Volume 1 - Electric Scotland

A REAL JUDGE. 453
Imagine that his " original line " would have led him
to such heights as those on which Scott forestalled
him ; but he was something of a dull man notwithstanding
his gifts—and there is no telling. His own
report of the opinions he had heard of the ' Entail
were " very gratifying" :
—
I had a note on Saturday from Lord Gwydyr telling me
it was much talked of in Brighton, and this morning the
Speaker told me he thought it very amusing. Justice Park,
and he is a judge you will say, thinks it the best of my works
he speaks, however, only of the characters. Our friend Steven-
son, like you and Hamilton, still prefers the 'Annals,' but
chiefly I think because they are written in the first person.
Thomson considers it far the best thing I have done, and show-
ing power above anything in my former sketches. Dr Tilloch
also speaks well of it, but I have not seen him ; and divers
ladies and booksellers speak very favourably.
Brighton was the favourite resort of the king in
those days : hence Gait's intention of dealing with
Christopher North as that ruthless jester dealt with
his many victims :
—
John Gait to W. Blackwood.
Brighton, January 1823.
I shall probably have a letter from Brighton, " Christopher
North at the dinner in the Pavilion to-day." The Ministers
are here, and are to dine there. It wiU be jocular, and I will
attempt to give their character and manners, with some inci-
dental account of the splendours of the unacceptable Elysium
of Paperius [?]. It will be known in this character as coming
from me, but if you keep the secret it will do some good to
' Maga.' Don't let Wilson or Lockhart know I am here. The
"Whigs, you must know, crow not a little at the king's having,
before his illness, paid them so much attention. If I continue
in the humour till I have time to write, it will be my very best
thing. The consternation in perspective is delightful.
':