Stirling peerage

INTRODUCTION. 83
reproche, — the Crown Lawyers were, on grounds of
public consideration, compelled to interfere and demolish
his assumed plumage.*
As was previously noticed, an action of Declarator
was instituted by Banks, which was defended by the
OflBcers of State. The proceedings in this action were
sisted in consequence of another of Reduction-Improba-
tion, which the defenders brought against Banks and
his fountain of honour, Mr Humphrys, in order to
ascertain the validity of those documents upon which
the latter based his right to assume the earldom.
The writs called for in this case were the brieves in
the general and special services, with all proceedings
thereon, and also the procuratory of resignation given
to Banks. Some of these documents had been ad-
dressed by Mr Humphrys in the action at his instance
for proving the tenor ; and as they had every appear-
ance of being forged, were retained in the hands of the
clerk of Court.
Had Mr Humphrys desired to go correctly, we
need not say fairly, to work, in his endeavour to make
out a claim, he would first, under his general service,
have extinguished, by legal evidence, the whole de-
scendants of the Earl of Stirling, prior to his alleged
ancestor, John, the fourth son. But, on all this part,
he implicitly relies upon, and quotes Douglas' Peerage ;!
• " Complaiae or do what yon will,
Of your complaiDt it shall not skill ;
This is the tenor of my bil,
A daucocke ye be, and so shal be still."
Skelton, Why come ]/e not to Court t
" And make here of a sickel or a saw,
For though ye live a hundred yere ye shall dye a daw."
Ibid. Ware the Haivke.
f This work, even as improved by Wood, is of very doubtful authority.
It is, however, perfection when compared with his Baronage, a book ao
execrable, that it would not even serve as the basis of a new edition.
A Scottish Peerage and Baronetage is much wanted, but there is only