diff options
| -rw-r--r-- | .gitattributes | 3 | ||||
| -rw-r--r-- | 12054-0.txt | 1502 | ||||
| -rw-r--r-- | 12054-h/12054-h.htm | 2009 | ||||
| -rw-r--r-- | 12054-h/images/571sup-1.png | bin | 0 -> 144511 bytes | |||
| -rw-r--r-- | 12054-h/images/571sup-2.png | bin | 0 -> 112421 bytes | |||
| -rw-r--r-- | 12054-h/images/571sup-3.png | bin | 0 -> 63401 bytes | |||
| -rw-r--r-- | 12054-h/images/571sup-4.png | bin | 0 -> 33136 bytes | |||
| -rw-r--r-- | 12054-h/images/571sup-5.png | bin | 0 -> 102562 bytes | |||
| -rw-r--r-- | LICENSE.txt | 11 | ||||
| -rw-r--r-- | README.md | 2 | ||||
| -rw-r--r-- | old/12054-8.txt | 1927 | ||||
| -rw-r--r-- | old/12054-8.zip | bin | 0 -> 41137 bytes | |||
| -rw-r--r-- | old/12054-h.zip | bin | 0 -> 501116 bytes | |||
| -rw-r--r-- | old/12054-h/12054-h.htm | 2460 | ||||
| -rw-r--r-- | old/12054-h/images/571sup-1.png | bin | 0 -> 144511 bytes | |||
| -rw-r--r-- | old/12054-h/images/571sup-2.png | bin | 0 -> 112421 bytes | |||
| -rw-r--r-- | old/12054-h/images/571sup-3.png | bin | 0 -> 63401 bytes | |||
| -rw-r--r-- | old/12054-h/images/571sup-4.png | bin | 0 -> 33136 bytes | |||
| -rw-r--r-- | old/12054-h/images/571sup-5.png | bin | 0 -> 102562 bytes | |||
| -rw-r--r-- | old/12054.txt | 1927 | ||||
| -rw-r--r-- | old/12054.zip | bin | 0 -> 41109 bytes |
21 files changed, 9841 insertions, 0 deletions
diff --git a/.gitattributes b/.gitattributes new file mode 100644 index 0000000..6833f05 --- /dev/null +++ b/.gitattributes @@ -0,0 +1,3 @@ +* text=auto +*.txt text +*.md text diff --git a/12054-0.txt b/12054-0.txt new file mode 100644 index 0000000..52590a0 --- /dev/null +++ b/12054-0.txt @@ -0,0 +1,1502 @@ +*** START OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK 12054 *** + +THE MIRROR OF LITERATURE, AMUSEMENT, AND INSTRUCTION. + +Vol. 20 No. 571.] SUPPLEMENTARY NUMBER. [PRICE 2d. + + + + * * * * * + + + +NOTICES OF THE LIFE AND WRITINGS OF THE LATE SIR WALTER SCOTT, BART. + + +With Five Engravings: + + 1. ABBOTSFORD, (_from the Garden_.) + 2. THE ARMOURY. + 3. THE POET'S STUDY. + 4. PORTRAIT--(_from the last painting_.) + 5. DRYBURGH ABBEY. + + +[Illustration: ABBOTSFORD, (FROM THE GARDEN, see page 247.)] + + +Sir Walter Scott was the third son of Walter Scott, Esq., Writer to +the Signet, in Edinburgh, and Anne, daughter of Dr. John Rutherford, +Professor of Medicine in the University of the above city. His +ancestry numbers several distinguished persons; though the well-earned +fame of Sir Walter Scott readers his pedigree comparatively +uninteresting; inasmuch as it illustrates the saw of an olden poet, +that + + Learning is an addition beyond + Nobility of birth: honour of blood, + Without the ornament of knowledge, is + A glorious ignorance. + +SHIRLEY. + +Sir Walter was born at Edinburgh, on the 15th of August, 1771--or, on +the birthday of Napoleon Buonaparte. His father was a man of +prosperous fortune and good report; and for many years was "an elder +in the parish church of Old Grey Friars, while Dr. Robertson, the +historian, acted as one of the ministers. The other clergyman was Dr. +John Erskine, of whom Sir Walter has given an animated picture in his +novel of _Guy Mannering_."[1] Mrs. Scott is described as a +well-educated gentlewoman, possessing considerable natural talents; +though she did not enjoy the acquaintance of Allan Ramsay, Blacklock, +Beattie, and Burns, as has been stated by some biographers. She, +however, advantageously mixed in literary society, and from her +superintendence of the early education of her eldest son, Walter, +there is reason to infer that such advantages may have influenced his +habits and taste. He was the third of a family, consisting of six sons +and one daughter. The cleverest of the sons is stated by Sir Walter to +have been Daniel, a sailor, who died young. Thomas, the next brother +to Sir Walter, was a man of considerable talent, and before the avowal +of the authorship of the Waverley Novels, report ascribed to him a +great part or the whole of them. Sir Walter observes--"Those who +remember that gentleman (of the 70th regiment, then stationed in +Canada) will readily grant, that, with general talent at least equal +to those of his elder brother, he added a power of social humour, and +a deep insight into human character, which rendered him an universally +delightful member of society, and that the habit of composition alone +was wanting to render him equally successful as a writer. The Author +of Waverley was so persuaded of the truth of this, that he warmly +pressed his brother to make such an experiment, and willingly +undertook all the trouble of correcting and superintending the press." +Ill health, however, unfitted Mr. Scott for the task, though "the +author believes his brother would have made himself distinguished in +that striking field, in which, since that period, Mr. Cooper has +achieved so many triumphs."[2] + + [1] Chamber's Life of Sir Walter Scott. + + [2] General Preface to the Waverley Novels, 41 vols. + +The house in which Sir Walter Scott was born no longer exists. It was +situated at the head of the College Wynd, at its entrance into North +College-street. It was thus described by Sir Walter in 1825:--"It +consisted of two flats above Mr. Keith's, and belonged to my father, +Mr. Walter Scott, Writer to the Signet. There I had the chance to be +born, 15th of August, 1771. My father, soon after my birth, removed to +George's Square, and let the house in the College Wynd, first to Mr. +Dundas, of Philipstoun, and afterwards to Mr. William Keith, father of +Sir Alexander Keith. It was purchased by the public, together with Mr. +Keith's (the inferior floors), and pulled down to make way for the new +College." + + +CHILDHOOD. + + +Mr. Cunningham relates some interesting particulars of this period. +Before Sir Walter was two years old, his nurse let him fall out of her +arms, so as to injure his right foot, and render him lame for life: +"This accident did not otherwise affect his health; he was, as I have +been informed by a lady who chanced to live near him, a remarkably +active and dauntless boy, full of all manner of fun, and ready for all +manner of mischief. He calls himself, in one of his introductions to +_Marmion_-- + + A self-willed imp; a grondame's child; + +and I have heard it averred, that the circumstance of his lame foot +prompted him to take the lead among all the stirring boys in the +street where he lived, or the school which he attended: he desired, +perhaps, to show them, that there was a spirit which could triumph +over all impediments."[3] If this statement be correct, it is a +somewhat remarkable coincidence with the circumstance of Lord Byron's +lameness; though, happily, the influence of the accident on the +temperament of Scott is not traceable beyond his early years. + + [3] Life of Sir Walter Scott; in the Athenaeum, No. 258. + +Sir Walter was subsequently removed from Edinburgh, for the +improvement of his health, to the farm-house of Sandyknowe, then +inhabited by his paternal grandfather, and situated in the loveliest +part of the Vale of Tweed. In the neighbourhood, upon a considerable +eminence, stands Smailholm Tower, a Border fort which the future poet +enshrined in his admirable ballad, _The Eve of St. John_. The romantic +influence of the scenery of the whole district is told with much +vigour and sweetness in the introduction to the third canto of +_Marmion_. + + +EDUCATION. + + +Little is known of the schooldom of Scott, that denotes anything like +precocious talent. It is, however better ascertained that his early +rambles amidst the Tweed scenery retarded his educational pursuits. He +received the rudiments of knowledge under the home tuition of his +mother; next attended an ordinary school at Edinburgh, and was then +placed at the High School, his name first appearing in the school +register in the year 1779. His masters, Mr. Luke Fraser, and Dr. Adam, +were erudite and pains-taking teachers; but, to borrow a phrase from +Montaigne, they could neither lodge it with him, nor make him espouse +it, and Chambers illustratively relates, "apparently, neither the care +of the master, nor the inborn genius of the pupil, availed much in +this case; for it is said that the twenty-fifth place was no uncommon +situation in the class for the future Author of the Waverley Novels." +Perhaps the only anecdote of any early indication of talent that can +be relied on is that related by Mr. Cunningham, of Burns:--"The poet, +while at Professor Ferguson's one day, was struck by some lines +attached to a print of a Soldier dying in the snow, and inquired who +was the author: none of the old or the learned spoke, when the future +author of _Marmion_ answered, 'They are by Langhorne.' Burns, fixing +his large, bright eyes on the boy, and, striding up to him, said, it +is no common course of reading which has taught you this--'this lad,' +said he to the company, will be heard of yet." + +At school, Sir Walter represents himself to have excelled in what may +be termed the _art_, or, as Swift calls it, the "knack," of narrating +a story, which, by the way, is as companionable an acquirement at +school as elsewhere. His account is as follows:--"I must refer to a +very early period of my life, were I to point out my first +achievements as a tale-teller--but I believe some of my old +school-fellows can still bear witness that I had a distinguished +character for that talent, at a time when the applause of my +companions was my recompense for the disgraces and punishments which +the future romance writer incurred for being idle himself, and keeping +others idle, during hours that should have been employed on our tasks. +The chief enjoyment of my holydays was to escape with a chosen friend, +who had the same taste with myself, and alternately to recite to each +other such wild adventures as we were able to devise. We told, each in +turn, interminable tales of knight-errantry and battles and +enchantments, which were continued from one day to another as +opportunity offered, without our ever thinking of bringing them to a +conclusion. As we observed a strict secresy on the subject of this +intercourse, it acquired all the character of a concealed pleasure; +and we used to select for the scenes of our indulgence, long walks +through the solitary and romantic environs of Arthur's Seat, Salisbury +Crags, Braid Hills, and similar places in the vicinity of Edinburgh, +and the recollection of those holydays still forms an _oasis_ in the +pilgrimage which I have to look back upon."[4] + + [4] General Preface, p. ii. + +This excellence in tale-telling drew Scott's attention from graver +studies; but it was an indication of genius which may be regarded as +the corner-stone of his future fame. This reminds us of Steele's idea, +that "a story-teller is born as well as a poet." Scott, about this +time, received some instructions in music, which was then considered a +branch of ordinary education in Scotland; but the future poet, to use +a familiar expression, wanted "an ear." Throughout life he, however, +was highly susceptible of the delights of music, though his own +execution was confined to a single song, with which he attempted to +enliven the social board, but, it is stated, with such unmusical +oddity as to content his hearers with a single specimen of his vocal +talent. His early rambles around the "hills and holms of the border," +is said to have kindled in Scott the love of painting landscapes, not +strictly in accordance with the rules of art, though certainly from +nature herself. Such attempts in art, by the way, are by no means +uncommon in the early lives of men of genius; and, they are to be +regarded, in many instances as their earliest appreciation of the +beauties of nature. + +In 1783, Scott was placed at the University of Edinburgh, where his +studies were as irregular as at the High School: at the latter he is +said to have made his first attempt at versification in the +description of a thunderstorm in six lines, the recital of which +afforded his mother considerable pleasure and promise; and, on another +occasion, he is stated to have remarked, during a journey over a +sterile district of Scotland, in a day of drizzling rain, "It is only +nature weeping for the barrenness of her soil." + + +LOVE OF READING. + + +Scott's early love of reading is described to have been of +enthusiastic character, and to have been fostered by an accident at +this period of his life. He had just given over the amusements of +boyhood, and began to prepare himself for the serious business of +life, or the study of the law, when, to use his own words, "a long +illness threw him back on the kingdom of fiction, as it were by a +species of fatality." His autobiography of this period is extremely +interesting:--"My indisposition arose in part at least, from my having +broken a blood-vessel; and motion and speech were for a long time +pronounced positively dangerous. For several weeks I was confined +strictly to my bed, during which time I was not allowed to speak above +a whisper, to eat more than a spoonful or two of boiled rice, or to +have more covering than one thin counterpane. When the reader is +informed that I was at this time a growing youth, with the spirits, +appetite, and impatience of fifteen, and suffered, of course, greatly +under this severe regimen, which the repeated return of my disorder +rendered indispensable, he will not be surprised that I was abandoned +to my own discretion, so far as reading (my almost sole amusement) was +concerned, and still less so, that I abused the indulgence which left +my time so much at my own disposal. + +"There was at this time a circulating library at Edinburgh, founded, I +believe, by the celebrated Allan Ramsay, which, besides containing a +most respectable collection of books of every description, was, as +might have been expected, peculiarly rich in works of fiction. I was +plunged into this great ocean of reading without compass or pilot; and +unless when some one had the charity to play at chess with me, I was +allowed to do nothing save read, from morning to night. As my taste +and appetite were gratified in nothing else, I indemnified myself by +becoming a glutton of books. Accordingly, I believe, I read almost all +the old romances, old plays, and epic poetry, in that formidable +collection, and no doubt was unconsciously amassing materials for the +task in which it has been my lot to be so much employed. + +"At the same time, I did not in all respects abuse the license +permitted me. Familiar acquaintance with the specious miracles of +fiction brought with it some degree of satiety, and I began by degrees +to seek in histories, memoirs, voyages and travels, and the like, +events nearly as wonderful as those which were the works of the +imagination, with the additional advantage that they were, at least, +in a great measure true. The lapse of nearly two years, during which I +was left to the service of my own free will, was followed by a +temporary residence in the country, where I was again very lonely, but +for the amusement which I derived from a good, though old-fashioned, +library. The vague and wild use which I made of this advantage I +cannot describe better than by referring my reader to the desultory +studies of Waverley in a similar situation; the passages concerning +whose reading were imitated from recollections of my own."[5] + + [5] General Preface, &c. + + +STUDIES IN THE LAW. + + +Upon the re-establishment of his health, Scott returned to Edinburgh, +and resumed his studies in the law, which had been interrupted by +illness. He states his progress to have been neither slow nor +unsatisfactory, though by others he is said to have been an indolent +student. He speaks of his "severe studies" occupying the greater part +of his time, and amidst their dulness he seems to have underrated the +incidents of his private life, which he afterwards related to the +world with some share of self-satisfaction. + +He appears to have succeeded tolerably in his legal lucubrations; for, +in 1792, he was called to the bar as an advocate. He established +himself in good style in Edinburgh, but had little practice; though +the accounts of his progress are somewhat contradictory. That he +passed much of his time in acquiring other than professional knowledge +is more certain, though he rarely attempted composition. Mr. Chambers, +with all his diligence and advantages for research, (and they are very +meritorious and considerable,) "has not been able to detect any +fugitive pieces of Sir Walter's in any of the periodical publications +of the day, nor even any attempt to get one intruded (?) unless the +following notice in Dr. Anderson's _Bee_ for May 9, 1792, refers to +him:--'The Editor regrets that the verses of _W.S._ are _too defective +for publication_.'" + + +FIRST LITERARY ATTEMPTS. + + +About this time Sir Walter employed his leisure in collecting the +ballad poetry of the Scottish Border. His inducement to this task was +subsequently described by him as follows:-- + +"A period," says Sir Walter, "when this particular taste for the +popular ballad was in the most extravagant degree of fashion, became +the occasion, unexpectedly indeed, of my deserting the profession to +which I was educated, and in which I had sufficiently advantageous +prospects for a person of limited ambition. * * I may remark that, +although the assertion has been made, it is a mistake to suppose that +my situation in life or place in society were materially altered by +such success as I attained in literary attempts. My birth, without +giving the least pretension to distinction, was that of a gentleman, +and connected me with several respectable families and accomplished +persons. My education had been a good one, although I was deprived of +its full benefit by indifferent health, just at the period when I +ought to have been most sedulous in improving it." He then describes +his circumstances as easy, with a moderate degree of business for his +standing, and "the friendship of more than one person of +consideration, efficiently disposed to aid his views in life." In +short, he describes himself as "beyond all apprehension of want." He +then notices the low ebb of poetry in Britain for the previous ten +years; the fashionable but slender poetical reputation of Hayley, then +in the wane; "the Bard of Memory slumbered on his laurels, and he of +Hope had scarce begun to attract his share of public attention;" +Cowper was dead, and had not left an extensive popularity; "Burns, +whose genius our southern neighbours could hardly yet comprehend, had +long confined himself to song-writing; and the realms of Parnassus +seemed to lie open to the first bold invader." The gradual +introduction of German literature into this country during such a +dearth of native talent, now led Sir Walter to the study of the German +language. He also became acquainted with Mr. G. Lewis, author of _The +Monk_, who had already published some successful imitations of the +German ballad school. "Out of this acquaintance," says Sir Walter, +"consequences arose, which altered almost all the Scottish +ballad-maker's future prospects of life. In early youth I had been an +eager student of ballad poetry, and the tree is still in my +recollection, beneath which I lay and first entered upon the +enchanting perusal of Percy's Reliques of Ancient Poetry. The taste of +another person had strongly encouraged my own researches into this +species of legendary lore; but I had never dreamed of an attempt to +imitate what gave me so much pleasure." He then speaks of some +successful metrical translations which he made at the High School; but +in original rhyme he was less fortunate. "In short," says Sir Walter, +"except the usual tribute to a mistress' eyebrow, which is the +language of passion rather than poetry, I had not for ten years +indulged the wish to couple so much as _love_ and _dove_, when finding +Lewis in possession of so much reputation, and, conceiving that, if I +fell behind him in poetical powers, I considerably exceeded him in +general information, I suddenly took it into my head to attempt the +style by which he had raised himself to fame." Sir Walter next hearing +a striking passage from Mr. W. Taylor's translation of Bürger's +_Leonore_, was induced to procure a copy of the original poem from +Germany, and "the book had only been a few hours in my possession, +when I found myself giving an animated account of the poem to a +friend, and rashly added a promise to furnish a copy in English ballad +verse. I well recollect that I began my task after supper, and +finished it about daybreak the next morning, (it consists of 66 +stanzas,) by which time the ideas which the task had a tendency to +summon up, were rather of an uncomfortable character." This success +encouraged Sir Walter to publish his translation of _Leonore_ with +that of _Der Wilde Jager_ (the Wild Huntsman,) in a thin quarto; but, +other translations appearing at the same time, Sir Walter's adventure +proved a dead loss: "and a great part of the edition was condemned to +the service of the trunk-maker." This failure did not discourage Sir +Walter; for, early in 1799 he published _Goetz of Berlinchingen_, a +tragedy, from the German of Goëthe. We thus see that Sir Walter did +not conceal his obligation to Lewis, for his aid in his translations; +but Lord Byron's assertion that Monk Lewis corrected Scott's verse, +and that he understood little then of the mechanical part of it--is +far from true, as a comparison of their productions warrants us to +conclude. + +Sir Walter's first attempt at originality was in ballad poetry. He +says:--"The ballad called _Glenfinlas_ was, I think, the first +original poem which I ventured to compose. After _Glenfinlas_, I +undertook another ballad, called _The Eve of St. John_. The incidents, +except the hints alluded to in the notes, are entirely imaginary; but +the scene was that of my early childhood. Some idle persons had of +late years during the proprietor's absence, torn down the iron-grated +door of Smailholm Tower from its hinges, and thrown it down the rock." +Sir Walter prevailed on the proprietor to repair the mischief, on +condition that the young poet should write a ballad, of which the +scene should lie at Smailholm Tower, and among the crags where it is +situated. The ballad, as well as _Glenfinlas_, was approved of, and +procured Sir Walter many marks of attention and kindness from Duke +John of Roxburgh, who gave him the unlimited use of the Roxburgh club +library. + + +MINSTRELSY OF THE SCOTTISH BORDER. + + +This work, although not original, may be said to be the superstructure +of Sir Walter Scott's fame. It consists, as we have already hinted, of +the ballad poetry of the Border district; but to obtain this +vernacular literature was not the work of mere compilation. The +editor's task was not performed in the closet, but in a sort of +literary pilgrimage through a land of song, story, and romance. The +farmers and peasantry from whose recitation the ballads were to be set +down, were a primitive race; and the country among which oral +traditions, anecdotes, and legends were to be collected for notes +illustrative of the ballads, was of the most romantic character. Sir +Walter found the most fertile field in the pastoral vale of +Liddesdale, whither he travelled in an old gig with Mr. Shortreed, an +intelligent observer of the manners of the people. In these +researches, Sir Walter evinced a most retentive memory: he is stated +to have used neither pencil nor pen, but to have made his own +memoranda by cutting notches on twigs, or small sticks.[6] The +_Minstrelsy_ was published in 1802, in two volumes; it was reprinted +in the following year with a third volume, of imitations, by Scott and +others, of the ancient ballad; but Sir Walter refers to the second +edition as rather a heavy concern. + + [6] Many anecdotes are related in illustration of Sir Walter + Scott's excellent memory. The Ettrick Shepherd tells of + his attempting to sing his ballad of _Gilmanscleuch_, + which had never been printed or penned, but which the + Shepherd had sung once over to Sir Walter three years + previously. On the second attempt to sing it, says the + Shepherd, "in the eighth or ninth verse, I stuck in it, + and could not get on with another line; on which he (Sir + Walter) began it a second time, and recited it every word + from beginning to the end of the eighty-eighth stanza:" + and, on the Shepherd expressing his astonishment, Sir + Walter related that he had recited that ballad and one of + Southey's, but which ballads he had only heard once from + their respective authors, and he believed he had recited + them both without missing a word. Sir Walter also used to + relate that his friend, Mr. Thomas Campbell, called upon + him one evening to show him the manuscript of a poem he + had written--_The Pleasures of Hope_. Sir Walter happened + to have some fine old whisky in his house, and his friend + sat down and had a tumbler or two of punch. Mr. Campbell + left him, but Sir Walter thought he would dip into the + manuscript before going to bed. He opened it, read, and + read again--charmed with the classical grace, purity, and + stateliness of that finest of all our modern didactic + poems. Next morning Mr. Campbell again called, when to his + inexpressible surprise, his friend on returning the + manuscript to its owner, said he should guard well against + piracy, for that he himself could repeat the poem from + beginning to end! The poet dared him to the task, when Sir + Walter Scott began and actually repeated the whole, + consisting of more than two thousand lines, with the + omission of only a few couplets.--_Inverness Courier_. + + +MARRIAGE--SHERIFFDOM--LEAVES THE BAR. + + +Reverting to Sir Walter's domestic life, we should mention that in +1797, he married Miss Carpenter, a lady of Jersey, with an annuity of +400_l._; soon after which he established himself during the vacations, +in a delightful retreat at Lasswade, on the banks of the Esse, about +five miles to the south of Edinburgh. In 1799, he obtained the Crown +appointment of sheriff of Selkirkshire, with a salary of 300_l._ a +year; the duties of which office he is said to have performed with +kindness and justice. Mr. Cunningham relates that Sir Walter had a +high notion of the dignity which belonged to his post, and sternly +maintained it when any one seemed disposed to treat it with unbecoming +familiarity. On one occasion, it is said, when some foreign prince +passed through Selkirk, the populace, anxious to look on a live +prince, crowded round him so closely, that Scott, in vain attempted to +approach him; the poet's patience failed, and exclaiming "Room for +your sheriff! Room for your sheriff!" he pushed and elbowed the gapers +impatiently aside, and apologised to the prince for their +curiosity.[7] + + [7] Memoir in the _Athenaeum_. + +By the death of Sir Walter's father, his income was increased, and +this addition, with the salary of his sheriffdom, left him more at +leisure to indulge his literary pursuits. Soon after this period, +about 1803, Sir Walter finding that his attempts in literature had +been unfavourable to his success at the bar, says:--"My profession and +I, therefore, came to stand nearly upon the footing on which honest +Slender consoled himself with having established with Mrs. Anne Page. +'There was no great love between us at the beginning, and it pleased +Heaven to decrease it on farther acquaintance!' I became sensible that +the time was come when I must either buckle myself resolutely to 'the +toil by day, the lamp by night,' renouncing all the Dalilahs of my +imagination, or bid adieu to the profession of the law, and hold +another course. + +"I confess my own inclination revolted from the more severe choice, +which might have been deemed by many the wiser alternative. As my +transgressions had been numerous, my repentance must have been +signalized by unusual sacrifices. I ought to have mentioned that, +since my fourteenth or fifteenth year, my health, originally delicate, +had been extremely robust. From infancy I had laboured under the +infirmity of a severe lameness, but, as I believe is usually the case +with men of spirit who suffer under personal inconveniences of this +nature, I had, since the improvement of my health, in defiance of this +incapacitating circumstance, distinguished myself by the endurance of +toil on foot or horseback, having often walked thirty miles a-day, and +rode upwards of a hundred without stopping. In this manner I made many +pleasant journeys through parts of the country then not very +accessible, gaining more amusement and instruction than I have been +able to acquire since I have travelled in a more commodious manner. I +practised most sylvan sports also with some success and with great +delight. But these pleasures must have been all resigned, or used with +great moderation, had I determined to regain my station at the bar." +After well weighing these matters, Sir Walter resolved on quitting his +avocations in the law for literature; though he determined that +literature should be his staff but not his crutch, and that the +profits of his labour, however convenient otherwise, should not become +necessary to his ordinary expenses. + + +THE LAY OF THE LAST MINSTREL. + + +Sir Walter's secession from the law was followed by the production of +his noblest poem--_the Lay of the Last Minstrel_--the origin of which +is thus related by the author: + +"The lovely young Countess of Dalkeith, afterwards Harriet, Duchess of +Buccleuch, had come to the land of her husband, with the desire of +making herself acquainted with its traditions and customs. Of course, +where all made it a pride and pleasure to gratify her wishes, she soon +heard enough of Border lore; among others, an aged gentleman of +property, near Langholm, communicated to her ladyship the story of +Gilpin Horner--a tradition in which the narrator and many more of that +county were firm believers. The young Countess, much delighted with +the legend, and the gravity and full confidence with which it was +told, enjoined it on me as a task to compose a ballad on the subject. +Of course, to hear was to obey; and thus the goblin story, objected to +by several critics as an excrescence upon the poem, was, in fact, the +occasion of its being written." + +Sir Walter having composed the first two or three stanzas of the +poem--taking for his model the _Christabel_ of Coleridge--showed them +to two friends, "whose talents might have raised them to the highest +station in literature, had they not preferred exerting them in their +own profession of the law, in which they attained equal preferment." +They were more silent upon the merits of the stanzas than was +encouraging to the author; and Sir Walter, looking upon the attempt as +a failure, threw the manuscript into the fire, and thought as little +as he could of the matter. Sometime afterwards, Sir Walter meeting his +two friends, was asked how he proceeded in his romance;--they were +surprised at its fate, said they had reviewed their opinion, and +earnestly desired that Sir Walter would proceed with the composition. +He did so; and the poem was soon finished, proceeding at the rate of +about a canto per week. It was finally published in 1805, and produced +to the author 600_l._; and, to use his own words, "it may be regarded +as the first work in which the writer, who has been since so +voluminous, laid his claim to be considered as an original author." We +thus see that Sir Walter Scott was in his 34th year before he had +published an original work. + + +MARMION. + + +Sir Walter's second poem of consequence appeared in 1808, he having +published a few ballads and lyrical pieces during the year 1806. The +publishers, emboldened by the success of _the Lay of the Last +Minstrel_, gave the author 1,000_l._ for _Marmion_. Its success was +electric, and at once wrought up the poet's reputation. In his preface +to the last edition, April, 1830, he states 36,000 copies to have been +printed between 1808 and 1825, besides a considerable sale since that +period; and the publishers were so delighted with the success, as "to +supply the author's cellars with what is always an acceptable present +to a young Scotch house-keeper--namely, a hogshead of excellent +claret." + + +CLERK OF SESSION. + + +Between the appearance of _the Lay of the Last Minstrel_ and +_Marmion_, hopes were held out to him from an influential quarter of +the reversion of the office of a Principal Clerk in the Court of +Session; and, Mr. Pitt, having expressed a wish to be of service to +the author, of _the Lay of the Last Minstrel_, Sir Walter applied for +the reversion. His desire was readily acceeded to; and, according to +Chambers, George III. is reported to have said, when he signed the +commission, that "he was happy he had it in his power to reward a man +of genius, and a person of such distinguished merit." The King had +signed the document, and the office fees alone remained to be paid, +when Mr. Pitt died, and a new and opposite ministry succeeded. Sir +Walter, however, obtained the appointment, though not from the favour +of an administration differing from himself in politics, as has been +supposed; the grant having been obtained before Mr. Fox's direction +that the appointment should be conferred as a favour coming directly +from his administration. The duties were easy, and the profits about +1,200_l._ a year, though Sir Walter, according to arrangement, +performed the former for five or six years without salary, until the +retirement of his colleague. + + +EDITIONS OF DRYDEN AND SWIFT. + + +Sir Walter's next literary labour was the editorship of the _Works of +John Dryden_, with Notes. Critical and Explanatory, and a Life of the +Author: the chief aim of which appears to be the arrangement of the +"literary productions in their succession, as actuated by, and +operating upon, the taste of an age, where they had so predominating +an influence," and the connexion of the Life of Dryden with the +history of his publications. This he accomplished within a +twelvemonth. Sir Walter subsequently edited, upon a similar plan, an +edition of the _Works of Swift_.--Neither of these works can be said +to entitle Sir Walter to high rank as a biographer. + + +THE LADY OF THE LAKE + + +Was written in 1809, and published in 1810, and was considered by the +author as the best of his poetic compositions. He appears to have +taken more than ordinary pains in its accuracy, especially in +verifying the correctness of the local circumstances of the story. In +his introduction to a late edition of the poem, he says--"I recollect, +in particular, that to ascertain whether I was telling a probable +tale, I went into Perthshire, to see whether King James could actually +have ridden from the banks of Loch Venachar to Stirling Castle within +the time supposed in the poem, and had the pleasure to satisfy myself +that it was quite practicable." The success of the poem "was certainly +so extraordinary, as to induce him for the moment to conclude, that he +had at last fixed a nail in the proverbially inconstant wheel of +Fortune, whose stability in behalf of an individual, who had so boldly +courted her favours for three successive times, had not as yet been +shaken." + + +ABBOTSFORD.--(_See the Cuts_.) + + +Since Sir Walter's appointment to the sheriffdom of Selkirkshire, he +had resided at Ashiesteel, on the banks of the Tweed, of which he was +but the tenant. He was now desirous to purchase a small estate, and +thereon build a house according to his own taste. He found a desirable +site six or seven miles farther down the Tweed, in the neighbourhood +of the public road between Melrose and Selkirk, and at nearly an equal +distance from both of those towns: it was then occupied by a little +farm onstead, which bore the name of Cartley Hole. The mansion is in +what is termed the castellated Gothic style, embosomed in flourishing +wood. It takes its name from a ford, formerly used by the monks of +Melrose, across the Tweed, which now winds amongst a rich succession +of woods and lawns. But we will borrow Mr. Allan Cunningham's +description of the estate, written during a visit to Abbotsford, in +the summer of 1831:--"On the other side of the Tweed we had a fine +view of Abbotsford, and all its policies and grounds. The whole is at +once extensive and beautiful. The fast rising woods are already +beginning to bury the house, which is none of the smallest; and the +Tweed, which runs within gun-shot of the windows, can only be +discerned here and there through the tapestry of boughs. A fine, +open-work, Gothic screen half conceals and half shows the garden, as +you stand in front of the house--(_see the Engraving_.) It was the +offspring of necessity, for it became desirable to mask an unseemly +old wall, on which are many goodly fruit-trees. What we most admired +about the estate, was the naturally useful and elegant manner in which +the great poet has laid out the plantations--first, with respect to +the bounding or enclosing line; and secondly, with regard to the +skilful distribution of the trees, both for the contrast of light and +shade, and for the protection which the strong affords to the weak.[8] +The horizontal profile of the house is fine, crowded with towers and +clustered chimneys: it looks half castle, half monastery. The +workmanship, too, is excellent: indeed we never saw such well-dressed, +cleanly, and compactly laid whinstone course and gage in our life: it +is a perfect picture."[9] "The external walls of Abbotsford, as also +the walls of the adjoining garden, are enriched with many old carved +stones, which, having originally figured in other situations, to which +they were calculated by their sculptures and inscriptions, have a very +curious effect. Among the various relics which Sir Walter has +contrived to collect, may be mentioned the door of the old Tolbooth of +Edinburgh, which, together with the hewn stones that composed the +gateway, are now made to figure in a base court at the west end of the +house."[10] + + [8] Sir Walter possessed a practical as well as theoretical + knowledge of Landscape Gardening, as may be seen in a + valuable paper contributed by him to No. 47, of the + _Quarterly Review_. The details of this paper were, + however, disputed by some writers on the subject. + + [9] Communicated to No. 199, of _The Athenaeum_. The mansion + was built from designs by Atkinson. Sir Walter may, + however, be termed the amateur architect of the pile, and + this may somewhat explain its irregularities. We have been + told that the earliest design of Abbotsford was furnished + by the late Mr. Terry, the comedian, who was an intimate + friend of Sir Walter, and originally an architect by + profession. His widow, one of the Nasmyths, has painted a + clever View of Abbotsford, from the opposite bank of the + Tweed; which is engraved in No. 427, of _The Mirror_. + + [10] Picture of Scotland, by Chambers. + +[Illustration: (_Armoury_.)] + +It would occupy a whole sheet to describe the _interior_ of the +mansion; so that we select only two apartments, as graphic memorials +of the lamented owner. First, is the _Armoury_, (from a coloured +lithograph, published by Ackermann)--an arched apartment, with a +richly-blazoned window, and the walls filled all over with smaller +pieces of armour and weapons, such as swords, firelocks, spears, +arrows, darts, daggers, &c. These relics will be found enumerated in a +description of Abbotsford, in _the Anniversary_, quoted in vol. xv. of +the _Mirror_. The second of the _interiors_ is the poet's _Study_--a +room about twenty-five feet square by twenty feet high, containing of +what is properly called furniture, nothing but a small writing-table +and an antique arm-chair. On either side of the fire-place various +pieces of armour are hung on the wall; but, there are no books, save +the contents of a light gallery, which runs round three sides of the +room, and is reached by a hanging stair of carved oak in one corner. +There are only two portraits--an original of the beautiful and +melancholy head of Claverhouse, and a small full-length of Rob Roy. +Various little antique cabinets stand about the room; and in one +corner is a collection of really useful weapons--those of the forest +craft, to wit--axes and bills, &c. Over the fire-place, too, are some +Highland claymores clustered round a target. There is only one window, +pierced in a very thick wall, so that the place is rather sombre. + +[Illustration: (_Study_.)] + + +ROKEBY, AND MINOR POEMS. + + +After the publication of _the Lady of the Lake_, Sir Walter's poetical +reputation began to wane. In 1811, appeared _Don Roderick_; and in +1813, _Rokeby_; both of which were unsuccessful; and the _Lord of the +Isles_ followed with no better fortune. In short, Sir Walter perceived +that the tide of popularity was turning, and he wisely changed with +the public taste. The subjects of these poems were neither so +striking, nor the versification so attractive, as in his earlier +poems. The poet himself attributes their failure to the manner or +style losing its charms of novelty, and the harmony becoming tiresome +and ordinary; his measure and manner were imitated by other writers, +and, above all Byron had just appeared as a serious candidate in the +first canto of _Childe Harold_; so that Sir Walter with exemplary +candour confesses that "the original inventor and his invention must +have fallen into contempt, if he had not found out another road to +public favour." We shall therefore now part with his poetic fame, and +proceed in the more gratifying task of glancing at his splendid +successes in prose fiction. + + +WAVERLEY. + + +The first of the author's + + long trails of light descending down, + +had its origin in a desire to story the ancient traditions and noble +spirit of the Highlands, aided by the author's early recollections of +their scenery and customs; in short, to effect in prose what he had so +triumphantly achieved in the poem of _the Lady of the Lake_. The +author's own account will be read with interest:--"It was with some +idea of this kind, that, about the year 1805, I threw together about +one-third part of the first volume of Waverley. It was advertised to +be published by the late Mr. John Ballantyne, under the name of +'Waverley,' or ''Tis Fifty Years since,'--a title afterwards altered +to ''Tis Sixty Years since,' that the actual date of publication might +be made to correspond with the period in which the scene was laid. +Having proceeded as far, I think, as the seventh chapter, I showed my +work to a critical friend, whose opinion was unfavourable, and having +some poetical reputation, I was unwilling to risk the loss of it by +attempting a new style of composition. I therefore threw aside the +work I had commenced, without either reluctance or remonstrance. This +portion of the manuscript was laid aside in the drawers of an old +writing desk, which, on my first coming to reside at Abbotsford in +1811, was placed in a lumber garret, and entirely forgotten. Thus, +though I sometimes, among other literary avocations, turned my +thoughts to the continuation of the romance which I had commenced, +yet, as I could not find what I had already written, after searching +such repositories as were within my reach, and was too indolent to +attempt to write it anew from memory. I as often laid aside all +thoughts of that nature." + +The success of Miss Edgeworth's delineations of Irish life, and the +author's completion of Mr. Strutt's romance of _Queen Hoo Hall_, in +1808, again drew his attention to _Waverley_. Accident threw the lost +sheets in his way, while searching an old writing-desk for some +fishing-tackle for a friend. The long-lost manuscript presented +itself, and "he immediately set to work to complete it, according to +his original purpose." Among other unfounded reports, it has been +said, that the copyright was, during the book's progress through the +press, offered for sale to various booksellers in London at a very +inconsiderable price. This was not the case. Messrs. Constable and +Cadell, who published the work, were the only persons acquainted with +the contents of the publication, and they offered a large sum for it, +while in the course of printing, which, however, was declined, the +author not choosing to part with the copyright. Waverley was published +in 1814: its progress was for some time slow, but, after two or three +months its popularity began to spread, and, in a short time about +12,000 copies were disposed of. The name of the author was kept secret +from his desire to publish the work "as an experiment on the public +taste. Mr. Ballantyne, who printed the novel, alone corresponded with +the author; the original manuscript was transcribed under Mr. +Ballantyne's eye, by confidential persons; nor was there an instance +of treachery during the many years in which these precautions were +resorted to, although various individuals were employed at different +times. Double proof sheets were regularly printed off. One was +forwarded to the author by Mr. Ballantyne, and the alterations which +it received were, by his own hand, copied upon the other proof-sheet +for the use of the printers, so that even the corrected proofs of the +author were never seen in the printing-office; and thus the curiosity +of such eager inquirers as made the most minute investigation was +entirely at fault."