_Sir Per_. But, zounds! Plausible, do you think I will give up the nomination till three boroughs?--Why I wou'd rather give him twenty, nay thirty thousand pounds in any other part of the bargain:--especially at this juncture, when votes are likely to become so valuable.--Why, man, if a certain affair comes on, they will rise above five hundred per cent. _Plaus_. You judge very rightly, Sir Pertinax;--but what shall we do in this case? for Mr. Serjeant insists that you positively agreed to my lord's having the nomination to the three boroughs during his own life. _Sir Per_. Why yes,--in the first sketch of the agreement, I believe I did consent:--but at that time, man, my lord's affairs did not appear to be half so desperate, as I now find they turn out.--Sir, he must acquiesce in whatever I demand, for I have got him intill sic an a hobble that he cannot---- _Plaus_. No doubt, Sir Pertinax, you have him absolutely in your power. _Sir Per_. Vary weel:--And ought rial a man to make his vantage of it? _Plaus_. No doubt you ought;--no manner of doubt.--But, Sir Pertinax, there is a secret spring in this business, that you do not seem to perceive;--and which, I am afraid, governs the matter respecting these boroughs. _Sir Per_. What spring do you mean, counsellor? _Plaus_. Why this Serjeant Eitherside,--I have some reason to think that my lord is tied down by some means or other to bring the serjeant in, the very first vacancy, for one of these boroughs;--now that, I believe, is the sole motive why the serjeant is so strenuous that my lord should keep the boroughs in his own power;--fearing that you might reject him for some man of your own. _Sir Per_. Odswunds and death! Plausible, you are clever,--devilish clever.--By the blood, you have hit upon the vary string that has made aw thjs discord.--Oh! I see it,--I see it now.--But hauld--hauld--bide a wee bit--a wee bit, man;--I have a thought come intill my head--yes--I think, Plausible, that with a little twist in our negotiation that this vary string, properly tuned, may be still made to produce the vary harmony we wish for.--Yes, yes! I have it: this serjeant, I see, understands business--and, if I am not. mistaken, knows how to take a hint. _Plaus_. O! nobody better, Sir Pertinax. _Sir Per_. Why then, Plausible, the short road is always the best with sic a man.--You. must even come up till his mark at once, and assure him from me--that I will secure him a seat for one of these vary boroughs. _Plaus_. O! that will do, Sir Pertinax--that will do, I'll answer for't.