Page:Paul Clifford Vol 3.djvu/246

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238
PAUL CLIFFORD.

the same high office as Sir William Brandon, earn an equal reputation in so short a time. The Whigs are accustomed to sneer at us, when we insist on the private virtues of our Ministers. Let them look to Sir William Brandon, and confess that the austerest morals may be linked with the soundest knowledge and the most brilliant genius. The opening address of the learned Judge to the jury at ——, is perhaps the most impressive and solemn piece of eloquence in the English language!"—A cause for this eulogium might haply be found in another part of the paper, in which it was said, "Among the higher circles, we understand, the rumour has gone forth, that Sir William Brandon is to be recalled to his old parliamentary career in a more elevated scene. So highly are this gentleman's talents respected by his Majesty and the Ministers, that they are, it is reported, anxious to secure his assistance in the Cabinet, and of course, as his station precludes him from the Commons, in the House of Lords!"

When Dummie had spelt his "toilsome march" through the first of the above extracts, he turned