[11] + + [11] Abridged from the General Preface, &c. + + +OTHER NOVELS. + + +The success of _Waverley_ led to the production of that series of +works, by which the author established himself "as the greatest master +in a department of literature, to which he has given a lustre +previously unknown;--in which he stands confessedly unrivalled, and +not approached, even within moderate limits, except, among +predecessors, by Cervantes, and among contemporaries, by the author of +_Anastasius_." We shall merely enumerate these works, with the date of +their publication, and, as a point of kindred interest, the sums for +which the original manuscripts, in the hand-writing of Sir Walter, +were sold in the autumn of last year. Of the merits of these +productions it would be idle to attempt to speak in our narrow space; +but, for a finely graphic paper, (probably the last written previously +to the author's death,) on the literary claims of Sir Walter Scott, as +a novelist, we may refer the reader to No. 109 of the _Edinburgh +Review_. + + Year of Orig. MS. + Publication. sold in + Novels. Vols. 1831, for + £. s. + Waverley 3 1814 18 0 + Guy Mannering 3 1815 27 10 + The Antiquary* 3 1816 42 0 + Tales of My Landlord 4 1st ser. 1816 33 0 + Rob Roy* 3 1818 50 0 + Tales of My Landlord 4 2nd ser. 1818 + Tales of My Landlord 4 3rd ser. 1819 14 14 + Ivanhoe 3 1820 12 0 + The Monastery* 3 1820 18 18 + The Abbot 3 1820 14 0 + Kenilworth 3 1821 17 0 + The Pirate 3 1822 12 0 + The Fortunes of Nigel 3 1822 16 16 + Peveril of the Peak* 3 1823 42 0 + Quentin Durward 3 1823 + St. Ronan's Well 3 1824 + Redgauntlet 3 1824 + Tales of the Crusaders 4 1825 + Woodstock 3 1826 + Chronicles of the Canongate 2 1st ser. 1827 + Chronicles of the Canongate 3 2nd ser. 1828 + Anne of Gerstein 3 1829 + Tales of My Landlord 4 4th ser. 1831 + + Making in all, 73 volumes, within 17 years. + (Those marked * were alone perfect.) + + +MISCELLANEOUS WORKS. + + +To particularize Sir Walter's contributions to periodical literature +would occupy considerable space. He wrote a few papers in the early +numbers of the _Edinburgh Review_, and several in the _Quarterly +Review_, especially during the last ten volumes of that journal, of +which his son-in-law, Mr. Lockhart, is the accredited editor. Sir +Walter likewise contributed the articles Chivalry, Drama, and Romance +to the sixth edition of the _Encyclopaedia Britannica_. _Paul's +Letters to his Kinsfolk_, the fruits of Sir Walter's tour through +France and Belgium, in 1815, were published anonymously; and the +_Field of Waterloo_, a poem, appeared about the same time. We may also +here mention his dramatic poem of _Halidon Hill_, which appeared in +1822; and two dramas, _the Doom of Devergoil_ and _Auchindrane_, in +1830--neither of which works excited more than temporary attention. +Sir Walter likewise contributed a _History of Scotland_, in two +volumes, to Dr. Lardner's _Cabinet Cyclopaedia_, in 1830; and in the +same year a volume on _Demonology and Witchcraft_, to Mr. Murray's +_Family Library_: both which works, of course, had a circulation +co-extensively with the series of which they form portions. We may +here notice a juvenile History of Scotland, in three series, or nine +volumes, under the title of _Tales of a Grandfather_, affectionately +addressed to his grandchild, the eldest son of Mr. Lockhart, as Hugh +Littlejohn, Esq. + + +ABBOTSFORD--BARONETCY. + + +The large sums received by Sir Walter for the copyright of his earlier +works had enabled him to expend nearly one hundred thousand pounds +upon Abbotsford, so as to make it his "proper mansion, house, and +home, the theatre of his hospitality, the seat of self-fruition, the +comfortablest part of his own life, the noblest of his son's +inheritance, a kind of private princedom, and, according to the degree +of the master, decently and delightfully adorned."[12] Here Sir Walter +lived in dignified enjoyment of his well-earned fortune, during the +summer and autumn, and was visited by distinguished persons from +nearly all parts of the world. He unostentatiously opened his treasury +of relics to all visitors, and his affability spread far and wide. He +usually devoted three hours in the morning, from six or seven o'clock, +to composition, his customary quota being a sheet daily. He passed the +remainder of the day in the pleasurable occupations of a country +life--as in superintending the improvements of the mansion, and the +planting and disposal of the grounds of Abbotsford; or, as Walpole +said of John Evelyn, "unfolding the perfection of the works of the +Creator, and assisting the imperfection of the minute works of the +creature;" so as to render Abbotsford as Evelyn describes his own dear +Wotton, "large and ancient (for there is an air of assumed antiquity +in Abbotsford), suitable to those hospitable times, and so sweetly +environed with those delicious streams and venerable woods, as in the +judgment of strangers as well as Englishmen, it may be compared to one +of the most pleasant seats in the nation, most tempting to a great +person and a wanton purse, to render it conspicuous: it has rising +grounds, meadows, woods, and water in abundance."[13] + + [12] Sir Henry Wootton's _Elements of Architecture_. + + [13] Evelyn's _Diary_. + +In 1820, the poet of _Marmion_ was created a baronet, by George IV., +but a few weeks after his accession--it being the first baronetcy +conferred by the King, and standing alone in the _Gazette_ which +announced the honour. In 1822, Sir Walter distinguished himself in the +loyal reception of the King, on his visit to Scotland; and soon +afterwards the Baronet was appointed a deputy-lieutenant for the +county of Roxburgh. + + +EMBARRASSMENTS. + + +Thus stood the "pure contents" of Abbotsford, when, in January, 1826, +the failure of Messrs. Constable threw a gloom over Sir Walter's +affairs. The eminent publisher had been one of his earliest friends. +"Archie Constable," he once said, "was a good friend to me long ago, +and I will never see him at a loss." The sums given by Mr. Constable +for the copyright of Sir Walter's novels were nominally immense; but +they were chiefly paid in bills, which were renewed as the necessities +of the publisher increased, till, on his failure, Sir Walter found +himself responsible for various debts, amounting to 102,000_l_. About +this time Lady Scott died, and her loss was an additional affliction +to him. Various modes of settlement were proposed to Sir Walter for +the liquidation of these heavy debts; but, "like the elder +Osbaldistone of his own immortal pages, considering commercial honour +as dear as any other honour," he would only consent to payment _in +full_; and, in the short space of six years, he paid off 60,000_l._ +"by his genius alone; but he crushed his spirit in the gigantic +struggle, or, in plain words, sacrificed himself in the attempt to +repair his broken fortunes." He sold his house and furniture in +Edinburgh, and, says Chambers, "retreated into a humble lodging in a +second-rate street (St. David-street, where David Hume had formerly +lived.)" He reduced his establishment at Abbotsford, and retired, as +far as his official duties would permit, from public life, accompanied +only by his younger daughter. In this domestic retreat, at fifty-five +years of age, he commenced + + +THE LIFE OF NAPOLEON BUONAPARTE + + +--visiting France, in 1826, for some information requisite to the +work. In the following summer the _Life_ appeared in nine volumes, an +extent much beyond the original project. As might be expected, from +the aristocratical turn of Sir Walter's political tenets, the opinions +on this work were more various than on any other of his productions: +it is, to say the best, the most faulty and unequal of them all; and, +considering how clearly this has been shown, it is somewhat surprising +to hear so clever a critic as Mr. Cunningham pronounce _The Life of +Napoleon_ as "one of the noblest monuments of Scott's genius." We pass +from these considerations to the excellence of the purpose to which +the proceeds (12,000_l._) of this work were applied--namely, to the +payment of 6_s._ 8_d._ in the pound, as the first dividend of the +debts of the author. + +In parting with the _Napoleon_, we might notice the conflicting +opinions of the French critics on its merits; but, as that task would +occupy too much space we content ourselves with the following passage +from a journal published a few days subsequent to the melancholy +intelligence of the death of Sir Walter Scott being received in Paris. +The criticism is in every sense plain-spoken:-- + +"If Sir Walter Scott's politics did not square with the natural state +of things--if upon this subject he still remained the victim of early +prejudices, and, perhaps, of the predilections of a poetical mind, yet +he was fortunate enough to promote, by his writings, the real +improvement of the people. France has reason to reproach him severely +for the unaccountable statements in his "Paul's Letters to his +Kinsfolk," and in the "History of Bonaparte." But those errors were +imputable to carelessness much more than to malice. A prose writer, a +poet, a novelist--he yielded, during his long and laborious career, to +the impulse of a fancy, rich, copious, and entirely independent of +present circumstances, aloof from the agitations of the day, +delighting in the memory of the past, and drawing from the surviving +relics of ancient times the traditionary tale, to revive and embellish +it. He was one of those geniuses in romance who may be said to have +been impartial and disinterested, for he gave a picture of ordinary +life exactly as it was. He painted man in all the varieties produced +in his nature by passion and the force of circumstances, and avoided +mixing up with these portraits what was merely ideal. Persons gifted +with this power of forgetting themselves, as it were, and of assuming +in succession an infinite series of varied characters, who live, +speak, and act before us in a thousand ways that affect or delight us, +such men are often susceptible of feelings the most ardent on their +own account, although they may not directly express as much. It is +difficult to believe that Shakspeare and Moliere, the noblest types of +this class of exalted minds, did not contemplate life with feelings of +deep and, perhaps, melancholy emotion. It was not so, however, with +Scott, who certainly belonged not to their kindred, possessing neither +the vigour of combination, nor the style which distinguished those +men. Of great natural benevolence, gentle and kind, ardent in the +pursuit of various knowledge, accommodating himself to the manners and +sentiments of his day, good-humoured, and favoured by happy +conjunctures of circumstances, Scott came forth under the most +brilliant auspices, accomplishing his best and most durable works +almost without an effort, and without impressing on these productions +any sort of character which would connect them with the personal +character of the author. If he be represented, indeed, in any part of +his writings, it is in such characters as that of Morton (one of the +Puritans), a sort of ambiguous, undetermined, unoffending, good sort +of person." + + +"WAVERLEY NOVELS." + + +Up to this period, the secret of the authorship of the novels was not +generally known, though more extensively so than was at the time +imagined. The public had made up their minds to the fact; but the +identity was _not proven_. The adjustment of Messrs. Constable's +affairs, however, rendered it impossible longer to conceal the +authorship, which was revealed by Sir Walter, at the anniversary +dinner of the Edinburgh Theatrical Fund, in February, 1827. Thus he +acknowledged before three hundred gentlemen "a secret which, +considering that it was communicated to more than twenty people, had +been remarkably well kept." His avowal was as follows:-- + +"He had now to say, however, that the merits of these works, if they +had any, and their faults, were entirely imputable to himself." [Here +the audience broke into an absolute shout of surprise and delight.] +"He was afraid to think on what he had done. 'Look on't again I dare +not.' He had thus far unbosomed himself, and he knew that it would be +reported to the public. He meant, then, seriously to state, that when +he said he was the author, he was the total and undivided author. With +the exception of quotations, there was not a single word written that +was not derived from himself, or suggested in the course of his +reading. The wand was now broken, and the rod buried. His audience +would allow him further to say, with Prospero, 'Your breath has filled +my sails.'" + +The copyright of the novels was soon afterwards sold for 8,400_l._, +and they have since been republished, with illustrations, and notes +and introductions by the author, in forty-one volumes, monthly; the +last volume appearing within a few days of the author's death. + + +FATAL ILLNESS. + + +Towards the close of 1830, Sir Walter retired from his office, +retaining a portion of his salary, but declining a pension which had +been offered to him by the present administration. He was now in his +60th year; his health broke apace; it was evident that the task of +writing to pay off debts, which were not of his own contracting, was +alike too severe for his mental and physical powers; and in the +succeeding winter they became gradually paralyzed. He somewhat rallied +in the spring, and, unfortunately for his health, embroiled himself in +the angry politics of the day, at a county meeting at Jedburgh, upon +the Reform question. He was then very feeble, but spoke with such +vehemence as to draw upon him the hisses of some of his auditors: this +ebullition of feeling is said to have much affected him; and he is +stated (we know not how truly) to have been observed on his way home +in tears. + +In the autumn of last year Sir Walter, at the recommendation of his +physicians, resolved to winter in the more congenial climate of Italy; +though it required the most earnest entreaties of his friends to +induce him to consent to the change, so strong was his love of country +and apprehension of dying in a foreign land. He accordingly set sail +in H.M.S. the Barham for Malta, on the 27th of October; previous to +which he appended to the Fourth and Last Series of _Tales of my +Landlord_ the following affecting, and, as we lately observed, almost +prophetic, passage: + +"The gentle reader is acquainted that these are, in all probability, +the last tales which it will be the lot of the author to submit to the +public. He is now on the eve of visiting foreign parts; a ship of war +is commissioned by its royal master, to carry the Author of Waverley +to climates in which he may readily obtain such a restoration of +health as may serve him to spin his thread to an end in his own +country. Had he continued to prosecute his usual literary labours, it +seems indeed probable that, at the term of years he has already +attained, the bowl, to use the pathetic language of Scripture, would +have been broken at the fountain; and little can one, who has enjoyed +on the whole, an uncommon share of the most inestimable of worldly +blessings, be entitled to complain, that life, advancing to its +period, should be attended with its usual proportion of shadows and +storms. They have affected him, at least, in no more painful manner, +than is inseparable from the discharge of this part of the debt of +humanity. Of those whose relations to him in the ranks of life, might +have insured their sympathy under indisposition, many are now no more; +and those who may yet follow in his wake, are entitled to expect, in +bearing inevitable evils, an example of firmness and patience, more +especially on the part of one who has enjoyed no small good fortune +during the course of his pilgrimage. + +"The public have claims on his gratitude, for which the Author of +Waverley has no adequate means of expression; but he may be permitted +to hope that the powers of his mind, such as they are, may not have a +different date from his body; and that he may again meet his +patronizing friends, if not exactly in his old fashion of literature, +at least in some branch which may not call forth the remark, that-- + + "Superfluous lags the veteran on the stage." + +Sir Walter resided at Malta for a short time; thence he proceeded to +Naples, where he was received with almost pageant honours. In the +spring he visited Rome; but "the world's chief ornament" had few +charms for one bereft of all hope of healthful recovery. His strength +was waning fast, and he set out to return with more than prudent speed +to his native country. He travelled seventeen hours for six successive +days, and, in descending the Rhine, had a second attack of paralysis +which would have carried him off but for the timely presence of mind +of his servant, who immediately bled him. The illustrious Goëthe had +looked forward with great pleasure to the meeting with Sir Walter when +he returned through Germany, but the destroyer had fell also on him. +On his arrival in London, Sir Walter was conveyed to the St. James's +Hotel, Jermyn-street, and attended by Sir Henry Halford and Dr. +Holland, with Mr. and Mrs. Lockhart. He lay some weeks in a hopeless +condition, and when the flame of life was just flickering out, he +entreated to be conveyed to his own home. The journey was a hazardous +one, but, as the dying wish of the poet, was tried and effected: on +July 9th, he was conveyed to Edinburgh, whence he was removed to his +fondly-cherished home on the 11th. + + +DEATH. + + +Sir Walter's return to Abbotsford was an afflicting scene. On +approaching the mansion he could scarcely be kept from attempting to +raise himself in his carriage, such was his eagerness to catch a +glimpse of his home: he murmured, on his arrival, "that _now_ he knew +he was at Abbotsford." He lingered for two months, during which he +recognised and spoke kindly to friends, and was even pleased in +listening to passages read from the poems of Crabbe and Wordsworth: +till, on September 21st, 1832, he died, apparently free from pain, and +surrounded by his family. + + +FUNERAL. + + +His remains were placed in a coffin of lead, enclosed in another +coffin covered with black cloth, and gilt ornaments. The inscription +plate bore the words, "SIR WALTER SCOTT, of ABBOTSFORD, Bart. AN. +AETAT. 62." The funeral took place at Dryburgh, amidst the ruins of +the venerable abbey, at night-fall, on Sept. 25th; the body being +borne from the hearse to the grave by his domestics, and followed by +upwards of 300 mourners. A Correspondent has furnished us with the +subjoined note of the funeral. + +It has been remarked that at the grave, the burial service of the +Episcopal Church was read by a clergyman of the Church of England (the +Rev. John Williams, of Baliol College, Oxford, Rector of the Edinburgh +Academy, and Vicar of Lampeter), although Sir Walter through life +adhered to the persuasion of the Presbyterian or Church of Scotland. +In Scotland no prayers are offered over the dead; when the mourners +assemble in the house of the deceased, refreshments are handed round, +previous to which a blessing is implored, (as at meals,) and _then_ +only the minister alludes to the bereavement the family have suffered, +and strength and grace are implored to sustain them under it. This +gratuitous custom was adhered to, and previous to the funeral +_cortège_ setting out from Abbotsford, the Rev. Principal Baird, +offered up a prayer. But although a Presbyterian in practice, Sir +Walter in several parts of his works expressed his dissent from +several of the rigid canons of that Church, and an example occurs in +that graphic scene in _the Antiquary_, the funeral group of _Steenie +Mucklebacket_, where "the creak of the screw nails announced that the +lid of the last mansion of mortality was in the act of being secured +above its tenant. The last act which separates us for ever from the +mortal relicks of the person we assemble to mourn has usually its +effect upon the most indifferent, selfish, and hard-hearted:" and he +adds in condemnation, "With a spirit of contradiction which we may be +pardoned for esteeming narrow-minded, the fathers of the Scottish Kirk +rejected even on this most solemn occasion the form of an address to +the Divinity, lest they should be thought to give countenance to the +ritual of Rome or of England." And he seizes the opportunity to +applaud the liberal judgment of the present Scottish clergymen who +avail themselves of the advantage of offering a prayer, suitable to +make an impression on the living. + +The scenery around his burial-place is fraught with melancholy +associations--enshrined as have been its beauties by him that now +sought a bourn amidst them. It had been the land of his poetical +pilgrimage: through its "bosomed vales" and alongside its "valley +streams" his genius had journeyed with untiring energy, then to spread +abroad its stores for the gratification of hundreds of thousands, who +may about his grave + + Make dust their paper, and with rainy eyes + Write sorrow on the bosom of the earth. + +--Only let us glance at a few of the storied sites that are to be seen +around this hallowed spot: at Melrose, with antique pillar and ruins +grey-- + + Was ever scene so sad and fair. + +Eildon Hill, where Sir Walter said he could stand and point out +forty-three places famous in war and verse;[14] and above all, the +tower of Smailholm Castle, where once "his careless childhood +strayed,"--the _Alpha_ of his poetic fame. + + [14] Cunningham. + + +FAMILY. + + +Sir Walter Scott had two sons and two daughters. The elder daughter, +Sophia Charlotte, was married, April 28, 1820, to Mr. John Gibson +Lockhart, advocate, editor of the _Quarterly Review_. The eldest son, +Walter, who has succeeded to the baronetcy, is now in his +thirty-second year, and Major of the 15th or King's Hussars. In 1825, +he married Jane, daughter and sole heiress of John Jobson, Esq., an +opulent Scottish merchant, with which lady, report affirmed at the +time, Major Scott received a fortune of 60,000_l_. The estate of +Abbotsford was also settled by Sir Walter upon the young pair; but, as +the owner is stated not to have been at this time in a state of +solvency, though he thought himself so, and his estate now proves to +be encumbered with heavy debts, the deed of entail, of course, becomes +invalid, and the paternal property must be sold by the creditors of +the estate. There is, however, ample reason to hope that such a step +will be averted, by the gratitude of the public, and that Abbotsford +will be preserved for the family. The younger son, Charles, who is, we +believe, a junior clerk in the Foreign Office, is unmarried; as is the +younger daughter, Anne. The death of Lady Scott occurred May 15, 1826. +Mrs. Lockhart's children are as yet the only descendants of Sir Walter +in the second generation. + + +PORTRAITS. + + +The reader may be somewhat familiar with the personal appearance of +Sir Walter Scott, through the several portraits which have from time +to time been painted and engraved of the illustrious Baronet. His +height is stated at upwards of six feet; and his frame was strongly +knit, and compactly built. His right leg was shrunk from his boyhood, +and required support by a staff. Mr. Cunningham describes the personal +habits of Sir Walter with his usual characteristic force: "his arms +were strong and sinewy; his looks stately and commanding; and his +face, as he related a heroic story, flushed up as a crystal cup when +one fills it with wine. His eyes were deep seated under his somewhat +shaggy brow;[15] their colour was a bluish grey--they laughed more +than his lips did at a humorous story. His tower-like head and thin, +white hair marked him out among a thousand, while any one might swear +to his voice again who heard it once, for it had a touch of the lisp +and the burr; yet, as the minstrel said, of Douglas, 'it became him +wonder well,' and gave great softness to a sorrowful story: indeed, I +imagined that he kept the burr part of the tone for matters of a +facetious or humorous kind, and brought out the lisp part in those of +tenderness or woe. When I add, that in a meeting of a hundred men, his +hat was sure to be the least, and would fit no one's head but his own, +I have said all that I have to say about his appearance."[16] + + [15] Mr. Chambers describes Sir Walter's eyebrows as so shaggy + and prominent, that, when he was reading or writing at a + table, they _completely_ shrouded the eyes beneath; and + the Ettrick Shepherd speaks of Sir Walter's shaggy + eyebrows dipping deep over his eyes. + + [16] One of the amusements of Sir Walter's retirement was to + walk out frequently among his plantations at Abbotsford, + with a small hatchet and hand-saw, with which he lopped + off superfluous boughs, or removed an entire tree when it + was marring the growth of others. The author of + _Anastasius_ delighted in a similar pursuit; he would + stroll for hours through the winding walks of the + Deepdene plantation, and with a small hatchet or shears + lop off the luxuriant twigs or branches that might spoil + the trim neatness of the path. + +Among the accredited portraits of Sir Walter Scott is that painted by +the late Sir Henry Raeburn, which has been engraved in a handsome +style; another portrait, by Mr. Leslie, was engraved in the +_Souvenir_, a year or two since, and was styled in the Noctes of +_Blackwood's Magazine_, "the vera man himsel;" but the latest, and +perhaps the best, was painted not many month's since, by Mr. Watson +Gordon, and admirably engraved by Horsburgh, of Edinburgh, for the +revised edition of the Novels. A whole-length portrait of the Poet in +his Study, at Abbotsford, was painted a few years since, in masterly +style, by Allan, and engraved by Goodall for the _Anniversary_, edited +by Mr. Cunningham, who informs us that "a painting is in progress from +the same hand, showing Sir Walter as he lately appeared--lying on a +couch in his principal room: all the windows are closed save one, +admitting a strong central light, and showing all that the room +contains--in deep shadow, or in strong sunshine." A splendid portrait +of the Poet was painted by Sir Thomas Lawrence for the late King, and +exhibited at the Royal Academy a few years since; an engraving of +which has been announced by Messrs. Moon, Boys, and Graves, his +present Majesty having graciously granted the loan of the picture for +this purpose.[17] + + [17] A portrait of Sir Walter was painted by Knight for the + late Mr. Terry, in the year 1825: it is described in the + _Literary Gazette_ as, "particularly excellent," and was + unfortunately destroyed a short time since by a fire at + the house of Mr. Harding, Finchley, in whose possession + it was. This portrait, it is feared, has not been + engraved.--See _Literary Gazette_, No. 819. + +[Illustration: (_Sir Walter Scott.--Sketched by Mr. W.H. Brooke, from +the engraving by Horsburgh._)] + + +UNPUBLISHED WORKS. + + +Report states that there are in the library of Abbotsford, unfinished +manuscripts and letters, which will compose ten volumes of +correspondence of Sir Walter with nearly all the distinguished +literary characters of his time. These will, of course, be given to +his creditors, as directed by his will. His son-in-law, Mr. Lockhart, +has likewise a great number of letters from Sir Walter; and Mrs. Terry +possesses the baronet's correspondence with the late Mr. Terry, who +was one of Sir Walter's intimate friends. This lady has likewise in +her possession a tragedy written by Sir Walter for her eldest son, +Walter Scott Terry, and intended by the author as a legacy for +Walter's first appearance on the stage. + +With such materials, and the poet's autobiographical sketches prefixed +to his works, a competent biographer will, doubtless, be found among +Sir Walter's personal acquaintance. Mr. Allan Cunningham's "Account" +is, perhaps, the most characteristic that has yet appeared: it is full +of truth, nature, kindly feeling, and tinged throughout with a +delightfully poetic enthusiasm. Mr. Ballantyne, the intelligent +printer of nearly the whole of Sir Walter's works, and whom the Poet +much respected for his taste and good sense, has promised a memoir of +the deceased. Public expectation, however, points more decidedly to +Mr. Lockhart; although the Ettrick Shepherd will, doubtless, pay his +announced tribute to the talents and virtues of his illustrious +contemporary. In his Reminiscences of Former Days, prefixed to the +first volume of the _Altrive Tales_, published a few months since, is +the following striking passage:--"There are not above five people in +the world who, I think, know Sir Walter better, or understand his +character better than I do; and if I outlive him, which is likely, as +I am five months and ten days younger, I shall draw a mental portrait +of him, the likeness of which to the original shall not be +disputed."[18] + + [18] Hogg is indebted to Sir Walter for many valuable + suggestions of subjects for his ballads, &c. There is + touching gratitude in the following lines by the + Shepherd, in his dedication of the _Mountain Bard_ to + Scott: + + Bless'd be his generous heart for aye; + He told me where the relic lay; + Pointed my way with ready will, + Afar on Ettrick's wildest hill; + Watch'd my first notes with curious eye, + And wonder'd at my minstrelsy: + He little ween'd a parent's tongue + Such strains had o'er my cradle sung. + + +MEDAL. + + +A handsome Medal, in bronze, of the lamented Baronet, has been +published from the establishment of Mr. Parker, (medallist, and the +originator of some ingenious improvements in the construction of +lamps), in Argyle-place. The obverse is from Chantrey's celebrated +Bust of Sir Walter, and the reverse a graceful female figure, with the +inscription, "to great men;"--designed by R. Stothard, Esq., the +venerable Academician, and engraved by his son, A.J. Stothard, Esq. +The profile of the obverse is encircled with a motto chosen by Sir +Walter, as will be seen by the following letter; the date of which +shows that the medal was submitted to his approbation some months +since, together with a medal of his present Majesty. The letter is +likewise treasurable,[19] as well for the writer's opinion of the +Monarch, as of the productions of his own pen:-- + + [19] First printed in the _Literary Gazette,_ No. 819. + +"Sir,--I would long ere now have answered your very obliging letter +with the medals. That representing our Sovereign seems most +beautifully executed, and is a striking resemblance. I have very +little turn for imagining mottos, it being long since I read the +classics, which are the great storehouse of such things. I think that +a figure or head of Neptune upon the reverse, with the motto round the +exergue, _Tridens Neptuni sceptrum mundi_. I think this better than +any motto more personally addressed to the King himself than to his +high kingly office. I cannot, of course, be a judge of the other +medal; but such of my family as are with me think it very like. If +there is any motto to be added, I should like the line + + "Bardorum citharas patrio qui redidit Istro. + +"because I am far more vain of having been able to fix some share of +public attention upon the ancient poetry and manners of my country, +than of any original efforts which I have been able to make in +literature. + +"I beg you will excuse the delay which has taken place. Your obliging +communication, with the packet which accompanied it, travelled from +country to town, and from town to country, as it chanced to miss me +upon the road. + +"I have the honour to be, sir, your obliged, humble servant, + +"WALTER SCOTT. + +"Edinburgh, 29th May. + +"Samuel Parker, Esq., Bronze Works, + +"12, Argyle-place, London." + +The likeness of the medal is strikingly correct; and Mr. Parker, with +becoming taste, causes an autograph copy of the letter to be delivered +with each medal. + +The deference of the latter opinion conveyed in this letter is perhaps +one of the most delightful characteristics of the genius of Sir Walter +Scott,--especially if we admit the position of the writer in the +_Edinburgh Review,_ that no writer has ever enjoyed in his life-time +so extensive a popularity as the Author of Waverley. His love of +fame and acquisition of honourable distinction all over the world had +not the common effect of making him vain. Hear, in proof, the +following unassuming declaration, from the delightful autobiographic +sketch to a late edition of _Rokeby_:-- + +"I shall not, I believe, be accused of ever having attempted to usurp +a superiority over many men of genius, my contemporaries; but, in +point of popularity, not of actual talent, the caprice of the public +has certainly given me such a temporary superiority over men, of whom, +in regard to poetical fancy and feeling, I scarcely thought myself +worthy to loose the shoe-latch. On the other hand, it would be absurd +affectation in me to deny, that I conceived myself to understand more +perfectly than many of my contemporaries, the manner most likely to +interest the great mass of mankind. Yet, even with this belief, I must +truly and fairly say, that I always considered myself rather as one +who held the bets, in time to be paid over to the winner, than as +having any pretence to keep them in my own right." + +Mr. Cunningham well observes--"Though the most accomplished author of +his day, yet he had none of the airs of authorship." He continues--"He +was a proud man; not a proud poet, or historian, or novelist." His was +the pride of ancestry--a weakness, to be sure, but of a venial nature: +"he loved to be looked on as a gentleman of old family, who _built +Abbotsford_, and laid out its garden, and planted its avenues, rather +than a genius, whose works influenced mankind, and diffused happiness +among millions." His own narrative will best illustrate his labours of +leisure at Abbotsford. He writes of that period which men familiarly +call _the turn of life_:--"With the satisfaction of having attained +the fulfilment of an early and long-cherished hope, I commenced my +improvements, as delightful in their progress as those of the child +who first makes a dress for a new doll. The nakedness of the land was +in time hidden by woodlands of considerable extent--the smallest +possible of cottages was progressively expanded into a sort of dream +of a mansion-house, whimsical in the exterior, but convenient within. +Nor did I forget what was the natural pleasure of every man who has +been a reader--I mean the filling the shelves of a tolerably large +library. All these objects I kept in view, to be executed as +convenience should serve; and although I knew many years should elapse +before they could be attained, I was of a disposition to comfort +myself with the Spanish proverb, 'Time and I against any two.'" + + * * * * * + +*** In the preceding account we have purposely abstained from +reference to the position of the affairs of Sir Walter Scott, from our +inability to obtain any decisive information on the subject. The most +pleasing and the latest intelligence will be found in the _Morning +Chronicle_ of Thursday, wherein it is stated that the prospects of the +family of Sir Walter are much better than have been represented. "We +are assured that there are funds sufficient to cover all his debts, +without touching Abbotsford. In the Biography of Allan Cunningham, it +was stated that there would only be a balance due to his creditors of +21,000_l_. But Mr. Cadell, the bookseller, has undertaken to pay +20,000_l._ for the publication of the remainder of his works, on the +plan which had been so far proceeded in. This will clear off all the +claims. A near relative of Lady Scott left 60,000_l._ to the children +of Sir Walter, to which, of course, they are entitled; and the eldest +son received a large fortune with his wife. The public, therefore, are +spared the pain of knowing that the family of one to whom they are so +largely indebted, are left in a state of destitution."--We hope this +statement is as correct as it is gratifying. + +[Illustration: (_Dryburgh Abbey._)] + + * * * * * + +_Printed and published by J. LIMBIRD, 143, Strand, (near Somerset +House,) London._ + + + + + +End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of The Mirror of Literature, Amusement, +and Instruction, No. 571, by Various + +*** END OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK 12054 *** diff --git a/12054-h/12054-h.htm b/12054-h/12054-h.htm new file mode 100644 index 0000000..243c364 --- /dev/null +++ b/12054-h/12054-h.htm @@ -0,0 +1,2009 @@ +<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" + "http://www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"> + +<html xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"> +<head> + <meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=UTF-8" /> + + <title>The Mirror of Literature, Issue 571. Supplement</title> + + <style type="text/css"> + <!-- + body {margin-left: 10%; margin-right: 10%;} + p {text-align: justify;} + blockquote {text-align: justify;} + h1,h2,h3,h4,h5,h6 {text-align: center;} + pre {font-size: 0.7em;} + + hr {text-align: center; width: 50%;} + html>body hr {margin-right: 25%; margin-left: 25%; width: 50%;} + hr.full {width: 100%;} + html>body hr.full {margin-right: 0%; margin-left: 0%; width: 100%;} + + .note, .footnote + {margin-left: 10%; margin-right: 10%; font-size: 0.9em;} + + span.pagenum + {position: absolute; left: 1%; right: 91%; font-size: 8pt;} + + .poem + {margin-left:10%; margin-right:10%; margin-bottom: 1em; text-align: left;} + .poem .stanza {margin: 1em 0em 1em 0em;} + .poem p {margin: 0; padding-left: 3em; text-indent: -3em;} + .poem p.i2 {margin-left: 1em;} + .poem p.i4 {margin-left: 2em;} + .poem p.i6 {margin-left: 3em;} + + .figure + {padding: 1em; margin: 0; text-align: center; font-size: 0.8em; margin: auto;} + .figure img + {border: none;} + .figure p + + table.list {margin-left: 2em;} + table.list td {text-align: left; padding-left: 1em;} + table.list td.num {text-align: right; padding-left: 1em;} + table.list th {padding-left: 1em;} + --> + </style> +</head> +<body> +<div>*** START OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK 12054 ***</div> + + <hr class="full" /> +<span class="pagenum"><a name="page241" id="page241"></a>[pg 241]</span> + + <h1>THE MIRROR<br /> + OF<br /> + LITERATURE, AMUSEMENT, AND INSTRUCTION.</h1> + <hr class="full" /> + + <table width="100%" summary="Vol. 20. No. 571. SUPPLEMENTARY NUMBER"> + <tr> + <td align="left"><b>Vol. 20. No. 571.]</b></td> + <td align="center"><b>SUPPLEMENTARY NUMBER</b></td> + <td align="right"><b>[PRICE 2d.</b></td> + </tr> + </table> +<hr class="full" /> + + + + +<h2> +NOTICES <br /> +<small>OF THE</small><br /> +LIFE AND WRITINGS<br /> +<small>OF</small><br /> +THE LATE SIR WALTER SCOTT, BART. +</h2> + + +<p> +With Five Engravings: +</p> + +<div class="poem"> + <div class="stanza"> + <p>1. <a href="#illustration1">ABBOTSFORD, (<i>from the Garden</i>.)</a></p> + <p>2. <a href="#illustration2">THE ARMOURY.</a></p> + <p>3. <a href="#illustration3">THE POET'S STUDY.</a></p> + <p>4. <a href="#illustration4">PORTRAIT—(<i>from the last painting</i>.)</a></p> + <p>5. <a href="#illustration5">DRYBURGH ABBEY.</a></p> + </div> +</div> + + +<!-- [Illustration: ABBOTSFORD, (FROM THE GARDEN, see page 247.)] --> +<a id="illustration1" name="illustration1"></a> +<div class="figure" style="width:100%;"> + <a href="images/571sup-1.png"><img width="100%" src="images/571sup-1.png" + alt="ABBOTSFORD, (FROM THE GARDEN, see page 247.)" /></a> +<center> +ABBOTSFORD, (FROM THE GARDEN, see page 247.) +</center> +</div> + + +<p> +Sir Walter Scott was the third son of Walter Scott, Esq., Writer to +the Signet, in Edinburgh, and Anne, daughter of Dr. John Rutherford, +Professor of Medicine in the University of the above city. His +ancestry numbers several distinguished persons; though the well-earned +fame of Sir Walter Scott readers his pedigree comparatively +uninteresting; inasmuch as it illustrates the saw of an olden poet, +that +</p> + +<div class="poem"> + <div class="stanza"> + <p>Learning is an addition beyond</p> + <p>Nobility of birth: honour of blood,</p> + <p>Without the ornament of knowledge, is</p> + <p>A glorious ignorance.</p> + </div> +</div> + +<p> +SHIRLEY. +</p> + +<p> +Sir Walter was born at Edinburgh, on the 15th of August, 1771—or, on +the birthday of Napoleon Buonaparte. His father was a +<span class="pagenum"><a name="page242" id="page242"></a>[pg 242]</span> +man of +prosperous fortune and good report; and for many years was "an elder +in the parish church of Old Grey Friars, while Dr. Robertson, the +historian, acted as one of the ministers. The other clergyman was Dr. +John Erskine, of whom Sir Walter has given an animated picture in his +novel of <i>Guy Mannering</i>."<a id="footnotetag1" name="footnotetag1"></a><a href="#footnote1"><sup>1</sup></a> +Mrs. Scott is described as a +well-educated gentlewoman, possessing considerable natural talents; +though she did not enjoy the acquaintance of Allan Ramsay, Blacklock, +Beattie, and Burns, as has been stated by some biographers. She, +however, advantageously mixed in literary society, and from her +superintendence of the early education of her eldest son, Walter, +there is reason to infer that such advantages may have influenced his +habits and taste. He was the third of a family, consisting of six sons +and one daughter. The cleverest of the sons is stated by Sir Walter to +have been Daniel, a sailor, who died young. Thomas, the next brother +to Sir Walter, was a man of considerable talent, and before the avowal +of the authorship of the Waverley Novels, report ascribed to him a +great part or the whole of them. Sir Walter observes—"Those who +remember that gentleman (of the 70th regiment, then stationed in +Canada) will readily grant, that, with general talent at least equal +to those of his elder brother, he added a power of social humour, and +a deep insight into human character, which rendered him an universally +delightful member of society, and that the habit of composition alone +was wanting to render him equally successful as a writer. The Author +of Waverley was so persuaded of the truth of this, that he warmly +pressed his brother to make such an experiment, and willingly +undertook all the trouble of correcting and superintending the press." +Ill health, however, unfitted Mr. Scott for the task, though "the +author believes his brother would have made himself distinguished in +that striking field, in which, since that period, Mr. Cooper has +achieved so many triumphs."