The Massachusetts spy, and Worcester County advertiser. [volume] ([Worcester, Mass.]) 1825-1831, 1825-07-06
.ANECDOTE OFL.4.NES l.

There was one F2TSusoH, an lbiHhue
of King James l., who, being about the
same age, had been Play-feliow with
him when they we're young, came with
him into England. and extending the
rights Of friendship too far. frequently
took the liberty of advising, and some
times admouishing or rather reproving
his Sovereign. He was man truly
.honest-his councils were disinteresled
with view to himself having decent
patrimory of his own.--The King was,
however. sften vexed by his freedoms,
and at length said to him. between jest
and earnest, "You are perpetually CEN
sur,ng my conduct. I'll make you a
King some time or other, and try you"
Accordingly, one day, the Court being
very jovial, it came into his maJesty's
head 10 execute this project, and calling
10 Ferguson, he ordered him into the
Chair Of State, bidding him there to
play the King, while, for his part, he
would personate Johnny Furguson.
This farce was. In the beginning, very
agreeable to the whole company. The
mock Sovereign put on the airs of Roy
atty. talked to those about him in a
strain like that of the real one, only
with less pedantry.--They were inf
nately pleased with the joke; and here
was perfect comedy, till the unlucky
xnave turned the tables, came all of a
sudden to moraliZe on the vanity of
honour, wealth and pleasure; to talk OF
The insincerity, Venalliy, and corruption
of courtiers and servants of the crown
how entirely they had theic own inter-
-ests at heart, and how generally their
pretended zeal and assiduity were the
disguise of falsehood and hattery. This
-discourse made change on some of
their CONFERENCE.-THE even the real
Monarch did not relish it altogether.
He was afraid it might have some effect
upon his minions, and lessen the tribute
of adulation they were used TO offer
with great profusion, when they found
how this wag observed and animadvert-
+. ed on it. But the monitor did not stop
here--he levelled particular satire at
the King, which put an end TO the en-
sertainment, ard made his Majesty re-
pent ofany introductlonit, some foreigners
of distinction being present; for it paint
ed him 10 his true colours, as one that
never loved a wise man nor rewarded
an honest one, unless they sacrificed to
his vanity, while he loaded those who
prostiiuted themselves to his will, with
wealth and honor. For the mimic point
ed directly to James, (who was to per-
senate Ferguson,) raising his voice,
"There," said he, "stands man whom
would have you imitdie-the honest
creature was the comrade of my child
mood, and regards me with cordial affec-
ton TO the present moment--he has tes-
tilted his friendship by all the means in
his Power--sludying my welfare, guard
ing me from evil counsellors, prompt
ing me to princely actions, and warning
me of every danger; for all which be
never asked me any thing; and, by
Jove, though have squandered thou
sands on several of you, yet, in the
whole course of my life, | never gave
him fartbing." The King, nettled by
his sarcasm, cried out to Ferguson.
sAugh you pauky loun; what wad
you be at ? Ava off my throne, and let's
ihae ma mair q your nainsance.'
London Paper.