then the chief of the clan Gordon, was presented at the court of James VI., he did not so much as incline his head before his sovereign.  Being asked why he failed in this point of etiquette? he replied, that he had no intention whatever of showing any disrespect to his king, but that he came from a country where all the world were accustomed to bow down before him.  A similar instance occurred with the head of another family.  When George II. offered a patent of nobility to the chief of the Grants, the proud Celt refused it, saying, “Wha would then be Laird of Grant?”

James I. in his progress into England, was entertained at Lumley Castle, the seat of the Earl of Scarborough.  A relation of the noble earl was very proud in showing and explaining to his majesty an immense genealogical chart of the family, the pedigree of which he carried back rather farther than the greatest strength of credulity would allow.  “I gude faith, man,” says the king, “it may be they are very true, but I did na ken before that Adam’s name was Lumley.”

An anecdote is told of a gentleman in Monmouthshire, which exhibits the pride of ancestry in a curious point of view.  His house was in such a state of dilapidation that the proprietor was in danger of perishing under the ruins of the ancient mansion, which he venerated even in decay.  A stranger, whom he accidentally met at the foot of the Skyrrid, made various enquiries respecting the country, the prospects, and the neighbouring houses, and, among others, asked—­“Whose is this antique mansion before us?” “That, sir, is Werndee, a very ancient house; for out of it came the Earls of Pembroke of the first line, and the Earls of Pembroke of the second line; the Lord Herberts of Cherbury, the Herberts of Coldbrook, Ramsay, Cardiff, and York; the Morgans of Acton; the Earl of Hunsdon; the houses of Ircowm and Lanarth, and all the Powells.  Out of this house also, by the female line, came the Duke of Beaufort.”  “And pray, sir, who lives there now?” “I do, sir.”  “Then pardon me, and accept a piece of advice; come out of it yourself, or you’ll soon be buried in the ruins of it.”

A curious anecdote is related respecting a contest for precedence, between the rival Welch Houses of Perthir and Werndee, which, though less bloody, was not less obstinate than that between the Houses of York and Lancaster.  Mr. Proger, of Werndee, dining with a friend at Monmouth, proposed riding home in the evening; but his friend objecting because it was late and likely to rain, Mr. Proger replied, “With regard to the lateness of the hour, we shall have moonlight; and should it happen to rain, Perthir is not far from the road, and my cousin Powell will, I am sure, give us a night’s lodging.”  They accordingly mounted their horses; but being soon overtaken by a violent shower, rode to Perthir, and found all the family retired to rest.  Mr. Proger, however, calling to his cousin, Mr. Powell opened the window, and looking out, asked, “In the name