<a id="footnotetag2" name="footnotetag2"></a><a href="#footnote2"><sup>2</sup></a> +</p> + +<p> +The house in which Sir Walter Scott was born no longer exists. It was +situated at the head of the College Wynd, at its entrance into North +College-street. It was thus described by Sir Walter in 1825:—"It +consisted of two flats above Mr. Keith's, and belonged to my father, +Mr. Walter Scott, Writer to the Signet. There I had the chance to be +born, 15th of August, 1771. My father, soon after my birth, removed to +George's Square, and let the house in the College Wynd, first to Mr. +Dundas, of Philipstoun, and afterwards to Mr. William Keith, father of +Sir Alexander Keith. It was purchased by the public, together with Mr. +Keith's (the inferior floors), and pulled down to make way for the new +College." +</p> + + +<h3> +CHILDHOOD. +</h3> + + +<p> +Mr. Cunningham relates some interesting particulars of this period. +Before Sir Walter was two years old, his nurse let him fall out of her +arms, so as to injure his right foot, and render him lame for life: +"This accident did not otherwise affect his health; he was, as I have +been informed by a lady who chanced to live near him, a remarkably +active and dauntless boy, full of all manner of fun, and ready for all +manner of mischief. He calls himself, in one of his introductions to +<i>Marmion</i>— +</p> + +<blockquote> + A self-willed imp; a grondame's child; +</blockquote> + +<p> +and I have heard it averred, that the circumstance of his lame foot +prompted him to take the lead among all the stirring boys in the +street where he lived, or the school which he attended: he desired, +perhaps, to show them, that there was a spirit which could triumph +over all impediments."<a id="footnotetag3" name="footnotetag3"></a><a href="#footnote3"><sup>3</sup></a> +If this statement be correct, it is a +somewhat remarkable coincidence with the circumstance of Lord Byron's +lameness; though, happily, the influence of the accident on the +temperament of Scott is not traceable beyond his early years. +</p> + +<p> +Sir Walter was subsequently removed from Edinburgh, for the +improvement of his health, to the farm-house of Sandyknowe, then +inhabited by his paternal grandfather, and situated in the loveliest +part of the Vale of Tweed. In the neighbourhood, upon a considerable +eminence, stands Smailholm Tower, a Border fort which the future poet +enshrined in his admirable ballad, <i>The Eve of St. John</i>. The romantic +influence of the scenery of the whole district is told with much +vigour and sweetness in the introduction to the third canto of +<i>Marmion</i>. +</p> + + +<h3> +EDUCATION. +</h3> + + +<p> +Little is known of the schooldom of Scott, that denotes anything like +precocious talent. It is, however better ascertained that his early +rambles amidst the Tweed scenery retarded his educational pursuits. He +received the rudiments of knowledge under the home tuition of his +mother; next attended an ordinary school at Edinburgh, and was then +placed at the High School, his name first appearing in the school +register in the year 1779. His masters, Mr. Luke Fraser, and Dr. Adam, +were erudite and pains-taking teachers; but, to borrow a phrase from +Montaigne, they could neither lodge it with him, nor make him espouse +it, and Chambers illustratively relates, "apparently, neither the care +of the master, nor the inborn genius of the pupil, availed much in +this case; for it is said that the twenty-fifth place was no +<span class="pagenum"><a name="page243" id="page243"></a>[pg 243]</span> +uncommon +situation in the class for the future Author of the Waverley Novels." +Perhaps the only anecdote of any early indication of talent that can +be relied on is that related by Mr. Cunningham, of Burns:—"The poet, +while at Professor Ferguson's one day, was struck by some lines +attached to a print of a Soldier dying in the snow, and inquired who +was the author: none of the old or the learned spoke, when the future +author of <i>Marmion</i> answered, 'They are by Langhorne.' Burns, fixing +his large, bright eyes on the boy, and, striding up to him, said, it +is no common course of reading which has taught you this—'this lad,' +said he to the company, will be heard of yet." +</p> + +<p> +At school, Sir Walter represents himself to have excelled in what may +be termed the <i>art</i>, or, as Swift calls it, the "knack," of narrating +a story, which, by the way, is as companionable an acquirement at +school as elsewhere. His account is as follows:—"I must refer to a +very early period of my life, were I to point out my first +achievements as a tale-teller—but I believe some of my old +school-fellows can still bear witness that I had a distinguished +character for that talent, at a time when the applause of my +companions was my recompense for the disgraces and punishments which +the future romance writer incurred for being idle himself, and keeping +others idle, during hours that should have been employed on our tasks. +The chief enjoyment of my holydays was to escape with a chosen friend, +who had the same taste with myself, and alternately to recite to each +other such wild adventures as we were able to devise. We told, each in +turn, interminable tales of knight-errantry and battles and +enchantments, which were continued from one day to another as +opportunity offered, without our ever thinking of bringing them to a +conclusion. As we observed a strict secresy on the subject of this +intercourse, it acquired all the character of a concealed pleasure; +and we used to select for the scenes of our indulgence, long walks +through the solitary and romantic environs of Arthur's Seat, Salisbury +Crags, Braid Hills, and similar places in the vicinity of Edinburgh, +and the recollection of those holydays still forms an <i>oasis</i> in the +pilgrimage which I have to look back upon."<a id="footnotetag4" name="footnotetag4"></a><a href="#footnote4"><sup>4</sup></a> +</p> + +<p> +This excellence in tale-telling drew Scott's attention from graver +studies; but it was an indication of genius which may be regarded as +the corner-stone of his future fame. This reminds us of Steele's idea, +that "a story-teller is born as well as a poet." Scott, about this +time, received some instructions in music, which was then considered a +branch of ordinary education in Scotland; but the future poet, to use +a familiar expression, wanted "an ear." Throughout life he, however, +was highly susceptible of the delights of music, though his own +execution was confined to a single song, with which he attempted to +enliven the social board, but, it is stated, with such unmusical +oddity as to content his hearers with a single specimen of his vocal +talent. His early rambles around the "hills and holms of the border," +is said to have kindled in Scott the love of painting landscapes, not +strictly in accordance with the rules of art, though certainly from +nature herself. Such attempts in art, by the way, are by no means +uncommon in the early lives of men of genius; and, they are to be +regarded, in many instances as their earliest appreciation of the +beauties of nature. +</p> + +<p> +In 1783, Scott was placed at the University of Edinburgh, where his +studies were as irregular as at the High School: at the latter he is +said to have made his first attempt at versification in the +description of a thunderstorm in six lines, the recital of which +afforded his mother considerable pleasure and promise; and, on another +occasion, he is stated to have remarked, during a journey over a +sterile district of Scotland, in a day of drizzling rain, "It is only +nature weeping for the barrenness of her soil." +</p> + + +<h3> +LOVE OF READING. +</h3> + + +<p> +Scott's early love of reading is described to have been of +enthusiastic character, and to have been fostered by an accident at +this period of his life. He had just given over the amusements of +boyhood, and began to prepare himself for the serious business of +life, or the study of the law, when, to use his own words, "a long +illness threw him back on the kingdom of fiction, as it were by a +species of fatality." His autobiography of this period is extremely +interesting:—"My indisposition arose in part at least, from my having +broken a blood-vessel; and motion and speech were for a long time +pronounced positively dangerous. For several weeks I was confined +strictly to my bed, during which time I was not allowed to speak above +a whisper, to eat more than a spoonful or two of boiled rice, or to +have more covering than one thin counterpane. When the reader is +informed that I was at this time a growing youth, with the spirits, +appetite, and impatience of fifteen, and suffered, of course, greatly +under this severe regimen, which the repeated return of my disorder +rendered indispensable, he will not be surprised that I was abandoned +to my own discretion, so far as reading (my almost sole amusement) was +concerned, and still less so, that I abused the indulgence which left +my time so much at my own disposal. +</p> + +<p> +"There was at this time a circulating library at Edinburgh, founded, I +believe, by the celebrated Allan Ramsay, which, besides containing a +most respectable collection of +<span class="pagenum"><a name="page244" id="page244"></a>[pg 244]</span> +books of every description, was, as +might have been expected, peculiarly rich in works of fiction. I was +plunged into this great ocean of reading without compass or pilot; and +unless when some one had the charity to play at chess with me, I was +allowed to do nothing save read, from morning to night. As my taste +and appetite were gratified in nothing else, I indemnified myself by +becoming a glutton of books. Accordingly, I believe, I read almost all +the old romances, old plays, and epic poetry, in that formidable +collection, and no doubt was unconsciously amassing materials for the +task in which it has been my lot to be so much employed. +</p> + +<p> +"At the same time, I did not in all respects abuse the license +permitted me. Familiar acquaintance with the specious miracles of +fiction brought with it some degree of satiety, and I began by degrees +to seek in histories, memoirs, voyages and travels, and the like, +events nearly as wonderful as those which were the works of the +imagination, with the additional advantage that they were, at least, +in a great measure true. The lapse of nearly two years, during which I +was left to the service of my own free will, was followed by a +temporary residence in the country, where I was again very lonely, but +for the amusement which I derived from a good, though old-fashioned, +library. The vague and wild use which I made of this advantage I +cannot describe better than by referring my reader to the desultory +studies of Waverley in a similar situation; the passages concerning +whose reading were imitated from recollections of my own."<a id="footnotetag5" name="footnotetag5"></a><a href="#footnote5"><sup>5</sup></a> +</p> + + +<h3> +STUDIES IN THE LAW. +</h3> + + +<p> +Upon the re-establishment of his health, Scott returned to Edinburgh, +and resumed his studies in the law, which had been interrupted by +illness. He states his progress to have been neither slow nor +unsatisfactory, though by others he is said to have been an indolent +student. He speaks of his "severe studies" occupying the greater part +of his time, and amidst their dulness he seems to have underrated the +incidents of his private life, which he afterwards related to the +world with some share of self-satisfaction. +</p> + +<p> +He appears to have succeeded tolerably in his legal lucubrations; for, +in 1792, he was called to the bar as an advocate. He established +himself in good style in Edinburgh, but had little practice; though +the accounts of his progress are somewhat contradictory. That he +passed much of his time in acquiring other than professional knowledge +is more certain, though he rarely attempted composition. Mr. Chambers, +with all his diligence and advantages for research, (and they are very +meritorious and considerable,) "has not been able to detect any +fugitive pieces of Sir Walter's in any of the periodical publications +of the day, nor even any attempt to get one intruded (?) unless the +following notice in Dr. Anderson's <i>Bee</i> for May 9, 1792, refers to +him:—'The Editor regrets that the verses of <i>W.S.</i> are <i>too defective +for publication</i>.'" +</p> + + +<h3> +FIRST LITERARY ATTEMPTS. +</h3> + + +<p> +About this time Sir Walter employed his leisure in collecting the +ballad poetry of the Scottish Border. His inducement to this task was +subsequently described by him as follows:— +</p> + +<p> +"A period," says Sir Walter, "when this particular taste for the +popular ballad was in the most extravagant degree of fashion, became +the occasion, unexpectedly indeed, of my deserting the profession to +which I was educated, and in which I had sufficiently advantageous +prospects for a person of limited ambition. * * I may remark that, +although the assertion has been made, it is a mistake to suppose that +my situation in life or place in society were materially altered by +such success as I attained in literary attempts. My birth, without +giving the least pretension to distinction, was that of a gentleman, +and connected me with several respectable families and accomplished +persons. My education had been a good one, although I was deprived of +its full benefit by indifferent health, just at the period when I +ought to have been most sedulous in improving it." He then describes +his circumstances as easy, with a moderate degree of business for his +standing, and "the friendship of more than one person of +consideration, efficiently disposed to aid his views in life." In +short, he describes himself as "beyond all apprehension of want." He +then notices the low ebb of poetry in Britain for the previous ten +years; the fashionable but slender poetical reputation of Hayley, then +in the wane; "the Bard of Memory slumbered on his laurels, and he of +Hope had scarce begun to attract his share of public attention;" +Cowper was dead, and had not left an extensive popularity; "Burns, +whose genius our southern neighbours could hardly yet comprehend, had +long confined himself to song-writing; and the realms of Parnassus +seemed to lie open to the first bold invader." The gradual +introduction of German literature into this country during such a +dearth of native talent, now led Sir Walter to the study of the German +language. He also became acquainted with Mr. G. Lewis, author of <i>The +Monk</i>, who had already published some successful imitations of the +German ballad school. "Out of this acquaintance," says Sir Walter, +"consequences arose, which altered almost all the Scottish +ballad-maker's future prospects of life. In early youth I had been an +eager student of ballad poetry, and the tree is still in my +recollection, beneath which I lay and first entered upon the +<span class="pagenum"><a name="page245" id="page245"></a>[pg 245]</span> +enchanting perusal of Percy's Reliques of Ancient Poetry. The taste of +another person had strongly encouraged my own researches into this +species of legendary lore; but I had never dreamed of an attempt to +imitate what gave me so much pleasure." He then speaks of some +successful metrical translations which he made at the High School; but +in original rhyme he was less fortunate. "In short," says Sir Walter, +"except the usual tribute to a mistress' eyebrow, which is the +language of passion rather than poetry, I had not for ten years +indulged the wish to couple so much as <i>love</i> and <i>dove</i>, when finding +Lewis in possession of so much reputation, and, conceiving that, if I +fell behind him in poetical powers, I considerably exceeded him in +general information, I suddenly took it into my head to attempt the +style by which he had raised himself to fame." Sir Walter next hearing +a striking passage from Mr. W. Taylor's translation of Bürger's +<i>Leonore</i>, was induced to procure a copy of the original poem from +Germany, and "the book had only been a few hours in my possession, +when I found myself giving an animated account of the poem to a +friend, and rashly added a promise to furnish a copy in English ballad +verse. I well recollect that I began my task after supper, and +finished it about daybreak the next morning, (it consists of 66 +stanzas,) by which time the ideas which the task had a tendency to +summon up, were rather of an uncomfortable character." This success +encouraged Sir Walter to publish his translation of <i>Leonore</i> with +that of <i>Der Wilde Jager</i> (the Wild Huntsman,) in a thin quarto; but, +other translations appearing at the same time, Sir Walter's adventure +proved a dead loss: "and a great part of the edition was condemned to +the service of the trunk-maker." This failure did not discourage Sir +Walter; for, early in 1799 he published <i>Goetz of Berlinchingen</i>, a +tragedy, from the German of Goëthe. We thus see that Sir Walter did +not conceal his obligation to Lewis, for his aid in his translations; +but Lord Byron's assertion that Monk Lewis corrected Scott's verse, +and that he understood little then of the mechanical part of it—is +far from true, as a comparison of their productions warrants us to +conclude. +</p> + +<p> +Sir Walter's first attempt at originality was in ballad poetry. He +says:—"The ballad called <i>Glenfinlas</i> was, I think, the first +original poem which I ventured to compose. After <i>Glenfinlas</i>, I +undertook another ballad, called <i>The Eve of St. John</i>. The incidents, +except the hints alluded to in the notes, are entirely imaginary; but +the scene was that of my early childhood. Some idle persons had of +late years during the proprietor's absence, torn down the iron-grated +door of Smailholm Tower from its hinges, and thrown it down the rock." +Sir Walter prevailed on the proprietor to repair the mischief, on +condition that the young poet should write a ballad, of which the +scene should lie at Smailholm Tower, and among the crags where it is +situated. The ballad, as well as <i>Glenfinlas</i>, was approved of, and +procured Sir Walter many marks of attention and kindness from Duke +John of Roxburgh, who gave him the unlimited use of the Roxburgh club +library. +</p> + + +<h3> +MINSTRELSY OF THE SCOTTISH BORDER. +</h3> + + +<p> +This work, although not original, may be said to be the superstructure +of Sir Walter Scott's fame. It consists, as we have already hinted, of +the ballad poetry of the Border district; but to obtain this +vernacular literature was not the work of mere compilation. The +editor's task was not performed in the closet, but in a sort of +literary pilgrimage through a land of song, story, and romance. The +farmers and peasantry from whose recitation the ballads were to be set +down, were a primitive race; and the country among which oral +traditions, anecdotes, and legends were to be collected for notes +illustrative of the ballads, was of the most romantic character. Sir +Walter found the most fertile field in the pastoral vale of +Liddesdale, whither he travelled in an old gig with Mr. Shortreed, an +intelligent observer of the manners of the people. In these +researches, Sir Walter evinced a most retentive memory: he is stated +to have used neither pencil nor pen, but to have made his own +memoranda by cutting notches on twigs, or small sticks.<a id="footnotetag6" name="footnotetag6"></a><a href="#footnote6"><sup>6</sup></a> +The +<i>Minstrelsy</i> was published in 1802, in two volumes; it was reprinted +in the following +<span class="pagenum"><a name="page246" id="page246"></a>[pg 246]</span> +year with a third volume, of imitations, by Scott and +others, of the ancient ballad; but Sir Walter refers to the second +edition as rather a heavy concern. +</p> + + +<h3> +MARRIAGE—SHERIFFDOM—LEAVES THE BAR. +</h3> + + +<p> +Reverting to Sir Walter's domestic life, we should mention that in +1797, he married Miss Carpenter, a lady of Jersey, with an annuity of +400<i>l.</i>; soon after which he established himself during the vacations, +in a delightful retreat at Lasswade, on the banks of the Esse, about +five miles to the south of Edinburgh. In 1799, he obtained the Crown +appointment of sheriff of Selkirkshire, with a salary of 300<i>l.</i> a +year; the duties of which office he is said to have performed with +kindness and justice. Mr. Cunningham relates that Sir Walter had a +high notion of the dignity which belonged to his post, and sternly +maintained it when any one seemed disposed to treat it with unbecoming +familiarity. On one occasion, it is said, when some foreign prince +passed through Selkirk, the populace, anxious to look on a live +prince, crowded round him so closely, that Scott, in vain attempted to +approach him; the poet's patience failed, and exclaiming "Room for +your sheriff! Room for your sheriff!" he pushed and elbowed the gapers +impatiently aside, and apologised to the prince for their +curiosity.<a id="footnotetag7" name="footnotetag7"></a><a href="#footnote7"><sup>7</sup></a> +</p> + +<p> +By the death of Sir Walter's father, his income was increased, and +this addition, with the salary of his sheriffdom, left him more at +leisure to indulge his literary pursuits. Soon after this period, +about 1803, Sir Walter finding that his attempts in literature had +been unfavourable to his success at the bar, says:—"My profession and +I, therefore, came to stand nearly upon the footing on which honest +Slender consoled himself with having established with Mrs. Anne Page. +'There was no great love between us at the beginning, and it pleased +Heaven to decrease it on farther acquaintance!' I became sensible that +the time was come when I must either buckle myself resolutely to 'the +toil by day, the lamp by night,' renouncing all the Dalilahs of my +imagination, or bid adieu to the profession of the law, and hold +another course. +</p> + +<p> +"I confess my own inclination revolted from the more severe choice, +which might have been deemed by many the wiser alternative. As my +transgressions had been numerous, my repentance must have been +signalized by unusual sacrifices. I ought to have mentioned that, +since my fourteenth or fifteenth year, my health, originally delicate, +had been extremely robust. From infancy I had laboured under the +infirmity of a severe lameness, but, as I believe is usually the case +with men of spirit who suffer under personal inconveniences of this +nature, I had, since the improvement of my health, in defiance of this +incapacitating circumstance, distinguished myself by the endurance of +toil on foot or horseback, having often walked thirty miles a-day, and +rode upwards of a hundred without stopping. In this manner I made many +pleasant journeys through parts of the country then not very +accessible, gaining more amusement and instruction than I have been +able to acquire since I have travelled in a more commodious manner. I +practised most sylvan sports also with some success and with great +delight. But these pleasures must have been all resigned, or used with +great moderation, had I determined to regain my station at the bar." +After well weighing these matters, Sir Walter resolved on quitting his +avocations in the law for literature; though he determined that +literature should be his staff but not his crutch, and that the +profits of his labour, however convenient otherwise, should not become +necessary to his ordinary expenses. +</p> + + +<h3> +THE LAY OF THE LAST MINSTREL. +</h3> + + +<p> +Sir Walter's secession from the law was followed by the production of +his noblest poem—<i>the Lay of the Last Minstrel</i>—the origin of which +is thus related by the author: +</p> + +<p> +"The lovely young Countess of Dalkeith, afterwards Harriet, Duchess of +Buccleuch, had come to the land of her husband, with the desire of +making herself acquainted with its traditions and customs. Of course, +where all made it a pride and pleasure to gratify her wishes, she soon +heard enough of Border lore; among others, an aged gentleman of +property, near Langholm, communicated to her ladyship the story of +Gilpin Horner—a tradition in which the narrator and many more of that +county were firm believers. The young Countess, much delighted with +the legend, and the gravity and full confidence with which it was +told, enjoined it on me as a task to compose a ballad on the subject. +Of course, to hear was to obey; and thus the goblin story, objected to +by several critics as an excrescence upon the poem, was, in fact, the +occasion of its being written." +</p> + +<p> +Sir Walter having composed the first two or three stanzas of the +poem—taking for his model the <i>Christabel</i> of Coleridge—showed them +to two friends, "whose talents might have raised them to the highest +station in literature, had they not preferred exerting them in their +own profession of the law, in which they attained equal preferment." +They were more silent upon the merits of the stanzas than was +encouraging to the author; and Sir Walter, looking upon the attempt as +a failure, threw the manuscript into the fire, and thought as little +as he could of the matter. Sometime afterwards, Sir Walter meeting his +two friends, was asked how he proceeded in his romance;—they were +surprised +<span class="pagenum"><a name="page247" id="page247"></a>[pg 247]</span> +at its fate, said they had reviewed their opinion, and +earnestly desired that Sir Walter would proceed with the composition. +He did so; and the poem was soon finished, proceeding at the rate of +about a canto per week. It was finally published in 1805, and produced +to the author 600<i>l.</i>; and, to use his own words, "it may be regarded +as the first work in which the writer, who has been since so +voluminous, laid his claim to be considered as an original author." We +thus see that Sir Walter Scott was in his 34th year before he had +published an original work. +</p> + + +<h3> +MARMION. +</h3> + + +<p> +Sir Walter's second poem of consequence appeared in 1808, he having +published a few ballads and lyrical pieces during the year 1806. The +publishers, emboldened by the success of <i>the Lay of the Last +Minstrel</i>, gave the author 1,000<i>l.</i> for <i>Marmion</i>. Its success was +electric, and at once wrought up the poet's reputation. In his preface +to the last edition, April, 1830, he states 36,000 copies to have been +printed between 1808 and 1825, besides a considerable sale since that +period; and the publishers were so delighted with the success, as "to +supply the author's cellars with what is always an acceptable present +to a young Scotch house-keeper—namely, a hogshead of excellent +claret." +</p> + + +<h3> +CLERK OF SESSION. +</h3> + + +<p> +Between the appearance of <i>the Lay of the Last Minstrel</i> and +<i>Marmion</i>, hopes were held out to him from an influential quarter of +the reversion of the office of a Principal Clerk in the Court of +Session; and, Mr. Pitt, having expressed a wish to be of service to +the author, of <i>the Lay of the Last Minstrel</i>, Sir Walter applied for +the reversion. His desire was readily acceeded to; and, according to +Chambers, George III. is reported to have said, when he signed the +commission, that "he was happy he had it in his power to reward a man +of genius, and a person of such distinguished merit." The King had +signed the document, and the office fees alone remained to be paid, +when Mr. Pitt died, and a new and opposite ministry succeeded. Sir +Walter, however, obtained the appointment, though not from the favour +of an administration differing from himself in politics, as has been +supposed; the grant having been obtained before Mr. Fox's direction +that the appointment should be conferred as a favour coming directly +from his administration. The duties were easy, and the profits about +1,200<i>l.</i> a year, though Sir Walter, according to arrangement, +performed the former for five or six years without salary, until the +retirement of his colleague. +</p> + + +<h3> +EDITIONS OF DRYDEN AND SWIFT. +</h3> + + +<p> +Sir Walter's next literary labour was the editorship of the <i>Works of +John Dryden</i>, with Notes. Critical and Explanatory, and a Life of the +Author: the chief aim of which appears to be the arrangement of the +"literary productions in their succession, as actuated by, and +operating upon, the taste of an age, where they had so predominating +an influence," and the connexion of the Life of Dryden with the +history of his publications. This he accomplished within a +twelvemonth. Sir Walter subsequently edited, upon a similar plan, an +edition of the <i>Works of Swift</i>.—Neither of these works can be said +to entitle Sir Walter to high rank as a biographer. +</p> + + +<h3> +THE LADY OF THE LAKE +</h3> + + +<p> +Was written in 1809, and published in 1810, and was considered by the +author as the best of his poetic compositions. He appears to have +taken more than ordinary pains in its accuracy, especially in +verifying the correctness of the local circumstances of the story. In +his introduction to a late edition of the poem, he says—"I recollect, +in particular, that to ascertain whether I was telling a probable +tale, I went into Perthshire, to see whether King James could actually +have ridden from the banks of Loch Venachar to Stirling Castle within +the time supposed in the poem, and had the pleasure to satisfy myself +that it was quite practicable." The success of the poem "was certainly +so extraordinary, as to induce him for the moment to conclude, that he +had at last fixed a nail in the proverbially inconstant wheel of +Fortune, whose stability in behalf of an individual, who had so boldly +courted her favours for three successive times, had not as yet been +shaken." +</p> + + +<h3> +ABBOTSFORD.—(<i>See the Cuts</i>.) +</h3> + + +<p> +Since Sir Walter's appointment to the sheriffdom of Selkirkshire, he +had resided at Ashiesteel, on the banks of the Tweed, of which he was +but the tenant. He was now desirous to purchase a small estate, and +thereon build a house according to his own taste. He found a desirable +site six or seven miles farther down the Tweed, in the neighbourhood +of the public road between Melrose and Selkirk, and at nearly an equal +distance from both of those towns: it was then occupied by a little +farm onstead, which bore the name of Cartley Hole. The mansion is in +what is termed the castellated Gothic style, embosomed in flourishing +wood. It takes its name from a ford, formerly used by the monks of +Melrose, across the Tweed, which now winds amongst a rich succession +of woods and lawns. But we will borrow Mr. Allan Cunningham's +description of the estate, written during a visit to Abbotsford, in +the summer of 1831:—"On the other side of the Tweed we had a fine +view of Abbotsford, and all its policies and grounds. The whole is at +once extensive and beautiful. The fast rising woods are already +beginning to bury +<span class="pagenum"><a name="page248" id="page248"></a>[pg 248]</span> +the house, which is none of the smallest; and the +Tweed, which runs within gun-shot of the windows, can only be +discerned here and there through the tapestry of boughs. A fine, +open-work, Gothic screen half conceals and half shows the garden, as +you stand in front of the house—(<i>see the Engraving</i>.) It was the +offspring of necessity, for it became desirable to mask an unseemly +old wall, on which are many goodly fruit-trees. What we most admired +about the estate, was the naturally useful and elegant manner in which +the great poet has laid out the plantations—first, with respect to +the bounding or enclosing line; and secondly, with regard to the +skilful distribution of the trees, both for the contrast of light and +shade, and for the protection which the strong affords to the weak.<a id="footnotetag8" name="footnotetag8"></a><a href="#footnote8"><sup>8</sup></a> +The horizontal profile of the house is fine, crowded with towers and +clustered chimneys: it looks half castle, half monastery. The +workmanship, too, is excellent: indeed we never saw such well-dressed, +cleanly, and compactly laid whinstone course and gage in our life: it +is a perfect picture."<a id="footnotetag9" name="footnotetag9"></a><a href="#footnote9"><sup>9</sup></a> +"The external walls of Abbotsford, as also +the walls of the adjoining garden, are enriched with many old carved +stones, which, having originally figured in other situations, to which +they were calculated by their sculptures and inscriptions, have a very +curious effect. Among the various relics which Sir Walter has +contrived to collect, may be mentioned the door of the old Tolbooth of +Edinburgh, which, together with the hewn stones that composed the +gateway, are now made to figure in a base court at the west end of the +house."<a id="footnotetag10" name="footnotetag10"></a><a href="#footnote10"><sup>10</sup></a> +</p> + +<!-- [Illustration: (<i>Armoury</i>.)] --> +<a id="illustration2" name="illustration2"></a> +<div class="figure" style="width:50%;"> + <a href="images/571sup-2.png"><img width="100%" src="images/571sup-2.png" + alt="Armoury." /></a> +<center> +(<i>Armoury</i>.) +</center> +</div> + +<p> +It would occupy a whole sheet to describe the <i>interior</i> of the +mansion; so that we select only two apartments, as graphic memorials +of the lamented owner. First, is the <i>Armoury</i>, (from a coloured +lithograph, published by Ackermann)—an arched apartment, with a +richly-blazoned window, and the walls filled all over with smaller +pieces of armour and weapons, such as swords, firelocks, spears, +arrows, darts, daggers, &c. These relics will be found enumerated in a +description of Abbotsford, in <i>the Anniversary</i>, quoted in vol. xv. of +the <i>Mirror</i>. The second of the <i>interiors</i> is the poet's <i>Study</i>—a +room about twenty-five feet square by twenty feet high, containing of +what is properly called furniture, nothing but a small writing-table +and an antique arm-chair. On either side of the fire-place various +pieces of armour are hung on the wall; but, there are no books, save +the contents of a light gallery, which runs round three sides of the +room, +<span class="pagenum"><a name="page249" id="page249"></a>[pg 249]</span> +and is reached by a hanging stair of carved oak in one corner. +There are only two portraits—an original of the beautiful and +melancholy head of Claverhouse, and a small full-length of Rob Roy. +Various little antique cabinets stand about the room; and in one +corner is a collection of really useful weapons—those of the forest +craft, to wit—axes and bills, &c. Over the fire-place, too, are some +Highland claymores clustered round a target. There is only one window, +pierced in a very thick wall, so that the place is rather sombre. +</p> + +<!-- [Illustration: (<i>Study</i>.)] --> +<a id="illustration3" name="illustration3"></a> +<div class="figure" style="width:50%;"> + <a href="images/571sup-3.png"><img width="100%" src="images/571sup-3.png" + alt="Study." /></a> +<center> +(<i>Study</i>.) +</center> +</div> + + +<h3> +ROKEBY, AND MINOR POEMS. +</h3> + + +<p> +After the publication of <i>the Lady of the Lake</i>, Sir Walter's poetical +reputation began to wane. In 1811, appeared <i>Don Roderick</i>; and in +1813, <i>Rokeby</i>; both of which were unsuccessful; and the <i>Lord of the +Isles</i> followed with no better fortune. In short, Sir Walter perceived +that the tide of popularity was turning, and he wisely changed with +the public taste. The subjects of these poems were neither so +striking, nor the versification so attractive, as in his earlier +poems. The poet himself attributes their failure to the manner or +style losing its charms of novelty, and the harmony becoming tiresome +and ordinary; his measure and manner were imitated by other writers, +and, above all Byron had just appeared as a serious candidate in the +first canto of <i>Childe Harold</i>; so that Sir Walter with exemplary +candour confesses that "the original inventor and his invention must +have fallen into contempt, if he had not found out another road to +public favour." We shall therefore now part with his poetic fame, and +proceed in the more gratifying task of glancing at his splendid +successes in prose fiction. +</p> + + +<h3> +WAVERLEY. +</h3> + + +<p> +The first of the author's +</p> + +<blockquote> + long trails of light descending down, +</blockquote> + +<p> +had its origin in a desire to story the ancient traditions and noble +spirit of the Highlands, aided by the author's early recollections of +their scenery and customs; in short, to effect in prose what he had so +triumphantly achieved in the poem of <i>the Lady of the Lake</i>. The +author's own account will be read with interest:—"It was with some +idea of this kind, that, about the year 1805, I threw together about +one-third part of the first volume of Waverley. It was advertised to +be published by the late Mr. John Ballantyne, under the name of +'Waverley,' or ''Tis Fifty Years since,'—a title afterwards altered +to ''Tis Sixty Years since,' that the actual date of publication might +be made to correspond with the period in which the scene was laid. +Having proceeded as far, I think, as the seventh chapter, I showed my +work to a critical friend, whose opinion was unfavourable, and having +some poetical reputation, I was unwilling to risk the loss of it by +attempting a new style of composition. I therefore threw aside the +work I had commenced, without either reluctance or remonstrance. This +portion of the manuscript was laid aside in the drawers of an old +writing desk, which, on my first coming to reside at Abbotsford in +1811, was placed in a lumber garret, and entirely forgotten. Thus, +though I sometimes, among other literary avocations, turned my +thoughts to the continuation of the romance which I had commenced, +yet, as I could not find what I had already written, after searching +such repositories as were within my reach, and was too indolent to +attempt to write it anew from memory. I as often laid aside all +thoughts of that nature." +</p> + +<p> +The success of Miss Edgeworth's delineations of Irish life, and the +author's completion of Mr. Strutt's romance of <i>Queen Hoo Hall</i>, in +1808, again drew his attention to <i>Waverley</i>. Accident threw the lost +sheets in his way, while searching an old writing-desk for some +fishing-tackle for a friend. The long-lost manuscript presented +itself, and "he immediately set to work to complete it, according to +his original purpose." Among other unfounded reports, it has been +said, that the copyright was, during the book's progress through the +press, offered for sale to various booksellers in London at a very +inconsiderable price. This was not the case. Messrs. Constable and +Cadell, who published the work, were the only persons acquainted with +the contents of the publication, and they offered a large sum for it, +while in the course of printing, which, however, was declined, the +author not choosing to part with the copyright. Waverley was published +in 1814: its progress was for some time slow, but, after two or three +months its popularity began to spread, and, in a short time about +12,000 copies were disposed of. The name of the author was kept secret +from his desire to publish the work "as an experiment on the public +taste. Mr. Ballantyne, who printed the novel, alone corresponded with +the author; the original manuscript was transcribed under Mr. +Ballantyne's eye, by confidential persons; nor was there an instance +of treachery during the many years in which these precautions were +resorted to, although various individuals were employed at different +times. Double proof sheets were regularly printed off. One was +forwarded to the author by Mr. Ballantyne, and the alterations which +it received were, by his own hand, copied upon the other proof-sheet +for the use of the printers, so that even the corrected proofs of the +author were never seen in the printing-office; and thus the curiosity +of such eager inquirers as made the most minute investigation was +entirely at fault."<a id="footnotetag11" name="footnotetag11"></a><a href="#footnote11"><sup>11</sup></a> +</p> +<span class="pagenum"><a name="page250" id="page250"></a>[pg 250]</span> + + +<h3> +OTHER NOVELS. +</h3> + + +<p> +The success of <i>Waverley</i> led to the production of that series of +works, by which the author established himself "as the greatest master +in a department of literature, to which he has given a lustre +previously unknown;—in which he stands confessedly unrivalled, and +not approached, even within moderate limits, except, among +predecessors, by Cervantes, and among contemporaries, by the author of +<i>Anastasius</i>." We shall merely enumerate these works, with the date of +their publication, and, as a point of kindred interest, the sums for +which the original manuscripts, in the hand-writing of Sir Walter, +were sold in the autumn of last year. Of the merits of these +productions it would be idle to attempt to speak in our narrow space; +but, for a finely graphic paper, (probably the last written previously +to the author's death,) on the literary claims of Sir Walter Scott, as +a novelist, we may refer the reader to No. 109 of the <i>Edinburgh +Review</i>. +</p> + +<table class="list" summary="Scott's Novels, Volumes, Years of Publication, and sale price of original manuscript"> +<tr> + <th rowspan="2">Novels.</th> + + <th rowspan="2">Vols.</th> + + <th rowspan="2"> Year of<br /> + Publication.</th> + + <th colspan="2">Orig. MS.<br /> + sold in<br /> + 1831, for + </th> +</tr> +<tr> + <th>£. </th><th>s.</th> +</tr> + +<tr> + <td>Waverley </td><td>3 </td><td>1814 </td><td class="num">18 </td><td class="num">0</td> +</tr><tr> + <td>Guy Mannering </td><td>3 </td><td>1815 </td><td class="num">27 </td><td class="num">10</td> +</tr><tr> + <td>The Antiquary* </td><td>3 </td><td>1816 </td><td class="num">42 </td><td class="num">0</td> +</tr><tr> + <td>Tales of My Landlord </td><td>4 1st ser. </td><td>1816 </td><td class="num">33 </td><td class="num">0</td> +</tr><tr> + <td>Rob Roy* </td><td>3 </td><td>1818 </td><td class="num">50 </td><td class="num">0</td> +</tr><tr> + <td>Tales of My Landlord </td><td>4 2nd ser. </td><td>1818 </td><td> </td> <td> </td> +</tr><tr> + <td>Tales of My Landlord </td><td>4 3rd ser. </td><td>1819 </td><td class="num">14 </td><td class="num">14</td> +</tr><tr> + <td>Ivanhoe </td><td>3 </td><td>1820 </td><td class="num">12 </td><td class="num">0</td> +</tr><tr> + <td>The Monastery* </td><td>3 </td><td>1820 </td><td class="num">18 </td><td class="num">18</td> +</tr><tr> + <td>The Abbot </td><td>3 </td><td>1820 </td><td class="num">14 </td><td class="num">0</td> +</tr><tr> + <td>Kenilworth </td><td>3 </td><td>1821 </td><td class="num">17 </td><td class="num">0</td> +</tr><tr> + <td>The Pirate </td><td>3 </td><td>1822 </td><td class="num">12 </td><td class="num">0</td> +</tr><tr> + <td>The Fortunes of Nigel </td><td>3 </td><td>1822 </td><td class="num">16 </td><td class="num">16</td> +</tr><tr> + <td>Peveril of the Peak* </td><td>3 </td><td>1823 </td><td class="num">42 </td><td class="num">0</td> +</tr><tr> + <td>Quentin Durward </td><td>3 </td><td>1823 </td><td> </td> <td> </td> +</tr><tr> + <td>St. Ronan's Well </td><td>3 </td><td>1824 </td><td> </td> <td> </td> +</tr><tr> + <td>Redgauntlet </td><td>3 </td><td>1824 </td><td> </td> <td> </td> +</tr><tr> + <td>Tales of the Crusaders </td><td>4 </td><td>1825 </td><td> </td> <td> </td> +</tr><tr> + <td>Woodstock </td><td>3 </td><td>1826 </td><td> </td> <td> </td> +</tr><tr> + <td>Chronicles of the Canongate </td><td>2 1st ser. </td><td>1827 </td><td> </td> <td> </td> +</tr><tr> + <td>Chronicles of the Canongate </td><td>3 2nd ser. </td><td>1828 </td><td> </td> <td> </td> +</tr><tr> + <td>Anne of Gerstein </td><td>3 </td><td>1829 </td><td> </td> <td> </td> +</tr><tr> + <td>Tales of My Landlord </td><td>4 4th ser. </td><td>1831 </td><td> </td> <td> </td> +</tr> +</table> +<p> + Making in all, 73 volumes, within 17 years. +<br /> + (Those marked * were alone perfect.) +</p> + + +<h3> +MISCELLANEOUS WORKS. +</h3> + + +<p> +To particularize Sir Walter's contributions to periodical literature +would occupy considerable space. He wrote a few papers in the early +numbers of the <i>Edinburgh Review</i>, and several in the <i>Quarterly +Review</i>, especially during the last ten volumes of that journal, of +which his son-in-law, Mr. Lockhart, is the accredited editor. Sir +Walter likewise contributed the articles Chivalry, Drama, and Romance +to the sixth edition of the <i>Encyclopaedia Britannica</i>. <i>Paul's +Letters to his Kinsfolk</i>, the fruits of Sir Walter's tour through +France and Belgium, in 1815, were published anonymously; and the +<i>Field of Waterloo</i>, a poem, appeared about the same time. We may also +here mention his dramatic poem of <i>Halidon Hill</i>, which appeared in +1822; and two dramas, <i>the Doom of Devergoil</i> and <i>Auchindrane</i>, in +1830—neither of which works excited more than temporary attention. +Sir Walter likewise contributed a <i>History of Scotland</i>, in two +volumes, to Dr. Lardner's <i>Cabinet Cyclopaedia</i>, in 1830; and in the +same year a volume on <i>Demonology and Witchcraft</i>, to Mr. Murray's +<i>Family Library</i>: both which works, of course, had a circulation +co-extensively with the series of which they form portions. We may +here notice a juvenile History of Scotland, in three series, or nine +volumes, under the title of <i>Tales of a Grandfather</i>, affectionately +addressed to his grandchild, the eldest son of Mr. Lockhart, as Hugh +Littlejohn, Esq. +</p> + + +<h3> +ABBOTSFORD—BARONETCY. +</h3> + + +<p> +The large sums received by Sir Walter for the copyright of his earlier +works had enabled him to expend nearly one hundred thousand pounds +upon Abbotsford, so as to make it his "proper mansion, house, and +home, the theatre of his hospitality, the seat of self-fruition, the +comfortablest part of his own life, the noblest of his son's +inheritance, a kind of private princedom, and, according to the degree +of the master, decently and delightfully adorned."