wisdom.

Beyond sat John Locke, abstruse philosopher, a man thinner and darker
than his _confrère_, with large full orb, with the brow of the student
and the man of thought. In dignity he shared with the learned gentleman
sitting near him.

All those at the board looked with some intentness at the figure of the
young man from the North, who came as the guest of Montague. With small
formality, the latter rose and advanced to meet Law with an eager grasp
of the hand. He made him known to the others present promptly, but with
a half apology.

"Gentlemen," said he, "I have made bold to ask the presence with us of a
young man who has much concerned himself with problems such as those
which we have now in hand. Sir Isaac Newton, this is Mr. Law of
Edinboro'. Mr. Law, the fame of John Locke I need not lay before you,
and of my Lord Somers you need no advice. Mr. Law, I shall pray you to
be seated.

"I shall but serve as your mouthpiece to the Court, gentlemen," resumed
Montague, seating himself and turning at once to the business of the
day. "We are all agreed as to the urgency of the case. The king needs
behind him in these times a contented people. You have already seen the
imminence of a popular discontent which may shake the throne of England,
none too safe in these days of change. That we must reorganize the
coinage is understood and agreed. The question is, how best to do this
without further unsettling the times. My Lord Keeper, I must beg you for
your suggestions."