[291] The same charge is brought against Sir Fletcher Norton by Junius (Letter 39), who applies to him the lines of Ben Jonson, describing the lawyer who Gives forked counsel; takes provoking gold _On either hand_, and puts it up; So wise, so grave, of so perplexed a tongue, And _loud_ withal, that would not wag, nor scarce Lie still, _without a fee_. Though Norton had the character at the bar of being the reverse of a liberal practitioner, it is very improbable that Walpole’s assertion, “that he took money from both parties” in a suit, should be literally correct. He had too many rivals as well as enemies in the profession, to admit of such conduct remaining unpunished; but it is not uncommon for a counsel to feel himself bound _in honour_ to refuse a brief which he could not accept without using knowledge acquired while employed by parties who had a different interest, until he has given those parties the option of employing him again; and Norton’s eagerness for gain made him take a very narrow view of such questions.--E. [292] Only son of the Earl of Derby, and Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster. [293] William Aislabie, auditor of the imprest, son of Mr. Aislabie, who was concerned in the South-Sea scheme in the reign of George I. [294] The Report of the Committee is given in the Parliamentary Debates, vol. xv. 1286. It is a very interesting document, but the only fruit of it was a Resolution, “That it is the opinion of the House that the present state of the mad-houses in this kingdom requires the interposition of the Legislature.”--E. [295] This does not include those who died of their wounds. [296] George Onslow, only son of the late Speaker. [297] Sir Henry Liddel, Lord Ravensworth, father of the Duchess of Grafton, a connection to which he probably owed the favourable notice of him in the author’s Memoirs of George II., vol. i. p. 265.--E. [298] One of the Duke of Devonshire’s brothers, and Lord of the Bedchamber to the Duke. A very gallant officer, who had frequently distinguished himself during the war.--E. [299] Maria, second daughter of Sir Edward Walpole. [300] Sir Francis Dashwood. [301] Hugh Hume, Earl of Marchmont; called in his father’s time Lord Polwarth, and a great friend of Pope. He generally succeeded best in reply, for he could then best employ the fire and acrimony which formerly made him shine in opposition.--E. [302] George Lord Lyttelton, Chancellor of the Exchequer in the late reign; another friend of Pope, and Author of Dialogues of the Dead, Life of King Henry II., &c. [Vide Walpole’s Memoirs of Geo. II., vol. i. p. 175, for his character, and many particulars of his public life, written in no friendly spirit.--E.]