<a id="footnotetag12" name="footnotetag12"></a><a href="#footnote12"><sup>12</sup></a> +Here Sir Walter +lived in dignified enjoyment of his well-earned fortune, during the +summer and autumn, and was visited by distinguished persons from +nearly all parts of the world. He unostentatiously opened his treasury +of relics to all visitors, and his affability spread far and wide. He +usually devoted three hours in the morning, from six or seven o'clock, +to composition, his customary quota being a sheet daily. He passed the +remainder of the day in the pleasurable occupations of a country +life—as in superintending the improvements of the mansion, and the +planting and disposal of the grounds of Abbotsford; or, as Walpole +said of John Evelyn, "unfolding the perfection of the works of the +Creator, and assisting the imperfection of the minute works of the +creature;" so as to render Abbotsford as Evelyn describes his own dear +Wotton, "large and ancient (for there is an air of assumed antiquity +in Abbotsford), suitable to those hospitable times, and so sweetly +environed with those delicious streams and venerable woods, as in the +judgment of strangers as well as Englishmen, it may be compared to one +of the most pleasant seats in the nation, most tempting to a great +person and a wanton purse, to render it conspicuous: it has rising +grounds, meadows, woods, and water in abundance."<a id="footnotetag13" name="footnotetag13"></a><a href="#footnote13"><sup>13</sup></a> +</p> + +<p> +In 1820, the poet of <i>Marmion</i> was created a baronet, by George IV., +but a few weeks after his accession—it being the first baronetcy +conferred by the King, and standing +<span class="pagenum"><a name="page251" id="page251"></a>[pg 251]</span> +alone in the <i>Gazette</i> which +announced the honour. In 1822, Sir Walter distinguished himself in the +loyal reception of the King, on his visit to Scotland; and soon +afterwards the Baronet was appointed a deputy-lieutenant for the +county of Roxburgh. +</p> + + +<h3> +EMBARRASSMENTS. +</h3> + + +<p> +Thus stood the "pure contents" of Abbotsford, when, in January, 1826, +the failure of Messrs. Constable threw a gloom over Sir Walter's +affairs. The eminent publisher had been one of his earliest friends. +"Archie Constable," he once said, "was a good friend to me long ago, +and I will never see him at a loss." The sums given by Mr. Constable +for the copyright of Sir Walter's novels were nominally immense; but +they were chiefly paid in bills, which were renewed as the necessities +of the publisher increased, till, on his failure, Sir Walter found +himself responsible for various debts, amounting to 102,000<i>l</i>. About +this time Lady Scott died, and her loss was an additional affliction +to him. Various modes of settlement were proposed to Sir Walter for +the liquidation of these heavy debts; but, "like the elder +Osbaldistone of his own immortal pages, considering commercial honour +as dear as any other honour," he would only consent to payment <i>in +full</i>; and, in the short space of six years, he paid off 60,000<i>l.</i> +"by his genius alone; but he crushed his spirit in the gigantic +struggle, or, in plain words, sacrificed himself in the attempt to +repair his broken fortunes." He sold his house and furniture in +Edinburgh, and, says Chambers, "retreated into a humble lodging in a +second-rate street (St. David-street, where David Hume had formerly +lived.)" He reduced his establishment at Abbotsford, and retired, as +far as his official duties would permit, from public life, accompanied +only by his younger daughter. In this domestic retreat, at fifty-five +years of age, he commenced +</p> + + +<h3> +THE LIFE OF NAPOLEON BUONAPARTE +</h3> + + +<p> +—visiting France, in 1826, for some information requisite to the +work. In the following summer the <i>Life</i> appeared in nine volumes, an +extent much beyond the original project. As might be expected, from +the aristocratical turn of Sir Walter's political tenets, the opinions +on this work were more various than on any other of his productions: +it is, to say the best, the most faulty and unequal of them all; and, +considering how clearly this has been shown, it is somewhat surprising +to hear so clever a critic as Mr. Cunningham pronounce <i>The Life of +Napoleon</i> as "one of the noblest monuments of Scott's genius." We pass +from these considerations to the excellence of the purpose to which +the proceeds (12,000<i>l.</i>) of this work were applied—namely, to the +payment of 6<i>s.</i> 8<i>d.</i> in the pound, as the first dividend of the +debts of the author. +</p> + +<p> +In parting with the <i>Napoleon</i>, we might notice the conflicting +opinions of the French critics on its merits; but, as that task would +occupy too much space we content ourselves with the following passage +from a journal published a few days subsequent to the melancholy +intelligence of the death of Sir Walter Scott being received in Paris. +The criticism is in every sense plain-spoken:— +</p> + +<p> +"If Sir Walter Scott's politics did not square with the natural state +of things—if upon this subject he still remained the victim of early +prejudices, and, perhaps, of the predilections of a poetical mind, yet +he was fortunate enough to promote, by his writings, the real +improvement of the people. France has reason to reproach him severely +for the unaccountable statements in his "Paul's Letters to his +Kinsfolk," and in the "History of Bonaparte." But those errors were +imputable to carelessness much more than to malice. A prose writer, a +poet, a novelist—he yielded, during his long and laborious career, to +the impulse of a fancy, rich, copious, and entirely independent of +present circumstances, aloof from the agitations of the day, +delighting in the memory of the past, and drawing from the surviving +relics of ancient times the traditionary tale, to revive and embellish +it. He was one of those geniuses in romance who may be said to have +been impartial and disinterested, for he gave a picture of ordinary +life exactly as it was. He painted man in all the varieties produced +in his nature by passion and the force of circumstances, and avoided +mixing up with these portraits what was merely ideal. Persons gifted +with this power of forgetting themselves, as it were, and of assuming +in succession an infinite series of varied characters, who live, +speak, and act before us in a thousand ways that affect or delight us, +such men are often susceptible of feelings the most ardent on their +own account, although they may not directly express as much. It is +difficult to believe that Shakspeare and Moliere, the noblest types of +this class of exalted minds, did not contemplate life with feelings of +deep and, perhaps, melancholy emotion. It was not so, however, with +Scott, who certainly belonged not to their kindred, possessing neither +the vigour of combination, nor the style which distinguished those +men. Of great natural benevolence, gentle and kind, ardent in the +pursuit of various knowledge, accommodating himself to the manners and +sentiments of his day, good-humoured, and favoured by happy +conjunctures of circumstances, Scott came forth under the most +brilliant auspices, accomplishing his best and most durable works +almost without an effort, and without impressing on these productions +any sort of character which would connect them with the personal +character +<span class="pagenum"><a name="page252" id="page252"></a>[pg 252]</span> +of the author. If he be represented, indeed, in any part of +his writings, it is in such characters as that of Morton (one of the +Puritans), a sort of ambiguous, undetermined, unoffending, good sort +of person." +</p> + + +<h3> +"WAVERLEY NOVELS." +</h3> + + +<p> +Up to this period, the secret of the authorship of the novels was not +generally known, though more extensively so than was at the time +imagined. The public had made up their minds to the fact; but the +identity was <i>not proven</i>. The adjustment of Messrs. Constable's +affairs, however, rendered it impossible longer to conceal the +authorship, which was revealed by Sir Walter, at the anniversary +dinner of the Edinburgh Theatrical Fund, in February, 1827. Thus he +acknowledged before three hundred gentlemen "a secret which, +considering that it was communicated to more than twenty people, had +been remarkably well kept." His avowal was as follows:— +</p> + +<p> +"He had now to say, however, that the merits of these works, if they +had any, and their faults, were entirely imputable to himself." [Here +the audience broke into an absolute shout of surprise and delight.] +"He was afraid to think on what he had done. 'Look on't again I dare +not.' He had thus far unbosomed himself, and he knew that it would be +reported to the public. He meant, then, seriously to state, that when +he said he was the author, he was the total and undivided author. With +the exception of quotations, there was not a single word written that +was not derived from himself, or suggested in the course of his +reading. The wand was now broken, and the rod buried. His audience +would allow him further to say, with Prospero, 'Your breath has filled +my sails.'" +</p> + +<p> +The copyright of the novels was soon afterwards sold for 8,400<i>l.</i>, +and they have since been republished, with illustrations, and notes +and introductions by the author, in forty-one volumes, monthly; the +last volume appearing within a few days of the author's death. +</p> + + +<h3> +FATAL ILLNESS. +</h3> + + +<p> +Towards the close of 1830, Sir Walter retired from his office, +retaining a portion of his salary, but declining a pension which had +been offered to him by the present administration. He was now in his +60th year; his health broke apace; it was evident that the task of +writing to pay off debts, which were not of his own contracting, was +alike too severe for his mental and physical powers; and in the +succeeding winter they became gradually paralyzed. He somewhat rallied +in the spring, and, unfortunately for his health, embroiled himself in +the angry politics of the day, at a county meeting at Jedburgh, upon +the Reform question. He was then very feeble, but spoke with such +vehemence as to draw upon him the hisses of some of his auditors: this +ebullition of feeling is said to have much affected him; and he is +stated (we know not how truly) to have been observed on his way home +in tears. +</p> + +<p> +In the autumn of last year Sir Walter, at the recommendation of his +physicians, resolved to winter in the more congenial climate of Italy; +though it required the most earnest entreaties of his friends to +induce him to consent to the change, so strong was his love of country +and apprehension of dying in a foreign land. He accordingly set sail +in H.M.S. the Barham for Malta, on the 27th of October; previous to +which he appended to the Fourth and Last Series of <i>Tales of my +Landlord</i> the following affecting, and, as we lately observed, almost +prophetic, passage: +</p> + +<p> +"The gentle reader is acquainted that these are, in all probability, +the last tales which it will be the lot of the author to submit to the +public. He is now on the eve of visiting foreign parts; a ship of war +is commissioned by its royal master, to carry the Author of Waverley +to climates in which he may readily obtain such a restoration of +health as may serve him to spin his thread to an end in his own +country. Had he continued to prosecute his usual literary labours, it +seems indeed probable that, at the term of years he has already +attained, the bowl, to use the pathetic language of Scripture, would +have been broken at the fountain; and little can one, who has enjoyed +on the whole, an uncommon share of the most inestimable of worldly +blessings, be entitled to complain, that life, advancing to its +period, should be attended with its usual proportion of shadows and +storms. They have affected him, at least, in no more painful manner, +than is inseparable from the discharge of this part of the debt of +humanity. Of those whose relations to him in the ranks of life, might +have insured their sympathy under indisposition, many are now no more; +and those who may yet follow in his wake, are entitled to expect, in +bearing inevitable evils, an example of firmness and patience, more +especially on the part of one who has enjoyed no small good fortune +during the course of his pilgrimage. +</p> + +<p> +"The public have claims on his gratitude, for which the Author of +Waverley has no adequate means of expression; but he may be permitted +to hope that the powers of his mind, such as they are, may not have a +different date from his body; and that he may again meet his +patronizing friends, if not exactly in his old fashion of literature, +at least in some branch which may not call forth the remark, that— +</p> + +<blockquote> + "Superfluous lags the veteran on the stage." +</blockquote> + +<p> +Sir Walter resided at Malta for a short time; thence he proceeded to +Naples, where he was received with almost pageant honours. In the +spring he visited Rome; but "the world's chief ornament" had few +charms for +<span class="pagenum"><a name="page253" id="page253"></a>[pg 253]</span> +one bereft of all hope of healthful recovery. His strength +was waning fast, and he set out to return with more than prudent speed +to his native country. He travelled seventeen hours for six successive +days, and, in descending the Rhine, had a second attack of paralysis +which would have carried him off but for the timely presence of mind +of his servant, who immediately bled him. The illustrious Goëthe had +looked forward with great pleasure to the meeting with Sir Walter when +he returned through Germany, but the destroyer had fell also on him. +On his arrival in London, Sir Walter was conveyed to the St. James's +Hotel, Jermyn-street, and attended by Sir Henry Halford and Dr. +Holland, with Mr. and Mrs. Lockhart. He lay some weeks in a hopeless +condition, and when the flame of life was just flickering out, he +entreated to be conveyed to his own home. The journey was a hazardous +one, but, as the dying wish of the poet, was tried and effected: on +July 9th, he was conveyed to Edinburgh, whence he was removed to his +fondly-cherished home on the 11th. +</p> + + +<h3> +DEATH. +</h3> + + +<p> +Sir Walter's return to Abbotsford was an afflicting scene. On +approaching the mansion he could scarcely be kept from attempting to +raise himself in his carriage, such was his eagerness to catch a +glimpse of his home: he murmured, on his arrival, "that <i>now</i> he knew +he was at Abbotsford." He lingered for two months, during which he +recognised and spoke kindly to friends, and was even pleased in +listening to passages read from the poems of Crabbe and Wordsworth: +till, on September 21st, 1832, he died, apparently free from pain, and +surrounded by his family. +</p> + + +<h3> +FUNERAL. +</h3> + + +<p> +His remains were placed in a coffin of lead, enclosed in another +coffin covered with black cloth, and gilt ornaments. The inscription +plate bore the words, "SIR WALTER SCOTT, of ABBOTSFORD, Bart. AN. +AETAT. 62." The funeral took place at Dryburgh, amidst the ruins of +the venerable abbey, at night-fall, on Sept. 25th; the body being +borne from the hearse to the grave by his domestics, and followed by +upwards of 300 mourners. A Correspondent has furnished us with the +subjoined note of the funeral. +</p> + +<p> +It has been remarked that at the grave, the burial service of the +Episcopal Church was read by a clergyman of the Church of England (the +Rev. John Williams, of Baliol College, Oxford, Rector of the Edinburgh +Academy, and Vicar of Lampeter), although Sir Walter through life +adhered to the persuasion of the Presbyterian or Church of Scotland. +In Scotland no prayers are offered over the dead; when the mourners +assemble in the house of the deceased, refreshments are handed round, +previous to which a blessing is implored, (as at meals,) and <i>then</i> +only the minister alludes to the bereavement the family have suffered, +and strength and grace are implored to sustain them under it. This +gratuitous custom was adhered to, and previous to the funeral +<i>cortège</i> setting out from Abbotsford, the Rev. Principal Baird, +offered up a prayer. But although a Presbyterian in practice, Sir +Walter in several parts of his works expressed his dissent from +several of the rigid canons of that Church, and an example occurs in +that graphic scene in <i>the Antiquary</i>, the funeral group of <i>Steenie +Mucklebacket</i>, where "the creak of the screw nails announced that the +lid of the last mansion of mortality was in the act of being secured +above its tenant. The last act which separates us for ever from the +mortal relicks of the person we assemble to mourn has usually its +effect upon the most indifferent, selfish, and hard-hearted:" and he +adds in condemnation, "With a spirit of contradiction which we may be +pardoned for esteeming narrow-minded, the fathers of the Scottish Kirk +rejected even on this most solemn occasion the form of an address to +the Divinity, lest they should be thought to give countenance to the +ritual of Rome or of England." And he seizes the opportunity to +applaud the liberal judgment of the present Scottish clergymen who +avail themselves of the advantage of offering a prayer, suitable to +make an impression on the living. +</p> + +<p> +The scenery around his burial-place is fraught with melancholy +associations—enshrined as have been its beauties by him that now +sought a bourn amidst them. It had been the land of his poetical +pilgrimage: through its "bosomed vales" and alongside its "valley +streams" his genius had journeyed with untiring energy, then to spread +abroad its stores for the gratification of hundreds of thousands, who +may about his grave +</p> + +<div class="poem"> + <div class="stanza"> + <p>Make dust their paper, and with rainy eyes</p> + <p>Write sorrow on the bosom of the earth.</p> + </div> +</div> + +<p> +—Only let us glance at a few of the storied sites that are to be seen +around this hallowed spot: at Melrose, with antique pillar and ruins +grey— +</p> + +<blockquote> + Was ever scene so sad and fair. +</blockquote> + +<p> +Eildon Hill, where Sir Walter said he could stand and point out +forty-three places famous in war and verse;<a id="footnotetag14" name="footnotetag14"></a><a href="#footnote14"><sup>14</sup></a> +and above all, the +tower of Smailholm Castle, where once "his careless childhood +strayed,"—the <i>Alpha</i> of his poetic fame. +</p> + + +<h3> +FAMILY. +</h3> + + +<p> +Sir Walter Scott had two sons and two daughters. The elder daughter, +Sophia Charlotte, was married, April 28, 1820, to Mr. John Gibson +Lockhart, advocate, editor of the <i>Quarterly Review</i>. The eldest son, +Walter, who has succeeded to the baronetcy, +<span class="pagenum"><a name="page254" id="page254"></a>[pg 254]</span> +is now in his +thirty-second year, and Major of the 15th or King's Hussars. In 1825, +he married Jane, daughter and sole heiress of John Jobson, Esq., an +opulent Scottish merchant, with which lady, report affirmed at the +time, Major Scott received a fortune of 60,000<i>l</i>. The estate of +Abbotsford was also settled by Sir Walter upon the young pair; but, as +the owner is stated not to have been at this time in a state of +solvency, though he thought himself so, and his estate now proves to +be encumbered with heavy debts, the deed of entail, of course, becomes +invalid, and the paternal property must be sold by the creditors of +the estate. There is, however, ample reason to hope that such a step +will be averted, by the gratitude of the public, and that Abbotsford +will be preserved for the family. The younger son, Charles, who is, we +believe, a junior clerk in the Foreign Office, is unmarried; as is the +younger daughter, Anne. The death of Lady Scott occurred May 15, 1826. +Mrs. Lockhart's children are as yet the only descendants of Sir Walter +in the second generation. +</p> + + +<h3> +PORTRAITS. +</h3> + + +<p> +The reader may be somewhat familiar with the personal appearance of +Sir Walter Scott, through the several portraits which have from time +to time been painted and engraved of the illustrious Baronet. His +height is stated at upwards of six feet; and his frame was strongly +knit, and compactly built. His right leg was shrunk from his boyhood, +and required support by a staff. Mr. Cunningham describes the personal +habits of Sir Walter with his usual characteristic force: "his arms +were strong and sinewy; his looks stately and commanding; and his +face, as he related a heroic story, flushed up as a crystal cup when +one fills it with wine. His eyes were deep seated under his somewhat +shaggy brow;<a id="footnotetag15" name="footnotetag15"></a><a href="#footnote15"><sup>15</sup></a> +their colour was a bluish grey—they laughed more +than his lips did at a humorous story. His tower-like head and thin, +white hair marked him out among a thousand, while any one might swear +to his voice again who heard it once, for it had a touch of the lisp +and the burr; yet, as the minstrel said, of Douglas, 'it became him +wonder well,' and gave great softness to a sorrowful story: indeed, I +imagined that he kept the burr part of the tone for matters of a +facetious or humorous kind, and brought out the lisp part in those of +tenderness or woe. When I add, that in a meeting of a hundred men, his +hat was sure to be the least, and would fit no one's head but his own, +I have said all that I have to say about his appearance."<a id="footnotetag16" name="footnotetag16"></a><a href="#footnote16"><sup>16</sup></a> +</p> + +<p> +Among the accredited portraits of Sir Walter Scott is that painted by +the late Sir Henry Raeburn, which has been engraved in a handsome +style; another portrait, by Mr. Leslie, was engraved in the +<i>Souvenir</i>, a year or two since, and was styled in the Noctes of +<i>Blackwood's Magazine</i>, "the vera man himsel;" but the latest, and +perhaps the best, was painted not many month's since, by Mr. Watson +Gordon, and admirably engraved by Horsburgh, of Edinburgh, for the +revised edition of the Novels. A whole-length portrait of the Poet in +his Study, at Abbotsford, was painted a few years since, in masterly +style, by Allan, and engraved by Goodall for the <i>Anniversary</i>, edited +by Mr. Cunningham, who informs us that "a painting is in progress from +the same hand, showing Sir Walter as he lately appeared—lying on a +couch in his principal room: all the windows are closed save one, +admitting a strong central light, and showing all that the room +contains—in deep shadow, or in strong sunshine." A splendid portrait +of the Poet was painted by Sir Thomas Lawrence for the late King, and +exhibited at the Royal Academy a few years since; an engraving of +which has been announced by Messrs. Moon, Boys, and Graves, his +present Majesty having graciously granted the loan of the picture for +this purpose.<a id="footnotetag17" name="footnotetag17"></a><a href="#footnote17"><sup>17</sup></a> +</p> + +<!-- [Illustration: (<i>Sir Walter Scott.—Sketched by Mr. W.H. Brooke, from +the engraving by Horsburgh.</i>)] --> +<a id="illustration4" name="illustration4"></a> +<div class="figure" style="width:50%;"> + <a href="images/571sup-4.png"><img width="100%" src="images/571sup-4.png" + alt="Sir Walter Scott. Sketched by Mr. W.H. Brooke, from the engraving by Horsburgh." /></a> +<center> +(<i>Sir Walter Scott.—Sketched by Mr. W.H. Brooke, from +the engraving by Horsburgh.</i>) +</center> +</div> +<span class="pagenum"><a name="page255" id="page255"></a>[pg 255]</span> + + +<h3> +UNPUBLISHED WORKS. +</h3> + + +<p> +Report states that there are in the library of Abbotsford, unfinished +manuscripts and letters, which will compose ten volumes of +correspondence of Sir Walter with nearly all the distinguished +literary characters of his time. These will, of course, be given to +his creditors, as directed by his will. His son-in-law, Mr. Lockhart, +has likewise a great number of letters from Sir Walter; and Mrs. Terry +possesses the baronet's correspondence with the late Mr. Terry, who +was one of Sir Walter's intimate friends. This lady has likewise in +her possession a tragedy written by Sir Walter for her eldest son, +Walter Scott Terry, and intended by the author as a legacy for +Walter's first appearance on the stage. +</p> + +<p> +With such materials, and the poet's autobiographical sketches prefixed +to his works, a competent biographer will, doubtless, be found among +Sir Walter's personal acquaintance. Mr. Allan Cunningham's "Account" +is, perhaps, the most characteristic that has yet appeared: it is full +of truth, nature, kindly feeling, and tinged throughout with a +delightfully poetic enthusiasm. Mr. Ballantyne, the intelligent +printer of nearly the whole of Sir Walter's works, and whom the Poet +much respected for his taste and good sense, has promised a memoir of +the deceased. Public expectation, however, points more decidedly to +Mr. Lockhart; although the Ettrick Shepherd will, doubtless, pay his +announced tribute to the talents and virtues of his illustrious +contemporary. In his Reminiscences of Former Days, prefixed to the +first volume of the <i>Altrive Tales</i>, published a few months since, is +the following striking passage:—"There are not above five people in +the world who, I think, know Sir Walter better, or understand his +character better than I do; and if I outlive him, which is likely, as +I am five months and ten days younger, I shall draw a mental portrait +of him, the likeness of which to the original shall not be +disputed."<a id="footnotetag18" name="footnotetag18"></a><a href="#footnote18"><sup>18</sup></a> +</p> + + +<h3> +MEDAL. +</h3> + + +<p> +A handsome Medal, in bronze, of the lamented Baronet, has been +published from the establishment of Mr. Parker, (medallist, and the +originator of some ingenious improvements in the construction of +lamps), in Argyle-place. The obverse is from Chantrey's celebrated +Bust of Sir Walter, and the reverse a graceful female figure, with the +inscription, "to great men;"—designed by R. Stothard, Esq., the +venerable Academician, and engraved by his son, A.J. Stothard, Esq. +The profile of the obverse is encircled with a motto chosen by Sir +Walter, as will be seen by the following letter; the date of which +shows that the medal was submitted to his approbation some months +since, together with a medal of his present Majesty. The letter is +likewise treasurable,<a id="footnotetag19" name="footnotetag19"></a><a href="#footnote19"><sup>19</sup></a> +as well for the writer's opinion of the +Monarch, as of the productions of his own pen:— +</p> + +<p> +"Sir,—I would long ere now have answered your very obliging letter +with the medals. That representing our Sovereign seems most +beautifully executed, and is a striking resemblance. I have very +little turn for imagining mottos, it being long since I read the +classics, which are the great storehouse of such things. I think that +a figure or head of Neptune upon the reverse, with the motto round the +exergue, <i>Tridens Neptuni sceptrum mundi</i>. I think this better than +any motto more personally addressed to the King himself than to his +high kingly office. I cannot, of course, be a judge of the other +medal; but such of my family as are with me think it very like. If +there is any motto to be added, I should like the line +</p> + +<blockquote> + "Bardorum citharas patrio qui redidit Istro. +</blockquote> + +<p> +"because I am far more vain of having been able to fix some share of +public attention upon the ancient poetry and manners of my country, +than of any original efforts which I have been able to make in +literature. +</p> + +<p> +"I beg you will excuse the delay which has taken place. Your obliging +communication, with the packet which accompanied it, travelled from +country to town, and from town to country, as it chanced to miss me +upon the road. +</p> + +<p> +"I have the honour to be, sir, your obliged, humble servant, +</p> + +<p> +"WALTER SCOTT. <br /> +"Edinburgh, 29th May. <br /> +"Samuel Parker, Esq., Bronze Works, <br /> +"12, Argyle-place, London." +</p> + +<p> +The likeness of the medal is strikingly correct; and Mr. Parker, with +becoming taste, causes an autograph copy of the letter to be delivered +with each medal. +</p> + +<p> +The deference of the latter opinion conveyed in this letter is perhaps +one of the most delightful characteristics of the genius of Sir Walter +Scott,—especially if we admit the position of the writer in the +<i>Edinburgh Review,</i> that no writer has ever enjoyed in his life-time +so extensive a popularity as the Author of Waverley. His love of +fame and acquisition of honourable distinction all +<span class="pagenum"><a name="page256" id="page256"></a>[pg 256]</span> +over the world had +not the common effect of making him vain. Hear, in proof, the +following unassuming declaration, from the delightful autobiographic +sketch to a late edition of <i>Rokeby</i>:— +</p> + +<p> +"I shall not, I believe, be accused of ever having attempted to usurp +a superiority over many men of genius, my contemporaries; but, in +point of popularity, not of actual talent, the caprice of the public +has certainly given me such a temporary superiority over men, of whom, +in regard to poetical fancy and feeling, I scarcely thought myself +worthy to loose the shoe-latch. On the other hand, it would be absurd +affectation in me to deny, that I conceived myself to understand more +perfectly than many of my contemporaries, the manner most likely to +interest the great mass of mankind. Yet, even with this belief, I must +truly and fairly say, that I always considered myself rather as one +who held the bets, in time to be paid over to the winner, than as +having any pretence to keep them in my own right." +</p> + +<p> +Mr. Cunningham well observes—"Though the most accomplished author of +his day, yet he had none of the airs of authorship." He continues—"He +was a proud man; not a proud poet, or historian, or novelist." His was +the pride of ancestry—a weakness, to be sure, but of a venial nature: +"he loved to be looked on as a gentleman of old family, who <i>built +Abbotsford</i>, and laid out its garden, and planted its avenues, rather +than a genius, whose works influenced mankind, and diffused happiness +among millions." His own narrative will best illustrate his labours of +leisure at Abbotsford. He writes of that period which men familiarly +call <i>the turn of life</i>:—"With the satisfaction of having attained +the fulfilment of an early and long-cherished hope, I commenced my +improvements, as delightful in their progress as those of the child +who first makes a dress for a new doll. The nakedness of the land was +in time hidden by woodlands of considerable extent—the smallest +possible of cottages was progressively expanded into a sort of dream +of a mansion-house, whimsical in the exterior, but convenient within. +Nor did I forget what was the natural pleasure of every man who has +been a reader—I mean the filling the shelves of a tolerably large +library. All these objects I kept in view, to be executed as +convenience should serve; and although I knew many years should elapse +before they could be attained, I was of a disposition to comfort +myself with the Spanish proverb, 'Time and I against any two.'" +</p> + +<hr /> + +<p> +*** In the preceding account we have purposely abstained from +reference to the position of the affairs of Sir Walter Scott, from our +inability to obtain any decisive information on the subject. The most +pleasing and the latest intelligence will be found in the <i>Morning +Chronicle</i> of Thursday, wherein it is stated that the prospects of the +family of Sir Walter are much better than have been represented. "We +are assured that there are funds sufficient to cover all his debts, +without touching Abbotsford. In the Biography of Allan Cunningham, it +was stated that there would only be a balance due to his creditors of +21,000<i>l</i>. But Mr. Cadell, the bookseller, has undertaken to pay +20,000<i>l.</i> for the publication of the remainder of his works, on the +plan which had been so far proceeded in. This will clear off all the +claims. A near relative of Lady Scott left 60,000<i>l.</i> to the children +of Sir Walter, to which, of course, they are entitled; and the eldest +son received a large fortune with his wife. The public, therefore, are +spared the pain of knowing that the family of one to whom they are so +largely indebted, are left in a state of destitution."—We hope this +statement is as correct as it is gratifying. +</p> + +<!-- [Illustration: (<i>Dryburgh Abbey.</i>)] --> +<a id="illustration5" name="illustration5"></a> +<div class="figure" style="width:100%;"> + <a href="images/571sup-5.png"><img width="100%" src="images/571sup-5.png" + alt="Dryburgh Abbey." /></a> +<center> +(<i>Dryburgh Abbey.</i>) +</center> +</div> + + + +<hr class="full" /> + +<blockquote class="footnote"> +<a id="footnote1" name="footnote1"></a> <b>Footnote 1</b>: <a href="#footnotetag1">(return)</a> +<p> + Chamber's Life of Sir Walter Scott. +</p> +</blockquote> + +<blockquote class="footnote"> +<a id="footnote2" name="footnote2"></a> <b>Footnote 2</b>: <a href="#footnotetag2">(return)</a> +<p> + General Preface to the Waverley Novels, 41 vols. +</p> +</blockquote> + +<blockquote class="footnote"> +<a id="footnote3" name="footnote3"></a> <b>Footnote 3</b>: <a href="#footnotetag3">(return)</a> +<p> + Life of Sir Walter Scott; in the Athenaeum, No. 258. +</p> +</blockquote> + +<blockquote class="footnote"> +<a id="footnote4" name="footnote4"></a> <b>Footnote 4</b>: <a href="#footnotetag4">(return)</a> +<p> + General Preface, p. ii. +</p> +</blockquote> + +<blockquote class="footnote"> +<a id="footnote5" name="footnote5"></a> <b>Footnote 5</b>: <a href="#footnotetag5">(return)</a> +<p> + General Preface, &c. +</p> +</blockquote> + +<blockquote class="footnote"> +<a id="footnote6" name="footnote6"></a> <b>Footnote 6</b>: <a href="#footnotetag6">(return)</a> +<p> + Many anecdotes are related in illustration of Sir Walter + Scott's excellent memory. The Ettrick Shepherd tells of + his attempting to sing his ballad of <i>Gilmanscleuch</i>, + which had never been printed or penned, but which the + Shepherd had sung once over to Sir Walter three years + previously. On the second attempt to sing it, says the + Shepherd, "in the eighth or ninth verse, I stuck in it, + and could not get on with another line; on which he (Sir + Walter) began it a second time, and recited it every word + from beginning to the end of the eighty-eighth stanza:" + and, on the Shepherd expressing his astonishment, Sir + Walter related that he had recited that ballad and one of + Southey's, but which ballads he had only heard once from + their respective authors, and he believed he had recited + them both without missing a word. Sir Walter also used to + relate that his friend, Mr. Thomas Campbell, called upon + him one evening to show him the manuscript of a poem he + had written—<i>The Pleasures of Hope</i>. Sir Walter happened + to have some fine old whisky in his house, and his friend + sat down and had a tumbler or two of punch. Mr. Campbell + left him, but Sir Walter thought he would dip into the + manuscript before going to bed. He opened it, read, and + read again—charmed with the classical grace, purity, and + stateliness of that finest of all our modern didactic + poems. Next morning Mr. Campbell again called, when to his + inexpressible surprise, his friend on returning the + manuscript to its owner, said he should guard well against + piracy, for that he himself could repeat the poem from + beginning to end! The poet dared him to the task, when Sir + Walter Scott began and actually repeated the whole, + consisting of more than two thousand lines, with the + omission of only a few couplets.—<i>Inverness Courier</i>. +</p> +</blockquote> + +<blockquote class="footnote"> +<a id="footnote7" name="footnote7"></a> <b>Footnote 7</b>: <a href="#footnotetag7">(return)</a> +<p> + Memoir in the <i>Athenaeum</i>. +</p> +</blockquote> + +<blockquote class="footnote"> +<a id="footnote8" name="footnote8"></a> <b>Footnote 8</b>: <a href="#footnotetag8">(return)</a> +<p> + Sir Walter possessed a practical as well as theoretical + knowledge of Landscape Gardening, as may be seen in a + valuable paper contributed by him to No. 47, of the + <i>Quarterly Review</i>. The details of this paper were, + however, disputed by some writers on the subject. +</p> +</blockquote> + +<blockquote class="footnote"> +<a id="footnote9" name="footnote9"></a> <b>Footnote 9</b>: <a href="#footnotetag9">(return)</a> +<p> + Communicated to No. 199, of <i>The Athenaeum</i>. The mansion + was built from designs by Atkinson. Sir Walter may, + however, be termed the amateur architect of the pile, and + this may somewhat explain its irregularities. We have been + told that the earliest design of Abbotsford was furnished + by the late Mr. Terry, the comedian, who was an intimate + friend of Sir Walter, and originally an architect by + profession. His widow, one of the Nasmyths, has painted a + clever View of Abbotsford, from the opposite bank of the + Tweed; which is engraved in No. 427, of <i>The Mirror</i>. +</p> +</blockquote> + +<blockquote class="footnote"> +<a id="footnote10" name="footnote10"></a> <b>Footnote 10</b>: <a href="#footnotetag10">(return)</a> +<p> + Picture of Scotland, by Chambers. +</p> +</blockquote> + +<blockquote class="footnote"> +<a id="footnote11" name="footnote11"></a> <b>Footnote 11</b>: <a href="#footnotetag11">(return)</a> +<p> + Abridged from the General Preface, &c. +</p> +</blockquote> + +<blockquote class="footnote"> +<a id="footnote12" name="footnote12"></a> <b>Footnote 12</b>: <a href="#footnotetag12">(return)</a> +<p> + Sir Henry Wootton's <i>Elements of Architecture</i>. +</p> +</blockquote> + +<blockquote class="footnote"> +<a id="footnote13" name="footnote13"></a> <b>Footnote 13</b>: <a href="#footnotetag13">(return)</a> +<p> + Evelyn's <i>Diary</i>. +</p> +</blockquote> + +<blockquote class="footnote"> +<a id="footnote14" name="footnote14"></a> <b>Footnote 14</b>: <a href="#footnotetag14">(return)</a> +<p> + Cunningham. +</p> +</blockquote> + +<blockquote class="footnote"> +<a id="footnote15" name="footnote15"></a> <b>Footnote 15</b>: <a href="#footnotetag15">(return)</a> +<p> + Mr. Chambers describes Sir Walter's eyebrows as so shaggy + and prominent, that, when he was reading or writing at a + table, they <i>completely</i> shrouded the eyes beneath; and + the Ettrick Shepherd speaks of Sir Walter's shaggy + eyebrows dipping deep over his eyes. +</p> +</blockquote> + +<blockquote class="footnote"> +<a id="footnote16" name="footnote16"></a> <b>Footnote 16</b>: <a href="#footnotetag16">(return)</a> +<p> + One of the amusements of Sir Walter's retirement was to + walk out frequently among his plantations at Abbotsford, + with a small hatchet and hand-saw, with which he lopped + off superfluous boughs, or removed an entire tree when it + was marring the growth of others. The author of + <i>Anastasius</i> delighted in a similar pursuit; he would + stroll for hours through the winding walks of the + Deepdene plantation, and with a small hatchet or shears + lop off the luxuriant twigs or branches that might spoil + the trim neatness of the path. +</p> +</blockquote> + +<blockquote class="footnote"> +<a id="footnote17" name="footnote17"></a> <b>Footnote 17</b>: <a href="#footnotetag17">(return)</a> +<p> + A portrait of Sir Walter was painted by Knight for the + late Mr. Terry, in the year 1825: it is described in the + <i>Literary Gazette</i> as, "particularly excellent," and was + unfortunately destroyed a short time since by a fire at + the house of Mr. Harding, Finchley, in whose possession + it was. This portrait, it is feared, has not been + engraved.—See <i>Literary Gazette</i>, No. 819. +</p> +</blockquote> + +<blockquote class="footnote"> +<a id="footnote18" name="footnote18"></a> <b>Footnote 18</b>: <a href="#footnotetag18">(return)</a> +<p> + Hogg is indebted to Sir Walter for many valuable + suggestions of subjects for his ballads, &c. There is + touching gratitude in the following lines by the + Shepherd, in his dedication of the <i>Mountain Bard</i> to + Scott: + + Bless'd be his generous heart for aye; + He told me where the relic lay; + Pointed my way with ready will, + Afar on Ettrick's wildest hill; + Watch'd my first notes with curious eye, + And wonder'd at my minstrelsy: + He little ween'd a parent's tongue + Such strains had o'er my cradle sung. +</p> +</blockquote> + +<blockquote class="footnote"> +<a id="footnote19" name="footnote19"></a> <b>Footnote 19</b>: <a href="#footnotetag19">(return)</a> +<p> + First printed in the <i>Literary Gazette,</i> No. 819. +</p> +</blockquote> + + + +<hr class="full" /> + +<p> +<i>Printed and published by J. LIMBIRD, 143, Strand, (near Somerset +House,) London.