the observance of customary rules; but elevated to his present distinction, it is plain that he enjoys all the little peculiarities of his office.  Somebody said that he presided in the House of Lords in a bar whig, and instanced the fact as a proof of his reforming temper; but it was not true.  Accident may have obliged him to take his seat in this ungainly form, but he had no purpose of deviating from the ancient full-bottom, and he is now to be seen in all the amplitude of the olden fleece.  In like manner he observes the strict regime, so fantastical to a stranger, of causing counsel to be shouted for from without, although they are actually present; and he adds to the oddness of this custom by receiving them with a most imposing mien, and putting on his chapeau as they advance.  This is a form, for which the model is not to be found in the practice of his immediate predecessors.  It is possible, however, that his extensive and minute reading may have made him aware that Wolsey, peradventure, or some great chancellor of old, had the fancy to be covered when the suppliants approached.  Let any one observe with what studied dignity he performs the duty of announcing the royal assent to Acts of Parliament:  he assumes a solemnity of tone for which his voice is not ill-fitted, but which is unusual with him.  These small circumstances, and many such which might be mentioned, show that State is not uncongenial to his mind.  Why should it?  His weakness consists in the unreal contempt for what is not really contemptible.  With his high notions of office, I should have been surprised if he had foregone the levee; and assuredly he has not reckoned without reason; for a more splendid or flattering pageant could not be witnessed than that which his rooms exhibited.  Unquestionably the most remarkable man in the empire at this moment, it is his fortune to attract the honourable regards of all who are distinguished as compeers.  It is not my intention to offer any estimate of what I conceive to be his genuine worth, as he may be appreciated in a more dispassionate time; I speak of him only as a great man filling a very large space in the consideration of the empire.  Judging from the throng of all classes upon this occasion, whose favour is desirable, no man is more popular * * *.  The Chancellor took his place at a corner of the room, backed by his chaplain, and was soon encircled by the visitants; his dress remarkably plain, being a simple suit of velvet in the court cut.  The names were announced from the bottom of the stairs, and each person as he entered walked up to the Chancellor and offered his respects.  The numbers were so great that it was impossible to devote any marked attention to each; as soon, therefore, as the visiter had made his bow, he retired into the throng, or took his departure through the adjoining room.  I was not present at the first of the levees which were held, and at which the attendance was very distinguished; but a friend who was, spoke very highly of the manner in