LEWIS XI. although an unprincipled Prince, (of whom it was remarkable, that he did not scruple to perjure himself, except when he swore by the leaden Image of the Virgin) was yet very attentive to every circumstance that could increase the wealth and happiness of his subjects. He behaved with the greatest affability to such merchants whose superior knowledge could suggest any means of extending the benefits of commerce; and that he might engage them to be more communicative, he frequently invited them to his table. A merchant, named Mr. John, intoxicated by the familiarity of the King, who very often admitted him in particular to dine with him, took it in his head one day, to request his Majesty to grant him letters of nobility. The King did not refuse his request; but when the new nobleman appeared at court, he affected not to know him. Mr. John, surprised at this unexpected reception, could not forbear complaining of it: “Go about your business, Mr. John, I mean my Lord,” said the King: “When I used to invite you to my table, I considered you as the first of your profession; but now I would insult my nobles, if I would treat you with the same distinction.” THE END. THE HISTORY OF BUCHAVEN IN FIFESHIRE, CONTAINING THE WITTY AND ENTERTAINING EXPLOITS OF WISE WILLIE, AND WITTY EPPY, [Illustration] THE ALE WIFE. WITH A DESCRIPTION OF THEIR COLLEGE, COAT OF ARMS, &C. ADORNED WITH WOODCUTS. PRINTED FOR THE BOOKSELLERS. THE HISTORY OF BUCHAVEN. [Illustration] In the county of Fife, on the sea-cost, there stands a little town, inhabited by few but fishers, called Buckey harbour, because of sea buckies and shells to be found so plenty on the rocks about that place. There is little mention made of this town by historians, to know its original extraction and antiquities, but in their own Burges-ticket, which was partly truth, but more of it by way of lampoon. This Ticket was dated the two and thirtieth day of the month of Julius Cæsar. Their Coat of Arms was two hands gripping each other over a Scate’s rumple. Their oath was, “I wish that de de’il may tak me an I binna an honest man to you, an ye binna de like to me.” An article of good neighbourhood they had, whoever was first up in a good morning, was to raise all the rest to go to sea; but if a very bad morning, piss and go to bed again till break of day, then raise wise Willy, who could judge of the weather by the blawing of the wind. Their freedoms were to take all sorts of fish contained in their tickets, viz.:--Lobsters, partens, podles, spout-fish, sea-cats, sea-dogs, fluks, piks, dick-puddocks, and p--fish. [Illustration]