence ensued and continued through life, even when the Bishop becoming blind was obliged to employ the pen of another. Literature formed the usual topic—dear to both in old books, editions, plays, ballads, fragments of criticism on the older writers, inquiries as to the new, loans of what the other did not possess, and of course emendations of Shakspeare. “As I shall soon have an opportunity,” writes the prelate in February, 1785, “of having a parcel of books sent me from London, if you have no particular wish to retain the second edition folio of Shakspeare longer (otherwise I withdraw my request), I should be much obliged if you would be pleased to send it well packed up, directed for me.”
The same letter gives a sorry picture of difficulties
