It is alleged in a memoir of the Life of Lord Eldon, that, when plain
John Scott, his zeal for knowledge of the law was so great, that he
abandoned the pursuit of almost every other species of information, and
never sacrificed a moment from his legal studies, beyond what was
absolutely necessary to his health. His brother William, (afterwards
lord Stowell,) with a view of engaging him to meet Dr. Johnson and other
men of distinguished literary talent, would sometimes say, “Where do you
dine to-day?” To this question John’s uniform answer was, “I dine on
Coke to-day.” William would then demur, with a “Nay, but come to my
chambers--you’ll see the doctor;” whereupon John argued, concerning the
doctor, “He can’t draw a bill;” and so the friendly suit concluded.
It is further affirmed, on the best authority, that it was an amusement
in the early legal life of John Scott to turn pieces of poetry into the
form of legal instruments; and that he actually converted the ballad of
“Chevy Chace” into the shape and style of a bill in chancery.
* * * * *
A professional gentleman, who, during his pupilage, was recommended by a
distinguished barrister to commit the following verses to memory, duly
availed himself of that advantage, and obligingly communicates them.
_For the Table Book._