</i> +</p> +<hr class="full" /> + +<div>*** END OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK 12054 ***</div> +</body> +</html> diff --git a/12054-h/images/571sup-1.png b/12054-h/images/571sup-1.png Binary files differnew file mode 100644 index 0000000..4dc03b2 --- /dev/null +++ b/12054-h/images/571sup-1.png diff --git a/12054-h/images/571sup-2.png b/12054-h/images/571sup-2.png Binary files differnew file mode 100644 index 0000000..0ca014b --- /dev/null +++ b/12054-h/images/571sup-2.png diff --git a/12054-h/images/571sup-3.png b/12054-h/images/571sup-3.png Binary files differnew file mode 100644 index 0000000..529ff5f --- /dev/null +++ b/12054-h/images/571sup-3.png diff --git a/12054-h/images/571sup-4.png b/12054-h/images/571sup-4.png Binary files differnew file mode 100644 index 0000000..e88b92d --- /dev/null +++ b/12054-h/images/571sup-4.png diff --git a/12054-h/images/571sup-5.png b/12054-h/images/571sup-5.png Binary files differnew file mode 100644 index 0000000..0dcf219 --- /dev/null +++ b/12054-h/images/571sup-5.png diff --git a/LICENSE.txt b/LICENSE.txt new file mode 100644 index 0000000..6312041 --- /dev/null +++ b/LICENSE.txt @@ -0,0 +1,11 @@ +This eBook, including all associated images, markup, improvements, +metadata, and any other content or labor, has been confirmed to be +in the PUBLIC DOMAIN IN THE UNITED STATES. + +Procedures for determining public domain status are described in +the "Copyright How-To" at https://www.gutenberg.org. + +No investigation has been made concerning possible copyrights in +jurisdictions other than the United States. Anyone seeking to utilize +this eBook outside of the United States should confirm copyright +status under the laws that apply to them. diff --git a/README.md b/README.md new file mode 100644 index 0000000..8f29247 --- /dev/null +++ b/README.md @@ -0,0 +1,2 @@ +Project Gutenberg (https://www.gutenberg.org) public repository for +eBook #12054 (https://www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/12054) diff --git a/old/12054-8.txt b/old/12054-8.txt new file mode 100644 index 0000000..3d29df4 --- /dev/null +++ b/old/12054-8.txt @@ -0,0 +1,1927 @@ +The Project Gutenberg EBook of The Mirror of Literature, Amusement, and +Instruction, No. 571, by Various + +This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with +almost no restrictions whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or +re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included +with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.org + + +Title: The Mirror of Literature, Amusement, and Instruction, No. 571 + Volume 20, No. 571--Supplementary Number + +Author: Various + +Release Date: April 15, 2004 [EBook #12054] + +Language: English + +Character set encoding: ISO-8859-1 + +*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK MIRROR OF LITERATURE, NO. 571 *** + + + + +Produced by Jonathan Ingram, Gregory Margo and PG Distributed +Proofreaders + + + + + + +THE MIRROR OF LITERATURE, AMUSEMENT, AND INSTRUCTION. + +Vol. 20 No. 571.] SUPPLEMENTARY NUMBER. [PRICE 2d. + + + + * * * * * + + + +NOTICES OF THE LIFE AND WRITINGS OF THE LATE SIR WALTER SCOTT, BART. + + +With Five Engravings: + + 1. ABBOTSFORD, (_from the Garden_.) + 2. THE ARMOURY. + 3. THE POET'S STUDY. + 4. PORTRAIT--(_from the last painting_.) + 5. DRYBURGH ABBEY. + + +[Illustration: ABBOTSFORD, (FROM THE GARDEN, see page 247.)] + + +Sir Walter Scott was the third son of Walter Scott, Esq., Writer to +the Signet, in Edinburgh, and Anne, daughter of Dr. John Rutherford, +Professor of Medicine in the University of the above city. His +ancestry numbers several distinguished persons; though the well-earned +fame of Sir Walter Scott readers his pedigree comparatively +uninteresting; inasmuch as it illustrates the saw of an olden poet, +that + + Learning is an addition beyond + Nobility of birth: honour of blood, + Without the ornament of knowledge, is + A glorious ignorance. + +SHIRLEY. + +Sir Walter was born at Edinburgh, on the 15th of August, 1771--or, on +the birthday of Napoleon Buonaparte. His father was a man of +prosperous fortune and good report; and for many years was "an elder +in the parish church of Old Grey Friars, while Dr. Robertson, the +historian, acted as one of the ministers. The other clergyman was Dr. +John Erskine, of whom Sir Walter has given an animated picture in his +novel of _Guy Mannering_."[1] Mrs. Scott is described as a +well-educated gentlewoman, possessing considerable natural talents; +though she did not enjoy the acquaintance of Allan Ramsay, Blacklock, +Beattie, and Burns, as has been stated by some biographers. She, +however, advantageously mixed in literary society, and from her +superintendence of the early education of her eldest son, Walter, +there is reason to infer that such advantages may have influenced his +habits and taste. He was the third of a family, consisting of six sons +and one daughter. The cleverest of the sons is stated by Sir Walter to +have been Daniel, a sailor, who died young. Thomas, the next brother +to Sir Walter, was a man of considerable talent, and before the avowal +of the authorship of the Waverley Novels, report ascribed to him a +great part or the whole of them. Sir Walter observes--"Those who +remember that gentleman (of the 70th regiment, then stationed in +Canada) will readily grant, that, with general talent at least equal +to those of his elder brother, he added a power of social humour, and +a deep insight into human character, which rendered him an universally +delightful member of society, and that the habit of composition alone +was wanting to render him equally successful as a writer. The Author +of Waverley was so persuaded of the truth of this, that he warmly +pressed his brother to make such an experiment, and willingly +undertook all the trouble of correcting and superintending the press." +Ill health, however, unfitted Mr. Scott for the task, though "the +author believes his brother would have made himself distinguished in +that striking field, in which, since that period, Mr. Cooper has +achieved so many triumphs."[2] + + [1] Chamber's Life of Sir Walter Scott. + + [2] General Preface to the Waverley Novels, 41 vols. + +The house in which Sir Walter Scott was born no longer exists. It was +situated at the head of the College Wynd, at its entrance into North +College-street. It was thus described by Sir Walter in 1825:--"It +consisted of two flats above Mr. Keith's, and belonged to my father, +Mr. Walter Scott, Writer to the Signet. There I had the chance to be +born, 15th of August, 1771. My father, soon after my birth, removed to +George's Square, and let the house in the College Wynd, first to Mr. +Dundas, of Philipstoun, and afterwards to Mr. William Keith, father of +Sir Alexander Keith. It was purchased by the public, together with Mr. +Keith's (the inferior floors), and pulled down to make way for the new +College." + + +CHILDHOOD. + + +Mr. Cunningham relates some interesting particulars of this period. +Before Sir Walter was two years old, his nurse let him fall out of her +arms, so as to injure his right foot, and render him lame for life: +"This accident did not otherwise affect his health; he was, as I have +been informed by a lady who chanced to live near him, a remarkably +active and dauntless boy, full of all manner of fun, and ready for all +manner of mischief. He calls himself, in one of his introductions to +_Marmion_-- + + A self-willed imp; a grondame's child; + +and I have heard it averred, that the circumstance of his lame foot +prompted him to take the lead among all the stirring boys in the +street where he lived, or the school which he attended: he desired, +perhaps, to show them, that there was a spirit which could triumph +over all impediments."[3] If this statement be correct, it is a +somewhat remarkable coincidence with the circumstance of Lord Byron's +lameness; though, happily, the influence of the accident on the +temperament of Scott is not traceable beyond his early years. + + [3] Life of Sir Walter Scott; in the Athenaeum, No. 258. + +Sir Walter was subsequently removed from Edinburgh, for the +improvement of his health, to the farm-house of Sandyknowe, then +inhabited by his paternal grandfather, and situated in the loveliest +part of the Vale of Tweed. In the neighbourhood, upon a considerable +eminence, stands Smailholm Tower, a Border fort which the future poet +enshrined in his admirable ballad, _The Eve of St. John_. The romantic +influence of the scenery of the whole district is told with much +vigour and sweetness in the introduction to the third canto of +_Marmion_. + + +EDUCATION. + + +Little is known of the schooldom of Scott, that denotes anything like +precocious talent. It is, however better ascertained that his early +rambles amidst the Tweed scenery retarded his educational pursuits. He +received the rudiments of knowledge under the home tuition of his +mother; next attended an ordinary school at Edinburgh, and was then +placed at the High School, his name first appearing in the school +register in the year 1779. His masters, Mr. Luke Fraser, and Dr. Adam, +were erudite and pains-taking teachers; but, to borrow a phrase from +Montaigne, they could neither lodge it with him, nor make him espouse +it, and Chambers illustratively relates, "apparently, neither the care +of the master, nor the inborn genius of the pupil, availed much in +this case; for it is said that the twenty-fifth place was no uncommon +situation in the class for the future Author of the Waverley Novels." +Perhaps the only anecdote of any early indication of talent that can +be relied on is that related by Mr. Cunningham, of Burns:--"The poet, +while at Professor Ferguson's one day, was struck by some lines +attached to a print of a Soldier dying in the snow, and inquired who +was the author: none of the old or the learned spoke, when the future +author of _Marmion_ answered, 'They are by Langhorne.' Burns, fixing +his large, bright eyes on the boy, and, striding up to him, said, it +is no common course of reading which has taught you this--'this lad,' +said he to the company, will be heard of yet." + +At school, Sir Walter represents himself to have excelled in what may +be termed the _art_, or, as Swift calls it, the "knack," of narrating +a story, which, by the way, is as companionable an acquirement at +school as elsewhere. His account is as follows:--"I must refer to a +very early period of my life, were I to point out my first +achievements as a tale-teller--but I believe some of my old +school-fellows can still bear witness that I had a distinguished +character for that talent, at a time when the applause of my +companions was my recompense for the disgraces and punishments which +the future romance writer incurred for being idle himself, and keeping +others idle, during hours that should have been employed on our tasks. +The chief enjoyment of my holydays was to escape with a chosen friend, +who had the same taste with myself, and alternately to recite to each +other such wild adventures as we were able to devise. We told, each in +turn, interminable tales of knight-errantry and battles and +enchantments, which were continued from one day to another as +opportunity offered, without our ever thinking of bringing them to a +conclusion. As we observed a strict secresy on the subject of this +intercourse, it acquired all the character of a concealed pleasure; +and we used to select for the scenes of our indulgence, long walks +through the solitary and romantic environs of Arthur's Seat, Salisbury +Crags, Braid Hills, and similar places in the vicinity of Edinburgh, +and the recollection of those holydays still forms an _oasis_ in the +pilgrimage which I have to look back upon."[4] + + [4] General Preface, p. ii. + +This excellence in tale-telling drew Scott's attention from graver +studies; but it was an indication of genius which may be regarded as +the corner-stone of his future fame. This reminds us of Steele's idea, +that "a story-teller is born as well as a poet." Scott, about this +time, received some instructions in music, which was then considered a +branch of ordinary education in Scotland; but the future poet, to use +a familiar expression, wanted "an ear." Throughout life he, however, +was highly susceptible of the delights of music, though his own +execution was confined to a single song, with which he attempted to +enliven the social board, but, it is stated, with such unmusical +oddity as to content his hearers with a single specimen of his vocal +talent. His early rambles around the "hills and holms of the border," +is said to have kindled in Scott the love of painting landscapes, not +strictly in accordance with the rules of art, though certainly from +nature herself. Such attempts in art, by the way, are by no means +uncommon in the early lives of men of genius; and, they are to be +regarded, in many instances as their earliest appreciation of the +beauties of nature. + +In 1783, Scott was placed at the University of Edinburgh, where his +studies were as irregular as at the High School: at the latter he is +said to have made his first attempt at versification in the +description of a thunderstorm in six lines, the recital of which +afforded his mother considerable pleasure and promise; and, on another +occasion, he is stated to have remarked, during a journey over a +sterile district of Scotland, in a day of drizzling rain, "It is only +nature weeping for the barrenness of her soil." + + +LOVE OF READING. + + +Scott's early love of reading is described to have been of +enthusiastic character, and to have been fostered by an accident at +this period of his life. He had just given over the amusements of +boyhood, and began to prepare himself for the serious business of +life, or the study of the law, when, to use his own words, "a long +illness threw him back on the kingdom of fiction, as it were by a +species of fatality." His autobiography of this period is extremely +interesting:--"My indisposition arose in part at least, from my having +broken a blood-vessel; and motion and speech were for a long time +pronounced positively dangerous. For several weeks I was confined +strictly to my bed, during which time I was not allowed to speak above +a whisper, to eat more than a spoonful or two of boiled rice, or to +have more covering than one thin counterpane. When the reader is +informed that I was at this time a growing youth, with the spirits, +appetite, and impatience of fifteen, and suffered, of course, greatly +under this severe regimen, which the repeated return of my disorder +rendered indispensable, he will not be surprised that I was abandoned +to my own discretion, so far as reading (my almost sole amusement) was +concerned, and still less so, that I abused the indulgence which left +my time so much at my own disposal. + +"There was at this time a circulating library at Edinburgh, founded, I +believe, by the celebrated Allan Ramsay, which, besides containing a +most respectable collection of books of every description, was, as +might have been expected, peculiarly rich in works of fiction. I was +plunged into this great ocean of reading without compass or pilot; and +unless when some one had the charity to play at chess with me, I was +allowed to do nothing save read, from morning to night. As my taste +and appetite were gratified in nothing else, I indemnified myself by +becoming a glutton of books. Accordingly, I believe, I read almost all +the old romances, old plays, and epic poetry, in that formidable +collection, and no doubt was unconsciously amassing materials for the +task in which it has been my lot to be so much employed. + +"At the same time, I did not in all respects abuse the license +permitted me. Familiar acquaintance with the specious miracles of +fiction brought with it some degree of satiety, and I began by degrees +to seek in histories, memoirs, voyages and travels, and the like, +events nearly as wonderful as those which were the works of the +imagination, with the additional advantage that they were, at least, +in a great measure true. The lapse of nearly two years, during which I +was left to the service of my own free will, was followed by a +temporary residence in the country, where I was again very lonely, but +for the amusement which I derived from a good, though old-fashioned, +library. The vague and wild use which I made of this advantage I +cannot describe better than by referring my reader to the desultory +studies of Waverley in a similar situation; the passages concerning +whose reading were imitated from recollections of my own."[5] + + [5] General Preface, &c. + + +STUDIES IN THE LAW. + + +Upon the re-establishment of his health, Scott returned to Edinburgh, +and resumed his studies in the law, which had been interrupted by +illness. He states his progress to have been neither slow nor +unsatisfactory, though by others he is said to have been an indolent +student. He speaks of his "severe studies" occupying the greater part +of his time, and amidst their dulness he seems to have underrated the +incidents of his private life, which he afterwards related to the +world with some share of self-satisfaction. + +He appears to have succeeded tolerably in his legal lucubrations; for, +in 1792, he was called to the bar as an advocate. He established +himself in good style in Edinburgh, but had little practice; though +the accounts of his progress are somewhat contradictory. That he +passed much of his time in acquiring other than professional knowledge +is more certain, though he rarely attempted composition. Mr. Chambers, +with all his diligence and advantages for research, (and they are very +meritorious and considerable,) "has not been able to detect any +fugitive pieces of Sir Walter's in any of the periodical publications +of the day, nor even any attempt to get one intruded (?) unless the +following notice in Dr. Anderson's _Bee_ for May 9, 1792, refers to +him:--'The Editor regrets that the verses of _W.S._ are _too defective +for publication_.'" + + +FIRST LITERARY ATTEMPTS. + + +About this time Sir Walter employed his leisure in collecting the +ballad poetry of the Scottish Border. His inducement to this task was +subsequently described by him as follows:-- + +"A period," says Sir Walter, "when this particular taste for the +popular ballad was in the most extravagant degree of fashion, became +the occasion, unexpectedly indeed, of my deserting the profession to +which I was educated, and in which I had sufficiently advantageous +prospects for a person of limited ambition. * * I may remark that, +although the assertion has been made, it is a mistake to suppose that +my situation in life or place in society were materially altered by +such success as I attained in literary attempts. My birth, without +giving the least pretension to distinction, was that of a gentleman, +and connected me with several respectable families and accomplished +persons. My education had been a good one, although I was deprived of +its full benefit by indifferent health, just at the period when I +ought to have been most sedulous in improving it." He then describes +his circumstances as easy, with a moderate degree of business for his +standing, and "the friendship of more than one person of +consideration, efficiently disposed to aid his views in life." In +short, he describes himself as "beyond all apprehension of want." He +then notices the low ebb of poetry in Britain for the previous ten +years; the fashionable but slender poetical reputation of Hayley, then +in the wane; "the Bard of Memory slumbered on his laurels, and he of +Hope had scarce begun to attract his share of public attention;" +Cowper was dead, and had not left an extensive popularity; "Burns, +whose genius our southern neighbours could hardly yet comprehend, had +long confined himself to song-writing; and the realms of Parnassus +seemed to lie open to the first bold invader." The gradual +introduction of German literature into this country during such a +dearth of native talent, now led Sir Walter to the study of the German +language. He also became acquainted with Mr. G. Lewis, author of _The +Monk_, who had already published some successful imitations of the +German ballad school. "Out of this acquaintance," says Sir Walter, +"consequences arose, which altered almost all the Scottish +ballad-maker's future prospects of life. In early youth I had been an +eager student of ballad poetry, and the tree is still in my +recollection, beneath which I lay and first entered upon the +enchanting perusal of Percy's Reliques of Ancient Poetry. The taste of +another person had strongly encouraged my own researches into this +species of legendary lore; but I had never dreamed of an attempt to +imitate what gave me so much pleasure." He then speaks of some +successful metrical translations which he made at the High School; but +in original rhyme he was less fortunate. "In short," says Sir Walter, +"except the usual tribute to a mistress' eyebrow, which is the +language of passion rather than poetry, I had not for ten years +indulged the wish to couple so much as _love_ and _dove_, when finding +Lewis in possession of so much reputation, and, conceiving that, if I +fell behind him in poetical powers, I considerably exceeded him in +general information, I suddenly took it into my head to attempt the +style by which he had raised himself to fame." Sir Walter next hearing +a striking passage from Mr. W. Taylor's translation of Bürger's +_Leonore_, was induced to procure a copy of the original poem from +Germany, and "the book had only been a few hours in my possession, +when I found myself giving an animated account of the poem to a +friend, and rashly added a promise to furnish a copy in English ballad +verse. I well recollect that I began my task after supper, and +finished it about daybreak the next morning, (it consists of 66 +stanzas,) by which time the ideas which the task had a tendency to +summon up, were rather of an uncomfortable character." This success +encouraged Sir Walter to publish his translation of _Leonore_ with +that of _Der Wilde Jager_ (the Wild Huntsman,) in a thin quarto; but, +other translations appearing at the same time, Sir Walter's adventure +proved a dead loss: "and a great part of the edition was condemned to +the service of the trunk-maker." This failure did not discourage Sir +Walter; for, early in 1799 he published _Goetz of Berlinchingen_, a +tragedy, from the German of Goëthe. We thus see that Sir Walter did +not conceal his obligation to Lewis, for his aid in his translations; +but Lord Byron's assertion that Monk Lewis corrected Scott's verse, +and that he understood little then of the mechanical part of it--is +far from true, as a comparison of their productions warrants us to +conclude. + +Sir Walter's first attempt at originality was in ballad poetry. He +says:--"The ballad called _Glenfinlas_ was, I think, the first +original poem which I ventured to compose. After _Glenfinlas_, I +undertook another ballad, called _The Eve of St. John_. The incidents, +except the hints alluded to in the notes, are entirely imaginary; but +the scene was that of my early childhood. Some idle persons had of +late years during the proprietor's absence, torn down the iron-grated +door of Smailholm Tower from its hinges, and thrown it down the rock." +Sir Walter prevailed on the proprietor to repair the mischief, on +condition that the young poet should write a ballad, of which the +scene should lie at Smailholm Tower, and among the crags where it is +situated. The ballad, as well as _Glenfinlas_, was approved of, and +procured Sir Walter many marks of attention and kindness from Duke +John of Roxburgh, who gave him the unlimited use of the Roxburgh club +library. + + +MINSTRELSY OF THE SCOTTISH BORDER. + + +This work, although not original, may be said to be the superstructure +of Sir Walter Scott's fame. It consists, as we have already hinted, of +the ballad poetry of the Border district; but to obtain this +vernacular literature was not the work of mere compilation. The +editor's task was not performed in the closet, but in a sort of +literary pilgrimage through a land of song, story, and romance. The +farmers and peasantry from whose recitation the ballads were to be set +down, were a primitive race; and the country among which oral +traditions, anecdotes, and legends were to be collected for notes +illustrative of the ballads, was of the most romantic character. Sir +Walter found the most fertile field in the pastoral vale of +Liddesdale, whither he travelled in an old gig with Mr. Shortreed, an +intelligent observer of the manners of the people. In these +researches, Sir Walter evinced a most retentive memory: he is stated +to have used neither pencil nor pen, but to have made his own +memoranda by cutting notches on twigs, or small sticks.[6] The +_Minstrelsy_ was published in 1802, in two volumes; it was reprinted +in the following year with a third volume, of imitations, by Scott and +others, of the ancient ballad; but Sir Walter refers to the second +edition as rather a heavy concern. + + [6] Many anecdotes are related in illustration of Sir Walter + Scott's excellent memory. The Ettrick Shepherd tells of + his attempting to sing his ballad of _Gilmanscleuch_, + which had never been printed or penned, but which the + Shepherd had sung once over to Sir Walter three years + previously. On the second attempt to sing it, says the + Shepherd, "in the eighth or ninth verse, I stuck in it, + and could not get on with another line; on which he (Sir + Walter) began it a second time, and recited it every word + from beginning to the end of the eighty-eighth stanza:" + and, on the Shepherd expressing his astonishment, Sir + Walter related that he had recited that ballad and one of + Southey's, but which ballads he had only heard once from + their respective authors, and he believed he had recited + them both without missing a word. Sir Walter also used to + relate that his friend, Mr. Thomas Campbell, called upon + him one evening to show him the manuscript of a poem he + had written--_The Pleasures of Hope_. Sir Walter happened + to have some fine old whisky in his house, and his friend + sat down and had a tumbler or two of punch. Mr. Campbell + left him, but Sir Walter thought he would dip into the + manuscript before going to bed. He opened it, read, and + read again--charmed with the classical grace, purity, and + stateliness of that finest of all our modern didactic + poems. Next morning Mr. Campbell again called, when to his + inexpressible surprise, his friend on returning the + manuscript to its owner, said he should guard well against + piracy, for that he himself could repeat the poem from + beginning to end! The poet dared him to the task, when Sir + Walter Scott began and actually repeated the whole, + consisting of more than two thousand lines, with the + omission of only a few couplets.--_Inverness Courier_. + + +MARRIAGE--SHERIFFDOM--LEAVES THE BAR. + + +Reverting to Sir Walter's domestic life, we should mention that in +1797, he married Miss Carpenter, a lady of Jersey, with an annuity of +400_l._; soon after which he established himself during the vacations, +in a delightful retreat at Lasswade, on the banks of the Esse, about +five miles to the south of Edinburgh. In 1799, he obtained the Crown +appointment of sheriff of Selkirkshire, with a salary of 300_l._ a +year; the duties of which office he is said to have performed with +kindness and justice. Mr. Cunningham relates that Sir Walter had a +high notion of the dignity which belonged to his post, and sternly +maintained it when any one seemed disposed to treat it with unbecoming +familiarity. On one occasion, it is said, when some foreign prince +passed through Selkirk, the populace, anxious to look on a live +prince, crowded round him so closely, that Scott, in vain attempted to +approach him; the poet's patience failed, and exclaiming "Room for +your sheriff! Room for your sheriff!" he pushed and elbowed the gapers +impatiently aside, and apologised to the prince for their +curiosity.[7] + + [7] Memoir in the _Athenaeum_. + +By the death of Sir Walter's father, his income was increased, and +this addition, with the salary of his sheriffdom, left him more at +leisure to indulge his literary pursuits. Soon after this period, +about 1803, Sir Walter finding that his attempts in literature had +been unfavourable to his success at the bar, says:--"My profession and +I, therefore, came to stand nearly upon the footing on which honest +Slender consoled himself with having established with Mrs. Anne Page. +'There was no great love between us at the beginning, and it pleased +Heaven to decrease it on farther acquaintance!' I became sensible that +the time was come when I must either buckle myself resolutely to 'the +toil by day, the lamp by night,' renouncing all the Dalilahs of my +imagination, or bid adieu to the profession of the law, and hold +another course. + +"I confess my own inclination revolted from the more severe choice, +which might have been deemed by many the wiser alternative. As my +transgressions had been numerous, my repentance must have been +signalized by unusual sacrifices. I ought to have mentioned that, +since my fourteenth or fifteenth year, my health, originally delicate, +had been extremely robust. From infancy I had laboured under the +infirmity of a severe lameness, but, as I believe is usually the case +with men of spirit who suffer under personal inconveniences of this +nature, I had, since the improvement of my health, in defiance of this +incapacitating circumstance, distinguished myself by the endurance of +toil on foot or horseback, having often walked thirty miles a-day, and +rode upwards of a hundred without stopping. In this manner I made many +pleasant journeys through parts of the country then not very +accessible, gaining more amusement and instruction than I have been +able to acquire since I have travelled in a more commodious manner. I +practised most sylvan sports also with some success and with great +delight. But these pleasures must have been all resigned, or used with +great moderation, had I determined to regain my station at the bar." +After well weighing these matters, Sir Walter resolved on quitting his +avocations in the law for literature; though he determined that +literature should be his staff but not his crutch, and that the +profits of his labour, however convenient otherwise, should not become +necessary to his ordinary expenses. + + +THE LAY OF THE LAST MINSTREL. + + +Sir Walter's secession from the law was followed by the production of +his noblest poem--_the Lay of the Last Minstrel_--the origin of which +is thus related by the author: + +"The lovely young Countess of Dalkeith, afterwards Harriet, Duchess of +Buccleuch, had come to the land of her husband, with the desire of +making herself acquainted with its traditions and customs. Of course, +where all made it a pride and pleasure to gratify her wishes, she soon +heard enough of Border lore; among others, an aged gentleman of +property, near Langholm, communicated to her ladyship the story of +Gilpin Horner--a tradition in which the narrator and many more of that +county were firm believers. The young Countess, much delighted with +the legend, and the gravity and full confidence with which it was +told, enjoined it on me as a task to compose a ballad on the subject. +Of course, to hear was to obey; and thus the goblin story, objected to +by several critics as an excrescence upon the poem, was, in fact, the +occasion of its being written." + +Sir Walter having composed the first two or three stanzas of the +poem--taking for his model the _Christabel_ of Coleridge--showed them +to two friends, "whose talents might have raised them to the highest +station in literature, had they not preferred exerting them in their +own profession of the law, in which they attained equal preferment." +They were more silent upon the merits of the stanzas than was +encouraging to the author; and Sir Walter, looking upon the attempt as +a failure, threw the manuscript into the fire, and thought as little +as he could of the matter. Sometime afterwards, Sir Walter meeting his +two friends, was asked how he proceeded in his romance;--they were +surprised at its fate, said they had reviewed their opinion, and +earnestly desired that Sir Walter would proceed with the composition. +He did so; and the poem was soon finished, proceeding at the rate of +about a canto per week. It was finally published in 1805, and produced +to the author 600_l._; and, to use his own words, "it may be regarded +as the first work in which the writer, who has been since so +voluminous, laid his claim to be considered as an original author." We +thus see that Sir Walter Scott was in his 34th year before he had +published an original work. + + +MARMION. + + +Sir Walter's second poem of consequence appeared in 1808, he having +published a few ballads and lyrical pieces during the year 1806. The +publishers, emboldened by the success of _the Lay of the Last +Minstrel_, gave the author 1,000_l._ for _Marmion_. Its success was +electric, and at once wrought up the poet's reputation. In his preface +to the last edition, April, 1830, he states 36,000 copies to have been +printed between 1808 and 1825, besides a considerable sale since that +period; and the publishers were so delighted with the success, as "to +supply the author's cellars with what is always an acceptable present +to a young Scotch house-keeper--namely, a hogshead of excellent +claret." + + +CLERK OF SESSION. + + +Between the appearance of _the Lay of the Last Minstrel_ and +_Marmion_, hopes were held out to him from an influential quarter of +the reversion of the office of a Principal Clerk in the Court of +Session; and, Mr. Pitt, having expressed a wish to be of service to +the author, of _the Lay of the Last Minstrel_, Sir Walter applied for +the reversion. His desire was readily acceeded to; and, according to +Chambers, George III. is reported to have said, when he signed the +commission, that "he was happy he had it in his power to reward a man +of genius, and a person of such distinguished merit." The King had +signed the document, and the office fees alone remained to be paid, +when Mr. Pitt died, and a new and opposite ministry succeeded. Sir +Walter, however, obtained the appointment, though not from the favour +of an administration differing from himself in politics, as has been +supposed; the grant having been obtained before Mr. Fox's direction +that the appointment should be conferred as a favour coming directly +from his administration. The duties were easy, and the profits about +1,200_l._ a year, though Sir Walter, according to arrangement, +performed the former for five or six years without salary, until the +retirement of his colleague. + + +EDITIONS OF DRYDEN AND SWIFT. + + +Sir Walter's next literary labour was the editorship of the _Works of +John Dryden_, with Notes. Critical and Explanatory, and a Life of the +Author: the chief aim of which appears to be the arrangement of the +"literary productions in their succession, as actuated by, and +operating upon, the taste of an age, where they had so predominating +an influence," and the connexion of the Life of Dryden with the +history of his publications. This he accomplished within a +twelvemonth. Sir Walter subsequently edited, upon a similar plan, an +edition of the _Works of Swift_.--Neither of these works can be said +to entitle Sir Walter to high rank as a biographer. + + +THE LADY OF THE LAKE + + +Was written in 1809, and published in 1810, and was considered by the +author as the best of his poetic compositions. He appears to have +taken more than ordinary pains in its accuracy, especially in +verifying the correctness of the local circumstances of the story. In +his introduction to a late edition of the poem, he says--"I recollect, +in particular, that to ascertain whether I was telling a probable +tale, I went into Perthshire, to see whether King James could actually +have ridden from the banks of Loch Venachar to Stirling Castle within +the time supposed in the poem, and had the pleasure to satisfy myself +that it was quite practicable." The success of the poem "was certainly +so extraordinary, as to induce him for the moment to conclude, that he +had at last fixed a nail in the proverbially inconstant wheel of +Fortune, whose stability in behalf of an individual, who had so boldly +courted her favours for three successive times, had not as yet been +shaken." + + +ABBOTSFORD.--(_See the Cuts_.) + + +Since Sir Walter's appointment to the sheriffdom of Selkirkshire, he +had resided at Ashiesteel, on the banks of the Tweed, of which he was +but the tenant. He was now desirous to purchase a small estate, and +thereon build a house according to his own taste. He found a desirable +site six or seven miles farther down the Tweed, in the neighbourhood +of the public road between Melrose and Selkirk, and at nearly an equal +distance from both of those towns: it was then occupied by a little +farm onstead, which bore the name of Cartley Hole. The mansion is in +what is termed the castellated Gothic style, embosomed in flourishing +wood. It takes its name from a ford, formerly used by the monks of +Melrose, across the Tweed, which now winds amongst a rich succession +of woods and lawns. But we will borrow Mr. Allan Cunningham's +description of the estate, written during a visit to Abbotsford, in +the summer of 1831:--"On the other side of the Tweed we had a fine +view of Abbotsford, and all its policies and grounds. The whole is at +once extensive and beautiful. The fast rising woods are already +beginning to bury the house, which is none of the smallest; and the +Tweed, which runs within gun-shot of the windows, can only be +discerned here and there through the tapestry of boughs. A fine, +open-work, Gothic screen half conceals and half shows the garden, as +you stand in front of the house--(_see the Engraving_.) It was the +offspring of necessity, for it became desirable to mask an unseemly +old wall, on which are many goodly fruit-trees. What we most admired +about the estate, was the naturally useful and elegant manner in which +the great poet has laid out the plantations--first, with respect to +the bounding or enclosing line; and secondly, with regard to the +skilful distribution of the trees, both for the contrast of light and +shade, and for the protection which the strong affords to the weak.[8] +The horizontal profile of the house is fine, crowded with towers and +clustered chimneys: it looks half castle, half monastery. The +workmanship, too, is excellent: indeed we never saw such well-dressed, +cleanly, and compactly laid whinstone course and gage in our life: it +is a perfect picture."[9] "The external walls of Abbotsford, as also +the walls of the adjoining garden, are enriched with many old carved +stones, which, having originally figured in other situations, to which +they were calculated by their sculptures and inscriptions, have a very +curious effect. Among the various relics which Sir Walter has +contrived to collect, may be mentioned the door of the old Tolbooth of +Edinburgh, which, together with the hewn stones that composed the +gateway, are now made to figure in a base court at the west end of the +house."[10] + + [8] Sir Walter possessed a practical as well as theoretical + knowledge of Landscape Gardening, as may be seen in a + valuable paper contributed by him to No. 47, of the + _Quarterly Review_. The details of this paper were, + however, disputed by some writers on the subject. + + [9] Communicated to No. 199, of _The Athenaeum_. The mansion + was built from designs by Atkinson. Sir Walter may, + however, be termed the amateur architect of the pile, and + this may somewhat explain its irregularities. We have been + told that the earliest design of Abbotsford was furnished + by the late Mr. Terry, the comedian, who was an intimate + friend of Sir Walter, and originally an architect by + profession. His widow, one of the Nasmyths, has painted a + clever View of Abbotsford, from the opposite bank of the + Tweed; which is engraved in No. 427, of _The Mirror_. + + [10] Picture of Scotland, by Chambers. + +[Illustration: (_Armoury_.)] + +It would occupy a whole sheet to describe the _interior_ of the +mansion; so that we select only two apartments, as graphic memorials +of the lamented owner. First, is the _Armoury_, (from a coloured +lithograph, published by Ackermann)--an arched apartment, with a +richly-blazoned window, and the walls filled all over with smaller +pieces of armour and weapons, such as swords, firelocks, spears, +arrows, darts, daggers, &c. These relics will be found enumerated in a +description of Abbotsford, in _the Anniversary_, quoted in vol. xv. of +the _Mirror_. The second of the _interiors_ is the poet's _Study_--a +room about twenty-five feet square by twenty feet high, containing of +what is properly called furniture, nothing but a small writing-table +and an antique arm-chair. On either side of the fire-place various +pieces of armour are hung on the wall; but, there are no books, save +the contents of a light gallery, which runs round three sides of the +room, and is reached by a hanging stair of carved oak in one corner. +There are only two portraits--an original of the beautiful and +melancholy head of Claverhouse, and a small full-length of Rob Roy. +Various little antique cabinets stand about the room; and in one +corner is a collection of really useful weapons--those of the forest +craft, to wit--axes and bills, &c. Over the fire-place, too, are some +Highland claymores clustered round a target. There is only one window, +pierced in a very thick wall, so that the place is rather sombre. + +[Illustration: (_Study_.)] + + +ROKEBY, AND MINOR POEMS. + + +After the publication of _the Lady of the Lake_, Sir Walter's poetical +reputation began to wane. In 1811, appeared _Don Roderick_; and in +1813, _Rokeby_; both of which were unsuccessful; and the _Lord of the +Isles_ followed with no better fortune. In short, Sir Walter perceived +that the tide of popularity was turning, and he wisely changed with +the public taste. The subjects of these poems were neither so +striking, nor the versification so attractive, as in his earlier +poems. The poet himself attributes their failure to the manner or +style losing its charms of novelty, and the harmony becoming tiresome +and ordinary; his measure and manner were imitated by other writers, +and, above all Byron had just appeared as a serious candidate in the +first canto of _Childe Harold_; so that Sir Walter with exemplary +candour confesses that "the original inventor and his invention must +have fallen into contempt, if he had not found out another road to +public favour." We shall therefore now part with his poetic fame, and +proceed in the more gratifying task of glancing at his splendid +successes in prose fiction. + + +WAVERLEY. + + +The first of the author's + + long trails of light descending down, + +had its origin in a desire to story the ancient traditions and noble +spirit of the Highlands, aided by the author's early recollections of +their scenery and customs; in short, to effect in prose what he had so +triumphantly achieved in the poem of _the Lady of the Lake_. The +author's own account will be read with interest:--"It was with some +idea of this kind, that, about the year 1805, I threw together about +one-third part of the first volume of Waverley. It was advertised to +be published by the late Mr. John Ballantyne, under the name of +'Waverley,' or ''Tis Fifty Years since,'--a title afterwards altered +to ''Tis Sixty Years since,' that the actual date of publication might +be made to correspond with the period in which the scene was laid. +Having proceeded as far, I think, as the seventh chapter, I showed my +work to a critical friend, whose opinion was unfavourable, and having +some poetical reputation, I was unwilling to risk the loss of it by +attempting a new style of composition. I therefore threw aside the +work I had commenced, without either reluctance or remonstrance. This +portion of the manuscript was laid aside in the drawers of an old +writing desk, which, on my first coming to reside at Abbotsford in +1811, was placed in a lumber garret, and entirely forgotten. Thus, +though I sometimes, among other literary avocations, turned my +thoughts to the continuation of the romance which I had commenced, +yet, as I could not find what I had already written, after searching +such repositories as were within my reach, and was too indolent to +attempt to write it anew from memory. I as often laid aside all +thoughts of that nature." + +The success of Miss Edgeworth's delineations of Irish life, and the +author's completion of Mr. Strutt's romance of _Queen Hoo Hall_, in +1808, again drew his attention to _Waverley_. Accident threw the lost +sheets in his way, while searching an old writing-desk for some +fishing-tackle for a friend. The long-lost manuscript presented +itself, and "he immediately set to work to complete it, according to +his original purpose." Among other unfounded reports, it has been +said, that the copyright was, during the book's progress through the +press, offered for sale to various booksellers in London at a very +inconsiderable price. This was not the case. Messrs. Constable and +Cadell, who published the work, were the only persons acquainted with +the contents of the publication, and they offered a large sum for it, +while in the course of printing, which, however, was declined, the +author not choosing to part with the copyright. Waverley was published +in 1814: its progress was for some time slow, but, after two or three +months its popularity began to spread, and, in a short time about +12,000 copies were disposed of. The name of the author was kept secret +from his desire to publish the work "as an experiment on the public +taste. Mr. Ballantyne, who printed the novel, alone corresponded with +the author; the original manuscript was transcribed under Mr. +Ballantyne's eye, by confidential persons; nor was there an instance +of treachery during the many years in which these precautions were +resorted to, although various individuals were employed at different +times. Double proof sheets were regularly printed off. One was +forwarded to the author by Mr. Ballantyne, and the alterations which +it received were, by his own hand, copied upon the other proof-sheet +for the use of the printers, so that even the corrected proofs of the +author were never seen in the printing-office; and thus the curiosity +of such eager inquirers as made the most minute investigation was +entirely at fault."