Leeds proceeded to tell with great complacency a story about himself, which would, in our days, drive a public man, not only out of office, but out of the society of gentlemen.

"When I was Treasurer, in King Charles's time, my Lords, the excise was to be farmed.

There were several bidders.

Harry Savile, for whom I had a great value, informed me that they had asked for his interest with me, and begged me to tell them that he had done his best for them.

'What!' said I; 'tell them all so, when only one can have the farm ?' 'No matter;' said Harry: 'tell them all so; and the one who gets the farm will think that he owes it to me.' The gentlemen came.