Anne Scott, Duchess of Buccleuch in her own right, had in 1663 married the Duke of Monmouth.

He was executed for high treason in 1683, and three years later his widow married Charles, third Baron Cornwallis.

Though she had not long mourned her first husband, she did not forget that he was on his father's side of the blood royal, and to the end of her days she preserved a regal state, which, however, did not make her unpopular at Court.

"The Princess," wrote Lady Cowper, "loved her mightily, and certainly no woman of her years ever deserved it so well.

She had all the life and fire of youth, and it was marvellous to see that the many afflictions she had suffered had not touched her wit and good nature, but at upwards of three-score she had both in their full perfection." Upon this appointment Dr.Johnson commented: "By quitting a shop for such service Gay might gain leisure, but he certainly advanced little on the boast of independence." As has been seen, however, there was an interval of several years between Gay's apprenticeship and his taking up this position as the Duchess's amanuensis--for it is doubtful if he ever attained to an office more responsible than this--he secured board and lodging, a little pocket money, and no doubt ample leisure.