[11] + + [11] Abridged from the General Preface, &c. + + +OTHER NOVELS. + + +The success of _Waverley_ led to the production of that series of +works, by which the author established himself "as the greatest master +in a department of literature, to which he has given a lustre +previously unknown;--in which he stands confessedly unrivalled, and +not approached, even within moderate limits, except, among +predecessors, by Cervantes, and among contemporaries, by the author of +_Anastasius_." We shall merely enumerate these works, with the date of +their publication, and, as a point of kindred interest, the sums for +which the original manuscripts, in the hand-writing of Sir Walter, +were sold in the autumn of last year. Of the merits of these +productions it would be idle to attempt to speak in our narrow space; +but, for a finely graphic paper, (probably the last written previously +to the author's death,) on the literary claims of Sir Walter Scott, as +a novelist, we may refer the reader to No. 109 of the _Edinburgh +Review_. + + Year of Orig. MS. + Publication. sold in + Novels. Vols. 1831, for + £. s. + Waverley 3 1814 18 0 + Guy Mannering 3 1815 27 10 + The Antiquary* 3 1816 42 0 + Tales of My Landlord 4 1st ser. 1816 33 0 + Rob Roy* 3 1818 50 0 + Tales of My Landlord 4 2nd ser. 1818 + Tales of My Landlord 4 3rd ser. 1819 14 14 + Ivanhoe 3 1820 12 0 + The Monastery* 3 1820 18 18 + The Abbot 3 1820 14 0 + Kenilworth 3 1821 17 0 + The Pirate 3 1822 12 0 + The Fortunes of Nigel 3 1822 16 16 + Peveril of the Peak* 3 1823 42 0 + Quentin Durward 3 1823 + St. Ronan's Well 3 1824 + Redgauntlet 3 1824 + Tales of the Crusaders 4 1825 + Woodstock 3 1826 + Chronicles of the Canongate 2 1st ser. 1827 + Chronicles of the Canongate 3 2nd ser. 1828 + Anne of Gerstein 3 1829 + Tales of My Landlord 4 4th ser. 1831 + + Making in all, 73 volumes, within 17 years. + (Those marked * were alone perfect.) + + +MISCELLANEOUS WORKS. + + +To particularize Sir Walter's contributions to periodical literature +would occupy considerable space. He wrote a few papers in the early +numbers of the _Edinburgh Review_, and several in the _Quarterly +Review_, especially during the last ten volumes of that journal, of +which his son-in-law, Mr. Lockhart, is the accredited editor. Sir +Walter likewise contributed the articles Chivalry, Drama, and Romance +to the sixth edition of the _Encyclopaedia Britannica_. _Paul's +Letters to his Kinsfolk_, the fruits of Sir Walter's tour through +France and Belgium, in 1815, were published anonymously; and the +_Field of Waterloo_, a poem, appeared about the same time. We may also +here mention his dramatic poem of _Halidon Hill_, which appeared in +1822; and two dramas, _the Doom of Devergoil_ and _Auchindrane_, in +1830--neither of which works excited more than temporary attention. +Sir Walter likewise contributed a _History of Scotland_, in two +volumes, to Dr. Lardner's _Cabinet Cyclopaedia_, in 1830; and in the +same year a volume on _Demonology and Witchcraft_, to Mr. Murray's +_Family Library_: both which works, of course, had a circulation +co-extensively with the series of which they form portions. We may +here notice a juvenile History of Scotland, in three series, or nine +volumes, under the title of _Tales of a Grandfather_, affectionately +addressed to his grandchild, the eldest son of Mr. Lockhart, as Hugh +Littlejohn, Esq. + + +ABBOTSFORD--BARONETCY. + + +The large sums received by Sir Walter for the copyright of his earlier +works had enabled him to expend nearly one hundred thousand pounds +upon Abbotsford, so as to make it his "proper mansion, house, and +home, the theatre of his hospitality, the seat of self-fruition, the +comfortablest part of his own life, the noblest of his son's +inheritance, a kind of private princedom, and, according to the degree +of the master, decently and delightfully adorned."[12] Here Sir Walter +lived in dignified enjoyment of his well-earned fortune, during the +summer and autumn, and was visited by distinguished persons from +nearly all parts of the world. He unostentatiously opened his treasury +of relics to all visitors, and his affability spread far and wide. He +usually devoted three hours in the morning, from six or seven o'clock, +to composition, his customary quota being a sheet daily. He passed the +remainder of the day in the pleasurable occupations of a country +life--as in superintending the improvements of the mansion, and the +planting and disposal of the grounds of Abbotsford; or, as Walpole +said of John Evelyn, "unfolding the perfection of the works of the +Creator, and assisting the imperfection of the minute works of the +creature;" so as to render Abbotsford as Evelyn describes his own dear +Wotton, "large and ancient (for there is an air of assumed antiquity +in Abbotsford), suitable to those hospitable times, and so sweetly +environed with those delicious streams and venerable woods, as in the +judgment of strangers as well as Englishmen, it may be compared to one +of the most pleasant seats in the nation, most tempting to a great +person and a wanton purse, to render it conspicuous: it has rising +grounds, meadows, woods, and water in abundance."[13] + + [12] Sir Henry Wootton's _Elements of Architecture_. + + [13] Evelyn's _Diary_. + +In 1820, the poet of _Marmion_ was created a baronet, by George IV., +but a few weeks after his accession--it being the first baronetcy +conferred by the King, and standing alone in the _Gazette_ which +announced the honour. In 1822, Sir Walter distinguished himself in the +loyal reception of the King, on his visit to Scotland; and soon +afterwards the Baronet was appointed a deputy-lieutenant for the +county of Roxburgh. + + +EMBARRASSMENTS. + + +Thus stood the "pure contents" of Abbotsford, when, in January, 1826, +the failure of Messrs. Constable threw a gloom over Sir Walter's +affairs. The eminent publisher had been one of his earliest friends. +"Archie Constable," he once said, "was a good friend to me long ago, +and I will never see him at a loss." The sums given by Mr. Constable +for the copyright of Sir Walter's novels were nominally immense; but +they were chiefly paid in bills, which were renewed as the necessities +of the publisher increased, till, on his failure, Sir Walter found +himself responsible for various debts, amounting to 102,000_l_. About +this time Lady Scott died, and her loss was an additional affliction +to him. Various modes of settlement were proposed to Sir Walter for +the liquidation of these heavy debts; but, "like the elder +Osbaldistone of his own immortal pages, considering commercial honour +as dear as any other honour," he would only consent to payment _in +full_; and, in the short space of six years, he paid off 60,000_l._ +"by his genius alone; but he crushed his spirit in the gigantic +struggle, or, in plain words, sacrificed himself in the attempt to +repair his broken fortunes." He sold his house and furniture in +Edinburgh, and, says Chambers, "retreated into a humble lodging in a +second-rate street (St. David-street, where David Hume had formerly +lived.)" He reduced his establishment at Abbotsford, and retired, as +far as his official duties would permit, from public life, accompanied +only by his younger daughter. In this domestic retreat, at fifty-five +years of age, he commenced + + +THE LIFE OF NAPOLEON BUONAPARTE + + +--visiting France, in 1826, for some information requisite to the +work. In the following summer the _Life_ appeared in nine volumes, an +extent much beyond the original project. As might be expected, from +the aristocratical turn of Sir Walter's political tenets, the opinions +on this work were more various than on any other of his productions: +it is, to say the best, the most faulty and unequal of them all; and, +considering how clearly this has been shown, it is somewhat surprising +to hear so clever a critic as Mr. Cunningham pronounce _The Life of +Napoleon_ as "one of the noblest monuments of Scott's genius." We pass +from these considerations to the excellence of the purpose to which +the proceeds (12,000_l._) of this work were applied--namely, to the +payment of 6_s._ 8_d._ in the pound, as the first dividend of the +debts of the author. + +In parting with the _Napoleon_, we might notice the conflicting +opinions of the French critics on its merits; but, as that task would +occupy too much space we content ourselves with the following passage +from a journal published a few days subsequent to the melancholy +intelligence of the death of Sir Walter Scott being received in Paris. +The criticism is in every sense plain-spoken:-- + +"If Sir Walter Scott's politics did not square with the natural state +of things--if upon this subject he still remained the victim of early +prejudices, and, perhaps, of the predilections of a poetical mind, yet +he was fortunate enough to promote, by his writings, the real +improvement of the people. France has reason to reproach him severely +for the unaccountable statements in his "Paul's Letters to his +Kinsfolk," and in the "History of Bonaparte." But those errors were +imputable to carelessness much more than to malice. A prose writer, a +poet, a novelist--he yielded, during his long and laborious career, to +the impulse of a fancy, rich, copious, and entirely independent of +present circumstances, aloof from the agitations of the day, +delighting in the memory of the past, and drawing from the surviving +relics of ancient times the traditionary tale, to revive and embellish +it. He was one of those geniuses in romance who may be said to have +been impartial and disinterested, for he gave a picture of ordinary +life exactly as it was. He painted man in all the varieties produced +in his nature by passion and the force of circumstances, and avoided +mixing up with these portraits what was merely ideal. Persons gifted +with this power of forgetting themselves, as it were, and of assuming +in succession an infinite series of varied characters, who live, +speak, and act before us in a thousand ways that affect or delight us, +such men are often susceptible of feelings the most ardent on their +own account, although they may not directly express as much. It is +difficult to believe that Shakspeare and Moliere, the noblest types of +this class of exalted minds, did not contemplate life with feelings of +deep and, perhaps, melancholy emotion. It was not so, however, with +Scott, who certainly belonged not to their kindred, possessing neither +the vigour of combination, nor the style which distinguished those +men. Of great natural benevolence, gentle and kind, ardent in the +pursuit of various knowledge, accommodating himself to the manners and +sentiments of his day, good-humoured, and favoured by happy +conjunctures of circumstances, Scott came forth under the most +brilliant auspices, accomplishing his best and most durable works +almost without an effort, and without impressing on these productions +any sort of character which would connect them with the personal +character of the author. If he be represented, indeed, in any part of +his writings, it is in such characters as that of Morton (one of the +Puritans), a sort of ambiguous, undetermined, unoffending, good sort +of person." + + +"WAVERLEY NOVELS." + + +Up to this period, the secret of the authorship of the novels was not +generally known, though more extensively so than was at the time +imagined. The public had made up their minds to the fact; but the +identity was _not proven_. The adjustment of Messrs. Constable's +affairs, however, rendered it impossible longer to conceal the +authorship, which was revealed by Sir Walter, at the anniversary +dinner of the Edinburgh Theatrical Fund, in February, 1827. Thus he +acknowledged before three hundred gentlemen "a secret which, +considering that it was communicated to more than twenty people, had +been remarkably well kept." His avowal was as follows:-- + +"He had now to say, however, that the merits of these works, if they +had any, and their faults, were entirely imputable to himself." [Here +the audience broke into an absolute shout of surprise and delight.] +"He was afraid to think on what he had done. 'Look on't again I dare +not.' He had thus far unbosomed himself, and he knew that it would be +reported to the public. He meant, then, seriously to state, that when +he said he was the author, he was the total and undivided author. With +the exception of quotations, there was not a single word written that +was not derived from himself, or suggested in the course of his +reading. The wand was now broken, and the rod buried. His audience +would allow him further to say, with Prospero, 'Your breath has filled +my sails.'" + +The copyright of the novels was soon afterwards sold for 8,400_l._, +and they have since been republished, with illustrations, and notes +and introductions by the author, in forty-one volumes, monthly; the +last volume appearing within a few days of the author's death. + + +FATAL ILLNESS. + + +Towards the close of 1830, Sir Walter retired from his office, +retaining a portion of his salary, but declining a pension which had +been offered to him by the present administration. He was now in his +60th year; his health broke apace; it was evident that the task of +writing to pay off debts, which were not of his own contracting, was +alike too severe for his mental and physical powers; and in the +succeeding winter they became gradually paralyzed. He somewhat rallied +in the spring, and, unfortunately for his health, embroiled himself in +the angry politics of the day, at a county meeting at Jedburgh, upon +the Reform question. He was then very feeble, but spoke with such +vehemence as to draw upon him the hisses of some of his auditors: this +ebullition of feeling is said to have much affected him; and he is +stated (we know not how truly) to have been observed on his way home +in tears. + +In the autumn of last year Sir Walter, at the recommendation of his +physicians, resolved to winter in the more congenial climate of Italy; +though it required the most earnest entreaties of his friends to +induce him to consent to the change, so strong was his love of country +and apprehension of dying in a foreign land. He accordingly set sail +in H.M.S. the Barham for Malta, on the 27th of October; previous to +which he appended to the Fourth and Last Series of _Tales of my +Landlord_ the following affecting, and, as we lately observed, almost +prophetic, passage: + +"The gentle reader is acquainted that these are, in all probability, +the last tales which it will be the lot of the author to submit to the +public. He is now on the eve of visiting foreign parts; a ship of war +is commissioned by its royal master, to carry the Author of Waverley +to climates in which he may readily obtain such a restoration of +health as may serve him to spin his thread to an end in his own +country. Had he continued to prosecute his usual literary labours, it +seems indeed probable that, at the term of years he has already +attained, the bowl, to use the pathetic language of Scripture, would +have been broken at the fountain; and little can one, who has enjoyed +on the whole, an uncommon share of the most inestimable of worldly +blessings, be entitled to complain, that life, advancing to its +period, should be attended with its usual proportion of shadows and +storms. They have affected him, at least, in no more painful manner, +than is inseparable from the discharge of this part of the debt of +humanity. Of those whose relations to him in the ranks of life, might +have insured their sympathy under indisposition, many are now no more; +and those who may yet follow in his wake, are entitled to expect, in +bearing inevitable evils, an example of firmness and patience, more +especially on the part of one who has enjoyed no small good fortune +during the course of his pilgrimage. + +"The public have claims on his gratitude, for which the Author of +Waverley has no adequate means of expression; but he may be permitted +to hope that the powers of his mind, such as they are, may not have a +different date from his body; and that he may again meet his +patronizing friends, if not exactly in his old fashion of literature, +at least in some branch which may not call forth the remark, that-- + + "Superfluous lags the veteran on the stage." + +Sir Walter resided at Malta for a short time; thence he proceeded to +Naples, where he was received with almost pageant honours. In the +spring he visited Rome; but "the world's chief ornament" had few +charms for one bereft of all hope of healthful recovery. His strength +was waning fast, and he set out to return with more than prudent speed +to his native country. He travelled seventeen hours for six successive +days, and, in descending the Rhine, had a second attack of paralysis +which would have carried him off but for the timely presence of mind +of his servant, who immediately bled him. The illustrious Goëthe had +looked forward with great pleasure to the meeting with Sir Walter when +he returned through Germany, but the destroyer had fell also on him. +On his arrival in London, Sir Walter was conveyed to the St. James's +Hotel, Jermyn-street, and attended by Sir Henry Halford and Dr. +Holland, with Mr. and Mrs. Lockhart. He lay some weeks in a hopeless +condition, and when the flame of life was just flickering out, he +entreated to be conveyed to his own home. The journey was a hazardous +one, but, as the dying wish of the poet, was tried and effected: on +July 9th, he was conveyed to Edinburgh, whence he was removed to his +fondly-cherished home on the 11th. + + +DEATH. + + +Sir Walter's return to Abbotsford was an afflicting scene. On +approaching the mansion he could scarcely be kept from attempting to +raise himself in his carriage, such was his eagerness to catch a +glimpse of his home: he murmured, on his arrival, "that _now_ he knew +he was at Abbotsford." He lingered for two months, during which he +recognised and spoke kindly to friends, and was even pleased in +listening to passages read from the poems of Crabbe and Wordsworth: +till, on September 21st, 1832, he died, apparently free from pain, and +surrounded by his family. + + +FUNERAL. + + +His remains were placed in a coffin of lead, enclosed in another +coffin covered with black cloth, and gilt ornaments. The inscription +plate bore the words, "SIR WALTER SCOTT, of ABBOTSFORD, Bart. AN. +AETAT. 62." The funeral took place at Dryburgh, amidst the ruins of +the venerable abbey, at night-fall, on Sept. 25th; the body being +borne from the hearse to the grave by his domestics, and followed by +upwards of 300 mourners. A Correspondent has furnished us with the +subjoined note of the funeral. + +It has been remarked that at the grave, the burial service of the +Episcopal Church was read by a clergyman of the Church of England (the +Rev. John Williams, of Baliol College, Oxford, Rector of the Edinburgh +Academy, and Vicar of Lampeter), although Sir Walter through life +adhered to the persuasion of the Presbyterian or Church of Scotland. +In Scotland no prayers are offered over the dead; when the mourners +assemble in the house of the deceased, refreshments are handed round, +previous to which a blessing is implored, (as at meals,) and _then_ +only the minister alludes to the bereavement the family have suffered, +and strength and grace are implored to sustain them under it. This +gratuitous custom was adhered to, and previous to the funeral +_cortège_ setting out from Abbotsford, the Rev. Principal Baird, +offered up a prayer. But although a Presbyterian in practice, Sir +Walter in several parts of his works expressed his dissent from +several of the rigid canons of that Church, and an example occurs in +that graphic scene in _the Antiquary_, the funeral group of _Steenie +Mucklebacket_, where "the creak of the screw nails announced that the +lid of the last mansion of mortality was in the act of being secured +above its tenant. The last act which separates us for ever from the +mortal relicks of the person we assemble to mourn has usually its +effect upon the most indifferent, selfish, and hard-hearted:" and he +adds in condemnation, "With a spirit of contradiction which we may be +pardoned for esteeming narrow-minded, the fathers of the Scottish Kirk +rejected even on this most solemn occasion the form of an address to +the Divinity, lest they should be thought to give countenance to the +ritual of Rome or of England." And he seizes the opportunity to +applaud the liberal judgment of the present Scottish clergymen who +avail themselves of the advantage of offering a prayer, suitable to +make an impression on the living. + +The scenery around his burial-place is fraught with melancholy +associations--enshrined as have been its beauties by him that now +sought a bourn amidst them. It had been the land of his poetical +pilgrimage: through its "bosomed vales" and alongside its "valley +streams" his genius had journeyed with untiring energy, then to spread +abroad its stores for the gratification of hundreds of thousands, who +may about his grave + + Make dust their paper, and with rainy eyes + Write sorrow on the bosom of the earth. + +--Only let us glance at a few of the storied sites that are to be seen +around this hallowed spot: at Melrose, with antique pillar and ruins +grey-- + + Was ever scene so sad and fair. + +Eildon Hill, where Sir Walter said he could stand and point out +forty-three places famous in war and verse;[14] and above all, the +tower of Smailholm Castle, where once "his careless childhood +strayed,"--the _Alpha_ of his poetic fame. + + [14] Cunningham. + + +FAMILY. + + +Sir Walter Scott had two sons and two daughters. The elder daughter, +Sophia Charlotte, was married, April 28, 1820, to Mr. John Gibson +Lockhart, advocate, editor of the _Quarterly Review_. The eldest son, +Walter, who has succeeded to the baronetcy, is now in his +thirty-second year, and Major of the 15th or King's Hussars. In 1825, +he married Jane, daughter and sole heiress of John Jobson, Esq., an +opulent Scottish merchant, with which lady, report affirmed at the +time, Major Scott received a fortune of 60,000_l_. The estate of +Abbotsford was also settled by Sir Walter upon the young pair; but, as +the owner is stated not to have been at this time in a state of +solvency, though he thought himself so, and his estate now proves to +be encumbered with heavy debts, the deed of entail, of course, becomes +invalid, and the paternal property must be sold by the creditors of +the estate. There is, however, ample reason to hope that such a step +will be averted, by the gratitude of the public, and that Abbotsford +will be preserved for the family. The younger son, Charles, who is, we +believe, a junior clerk in the Foreign Office, is unmarried; as is the +younger daughter, Anne. The death of Lady Scott occurred May 15, 1826. +Mrs. Lockhart's children are as yet the only descendants of Sir Walter +in the second generation. + + +PORTRAITS. + + +The reader may be somewhat familiar with the personal appearance of +Sir Walter Scott, through the several portraits which have from time +to time been painted and engraved of the illustrious Baronet. His +height is stated at upwards of six feet; and his frame was strongly +knit, and compactly built. His right leg was shrunk from his boyhood, +and required support by a staff. Mr. Cunningham describes the personal +habits of Sir Walter with his usual characteristic force: "his arms +were strong and sinewy; his looks stately and commanding; and his +face, as he related a heroic story, flushed up as a crystal cup when +one fills it with wine. His eyes were deep seated under his somewhat +shaggy brow;[15] their colour was a bluish grey--they laughed more +than his lips did at a humorous story. His tower-like head and thin, +white hair marked him out among a thousand, while any one might swear +to his voice again who heard it once, for it had a touch of the lisp +and the burr; yet, as the minstrel said, of Douglas, 'it became him +wonder well,' and gave great softness to a sorrowful story: indeed, I +imagined that he kept the burr part of the tone for matters of a +facetious or humorous kind, and brought out the lisp part in those of +tenderness or woe. When I add, that in a meeting of a hundred men, his +hat was sure to be the least, and would fit no one's head but his own, +I have said all that I have to say about his appearance."[16] + + [15] Mr. Chambers describes Sir Walter's eyebrows as so shaggy + and prominent, that, when he was reading or writing at a + table, they _completely_ shrouded the eyes beneath; and + the Ettrick Shepherd speaks of Sir Walter's shaggy + eyebrows dipping deep over his eyes. + + [16] One of the amusements of Sir Walter's retirement was to + walk out frequently among his plantations at Abbotsford, + with a small hatchet and hand-saw, with which he lopped + off superfluous boughs, or removed an entire tree when it + was marring the growth of others. The author of + _Anastasius_ delighted in a similar pursuit; he would + stroll for hours through the winding walks of the + Deepdene plantation, and with a small hatchet or shears + lop off the luxuriant twigs or branches that might spoil + the trim neatness of the path. + +Among the accredited portraits of Sir Walter Scott is that painted by +the late Sir Henry Raeburn, which has been engraved in a handsome +style; another portrait, by Mr. Leslie, was engraved in the +_Souvenir_, a year or two since, and was styled in the Noctes of +_Blackwood's Magazine_, "the vera man himsel;" but the latest, and +perhaps the best, was painted not many month's since, by Mr. Watson +Gordon, and admirably engraved by Horsburgh, of Edinburgh, for the +revised edition of the Novels. A whole-length portrait of the Poet in +his Study, at Abbotsford, was painted a few years since, in masterly +style, by Allan, and engraved by Goodall for the _Anniversary_, edited +by Mr. Cunningham, who informs us that "a painting is in progress from +the same hand, showing Sir Walter as he lately appeared--lying on a +couch in his principal room: all the windows are closed save one, +admitting a strong central light, and showing all that the room +contains--in deep shadow, or in strong sunshine." A splendid portrait +of the Poet was painted by Sir Thomas Lawrence for the late King, and +exhibited at the Royal Academy a few years since; an engraving of +which has been announced by Messrs. Moon, Boys, and Graves, his +present Majesty having graciously granted the loan of the picture for +this purpose.[17] + + [17] A portrait of Sir Walter was painted by Knight for the + late Mr. Terry, in the year 1825: it is described in the + _Literary Gazette_ as, "particularly excellent," and was + unfortunately destroyed a short time since by a fire at + the house of Mr. Harding, Finchley, in whose possession + it was. This portrait, it is feared, has not been + engraved.--See _Literary Gazette_, No. 819. + +[Illustration: (_Sir Walter Scott.--Sketched by Mr. W.H. Brooke, from +the engraving by Horsburgh._)] + + +UNPUBLISHED WORKS. + + +Report states that there are in the library of Abbotsford, unfinished +manuscripts and letters, which will compose ten volumes of +correspondence of Sir Walter with nearly all the distinguished +literary characters of his time. These will, of course, be given to +his creditors, as directed by his will. His son-in-law, Mr. Lockhart, +has likewise a great number of letters from Sir Walter; and Mrs. Terry +possesses the baronet's correspondence with the late Mr. Terry, who +was one of Sir Walter's intimate friends. This lady has likewise in +her possession a tragedy written by Sir Walter for her eldest son, +Walter Scott Terry, and intended by the author as a legacy for +Walter's first appearance on the stage. + +With such materials, and the poet's autobiographical sketches prefixed +to his works, a competent biographer will, doubtless, be found among +Sir Walter's personal acquaintance. Mr. Allan Cunningham's "Account" +is, perhaps, the most characteristic that has yet appeared: it is full +of truth, nature, kindly feeling, and tinged throughout with a +delightfully poetic enthusiasm. Mr. Ballantyne, the intelligent +printer of nearly the whole of Sir Walter's works, and whom the Poet +much respected for his taste and good sense, has promised a memoir of +the deceased. Public expectation, however, points more decidedly to +Mr. Lockhart; although the Ettrick Shepherd will, doubtless, pay his +announced tribute to the talents and virtues of his illustrious +contemporary. In his Reminiscences of Former Days, prefixed to the +first volume of the _Altrive Tales_, published a few months since, is +the following striking passage:--"There are not above five people in +the world who, I think, know Sir Walter better, or understand his +character better than I do; and if I outlive him, which is likely, as +I am five months and ten days younger, I shall draw a mental portrait +of him, the likeness of which to the original shall not be +disputed."[18] + + [18] Hogg is indebted to Sir Walter for many valuable + suggestions of subjects for his ballads, &c. There is + touching gratitude in the following lines by the + Shepherd, in his dedication of the _Mountain Bard_ to + Scott: + + Bless'd be his generous heart for aye; + He told me where the relic lay; + Pointed my way with ready will, + Afar on Ettrick's wildest hill; + Watch'd my first notes with curious eye, + And wonder'd at my minstrelsy: + He little ween'd a parent's tongue + Such strains had o'er my cradle sung. + + +MEDAL. + + +A handsome Medal, in bronze, of the lamented Baronet, has been +published from the establishment of Mr. Parker, (medallist, and the +originator of some ingenious improvements in the construction of +lamps), in Argyle-place. The obverse is from Chantrey's celebrated +Bust of Sir Walter, and the reverse a graceful female figure, with the +inscription, "to great men;"--designed by R. Stothard, Esq., the +venerable Academician, and engraved by his son, A.J. Stothard, Esq. +The profile of the obverse is encircled with a motto chosen by Sir +Walter, as will be seen by the following letter; the date of which +shows that the medal was submitted to his approbation some months +since, together with a medal of his present Majesty. The letter is +likewise treasurable,[19] as well for the writer's opinion of the +Monarch, as of the productions of his own pen:-- + + [19] First printed in the _Literary Gazette,_ No. 819. + +"Sir,--I would long ere now have answered your very obliging letter +with the medals. That representing our Sovereign seems most +beautifully executed, and is a striking resemblance. I have very +little turn for imagining mottos, it being long since I read the +classics, which are the great storehouse of such things. I think that +a figure or head of Neptune upon the reverse, with the motto round the +exergue, _Tridens Neptuni sceptrum mundi_. I think this better than +any motto more personally addressed to the King himself than to his +high kingly office. I cannot, of course, be a judge of the other +medal; but such of my family as are with me think it very like. If +there is any motto to be added, I should like the line + + "Bardorum citharas patrio qui redidit Istro. + +"because I am far more vain of having been able to fix some share of +public attention upon the ancient poetry and manners of my country, +than of any original efforts which I have been able to make in +literature. + +"I beg you will excuse the delay which has taken place. Your obliging +communication, with the packet which accompanied it, travelled from +country to town, and from town to country, as it chanced to miss me +upon the road. + +"I have the honour to be, sir, your obliged, humble servant, + +"WALTER SCOTT. + +"Edinburgh, 29th May. + +"Samuel Parker, Esq., Bronze Works, + +"12, Argyle-place, London." + +The likeness of the medal is strikingly correct; and Mr. Parker, with +becoming taste, causes an autograph copy of the letter to be delivered +with each medal. + +The deference of the latter opinion conveyed in this letter is perhaps +one of the most delightful characteristics of the genius of Sir Walter +Scott,--especially if we admit the position of the writer in the +_Edinburgh Review,_ that no writer has ever enjoyed in his life-time +so extensive a popularity as the Author of Waverley. His love of +fame and acquisition of honourable distinction all over the world had +not the common effect of making him vain. Hear, in proof, the +following unassuming declaration, from the delightful autobiographic +sketch to a late edition of _Rokeby_:-- + +"I shall not, I believe, be accused of ever having attempted to usurp +a superiority over many men of genius, my contemporaries; but, in +point of popularity, not of actual talent, the caprice of the public +has certainly given me such a temporary superiority over men, of whom, +in regard to poetical fancy and feeling, I scarcely thought myself +worthy to loose the shoe-latch. On the other hand, it would be absurd +affectation in me to deny, that I conceived myself to understand more +perfectly than many of my contemporaries, the manner most likely to +interest the great mass of mankind. Yet, even with this belief, I must +truly and fairly say, that I always considered myself rather as one +who held the bets, in time to be paid over to the winner, than as +having any pretence to keep them in my own right." + +Mr. Cunningham well observes--"Though the most accomplished author of +his day, yet he had none of the airs of authorship." He continues--"He +was a proud man; not a proud poet, or historian, or novelist." His was +the pride of ancestry--a weakness, to be sure, but of a venial nature: +"he loved to be looked on as a gentleman of old family, who _built +Abbotsford_, and laid out its garden, and planted its avenues, rather +than a genius, whose works influenced mankind, and diffused happiness +among millions." His own narrative will best illustrate his labours of +leisure at Abbotsford. He writes of that period which men familiarly +call _the turn of life_:--"With the satisfaction of having attained +the fulfilment of an early and long-cherished hope, I commenced my +improvements, as delightful in their progress as those of the child +who first makes a dress for a new doll. The nakedness of the land was +in time hidden by woodlands of considerable extent--the smallest +possible of cottages was progressively expanded into a sort of dream +of a mansion-house, whimsical in the exterior, but convenient within. +Nor did I forget what was the natural pleasure of every man who has +been a reader--I mean the filling the shelves of a tolerably large +library. All these objects I kept in view, to be executed as +convenience should serve; and although I knew many years should elapse +before they could be attained, I was of a disposition to comfort +myself with the Spanish proverb, 'Time and I against any two.'" + + * * * * * + +*** In the preceding account we have purposely abstained from +reference to the position of the affairs of Sir Walter Scott, from our +inability to obtain any decisive information on the subject. The most +pleasing and the latest intelligence will be found in the _Morning +Chronicle_ of Thursday, wherein it is stated that the prospects of the +family of Sir Walter are much better than have been represented. "We +are assured that there are funds sufficient to cover all his debts, +without touching Abbotsford. In the Biography of Allan Cunningham, it +was stated that there would only be a balance due to his creditors of +21,000_l_. But Mr. Cadell, the bookseller, has undertaken to pay +20,000_l._ for the publication of the remainder of his works, on the +plan which had been so far proceeded in. This will clear off all the +claims. A near relative of Lady Scott left 60,000_l._ to the children +of Sir Walter, to which, of course, they are entitled; and the eldest +son received a large fortune with his wife. The public, therefore, are +spared the pain of knowing that the family of one to whom they are so +largely indebted, are left in a state of destitution."--We hope this +statement is as correct as it is gratifying. + +[Illustration: (_Dryburgh Abbey._)] + + * * * * * + +_Printed and published by J. LIMBIRD, 143, Strand, (near Somerset +House,) London._ + + + + + +End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of The Mirror of Literature, Amusement, +and Instruction, No. 571, by Various + +*** END OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK MIRROR OF LITERATURE, NO. 571 *** + +***** This file should be named 12054-8.txt or 12054-8.zip ***** +This and all associated files of various formats will be found in: + https://www.gutenberg.org/1/2/0/5/12054/ + +Produced by Jonathan Ingram, Gregory Margo and PG Distributed +Proofreaders + + +Updated editions will replace the previous one--the old editions +will be renamed. + +Creating the works from public domain print editions means that no +one owns a United States copyright in these works, so the Foundation +(and you!) can copy and distribute it in the United States without +permission and without paying copyright royalties. Special rules, +set forth in the General Terms of Use part of this license, apply to +copying and distributing Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works to +protect the PROJECT GUTENBERG-tm concept and trademark. Project +Gutenberg is a registered trademark, and may not be used if you +charge for the eBooks, unless you receive specific permission. If you +do not charge anything for copies of this eBook, complying with the +rules is very easy. You may use this eBook for nearly any purpose +such as creation of derivative works, reports, performances and +research. They may be modified and printed and given away--you may do +practically ANYTHING with public domain eBooks. Redistribution is +subject to the trademark license, especially commercial +redistribution. + + + +*** START: FULL LICENSE *** + +THE FULL PROJECT GUTENBERG LICENSE +PLEASE READ THIS BEFORE YOU DISTRIBUTE OR USE THIS WORK + +To protect the Project Gutenberg-tm mission of promoting the free +distribution of electronic works, by using or distributing this work +(or any other work associated in any way with the phrase "Project +Gutenberg"), you agree to comply with all the terms of the Full Project +Gutenberg-tm License (available with this file or online at +https://gutenberg.org/license). + + +Section 1. General Terms of Use and Redistributing Project Gutenberg-tm +electronic works + +1.A. By reading or using any part of this Project Gutenberg-tm +electronic work, you indicate that you have read, understand, agree to +and accept all the terms of this license and intellectual property +(trademark/copyright) agreement. If you do not agree to abide by all +the terms of this agreement, you must cease using and return or destroy +all copies of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works in your possession. +If you paid a fee for obtaining a copy of or access to a Project +Gutenberg-tm electronic work and you do not agree to be bound by the +terms of this agreement, you may obtain a refund from the person or +entity to whom you paid the fee as set forth in paragraph 1.E.8. + +1.B. "Project Gutenberg" is a registered trademark. It may only be +used on or associated in any way with an electronic work by people who +agree to be bound by the terms of this agreement. There are a few +things that you can do with most Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works +even without complying with the full terms of this agreement. See +paragraph 1.C below. There are a lot of things you can do with Project +Gutenberg-tm electronic works if you follow the terms of this agreement +and help preserve free future access to Project Gutenberg-tm electronic +works. See paragraph 1.E below. + +1.C. The Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation ("the Foundation" +or PGLAF), owns a compilation copyright in the collection of Project +Gutenberg-tm electronic works. Nearly all the individual works in the +collection are in the public domain in the United States. If an +individual work is in the public domain in the United States and you are +located in the United States, we do not claim a right to prevent you from +copying, distributing, performing, displaying or creating derivative +works based on the work as long as all references to Project Gutenberg +are removed. Of course, we hope that you will support the Project +Gutenberg-tm mission of promoting free access to electronic works by +freely sharing Project Gutenberg-tm works in compliance with the terms of +this agreement for keeping the Project Gutenberg-tm name associated with +the work. You can easily comply with the terms of this agreement by +keeping this work in the same format with its attached full Project +Gutenberg-tm License when you share it without charge with others. + +1.D. The copyright laws of the place where you are located also govern +what you can do with this work. Copyright laws in most countries are in +a constant state of change. If you are outside the United States, check +the laws of your country in addition to the terms of this agreement +before downloading, copying, displaying, performing, distributing or +creating derivative works based on this work or any other Project +Gutenberg-tm work. The Foundation makes no representations concerning +the copyright status of any work in any country outside the United +States. + +1.E. Unless you have removed all references to Project Gutenberg: + +1.E.1. The following sentence, with active links to, or other immediate +access to, the full Project Gutenberg-tm License must appear prominently +whenever any copy of a Project Gutenberg-tm work (any work on which the +phrase "Project Gutenberg" appears, or with which the phrase "Project +Gutenberg" is associated) is accessed, displayed, performed, viewed, +copied or distributed: + +This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with +almost no restrictions whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or +re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included +with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.org + +1.E.2. If an individual Project Gutenberg-tm electronic work is derived +from the public domain (does not contain a notice indicating that it is +posted with permission of the copyright holder), the work can be copied +and distributed to anyone in the United States without paying any fees +or charges. If you are redistributing or providing access to a work +with the phrase "Project Gutenberg" associated with or appearing on the +work, you must comply either with the requirements of paragraphs 1.E.1 +through 1.E.7 or obtain permission for the use of the work and the +Project Gutenberg-tm trademark as set forth in paragraphs 1.E.8 or +1.E.9. + +1.E.3. If an individual Project Gutenberg-tm electronic work is posted +with the permission of the copyright holder, your use and distribution +must comply with both paragraphs 1.E.1 through 1.E.7 and any additional +terms imposed by the copyright holder. Additional terms will be linked +to the Project Gutenberg-tm License for all works posted with the +permission of the copyright holder found at the beginning of this work. + +1.E.4. Do not unlink or detach or remove the full Project Gutenberg-tm +License terms from this work, or any files containing a part of this +work or any other work associated with Project Gutenberg-tm. + +1.E.5. Do not copy, display, perform, distribute or redistribute this +electronic work, or any part of this electronic work, without +prominently displaying the sentence set forth in paragraph 1.E.1 with +active links or immediate access to the full terms of the Project +Gutenberg-tm License. + +1.E.6. You may convert to and distribute this work in any binary, +compressed, marked up, nonproprietary or proprietary form, including any +word processing or hypertext form. However, if you provide access to or +distribute copies of a Project Gutenberg-tm work in a format other than +"Plain Vanilla ASCII" or other format used in the official version +posted on the official Project Gutenberg-tm web