- John was linefeed lpyal in his employments but faw this was not a reafonable demand i being un-willing to fpeak to the contrary, he replied c My lord, what you have required, which it feems Gil-bert has propofed, I cannot execute myfelf, for it will be too heavy upon the mariners.* € John/ anfwered the earl, c if you will exert yourfelf, the biifinefs will be done/ ( My lord/ replied John, f I will then do every thing in my power/ ' , • Thé conference broke Up, when Gilbert Matthew (whofe only aim was ' to ruin John Lyon in the mind of the earl, to deprive him of his office, fo that, being turned outi it might profit him) went to his fix brothers* and faid to themj v It is now time to affifl: me, which I hope you will do* like good friends and brothers, for it is your caufe I am fighting. I will difcomfit John Lyon without ftriking a blow, and fo ruin him in the opinion of the earl that he (hall be more difliked by the earl than he had before been liked. Now, notwith-ftanding all I may fay or argue at the meeting to be holden, you muft refufe to comply: I will dif-femble, and argue that if John Lyon Would faith-fully acquit himfeif, this ordinance would be obeyed. I know fo well our lord, that fooner than give up his point*% John Lyon will lofe his favour, as well as his office, which will be given to me ; and, when I am in the pofleflion of it yoii will comply with the demand. We are very powerful with the mariners of this town, fo diat noneK)f them will dare oppofe us. I will afterwards fo manage H 2 *' that