But of a different order to any of the foregoing was the bitter wit of Lord Ellenborough, who frequently made counsel feel the keen edge of his sarcastic tongue. When Preston, the great con veyancer, gravely stated to the Court of the King's Bench the platitude that an estate in fee simple was the highest estate known to the law of England, the Chief Justice said, with politest irony, Stay, stay, Mr. Preston, let me take that down. An estate (the judge writing as he spoke) — ih fee simple — is the highest estate — known to the law of England.' Thank you, Mr. Preston; the Court, sir, is much indebted to you for the information. And again.