By these and similar arts, added to a considerable degree of acuteness, and a popularity which he had long acquired among farmers, graziers, and individuals of that description, in his former character of attorney, he certainly obtained very extensive practice. He contrived also to make himself so acceptable and so useful to an individual of high rank and influence, that he obtained a responsible and extremely lucrative appointment. At the same time, he undertook the conduct of a cause of great intricacy and importance, for a pauper. The incident was this: an extensive and valuable landed property, with a large mansion annexed, had been for a long time in abeyance. The whole was not worth less than 30,000_l._ On failure of male issue, the descendants on the female side put in their claim, among whom this pauper stood foremost. The Barrister, however, was so convinced of the solidity of his title, which of course he examined, and re-examined, and cross-examined, with indefatigable assiduity, that he undertook to carry this man and his cause through every court in the kingdom, upon certain conditions; and moreover, he engaged to supply his client with a guinea per week for his support, during the process. The conditions were, that if the Barrister succeeded in gaining the cause, in consideration of taking upon himself all the risk, expences, and labour, he should enjoy the estate, whilst the claimant was to receive an annuity for life of three hundred pounds. In the mean time, the reign of taste extended itself beyond its ordinary limits. Books were multiplied without end—duplicates, triplicates, and quadruplicates. There was also a fine and extensive library in chambers in one of the Inns of Court. Bronzes of great curiosity purchased—old china of very great expence, procured without bounds—a pinery cultivated—with such other pursuits, as indicated greater capacity of mind, than of purse—of liberality, than discretion. Let it be remembered also, and recorded to his honour, that in the interval of his greatest prosperity, he was the avowed friend of literary men, and, as far as his means and influence extended, was their patron also.—He was their liberal and active friend; he accommodated them with his books; and conferred upon many who needed aid, substantial marks of friendship.