site (www.gutenberg.org), +you must, at no additional cost, fee or expense to the user, provide a +copy, a means of exporting a copy, or a means of obtaining a copy upon +request, of the work in its original "Plain Vanilla ASCII" or other +form. Any alternate format must include the full Project Gutenberg-tm +License as specified in paragraph 1.E.1. + +1.E.7. Do not charge a fee for access to, viewing, displaying, +performing, copying or distributing any Project Gutenberg-tm works +unless you comply with paragraph 1.E.8 or 1.E.9. + +1.E.8. You may charge a reasonable fee for copies of or providing +access to or distributing Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works provided +that + +- You pay a royalty fee of 20% of the gross profits you derive from + the use of Project Gutenberg-tm works calculated using the method + you already use to calculate your applicable taxes. The fee is + owed to the owner of the Project Gutenberg-tm trademark, but he + has agreed to donate royalties under this paragraph to the + Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation. Royalty payments + must be paid within 60 days following each date on which you + prepare (or are legally required to prepare) your periodic tax + returns. Royalty payments should be clearly marked as such and + sent to the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation at the + address specified in Section 4, "Information about donations to + the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation." + +- You provide a full refund of any money paid by a user who notifies + you in writing (or by e-mail) within 30 days of receipt that s/he + does not agree to the terms of the full Project Gutenberg-tm + License. You must require such a user to return or + destroy all copies of the works possessed in a physical medium + and discontinue all use of and all access to other copies of + Project Gutenberg-tm works. + +- You provide, in accordance with paragraph 1.F.3, a full refund of any + money paid for a work or a replacement copy, if a defect in the + electronic work is discovered and reported to you within 90 days + of receipt of the work. + +- You comply with all other terms of this agreement for free + distribution of Project Gutenberg-tm works. + +1.E.9. If you wish to charge a fee or distribute a Project Gutenberg-tm +electronic work or group of works on different terms than are set +forth in this agreement, you must obtain permission in writing from +both the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation and Michael +Hart, the owner of the Project Gutenberg-tm trademark. Contact the +Foundation as set forth in Section 3 below. + +1.F. + +1.F.1. Project Gutenberg volunteers and employees expend considerable +effort to identify, do copyright research on, transcribe and proofread +public domain works in creating the Project Gutenberg-tm +collection. Despite these efforts, Project Gutenberg-tm electronic +works, and the medium on which they may be stored, may contain +"Defects," such as, but not limited to, incomplete, inaccurate or +corrupt data, transcription errors, a copyright or other intellectual +property infringement, a defective or damaged disk or other medium, a +computer virus, or computer codes that damage or cannot be read by +your equipment. + +1.F.2. LIMITED WARRANTY, DISCLAIMER OF DAMAGES - Except for the "Right +of Replacement or Refund" described in paragraph 1.F.3, the Project +Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation, the owner of the Project +Gutenberg-tm trademark, and any other party distributing a Project +Gutenberg-tm electronic work under this agreement, disclaim all +liability to you for damages, costs and expenses, including legal +fees. YOU AGREE THAT YOU HAVE NO REMEDIES FOR NEGLIGENCE, STRICT +LIABILITY, BREACH OF WARRANTY OR BREACH OF CONTRACT EXCEPT THOSE +PROVIDED IN PARAGRAPH F3. YOU AGREE THAT THE FOUNDATION, THE +TRADEMARK OWNER, AND ANY DISTRIBUTOR UNDER THIS AGREEMENT WILL NOT BE +LIABLE TO YOU FOR ACTUAL, DIRECT, INDIRECT, CONSEQUENTIAL, PUNITIVE OR +INCIDENTAL DAMAGES EVEN IF YOU GIVE NOTICE OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH +DAMAGE. + +1.F.3. LIMITED RIGHT OF REPLACEMENT OR REFUND - If you discover a +defect in this electronic work within 90 days of receiving it, you can +receive a refund of the money (if any) you paid for it by sending a +written explanation to the person you received the work from. If you +received the work on a physical medium, you must return the medium with +your written explanation. The person or entity that provided you with +the defective work may elect to provide a replacement copy in lieu of a +refund. If you received the work electronically, the person or entity +providing it to you may choose to give you a second opportunity to +receive the work electronically in lieu of a refund. If the second copy +is also defective, you may demand a refund in writing without further +opportunities to fix the problem. + +1.F.4. Except for the limited right of replacement or refund set forth +in paragraph 1.F.3, this work is provided to you 'AS-IS' WITH NO OTHER +WARRANTIES OF ANY KIND, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO +WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTIBILITY OR FITNESS FOR ANY PURPOSE. + +1.F.5. Some states do not allow disclaimers of certain implied +warranties or the exclusion or limitation of certain types of damages. +If any disclaimer or limitation set forth in this agreement violates the +law of the state applicable to this agreement, the agreement shall be +interpreted to make the maximum disclaimer or limitation permitted by +the applicable state law. The invalidity or unenforceability of any +provision of this agreement shall not void the remaining provisions. + +1.F.6. INDEMNITY - You agree to indemnify and hold the Foundation, the +trademark owner, any agent or employee of the Foundation, anyone +providing copies of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works in accordance +with this agreement, and any volunteers associated with the production, +promotion and distribution of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works, +harmless from all liability, costs and expenses, including legal fees, +that arise directly or indirectly from any of the following which you do +or cause to occur: (a) distribution of this or any Project Gutenberg-tm +work, (b) alteration, modification, or additions or deletions to any +Project Gutenberg-tm work, and (c) any Defect you cause. + + +Section 2. Information about the Mission of Project Gutenberg-tm + +Project Gutenberg-tm is synonymous with the free distribution of +electronic works in formats readable by the widest variety of computers +including obsolete, old, middle-aged and new computers. It exists +because of the efforts of hundreds of volunteers and donations from +people in all walks of life. + +Volunteers and financial support to provide volunteers with the +assistance they need, is critical to reaching Project Gutenberg-tm's +goals and ensuring that the Project Gutenberg-tm collection will +remain freely available for generations to come. In 2001, the Project +Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation was created to provide a secure +and permanent future for Project Gutenberg-tm and future generations. +To learn more about the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation +and how your efforts and donations can help, see Sections 3 and 4 +and the Foundation web page at https://www.pglaf.org. + + +Section 3. Information about the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive +Foundation + +The Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation is a non profit +501(c)(3) educational corporation organized under the laws of the +state of Mississippi and granted tax exempt status by the Internal +Revenue Service. The Foundation's EIN or federal tax identification +number is 64-6221541. Its 501(c)(3) letter is posted at +https://pglaf.org/fundraising. Contributions to the Project Gutenberg +Literary Archive Foundation are tax deductible to the full extent +permitted by U.S. federal laws and your state's laws. + +The Foundation's principal office is located at 4557 Melan Dr. S. +Fairbanks, AK, 99712., but its volunteers and employees are scattered +throughout numerous locations. Its business office is located at +809 North 1500 West, Salt Lake City, UT 84116, (801) 596-1887, email +business@pglaf.org. Email contact links and up to date contact +information can be found at the Foundation's web site and official +page at https://pglaf.org + +For additional contact information: + Dr. Gregory B. Newby + Chief Executive and Director + gbnewby@pglaf.org + +Section 4. Information about Donations to the Project Gutenberg +Literary Archive Foundation + +Project Gutenberg-tm depends upon and cannot survive without wide +spread public support and donations to carry out its mission of +increasing the number of public domain and licensed works that can be +freely distributed in machine readable form accessible by the widest +array of equipment including outdated equipment. Many small donations +($1 to $5,000) are particularly important to maintaining tax exempt +status with the IRS. + +The Foundation is committed to complying with the laws regulating +charities and charitable donations in all 50 states of the United +States. Compliance requirements are not uniform and it takes a +considerable effort, much paperwork and many fees to meet and keep up +with these requirements. We do not solicit donations in locations +where we have not received written confirmation of compliance. To +SEND DONATIONS or determine the status of compliance for any +particular state visit https://pglaf.org + +While we cannot and do not solicit contributions from states where we +have not met the solicitation requirements, we know of no prohibition +against accepting unsolicited donations from donors in such states who +approach us with offers to donate. + +International donations are gratefully accepted, but we cannot make +any statements concerning tax treatment of donations received from +outside the United States. U.S. laws alone swamp our small staff. + +Please check the Project Gutenberg Web pages for current donation +methods and addresses. Donations are accepted in a number of other +ways including including checks, online payments and credit card +donations. To donate, please visit: https://pglaf.org/donate + + +Section 5. General Information About Project Gutenberg-tm electronic +works. + +Professor Michael S. Hart was the originator of the Project Gutenberg-tm +concept of a library of electronic works that could be freely shared +with anyone. For thirty years, he produced and distributed Project +Gutenberg-tm eBooks with only a loose network of volunteer support. + +Project Gutenberg-tm eBooks are often created from several printed +editions, all of which are confirmed as Public Domain in the U.S. +unless a copyright notice is included. Thus, we do not necessarily +keep eBooks in compliance with any particular paper edition. + +Each eBook is in a subdirectory of the same number as the eBook's +eBook number, often in several formats including plain vanilla ASCII, +compressed (zipped), HTML and others. + +Corrected EDITIONS of our eBooks replace the old file and take over +the old filename and etext number. The replaced older file is renamed. +VERSIONS based on separate sources are treated as new eBooks receiving +new filenames and etext numbers. + +Most people start at our Web site which has the main PG search facility: + + https://www.gutenberg.org + +This Web site includes information about Project Gutenberg-tm, +including how to make donations to the Project Gutenberg Literary +Archive Foundation, how to help produce our new eBooks, and how to +subscribe to our email newsletter to hear about new eBooks. + +EBooks posted prior to November 2003, with eBook numbers BELOW #10000, +are filed in directories based on their release date. If you want to +download any of these eBooks directly, rather than using the regular +search system you may utilize the following addresses and just +download by the etext year. + + https://www.gutenberg.org/etext06 + + (Or /etext 05, 04, 03, 02, 01, 00, 99, + 98, 97, 96, 95, 94, 93, 92, 92, 91 or 90) + +EBooks posted since November 2003, with etext numbers OVER #10000, are +filed in a different way. The year of a release date is no longer part +of the directory path. The path is based on the etext number (which is +identical to the filename). The path to the file is made up of single +digits corresponding to all but the last digit in the filename. For +example an eBook of filename 10234 would be found at: + + https://www.gutenberg.org/1/0/2/3/10234 + +or filename 24689 would be found at: + https://www.gutenberg.org/2/4/6/8/24689 + +An alternative method of locating eBooks: + https://www.gutenberg.org/GUTINDEX.ALL + + diff --git a/old/12054-8.zip b/old/12054-8.zip Binary files differnew file mode 100644 index 0000000..a7b99d3 --- /dev/null +++ b/old/12054-8.zip diff --git a/old/12054-h.zip b/old/12054-h.zip Binary files differnew file mode 100644 index 0000000..70153f2 --- /dev/null +++ b/old/12054-h.zip diff --git a/old/12054-h/12054-h.htm b/old/12054-h/12054-h.htm new file mode 100644 index 0000000..1d53b60 --- /dev/null +++ b/old/12054-h/12054-h.htm @@ -0,0 +1,2460 @@ +<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" + "http://www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"> + +<html xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"> +<head> + <meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=iso-8859-1" /> + + <title>The Mirror of Literature, Issue 571. Supplement</title> + + <style type="text/css"> + <!-- + body {margin-left: 10%; margin-right: 10%;} + p {text-align: justify;} + blockquote {text-align: justify;} + h1,h2,h3,h4,h5,h6 {text-align: center;} + pre {font-size: 0.7em;} + + hr {text-align: center; width: 50%;} + html>body hr {margin-right: 25%; margin-left: 25%; width: 50%;} + hr.full {width: 100%;} + html>body hr.full {margin-right: 0%; margin-left: 0%; width: 100%;} + + .note, .footnote + {margin-left: 10%; margin-right: 10%; font-size: 0.9em;} + + span.pagenum + {position: absolute; left: 1%; right: 91%; font-size: 8pt;} + + .poem + {margin-left:10%; margin-right:10%; margin-bottom: 1em; text-align: left;} + .poem .stanza {margin: 1em 0em 1em 0em;} + .poem p {margin: 0; padding-left: 3em; text-indent: -3em;} + .poem p.i2 {margin-left: 1em;} + .poem p.i4 {margin-left: 2em;} + .poem p.i6 {margin-left: 3em;} + + .figure + {padding: 1em; margin: 0; text-align: center; font-size: 0.8em; margin: auto;} + .figure img + {border: none;} + .figure p + + table.list {margin-left: 2em;} + table.list td {text-align: left; padding-left: 1em;} + table.list td.num {text-align: right; padding-left: 1em;} + table.list th {padding-left: 1em;} + --> + </style> +</head> +<body> + + +<pre> + +The Project Gutenberg EBook of The Mirror of Literature, Amusement, and +Instruction, No. 571, by Various + +This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with +almost no restrictions whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or +re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included +with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.org + + +Title: The Mirror of Literature, Amusement, and Instruction, No. 571 + Volume 20, No. 571--Supplementary Number + +Author: Various + +Release Date: April 15, 2004 [EBook #12054] + +Language: English + +Character set encoding: ISO-8859-1 + +*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK MIRROR OF LITERATURE, NO. 571 *** + + + + +Produced by Jonathan Ingram, Gregory Margo and PG Distributed +Proofreaders + + + + + + +</pre> + + <hr class="full" /> +<span class="pagenum"><a name="page241" id="page241"></a>[pg 241]</span> + + <h1>THE MIRROR<br /> + OF<br /> + LITERATURE, AMUSEMENT, AND INSTRUCTION.</h1> + <hr class="full" /> + + <table width="100%" summary="Vol. 20. No. 571. SUPPLEMENTARY NUMBER"> + <tr> + <td align="left"><b>Vol. 20. No. 571.]</b></td> + <td align="center"><b>SUPPLEMENTARY NUMBER</b></td> + <td align="right"><b>[PRICE 2d.</b></td> + </tr> + </table> +<hr class="full" /> + + + + +<h2> +NOTICES <br /> +<small>OF THE</small><br /> +LIFE AND WRITINGS<br /> +<small>OF</small><br /> +THE LATE SIR WALTER SCOTT, BART. +</h2> + + +<p> +With Five Engravings: +</p> + +<div class="poem"> + <div class="stanza"> + <p>1. <a href="#illustration1">ABBOTSFORD, (<i>from the Garden</i>.)</a></p> + <p>2. <a href="#illustration2">THE ARMOURY.</a></p> + <p>3. <a href="#illustration3">THE POET'S STUDY.</a></p> + <p>4. <a href="#illustration4">PORTRAIT—(<i>from the last painting</i>.)</a></p> + <p>5. <a href="#illustration5">DRYBURGH ABBEY.</a></p> + </div> +</div> + + +<!-- [Illustration: ABBOTSFORD, (FROM THE GARDEN, see page 247.)] --> +<a id="illustration1" name="illustration1"></a> +<div class="figure" style="width:100%;"> + <a href="images/571sup-1.png"><img width="100%" src="images/571sup-1.png" + alt="ABBOTSFORD, (FROM THE GARDEN, see page 247.)" /></a> +<center> +ABBOTSFORD, (FROM THE GARDEN, see page 247.) +</center> +</div> + + +<p> +Sir Walter Scott was the third son of Walter Scott, Esq., Writer to +the Signet, in Edinburgh, and Anne, daughter of Dr. John Rutherford, +Professor of Medicine in the University of the above city. His +ancestry numbers several distinguished persons; though the well-earned +fame of Sir Walter Scott readers his pedigree comparatively +uninteresting; inasmuch as it illustrates the saw of an olden poet, +that +</p> + +<div class="poem"> + <div class="stanza"> + <p>Learning is an addition beyond</p> + <p>Nobility of birth: honour of blood,</p> + <p>Without the ornament of knowledge, is</p> + <p>A glorious ignorance.</p> + </div> +</div> + +<p> +SHIRLEY. +</p> + +<p> +Sir Walter was born at Edinburgh, on the 15th of August, 1771—or, on +the birthday of Napoleon Buonaparte. His father was a +<span class="pagenum"><a name="page242" id="page242"></a>[pg 242]</span> +man of +prosperous fortune and good report; and for many years was "an elder +in the parish church of Old Grey Friars, while Dr. Robertson, the +historian, acted as one of the ministers. The other clergyman was Dr. +John Erskine, of whom Sir Walter has given an animated picture in his +novel of <i>Guy Mannering</i>."<a id="footnotetag1" name="footnotetag1"></a><a href="#footnote1"><sup>1</sup></a> +Mrs. Scott is described as a +well-educated gentlewoman, possessing considerable natural talents; +though she did not enjoy the acquaintance of Allan Ramsay, Blacklock, +Beattie, and Burns, as has been stated by some biographers. She, +however, advantageously mixed in literary society, and from her +superintendence of the early education of her eldest son, Walter, +there is reason to infer that such advantages may have influenced his +habits and taste. He was the third of a family, consisting of six sons +and one daughter. The cleverest of the sons is stated by Sir Walter to +have been Daniel, a sailor, who died young. Thomas, the next brother +to Sir Walter, was a man of considerable talent, and before the avowal +of the authorship of the Waverley Novels, report ascribed to him a +great part or the whole of them. Sir Walter observes—"Those who +remember that gentleman (of the 70th regiment, then stationed in +Canada) will readily grant, that, with general talent at least equal +to those of his elder brother, he added a power of social humour, and +a deep insight into human character, which rendered him an universally +delightful member of society, and that the habit of composition alone +was wanting to render him equally successful as a writer. The Author +of Waverley was so persuaded of the truth of this, that he warmly +pressed his brother to make such an experiment, and willingly +undertook all the trouble of correcting and superintending the press." +Ill health, however, unfitted Mr. Scott for the task, though "the +author believes his brother would have made himself distinguished in +that striking field, in which, since that period, Mr. Cooper has +achieved so many triumphs."<a id="footnotetag2" name="footnotetag2"></a><a href="#footnote2"><sup>2</sup></a> +</p> + +<p> +The house in which Sir Walter Scott was born no longer exists. It was +situated at the head of the College Wynd, at its entrance into North +College-street. It was thus described by Sir Walter in 1825:—"It +consisted of two flats above Mr. Keith's, and belonged to my father, +Mr. Walter Scott, Writer to the Signet. There I had the chance to be +born, 15th of August, 1771. My father, soon after my birth, removed to +George's Square, and let the house in the College Wynd, first to Mr. +Dundas, of Philipstoun, and afterwards to Mr. William Keith, father of +Sir Alexander Keith. It was purchased by the public, together with Mr. +Keith's (the inferior floors), and pulled down to make way for the new +College." +</p> + + +<h3> +CHILDHOOD. +</h3> + + +<p> +Mr. Cunningham relates some interesting particulars of this period. +Before Sir Walter was two years old, his nurse let him fall out of her +arms, so as to injure his right foot, and render him lame for life: +"This accident did not otherwise affect his health; he was, as I have +been informed by a lady who chanced to live near him, a remarkably +active and dauntless boy, full of all manner of fun, and ready for all +manner of mischief. He calls himself, in one of his introductions to +<i>Marmion</i>— +</p> + +<blockquote> + A self-willed imp; a grondame's child; +</blockquote> + +<p> +and I have heard it averred, that the circumstance of his lame foot +prompted him to take the lead among all the stirring boys in the +street where he lived, or the school which he attended: he desired, +perhaps, to show them, that there was a spirit which could triumph +over all impediments."<a id="footnotetag3" name="footnotetag3"></a><a href="#footnote3"><sup>3</sup></a> +If this statement be correct, it is a +somewhat remarkable coincidence with the circumstance of Lord Byron's +lameness; though, happily, the influence of the accident on the +temperament of Scott is not traceable beyond his early years. +</p> + +<p> +Sir Walter was subsequently removed from Edinburgh, for the +improvement of his health, to the farm-house of Sandyknowe, then +inhabited by his paternal grandfather, and situated in the loveliest +part of the Vale of Tweed. In the neighbourhood, upon a considerable +eminence, stands Smailholm Tower, a Border fort which the future poet +enshrined in his admirable ballad, <i>The Eve of St. John</i>. The romantic +influence of the scenery of the whole district is told with much +vigour and sweetness in the introduction to the third canto of +<i>Marmion</i>. +</p> + + +<h3> +EDUCATION. +</h3> + + +<p> +Little is known of the schooldom of Scott, that denotes anything like +precocious talent. It is, however better ascertained that his early +rambles amidst the Tweed scenery retarded his educational pursuits. He +received the rudiments of knowledge under the home tuition of his +mother; next attended an ordinary school at Edinburgh, and was then +placed at the High School, his name first appearing in the school +register in the year 1779. His masters, Mr. Luke Fraser, and Dr. Adam, +were erudite and pains-taking teachers; but, to borrow a phrase from +Montaigne, they could neither lodge it with him, nor make him espouse +it, and Chambers illustratively relates, "apparently, neither the care +of the master, nor the inborn genius of the pupil, availed much in +this case; for it is said that the twenty-fifth place was no +<span class="pagenum"><a name="page243" id="page243"></a>[pg 243]</span> +uncommon +situation in the class for the future Author of the Waverley Novels." +Perhaps the only anecdote of any early indication of talent that can +be relied on is that related by Mr. Cunningham, of Burns:—"The poet, +while at Professor Ferguson's one day, was struck by some lines +attached to a print of a Soldier dying in the snow, and inquired who +was the author: none of the old or the learned spoke, when the future +author of <i>Marmion</i> answered, 'They are by Langhorne.' Burns, fixing +his large, bright eyes on the boy, and, striding up to him, said, it +is no common course of reading which has taught you this—'this lad,' +said he to the company, will be heard of yet." +</p> + +<p> +At school, Sir Walter represents himself to have excelled in what may +be termed the <i>art</i>, or, as Swift calls it, the "knack," of narrating +a story, which, by the way, is as companionable an acquirement at +school as elsewhere. His account is as follows:—"I must refer to a +very early period of my life, were I to point out my first +achievements as a tale-teller—but I believe some of my old +school-fellows can still bear witness that I had a distinguished +character for that talent, at a time when the applause of my +companions was my recompense for the disgraces and punishments which +the future romance writer incurred for being idle himself, and keeping +others idle, during hours that should have been employed on our tasks. +The chief enjoyment of my holydays was to escape with a chosen friend, +who had the same taste with myself, and alternately to recite to each +other such wild adventures as we were able to devise. We told, each in +turn, interminable tales of knight-errantry and battles and +enchantments, which were continued from one day to another as +opportunity offered, without our ever thinking of bringing them to a +conclusion. As we observed a strict secresy on the subject of this +intercourse, it acquired all the character of a concealed pleasure; +and we used to select for the scenes of our indulgence, long walks +through the solitary and romantic environs of Arthur's Seat, Salisbury +Crags, Braid Hills, and similar places in the vicinity of Edinburgh, +and the recollection of those holydays still forms an <i>oasis</i> in the +pilgrimage which I have to look back upon."<a id="footnotetag4" name="footnotetag4"></a><a href="#footnote4"><sup>4</sup></a> +</p> + +<p> +This excellence in tale-telling drew Scott's attention from graver +studies; but it was an indication of genius which may be regarded as +the corner-stone of his future fame. This reminds us of Steele's idea, +that "a story-teller is born as well as a poet." Scott, about this +time, received some instructions in music, which was then considered a +branch of ordinary education in Scotland; but the future poet, to use +a familiar expression, wanted "an ear." Throughout life he, however, +was highly susceptible of the delights of music, though his own +execution was confined to a single song, with which he attempted to +enliven the social board, but, it is stated, with such unmusical +oddity as to content his hearers with a single specimen of his vocal +talent. His early rambles around the "hills and holms of the border," +is said to have kindled in Scott the love of painting landscapes, not +strictly in accordance with the rules of art, though certainly from +nature herself. Such attempts in art, by the way, are by no means +uncommon in the early lives of men of genius; and, they are to be +regarded, in many instances as their earliest appreciation of the +beauties of nature. +</p> + +<p> +In 1783, Scott was placed at the University of Edinburgh, where his +studies were as irregular as at the High School: at the latter he is +said to have made his first attempt at versification in the +description of a thunderstorm in six lines, the recital of which +afforded his mother considerable pleasure and promise; and, on another +occasion, he is stated to have remarked, during a journey over a +sterile district of Scotland, in a day of drizzling rain, "It is only +nature weeping for the barrenness of her soil." +</p> + + +<h3> +LOVE OF READING. +</h3> + + +<p> +Scott's early love of reading is described to have been of +enthusiastic character, and to have been fostered by an accident at +this period of his life. He had just given over the amusements of +boyhood, and began to prepare himself for the serious business of +life, or the study of the law, when, to use his own words, "a long +illness threw him back on the kingdom of fiction, as it were by a +species of fatality." His autobiography of this period is extremely +interesting:—"My indisposition arose in part at least, from my having +broken a blood-vessel; and motion and speech were for a long time +pronounced positively dangerous. For several weeks I was confined +strictly to my bed, during which time I was not allowed to speak above +a whisper, to eat more than a spoonful or two of boiled rice, or to +have more covering than one thin counterpane. When the reader is +informed that I was at this time a growing youth, with the spirits, +appetite, and impatience of fifteen, and suffered, of course, greatly +under this severe regimen, which the repeated return of my disorder +rendered indispensable, he will not be surprised that I was abandoned +to my own discretion, so far as reading (my almost sole amusement) was +concerned, and still less so, that I abused the indulgence which left +my time so much at my own disposal. +</p> + +<p> +"There was at this time a circulating library at Edinburgh, founded, I +believe, by the celebrated Allan Ramsay, which, besides containing a +most respectable collection of +<span class="pagenum"><a name="page244" id="page244"></a>[pg 244]</span> +books of every description, was, as +might have been expected, peculiarly rich in works of fiction. I was +plunged into this great ocean of reading without compass or pilot; and +unless when some one had the charity to play at chess with me, I was +allowed to do nothing save read, from morning to night. As my taste +and appetite were gratified in nothing else, I indemnified myself by +becoming a glutton of books. Accordingly, I believe, I read almost all +the old romances, old plays, and epic poetry, in that formidable +collection, and no doubt was unconsciously amassing materials for the +task in which it has been my lot to be so much employed. +</p> + +<p> +"At the same time, I did not in all respects abuse the license +permitted me. Familiar acquaintance with the specious miracles of +fiction brought with it some degree of satiety, and I began by degrees +to seek in histories, memoirs, voyages and travels, and the like, +events nearly as wonderful as those which were the works of the +imagination, with the additional advantage that they were, at least, +in a great measure true. The lapse of nearly two years, during which I +was left to the service of my own free will, was followed by a +temporary residence in the country, where I was again very lonely, but +for the amusement which I derived from a good, though old-fashioned, +library. The vague and wild use which I made of this advantage I +cannot describe better than by referring my reader to the desultory +studies of Waverley in a similar situation; the passages concerning +whose reading were imitated from recollections of my own."<a id="footnotetag5" name="footnotetag5"></a><a href="#footnote5"><sup>5</sup></a> +</p> + + +<h3> +STUDIES IN THE LAW. +</h3> + + +<p> +Upon the re-establishment of his health, Scott returned to Edinburgh, +and resumed his studies in the law, which had been interrupted by +illness. He states his progress to have been neither slow nor +unsatisfactory, though by others he is said to have been an indolent +student. He speaks of his "severe studies" occupying the greater part +of his time, and amidst their dulness he seems to have underrated the +incidents of his private life, which he afterwards related to the +world with some share of self-satisfaction. +</p> + +<p> +He appears to have succeeded tolerably in his legal lucubrations; for, +in 1792, he was called to the bar as an advocate. He established +himself in good style in Edinburgh, but had little practice; though +the accounts of his progress are somewhat contradictory. That he +passed much of his time in acquiring other than professional knowledge +is more certain, though he rarely attempted composition. Mr. Chambers, +with all his diligence and advantages for research, (and they are very +meritorious and considerable,) "has not been able to detect any +fugitive pieces of Sir Walter's in any of the periodical publications +of the day, nor even any attempt to get one intruded (?) unless the +following notice in Dr. Anderson's <i>Bee</i> for May 9, 1792, refers to +him:—'The Editor regrets that the verses of <i>W.S.</i> are <i>too defective +for publication</i>.'" +</p> + + +<h3> +FIRST LITERARY ATTEMPTS. +</h3> + + +<p> +About this time Sir Walter employed his leisure in collecting the +ballad poetry of the Scottish Border. His inducement to this task was +subsequently described by him as follows:— +</p> + +<p> +"A period," says Sir Walter, "when this particular taste for the +popular ballad was in the most extravagant degree of fashion, became +the occasion, unexpectedly indeed, of my deserting the profession to +which I was educated, and in which I had sufficiently advantageous +prospects for a person of limited ambition. * * I may remark that, +although the assertion has been made, it is a mistake to suppose that +my situation in life or place in society were materially altered by +such success as I attained in literary attempts. My birth, without +giving the least pretension to distinction, was that of a gentleman, +and connected me with several respectable families and accomplished +persons. My education had been a good one, although I was deprived of +its full benefit by indifferent health, just at the period when I +ought to have been most sedulous in improving it." He then describes +his circumstances as easy, with a moderate degree of business for his +standing, and "the friendship of more than one person of +consideration, efficiently disposed to aid his views in life." In +short, he describes himself as "beyond all apprehension of want." He +then notices the low ebb of poetry in Britain for the previous ten +years; the fashionable but slender poetical reputation of Hayley, then +in the wane; "the Bard of Memory slumbered on his laurels, and he of +Hope had scarce begun to attract his share of public attention;" +Cowper was dead, and had not left an extensive popularity; "Burns, +whose genius our southern neighbours could hardly yet comprehend, had +long confined himself to song-writing; and the realms of Parnassus +seemed to lie open to the first bold invader." The gradual +introduction of German literature into this country during such a +dearth of native talent, now led Sir Walter to the study of the German +language. He also became acquainted with Mr. G. Lewis, author of <i>The +Monk</i>, who had already published some successful imitations of the +German ballad school. "Out of this acquaintance," says Sir Walter, +"consequences arose, which altered almost all the Scottish +ballad-maker's future prospects of life. In early youth I had been an +eager student of ballad poetry, and the tree is still in my +recollection, beneath which I lay and first entered upon the +<span class="pagenum"><a name="page245" id="page245"></a>[pg 245]</span> +enchanting perusal of Percy's Reliques of Ancient Poetry. The taste of +another person had strongly encouraged my own researches into this +species of legendary lore; but I had never dreamed of an attempt to +imitate what gave me so much pleasure." He then speaks of some +successful metrical translations which he made at the High School; but +in original rhyme he was less fortunate. "In short," says Sir Walter, +"except the usual tribute to a mistress' eyebrow, which is the +language of passion rather than poetry, I had not for ten years +indulged the wish to couple so much as <i>love</i> and <i>dove</i>, when finding +Lewis in possession of so much reputation, and, conceiving that, if I +fell behind him in poetical powers, I considerably exceeded him in +general information, I suddenly took it into my head to attempt the +style by which he had raised himself to fame." Sir Walter next hearing +a striking passage from Mr. W. Taylor's translation of Bürger's +<i>Leonore</i>, was induced to procure a copy of the original poem from +Germany, and "the book had only been a few hours in my possession, +when I found myself giving an animated account of the poem to a +friend, and rashly added a promise to furnish a copy in English ballad +verse. I well recollect that I began my task after supper, and +finished it about daybreak the next morning, (it consists of 66 +stanzas,) by which time the ideas which the task had a tendency to +summon up, were rather of an uncomfortable character." This success +encouraged Sir Walter to publish his translation of <i>Leonore</i> with +that of <i>Der Wilde Jager</i> (the Wild Huntsman,) in a thin quarto; but, +other translations appearing at the same time, Sir Walter's adventure +proved a dead loss: "and a great part of the edition was condemned to +the service of the trunk-maker." This failure did not discourage Sir +Walter; for, early in 1799 he published <i>Goetz of Berlinchingen</i>, a +tragedy, from the German of Goëthe. We thus see that Sir Walter did +not conceal his obligation to Lewis, for his aid in his translations; +but Lord Byron's assertion that Monk Lewis corrected Scott's verse, +and that he understood little then of the mechanical part of it—is +far from true, as a comparison of their productions warrants us to +conclude. +</p> + +<p> +Sir Walter's first attempt at originality was in ballad poetry. He +says:—"The ballad called <i>Glenfinlas</i> was, I think, the first +original poem which I ventured to compose. After <i>Glenfinlas</i>, I +undertook another ballad, called <i>The Eve of St. John</i>. The incidents, +except the hints alluded to in the notes, are entirely imaginary; but +the scene was that of my early childhood. Some idle persons had of +late years during the proprietor's absence, torn down the iron-grated +door of Smailholm Tower from its hinges, and thrown it down the rock." +Sir Walter prevailed on the proprietor to repair the mischief, on +condition that the young poet should write a ballad, of which the +scene should lie at Smailholm Tower, and among the crags where it is +situated. The ballad, as well as <i>Glenfinlas</i>, was approved of, and +procured Sir Walter many marks of attention and kindness from Duke +John of Roxburgh, who gave him the unlimited use of the Roxburgh club +library. +</p> + + +<h3> +MINSTRELSY OF THE SCOTTISH BORDER. +</h3> + + +<p> +This work, although not original, may be said to be the superstructure +of Sir Walter Scott's fame. It consists, as we have already hinted, of +the ballad poetry of the Border district; but to obtain this +vernacular literature was not the work of mere compilation. The +editor's task was not performed in the closet, but in a sort of +literary pilgrimage through a land of song, story, and romance. The +farmers and peasantry from whose recitation the ballads were to be set +down, were a primitive race; and the country among which oral +traditions, anecdotes, and legends were to be collected for notes +illustrative of the ballads, was of the most romantic character. Sir +Walter found the most fertile field in the pastoral vale of +Liddesdale, whither he travelled in an old gig with Mr. Shortreed, an +intelligent observer of the manners of the people. In these +researches, Sir Walter evinced a most retentive memory: he is stated +to have used neither pencil nor pen, but to have made his own +memoranda by cutting notches on twigs, or small sticks.<a id="footnotetag6" name="footnotetag6"></a><a href="#footnote6"><sup>6</sup></a> +The +<i>Minstrelsy</i> was published in 1802, in two volumes; it was reprinted +in the following +<span class="pagenum"><a name="page246" id="page246"></a>[pg 246]</span> +year with a third volume, of imitations, by Scott and +others, of the ancient ballad; but Sir Walter refers to the second +edition as rather a heavy concern. +</p> + + +<h3> +MARRIAGE—SHERIFFDOM—LEAVES THE BAR. +</h3> + + +<p> +Reverting to Sir Walter's domestic life, we should mention that in +1797, he married Miss Carpenter, a lady of Jersey, with an annuity of +400<i>l.</i>; soon after which he established himself during the vacations, +in a delightful retreat at Lasswade, on the banks of the Esse, about +five miles to the south of Edinburgh. In 1799, he obtained the Crown +appointment of sheriff of Selkirkshire, with a salary of 300<i>l.</i> a +year; the duties of which office he is said to have performed with +kindness and justice. Mr. Cunningham relates that Sir Walter had a +high notion of the dignity which belonged to his post, and sternly +maintained it when any one seemed disposed to treat it with unbecoming +familiarity. On one occasion, it is said, when some foreign prince +passed through Selkirk, the populace, anxious to look on a live +prince, crowded round him so closely, that Scott, in vain attempted to +approach him; the poet's patience failed, and exclaiming "Room for +your sheriff! Room for your sheriff!" he pushed and elbowed the gapers +impatiently aside, and apologised to the prince for their +curiosity.<a id="footnotetag7" name="footnotetag7"></a><a href="#footnote7"><sup>7</sup></a> +</p> + +<p> +By the death of Sir Walter's father, his income was increased, and +this addition, with the salary of his sheriffdom, left him more at +leisure to indulge his literary pursuits. Soon after this period, +about 1803, Sir Walter finding that his attempts in literature had +been unfavourable to his success at the bar, says:—"My profession and +I, therefore, came to stand nearly upon the footing on which honest +Slender consoled himself with having established with Mrs. Anne Page. +'There was no great love between us at the beginning, and it pleased +Heaven to decrease it on farther acquaintance!' I became sensible that +the time was come when I must either buckle myself resolutely to 'the +toil by day, the lamp by night,' renouncing all the Dalilahs of my +imagination, or bid adieu to the profession of the law, and hold +another course. +</p> + +<p> +"I confess my own inclination revolted from the more severe choice, +which might have been deemed by many the wiser alternative. As my +transgressions had been numerous, my repentance must have been +signalized by unusual sacrifices. I ought to have mentioned that, +since my fourteenth or fifteenth year, my health, originally delicate, +had been extremely robust. From infancy I had laboured under the +infirmity of a severe lameness, but, as I believe is usually the case +with men of spirit who suffer under personal inconveniences of this +nature, I had, since the improvement of my health, in defiance of this +incapacitating circumstance, distinguished myself by the endurance of +toil on foot or horseback, having often walked thirty miles a-day, and +rode upwards of a hundred without stopping. In this manner I made many +pleasant journeys through parts of the country then not very +accessible, gaining more amusement and instruction than I have been +able to acquire since I have travelled in a more commodious manner. I +practised most sylvan sports also with some success and with great +delight. But these pleasures must have been all resigned, or used with +great moderation, had I determined to regain my station at the bar." +After well weighing these matters, Sir Walter resolved on quitting his +avocations in the law for literature; though he determined that +literature should be his staff but not his crutch, and that the +profits of his labour, however convenient otherwise, should not become +necessary to his ordinary expenses. +</p> + + +<h3> +THE LAY OF THE LAST MINSTREL. +</h3> + + +<p> +Sir Walter's secession from the law was followed by the production of +his noblest poem—<i>the Lay of the Last Minstrel</i>—the origin of which +is thus related by the author: +</p> + +<p> +"The lovely young Countess of Dalkeith, afterwards Harriet, Duchess of +Buccleuch, had come to the land of her husband, with the desire of +making herself acquainted with its traditions and customs. Of course, +where all made it a pride and pleasure to gratify her wishes, she soon +heard enough of Border lore; among others, an aged gentleman of +property, near Langholm, communicated to her ladyship the story of +Gilpin Horner—a tradition in which the narrator and many more of that +county were firm believers. The young Countess, much delighted with +the legend, and the gravity and full confidence with which it was +told, enjoined it on me as a task to compose a ballad on the subject. +Of course, to hear was to obey; and thus the goblin story, objected to +by several critics as an excrescence upon the poem, was, in fact, the +occasion of its being written." +</p> + +<p> +Sir Walter having composed the first two or three stanzas of the +poem—taking for his model the <i>Christabel</i> of Coleridge—showed them +to two friends, "whose talents might have raised them to the highest +station in literature, had they not preferred exerting them in their +own profession of the law, in which they attained equal preferment." +They were more silent upon the merits of the stanzas than was +encouraging to the author; and Sir Walter, looking upon the attempt as +a failure, threw the manuscript into the fire, and thought as little +as he could of the matter. Sometime afterwards, Sir Walter meeting his +two friends, was asked how he proceeded in his romance;—they were +surprised +<span class="pagenum"><a name="page247" id="page247"></a>[pg 247]</span> +at its fate, said they had reviewed their opinion, and +earnestly desired that Sir Walter would proceed with the composition. +He did so; and the poem was soon finished, proceeding at the rate of +about a canto per week. It was finally published in 1805, and produced +to the author 600<i>l.</i>; and, to use his own words, "it may be regarded +as the first work in which the writer, who has been since so +voluminous, laid his claim to be considered as an original author." We +thus see that Sir Walter Scott was in his 34th year before he had +published an original work. +</p> + + +<h3> +MARMION. +</h3> + + +<p> +Sir Walter's second poem of consequence appeared in 1808, he having +published a few ballads and lyrical pieces during the year 1806. The +publishers, emboldened by the success of <i>the Lay of the Last +Minstrel</i>, gave the author 1,000<i>l.</i> for <i>Marmion</i>. Its success was +electric, and at once wrought up the poet's reputation. In his preface +to the last edition, April, 1830, he states 36,000 copies to have been +printed between 1808 and 1825, besides a considerable sale since that +period; and the publishers were so delighted with the success, as "to +supply the author's cellars with what is always an acceptable present +to a young Scotch house-keeper—namely, a hogshead of excellent +claret." +</p> + + +<h3> +CLERK OF SESSION. +</h3> + + +<p> +Between the appearance of <i>the Lay of the Last Minstrel</i> and +<i>Marmion</i>, hopes were held out to him from an influential quarter of +the reversion of the office of a Principal Clerk in the Court of +Session; and, Mr. Pitt, having expressed a wish to be of service to +the author, of <i>the Lay of the Last Minstrel</i>, Sir Walter applied for +the reversion. His desire was readily acceeded to; and, according to +Chambers, George III. is reported to have said, when he signed the +commission, that "he was happy he had it in his power to reward a man +of genius, and a person of such distinguished merit." The King had +signed the document, and the office fees alone remained to be paid, +when Mr. Pitt died, and a new and opposite ministry succeeded. Sir +Walter, however, obtained the appointment, though not from the favour +of an administration differing from himself in politics, as has been +supposed; the grant having been obtained before Mr. Fox's direction +that the appointment should be conferred as a favour coming directly +from his administration. The duties were easy, and the profits about +1,200<i>l.</i> a year, though Sir Walter, according to arrangement, +performed the former for five or six years without salary, until the +retirement of his colleague. +</p> + + +<h3> +EDITIONS OF DRYDEN AND SWIFT. +</h3> + + +<p> +Sir Walter's next literary labour was the editorship of the <i>Works of +John Dryden</i>, with Notes. Critical and Explanatory, and a Life of the +Author: the chief aim of which appears to be the arrangement of the +"literary productions in their succession, as actuated by, and +operating upon, the taste of an age, where they had so predominating +an influence," and the connexion of the Life of Dryden with the +history of his publications. This he accomplished within a +twelvemonth. Sir Walter subsequently edited, upon a similar plan, an +edition of the <i>Works of Swift</i>.—Neither of these works can be said +to entitle Sir Walter to high rank as a biographer. +</p> + + +<h3> +THE LADY OF THE LAKE +</h3> + + +<p> +Was written in 1809, and published in 1810, and was considered by the +author as the best of his poetic compositions. He appears to have +taken more than ordinary pains in its accuracy, especially in +verifying the correctness of the local circumstances of the story. In +his introduction to a late edition of the poem, he says—"I recollect, +in particular, that to ascertain whether I was telling a probable +tale, I went into Perthshire, to see whether King James could actually +have ridden from the banks of Loch Venachar to Stirling Castle within +the time supposed in the poem, and had the pleasure to satisfy myself +that it was quite practicable." The success of the poem "was certainly +so extraordinary, as to induce him for the moment to conclude, that he +had at last fixed a nail in the proverbially inconstant wheel of +Fortune, whose stability in behalf of an individual, who had so boldly +courted her favours for three successive times, had not as yet been +shaken." +</p> + + +<h3> +ABBOTSFORD.—(<i>See the Cuts</i>.) +</h3> + + +<p> +Since Sir Walter's appointment to the sheriffdom of Selkirkshire, he +had resided at Ashiesteel, on the banks of the Tweed, of which he was +but the tenant. He was now desirous to purchase a small estate, and +thereon build a house according to his own taste. He found a desirable +site six or seven miles farther down the Tweed, in the neighbourhood +of the public road between Melrose and Selkirk, and at nearly an equal +distance from both of those towns: it was then occupied by a little +farm onstead, which bore the name of Cartley Hole. The mansion is in +what is termed the castellated Gothic style, embosomed in flourishing +wood. It takes its name from a ford, formerly used by the monks of +Melrose, across the Tweed, which now winds amongst a rich succession +of woods and lawns. But we will borrow Mr. Allan Cunningham's +description of the estate, written during a visit to Abbotsford, in +the summer of 1831:—"On the other side of the Tweed we had a fine +view of Abbotsford, and all its policies and grounds. The whole is at +once extensive and beautiful. The fast rising woods are already +beginning to bury +<span class="pagenum"><a name="page248" id="page248"></a>[pg 248]</span> +the house, which is none of the smallest; and the +Tweed, which runs within gun-shot of the windows, can only be +discerned here and there through the tapestry of boughs. A fine, +open-work, Gothic screen half conceals and half shows the garden, as +you stand in front of the house—(<i>see the Engraving</i>.) It was the +offspring of necessity, for it became desirable to mask an unseemly +old wall, on which are many goodly fruit-trees. What we most admired +about the estate, was the naturally useful and elegant manner in which +the great poet has laid out the plantations—first, with respect to +the bounding or enclosing line; and secondly, with regard to the +skilful distribution of the trees, both for the contrast of light and +shade, and for the protection which the strong affords to the weak.<a id="footnotetag8" name="footnotetag8"></a><a href="#footnote8"><sup>8</sup></a> +The horizontal profile of the house is fine, crowded with towers and +clustered chimneys: it looks half castle, half monastery. The +workmanship, too, is excellent: indeed we never saw such well-dressed, +cleanly, and compactly laid whinstone course and gage in our life: it +is a perfect picture."<a id="footnotetag9" name="footnotetag9"></a><a href="#footnote9"><sup>9</sup></a> +"The external walls of Abbotsford, as also +the walls of the adjoining garden, are enriched with many old carved +stones, which, having originally figured in other situations, to which +they were calculated by their sculptures and inscriptions, have a very +curious effect. Among the various relics which Sir Walter has +contrived to collect, may be mentioned the door of the old Tolbooth of +Edinburgh, which, together with the hewn stones that composed the +gateway, are now made to figure in a base court at the west end of the +house."<a id="footnotetag10" name="footnotetag10"></a><a href="#footnote10"><sup>10</sup></a> +</p> + +<!-- [Illustration: (<i>Armoury</i>.)] --> +<a id="illustration2" name="illustration2"></a> +<div class="figure" style="width:50%;"> + <a href="images/571sup-2.png"><img width="100%" src="images/571sup-2.png" + alt="Armoury." /></a> +<center> +(<i>Armoury</i>.) +</center> +</div> + +<p> +It would occupy a whole sheet to describe the <i>interior</i> of the +mansion; so that we select only two apartments, as graphic memorials +of the lamented owner. First, is the <i>Armoury</i>, (from a coloured +lithograph, published by Ackermann)—an arched apartment, with a +richly-blazoned window, and the walls filled all over with smaller +pieces of armour and weapons, such as swords, firelocks, spears, +arrows, darts, daggers, &c. These relics will be found enumerated in a +description of Abbotsford, in <i>the Anniversary</i>, quoted in vol. xv. of +the <i>Mirror</i>. The second of the <i>interiors</i> is the poet's <i>Study</i>—a +room about twenty-five feet square by twenty feet high, containing of +what is properly called furniture, nothing but a small writing-table +and an antique arm-chair. On either side of the fire-place various +pieces of armour are hung on the wall; but, there are no books, save +the contents of a light gallery, which runs round three sides of the +room, +<span class="pagenum"><a name="page249" id="page249"></a>[pg 249]</span> +and is reached by a hanging stair of carved oak in one corner. +There are only two portraits—an original of the beautiful and +melancholy head of Claverhouse, and a small full-length of Rob Roy. +Various little antique cabinets stand about the room; and in one +corner is a collection of really useful weapons—those of the forest +craft, to wit—axes and bills, &c. Over the fire-place, too, are some +Highland claymores clustered round a target. There is only one window, +pierced in a very thick wall, so that the place is rather sombre. +</p> + +<!-- [Illustration: (<i>Study</i>.)] --> +<a id="illustration3" name="illustration3"></a> +<div class="figure" style="width:50%;"> + <a href="images/571sup-3.png"><img width="100%" src="images/571sup-3.png" + alt="Study." /></a> +<center> +(<i>Study</i>.) +</center> +</div> + + +<h3> +ROKEBY, AND MINOR POEMS. +</h3> + + +<p> +After the publication of <i>the Lady of the Lake</i>, Sir Walter's poetical +reputation began to wane. In 1811, appeared <i>Don Roderick</i>; and in +1813, <i>Rokeby</i>; both of which were unsuccessful; and the <i>Lord of the +Isles</i> followed with no better fortune. In short, Sir Walter perceived +that the tide of popularity was turning, and he wisely changed with +the public taste. The subjects of these poems were neither so +striking, nor the versification so attractive, as in his earlier +poems. The poet himself attributes their failure to the manner or +style losing its charms of novelty, and the harmony becoming tiresome +and ordinary; his measure and manner were imitated by other writers, +and, above all Byron had just appeared as a serious candidate in the +first canto of <i>Childe Harold</i>; so that Sir Walter with exemplary +candour confesses that "the original inventor and his invention must +have fallen into contempt, if he had not found out another road to +public favour." We shall therefore now part with his poetic fame, and +proceed in the more gratifying task of glancing at his splendid +successes in prose fiction. +</p> + + +<h3> +WAVERLEY. +</h3> + + +<p> +The first of the author's +</p> + +<blockquote> + long trails of light descending down, +</blockquote> + +<p> +had its origin in a desire to story the ancient traditions and noble +spirit of the Highlands, aided by the author's early recollections of +their scenery and customs; in short, to effect in prose what he had so +triumphantly achieved in the poem of <i>the Lady of the Lake</i>. The +author's own account will be read with interest:—"It was with some +idea of this kind, that, about the year 1805, I threw together about +one-third part of the first volume of Waverley. It was advertised to +be published by the late Mr. John Ballantyne, under the name of +'Waverley,' or ''Tis Fifty Years since,'—a title afterwards altered +to ''Tis Sixty Years since,' that the actual date of publication might +be made to correspond with the period in which the scene was laid. +Having proceeded as far, I think, as the seventh chapter, I showed my +work to a critical friend, whose opinion was unfavourable, and having +some poetical reputation, I was unwilling to risk the loss of it by +attempting a new style of composition. I therefore threw aside the +work I had commenced, without either reluctance or remonstrance. This +portion of the manuscript was laid aside in the drawers of an old +writing desk, which, on my first coming to reside at Abbotsford in +1811, was placed in a lumber garret, and entirely forgotten. Thus, +though I sometimes, among other literary avocations, turned my +thoughts to the continuation of the romance which I had commenced, +yet, as I could not find what I had already written, after searching +such repositories as were within my reach, and was too indolent to +attempt to write it anew from memory. I as often laid aside all +thoughts of that nature." +</p> + +<p> +The success of Miss Edgeworth's delineations of Irish life, and the +author's completion of Mr. Strutt's romance of <i>Queen Hoo Hall</i>, in +1808, again drew his attention to <i>Waverley</i>. Accident threw the lost +sheets in his way, while searching an old writing-desk for some +fishing-tackle for a friend. The long-lost manuscript presented +itself, and "he immediately set to work to complete it, according to +his original purpose." Among other unfounded reports, it has been +said, that the copyright was, during the book's progress through the +press, offered for sale to various booksellers in London at a very +inconsiderable price. This was not the case. Messrs. Constable and +Cadell, who published the work, were the only persons acquainted with +the contents of the publication, and they offered a large sum for it, +while in the course of printing, which, however, was declined, the +author not choosing to part with the copyright. Waverley was published +in 1814: its progress was for some time slow, but, after two or three +months its popularity began to spread, and, in a short time about +12,000 copies were disposed of. The name of the author was kept secret +from his desire to publish the work "as an experiment on the public +taste. Mr. Ballantyne, who printed the novel, alone corresponded with +the author; the original manuscript was transcribed under Mr. +Ballantyne's eye, by confidential persons; nor was there an instance +of treachery during the many years in which these precautions were +resorted to, although various individuals were employed at different +times. Double proof sheets were regularly printed off. One was +forwarded to the author by Mr. Ballantyne, and the alterations which +it received were, by his own hand, copied upon the other proof-sheet +for the use of the printers, so that even the corrected proofs of the +author were never seen in the printing-office; and thus the curiosity +of such eager inquirers as made the most minute investigation was +entirely at fault."<a id="footnotetag11" name="footnotetag11"></a><a href="#footnote11"><sup>11</sup></a> +</p> +<span class="pagenum"><a name="page250" id="page250"></a>[pg 250]</span> + + +<h3> +OTHER NOVELS. +</h3> + + +<p> +The success of <i>Waverley</i> led to the production of that series of +works, by which the author established himself "as the greatest master +in a department of literature, to which he has given a lustre +previously unknown;—in which he stands confessedly unrivalled, and +not approached, even within moderate limits, except, among +predecessors, by Cervantes, and among contemporaries, by the author of +<i>Anastasius</i>." We shall merely enumerate these works, with the date of +their publication, and, as a point of kindred interest, the sums for +which the original manuscripts, in the hand-writing of Sir Walter, +were sold in the autumn of last year. Of the merits of these +productions it would be idle to attempt to speak in our narrow space; +but, for a finely graphic paper, (probably the last written previously +to the author's death,) on the literary claims of Sir Walter Scott, as +a novelist, we may refer the reader to No. 109 of the <i>Edinburgh +Review</i>. +</p> + +<table class="list" summary="Scott's Novels, Volumes, Years of Publication, and sale price of original manuscript"> +<tr> + <th rowspan="2">Novels.</th> + + <th rowspan="2">Vols.</th> + + <th rowspan="2"> Year of<br /> + Publication.</th> + + <th colspan="2">Orig. MS.<br /> + sold in<br /> + 1831, for + </th> +</tr> +<tr> + <th>£. </th><th>s.</th> +</tr> + +<tr> + <td>Waverley </td><td>3 </td><td>1814 </td><td class="num">18 </td><td class="num">0</td> +</tr><tr> + <td>Guy Mannering </td><td>3 </td><td>1815 </td><td class="num">27 </td><td class="num">10</td> +</tr><tr> + <td>The Antiquary* </td><td>3 </td><td>1816 </td><td class="num">42 </td><td class="num">0</td> +</tr><tr> + <td>Tales of My Landlord </td><td>4 1st ser. </td><td>1816 </td><td class="num">33 </td><td class="num">0</td> +</tr><tr> + <td>Rob Roy* </td><td>3 </td><td>1818 </td><td class="num">50 </td><td class="num">0</td> +</tr><tr> + <td>Tales of My Landlord </td><td>4 2nd ser. </td><td>1818 </td><td> </td> <td> </td> +</tr><tr> + <td>Tales of My Landlord </td><td>4 3rd ser. </td><td>1819 </td><td class="num">14 </td><td class="num">14</td> +</tr><tr> + <td>Ivanhoe </td><td>3 </td><td>1820 </td><td class="num">12 </td><td class="num">0</td> +</tr><tr> + <td>The Monastery* </td><td>3 </td><td>1820 </td><td class="num">18 </td><td class="num">18</td> +</tr><tr> + <td>The Abbot </td><td>3 </td><td>1820 </td><td class="num">14 </td><td class="num">0</td> +</tr><tr> + <td>Kenilworth </td><td>3 </td><td>1821 </td><td class="num">17 </td><td class="num">0</td> +</tr><tr> + <td>The Pirate </td><td>3 </td><td>1822 </td><td class="num">12 </td><td class="num">0</td> +</tr><tr> + <td>The Fortunes of Nigel </td><td>3 </td><td>1822 </td><td class="num">16 </td><td class="num">16</td> +</tr><tr> + <td>Peveril of the Peak* </td><td>3 </td><td>1823 </td><td class="num">42 </td><td class="num">0</td> +</tr><tr> + <td>Quentin Durward </td><td>3 </td><td>1823 </td><td> </td> <td> </td> +</tr><tr> + <td>St. Ronan's Well </td><td>3 </td><td>1824 </td><td> </td> <td> </td> +</tr><tr> + <td>Redgauntlet </td><td>3 </td><td>1824 </td><td> </td> <td> </td> +</tr><tr> + <td>Tales of the Crusaders </td><td>4 </td><td>1825 </td><td> </td> <td> </td> +</tr><tr> + <td>Woodstock </td><td>3 </td><td>1826 </td><td> </td> <td> </td> +</tr><tr> + <td>Chronicles of the Canongate </td><td>2 1st ser. </td><td>1827 </td><td> </td> <td> </td> +</tr><tr> + <td>Chronicles of the Canongate </td><td>3 2nd ser. </td><td>1828 </td><td> </td> <td> </td> +</tr><tr> + <td>Anne of Gerstein </td><td>3 </td><td>1829 </td><td> </td> <td> </td> +</tr><tr> + <td>Tales of My Landlord </td><td>4 4th ser. </td><td>1831 </td><td> </td> <td> </td> +</tr> +</table> +<p> + Making in all, 73 volumes, within 17 years. +<br /> + (Those marked * were alone perfect.) +</p> + + +<h3> +MISCELLANEOUS WORKS. +</h3> + + +<p> +To particularize Sir Walter's contributions to periodical literature +would occupy considerable space. He wrote a few papers in the early +numbers of the <i>Edinburgh Review</i>, and several in the <i>Quarterly +Review</i>, especially during the last ten volumes of that journal, of +which his son-in-law, Mr. Lockhart, is the accredited editor. Sir +Walter likewise contributed the articles Chivalry, Drama, and Romance +to the sixth edition of the <i>Encyclopaedia Britannica</i>. <i>Paul's +Letters to his Kinsfolk</i>, the fruits of Sir Walter's tour through +France and Belgium, in 1815, were published anonymously; and the +<i>Field of Waterloo</i>, a poem, appeared about the same time. We may also +here mention his dramatic poem of <i>Halidon Hill</i>, which appeared in +1822; and two dramas, <i>the Doom of Devergoil</i> and <i>Auchindrane</i>, in +1830—neither of which works excited more than temporary attention. +Sir Walter likewise contributed a <i>History of Scotland</i>, in two +volumes, to Dr. Lardner's <i>Cabinet Cyclopaedia</i>, in 1830; and in the +same year a volume on <i>Demonology and Witchcraft</i>, to Mr. Murray's +<i>Family Library</i>: both which works, of course, had a circulation +co-extensively with the series of which they form portions. We may +here notice a juvenile History of Scotland, in three series, or nine +volumes, under the title of <i>Tales of a Grandfather</i>, affectionately +addressed to his grandchild, the eldest son of Mr. Lockhart, as Hugh +Littlejohn, Esq. +</p> + + +<h3> +ABBOTSFORD—BARONETCY. +</h3> + + +<p> +The large sums received by Sir Walter for the copyright of his earlier +works had enabled him to expend nearly one hundred thousand pounds +upon Abbotsford, so as to make it his "proper mansion, house, and +home, the theatre of his hospitality, the seat of self-fruition, the +comfortablest part of his own life, the noblest of his son's +inheritance, a kind of private princedom, and, according to the degree +of the master, decently and delightfully adorned."<a id="footnotetag12" name="footnotetag12"></a><a href="#footnote12"><sup>12</sup></a> +Here Sir Walter +lived in dignified enjoyment of his well-earned fortune, during the +summer and autumn, and was visited by distinguished persons from +nearly all parts of the world. He unostentatiously opened his treasury +of relics to all visitors, and his affability spread far and wide. He +usually devoted three hours in the morning, from six or seven o'clock, +to composition, his customary quota being a sheet daily. He passed the +remainder of the day in the pleasurable occupations of a country +life—as in superintending the improvements of the mansion, and the +planting and disposal of the grounds of Abbotsford; or, as Walpole +said of John Evelyn, "unfolding the perfection of the works of the +Creator, and assisting the imperfection of the minute works of the +creature;" so as to render Abbotsford as Evelyn describes his own dear +Wotton, "large and ancient (for there is an air of assumed antiquity +in Abbotsford), suitable to those hospitable times, and so sweetly +environed with those delicious streams and venerable woods, as in the +judgment of strangers as well as Englishmen, it may be compared to one +of the most pleasant seats in the nation, most tempting to a great +person and a wanton purse, to render it conspicuous: it has rising +grounds, meadows, woods, and water in abundance."<a id="footnotetag13" name="footnotetag13"></a><a href="#footnote13"><sup>13</sup></a> +</p> + +<p> +In 1820, the poet of <i>Marmion</i> was created a baronet, by George IV., +but a few weeks after his accession—it being the first baronetcy +conferred by the King, and standing +<span class="pagenum"><a name="page251" id="page251"></a>[pg 251]</span> +alone in the <i>Gazette</i> which +announced the honour. In 1822, Sir Walter distinguished himself in the +loyal reception of the King, on his visit to Scotland; and soon +afterwards the Baronet was appointed a deputy-lieutenant for the +county of Roxburgh. +</p> + + +<h3> +EMBARRASSMENTS. +</h3> + + +<p> +Thus stood the "pure contents" of Abbotsford, when, in January, 1826, +the failure of Messrs. Constable threw a gloom over Sir Walter's +affairs. The eminent publisher had been one of his earliest friends. +"Archie Constable," he once said, "was a good friend to me long ago, +and I will never see him at a loss." The sums given by Mr. Constable +for the copyright of Sir Walter's novels were nominally immense; but +they were chiefly paid in bills, which were renewed as the necessities +of the publisher increased, till, on his failure, Sir Walter found +himself responsible for various debts, amounting to 102,000<i>l</i>. About +this time Lady Scott died, and her loss was an additional affliction +to him. Various modes of settlement were proposed to Sir Walter for +the liquidation of these heavy debts; but, "like the elder +Osbaldistone of his own immortal pages, considering commercial honour +as dear as any other honour," he would only consent to payment <i>in +full</i>; and, in the short space of six years, he paid off 60,000<i>l.</i> +"by his genius alone; but he crushed his spirit in the gigantic +struggle, or, in plain words, sacrificed himself in the attempt to +repair his broken fortunes." He sold his house and furniture in +Edinburgh, and, says Chambers, "retreated into a humble lodging in a +second-rate street (St. David-street, where David Hume had formerly +lived.)" He reduced his establishment at Abbotsford, and retired, as +far as his official duties would permit, from public life, accompanied +only by his younger daughter. In this domestic retreat, at fifty-five +years of age, he commenced +</p> + + +<h3> +THE LIFE OF NAPOLEON BUONAPARTE +</h3> + + +<p> +—visiting France, in 1826, for some information requisite to the +work. In the following summer the <i>Life</i> appeared in nine volumes, an +extent much beyond the original project. As might be expected, from +the aristocratical turn of Sir Walter's political tenets, the opinions +on this work were more various than on any other of his productions: +it is, to say the best, the most faulty and unequal of them all; and, +considering how clearly this has been shown, it is somewhat surprising +to hear so clever a critic as Mr. Cunningham pronounce <i>The Life of +Napoleon</i> as "one of the noblest monuments of Scott's genius." We pass +from these considerations to the excellence of the purpose to which +the proceeds (12,000<i>l.</i>) of this work were applied—namely, to the +payment of 6<i>s.</i> 8<i>d.</i> in the pound, as the first dividend of the +debts of the author. +</p> + +<p> +In parting with the <i>Napoleon</i>, we might notice the conflicting +opinions of the French critics on its merits; but, as that task would +occupy too much space we content ourselves with the following passage +from a journal published a few days subsequent to the melancholy +intelligence of the death of Sir Walter Scott being received in Paris. +The criticism is in every sense plain-spoken:— +</p> + +<p> +"If Sir Walter Scott's politics did not square with the natural state +of things—if upon this subject he still remained the victim of early +prejudices, and, perhaps, of the predilections of a poetical mind, yet +he was fortunate enough to promote, by his writings, the real +improvement of the people. France has reason to reproach him severely +for the unaccountable statements in his "Paul's Letters to his +Kinsfolk," and in the "History of Bonaparte." But those errors were +imputable to carelessness much more than to malice. A prose writer, a +poet, a novelist—he yielded, during his long and laborious career, to +the impulse of a fancy, rich, copious, and entirely independent of +present circumstances, aloof from the agitations of the day, +delighting in the memory of the past, and drawing from the surviving +relics of ancient times the traditionary tale, to revive and embellish +it. He was one of those geniuses in romance who may be said to have +been impartial and disinterested, for he gave a picture of ordinary +life exactly as it was. He painted man in all the varieties produced +in his nature by passion and the force of circumstances, and avoided +mixing up with these portraits what was merely ideal. Persons gifted +with this power of forgetting themselves, as it were, and of assuming +in succession an infinite series of varied characters, who live, +speak, and act before us in a thousand ways that affect or delight us, +such men are often susceptible of feelings the most ardent on their +own account, although they may not directly express as much. It is +difficult to believe that Shakspeare and Moliere, the noblest types of +this class of exalted minds, did not contemplate life with feelings of +deep and, perhaps, melancholy emotion. It was not so, however, with +Scott, who certainly belonged not to their kindred, possessing neither +the vigour of combination, nor the style which distinguished those +men. Of great natural benevolence, gentle and kind, ardent in the +pursuit of various knowledge, accommodating himself to the manners and +sentiments of his day, good-humoured, and favoured by happy +conjunctures of circumstances, Scott came forth under the most +brilliant auspices, accomplishing his best and most durable works +almost without an effort, and without impressing on these productions +any sort of character which would connect them with the personal +character +<span class="pagenum"><a name="page252" id="page252"></a>[pg 252]</span> +of the author. If he be represented, indeed, in any part of +his writings, it is in such characters as that of Morton (one of the +Puritans), a sort of ambiguous, undetermined, unoffending, good sort +of person." +</p> + + +<h3> +"WAVERLEY NOVELS." +</h3> + + +<p> +Up to this period, the secret of the authorship of the novels was not +generally known, though more extensively so than was at the time +imagined. The public had made up their minds to the fact; but the +identity was <i>not proven</i>. The adjustment of Messrs. Constable's +affairs, however, rendered it impossible longer to conceal the +authorship, which was revealed by Sir Walter, at the anniversary +dinner of the Edinburgh Theatrical Fund, in February, 1827. Thus he +acknowledged before three hundred gentlemen "a secret which, +considering that it was communicated to more than twenty people, had +been remarkably well kept." His avowal was as follows:— +</p> + +<p> +"He had now to say, however, that the merits of these works, if they +had any, and their faults, were entirely imputable to himself." [Here +the audience broke into an absolute shout of surprise and delight.] +"He was afraid to think on what he had done. 'Look on't again I dare +not.' He had thus far unbosomed himself, and he knew that it would be +reported to the public. He meant, then, seriously to state, that when +he said he was the author, he was the total and undivided author. With +the exception of quotations, there was not a single word written that +was not derived from himself, or suggested in the course of his +reading. The wand was now broken, and the rod buried. His audience +would allow him further to say, with Prospero, 'Your breath has filled +my sails.'" +</p> + +<p> +The copyright of the novels was soon afterwards sold for 8,400<i>l.</i>, +and they have since been republished, with illustrations, and notes +and introductions by the author, in forty-one volumes, monthly; the +last volume appearing within a few days of the author's death. +</p> + + +<h3> +FATAL ILLNESS. +</h3> + + +<p> +Towards the close of 1830, Sir Walter retired from his office, +retaining a portion of his salary, but declining a pension which had +been offered to him by the present administration. He was now in his +60th year; his health broke apace; it was evident that the task of +writing to pay off debts, which were not of his own contracting, was +alike too severe for his mental and physical powers; and in the +succeeding winter they became gradually paralyzed. He somewhat rallied +in the spring, and, unfortunately for his health, embroiled himself in +the angry politics of the day, at a county meeting at Jedburgh, upon +the Reform question. He was then very feeble, but spoke with such +vehemence as to draw upon him the hisses of some of his auditors: this +ebullition of feeling is said to have much affected him; and he is +stated (we know not how truly) to have been observed on his way home +in tears. +</p> + +<p> +In the autumn of last year Sir Walter, at the recommendation of his +physicians, resolved to winter in the more congenial climate of Italy; +though it required the most earnest entreaties of his friends to +induce him to consent to the change, so strong was his love of country +and apprehension of dying in a foreign land. He accordingly set sail +in H.M.S. the Barham for Malta, on the 27th of October; previous to +which he appended to the Fourth and Last Series of <i>Tales of my +Landlord</i> the following affecting, and, as we lately observed, almost +prophetic, passage: +</p> + +<p> +"The gentle reader is acquainted that these are, in all probability, +the last tales which it will be the lot of the author to submit to the +public. He is now on the eve of visiting foreign parts; a ship of war +is commissioned by its royal master, to carry the Author of Waverley +to climates in which he may readily obtain such a restoration of +health as may serve him to spin his thread to an end in his own +country. Had he continued to prosecute his usual literary labours, it +seems indeed probable that, at the term of years he has already +attained, the bowl, to use the pathetic language of Scripture, would +have been broken at the fountain; and little can one, who has enjoyed +on the whole, an uncommon share of the most inestimable of worldly +blessings, be entitled to complain, that life, advancing to its +period, should be attended with its usual proportion of shadows and +storms. They have affected him, at least, in no more painful manner, +than is inseparable from the discharge of this part of the debt of +humanity. Of those whose relations to him in the ranks of life, might +have insured their sympathy under indisposition, many are now no more; +and those who may yet follow in his wake, are entitled to expect, in +bearing inevitable evils, an example of firmness and patience, more +especially on the part of one who has enjoyed no small good fortune +during the course of his pilgrimage. +</p> + +<p> +"The public have claims on his gratitude, for which the Author of +Waverley has no adequate means of expression; but he may be permitted +to hope that the powers of his mind, such as they are, may not have a +different date from his body; and that he may again meet his +patronizing friends, if not exactly in his old fashion of literature, +at least in some branch which may not call forth the remark, that— +</p> + +<blockquote> + "Superfluous lags the veteran on the stage." +</blockquote> + +<p> +Sir Walter resided at Malta for a short time; thence he proceeded to +Naples, where he was received with almost pageant honours. In the +spring he visited Rome; but "the world's chief ornament" had few +charms for +<span class="pagenum"><a name="page253" id="page253"></a>[pg 253]</span> +one bereft of all hope of healthful recovery. His strength +was waning fast, and he set out to return with more than prudent speed +to his native country. He travelled seventeen hours for six successive +days, and, in descending the Rhine, had a second attack of paralysis +which would have carried him off but for the timely presence of mind +of his servant, who immediately bled him. The illustrious Goëthe had +looked forward with great pleasure to the meeting with Sir Walter when +he returned through Germany, but the destroyer had fell also on him. +On his arrival in London, Sir Walter was conveyed to the St. James's +Hotel, Jermyn-street, and attended by Sir Henry Halford and Dr. +Holland, with Mr. and Mrs. Lockhart. He lay some weeks in a hopeless +condition, and when the flame of life was just flickering out, he +entreated to be conveyed to his own home. The journey was a hazardous +one, but, as the dying wish of the poet, was tried and effected: on +July 9th, he was conveyed to Edinburgh, whence he was removed to his +fondly-cherished home on the 11th. +</p> + + +<h3> +DEATH. +</h3> + + +<p> +Sir Walter's return to Abbotsford was an afflicting scene. On +approaching the mansion he could scarcely be kept from attempting to +raise himself in his carriage, such was his eagerness to catch a +glimpse of his home: he murmured, on his arrival, "that <i>now</i> he knew +he was at Abbotsford." He lingered for two months, during which he +recognised and spoke kindly to friends, and was even pleased in +listening to passages read from the poems of Crabbe and Wordsworth: +till, on September 21st, 1832, he died, apparently free from pain, and +surrounded by his family. +</p> + + +<h3> +FUNERAL. +</h3> + + +<p> +His remains were placed in a coffin of lead, enclosed in another +coffin covered with black cloth, and gilt ornaments. The inscription +plate bore the words, "SIR WALTER SCOTT, of ABBOTSFORD, Bart. AN. +AETAT. 62." The funeral took place at Dryburgh, amidst the ruins of +the venerable abbey, at night-fall, on Sept. 25th; the body being +borne from the hearse to the grave by his domestics, and followed by +upwards of 300 mourners. A Correspondent has furnished us with the +subjoined note of the funeral. +</p> + +<p> +It has been remarked that at the grave, the burial service of the +Episcopal Church was read by a clergyman of the Church of England (the +Rev. John Williams, of Baliol College, Oxford, Rector of the Edinburgh +Academy, and Vicar of Lampeter), although Sir Walter through life +adhered to the persuasion of the Presbyterian or Church of Scotland. +In Scotland no prayers are offered over the dead; when the mourners +assemble in the house of the deceased, refreshments are handed round, +previous to which a blessing is implored, (as at meals,) and <i>then</i> +only the minister alludes to the bereavement the family have suffered, +and strength and grace are implored to sustain them under it. This +gratuitous custom was adhered to, and previous to the funeral +<i>cortège</i> setting out from Abbotsford, the Rev. Principal Baird, +offered up a prayer. But although a Presbyterian in practice, Sir +Walter in several parts of his works expressed his dissent from +several of the rigid canons of that Church, and an example occurs in +that graphic scene in <i>the Antiquary</i>, the funeral group of <i>Steenie +Mucklebacket</i>, where "the creak of the screw nails announced that the +lid of the last mansion of mortality was in the act of being secured +above its tenant. The last act which separates us for ever from the +mortal relicks of the person we assemble to mourn has usually its +effect upon the most indifferent, selfish, and hard-hearted:" and he +adds in condemnation, "With a spirit of contradiction which we may be +pardoned for esteeming narrow-minded, the fathers of the Scottish Kirk +rejected even on this most solemn occasion the form of an address to +the Divinity, lest they should be thought to give countenance to the +ritual of Rome or of England." And he seizes the opportunity to +applaud the liberal judgment of the present Scottish clergymen who +avail themselves of the advantage of offering a prayer, suitable to +make an impression on the living. +</p> + +<p> +The scenery around his burial-place is fraught with melancholy +associations—enshrined as have been its beauties by him that now +sought a bourn amidst them. It had been the land of his poetical +pilgrimage: through its "bosomed vales" and alongside its "valley +streams" his genius had journeyed with untiring energy, then to spread +abroad its stores for the gratification of hundreds of thousands, who +may about his grave +</p> + +<div class="poem"> + <div class="stanza"> + <p>Make dust their paper, and with rainy eyes</p> + <p>Write sorrow on the bosom of the earth.</p> + </div> +</div> + +<p> +—Only let us glance at a few of the storied sites that are to be seen +around this hallowed spot: at Melrose, with antique pillar and ruins +grey— +</p> + +<blockquote> + Was ever scene so sad and fair. +</blockquote> + +<p> +Eildon Hill, where Sir Walter said he could stand and point out +forty-three places famous in war and verse;<a id="footnotetag14" name="footnotetag14"></a><a href="#footnote14"><sup>14</sup></a> +and above all, the +tower of Smailholm Castle, where once "his careless childhood +strayed,"—the <i>Alpha</i> of his poetic fame. +</p> + + +<h3> +FAMILY. +</h3> + + +<p> +Sir Walter Scott had two sons and two daughters. The elder daughter, +Sophia Charlotte, was married, April 28, 1820, to Mr. John Gibson +Lockhart, advocate, editor of the <i>Quarterly Review</i>. The eldest son, +Walter, who has succeeded to the baronetcy, +<span class="pagenum"><a name="page254" id="page254"></a>[pg 254]</span> +is now in his +thirty-second year, and Major of the 15th or King's Hussars. In 1825, +he married Jane, daughter and sole heiress of John Jobson, Esq., an +opulent Scottish merchant, with which lady, report affirmed at the +time, Major Scott received a fortune of 60,000<i>l</i>. The estate of +Abbotsford was also settled by Sir Walter upon the young pair; but, as +the owner is stated not to have been at this time in a state of +solvency, though he thought himself so, and his estate now proves to +be encumbered with heavy debts, the deed of entail, of course, becomes +invalid, and the paternal property must be sold by the creditors of +the estate. There is, however, ample reason to hope that such a step +will be averted, by the gratitude of the public, and that Abbotsford +will be preserved for the family. The younger son, Charles, who is, we +believe, a junior clerk in the Foreign Office, is unmarried; as is the +younger daughter, Anne. The death of Lady Scott occurred May 15, 1826. +Mrs. Lockhart's children are as yet the only descendants of Sir Walter +in the second generation. +</p> + + +<h3> +PORTRAITS. +</h3> + + +<p> +The reader may be somewhat familiar with the personal appearance of +Sir Walter Scott, through the several portraits which have from time +to time been painted and engraved of the illustrious Baronet. His +height is stated at upwards of six feet; and his frame was strongly +knit, and compactly built. His right leg was shrunk from his boyhood, +and required support by a staff. Mr. Cunningham describes the personal +habits of Sir Walter with his usual characteristic force: "his arms +were strong and sinewy; his looks stately and commanding; and his +face, as he related a heroic story, flushed up as a crystal cup when +one fills it with wine. His eyes were deep seated under his somewhat +shaggy brow;<a id="footnotetag15" name="footnotetag15"></a><a href="#footnote15"><sup>15</sup></a> +their colour was a bluish grey—they laughed more +than his lips did at a humorous story. His tower-like head and thin, +white hair marked him out among a thousand, while any one might swear +to his voice again who heard it once, for it had a touch of the lisp +and the burr; yet, as the minstrel said, of Douglas, 'it became him +wonder well,' and gave great softness to a sorrowful story: indeed, I +imagined that he kept the burr part of the tone for matters of a +facetious or humorous kind, and brought out the lisp part in those of +tenderness or woe. When I add, that in a meeting of a hundred men, his +hat was sure to be the least, and would fit no one's head but his own, +I have said all that I have to say about his appearance."<a id="footnotetag16" name="footnotetag16"></a><a href="#footnote16"><sup>16</sup></a> +</p> + +<p> +Among the accredited portraits of Sir Walter Scott is that painted by +the late Sir Henry Raeburn, which has been engraved in a handsome +style; another portrait, by Mr. Leslie, was engraved in the +<i>Souvenir</i>, a year or two since, and was styled in the Noctes of +<i>Blackwood's Magazine</i>, "the vera man himsel;" but the latest, and +perhaps the best, was painted not many month's since, by Mr. Watson +Gordon, and admirably engraved by Horsburgh, of Edinburgh, for the +revised edition of the Novels. A whole-length portrait of the Poet in +his Study, at Abbotsford, was painted a few years since, in masterly +style, by Allan, and engraved by Goodall for the <i>Anniversary</i>, edited +by Mr. Cunningham, who informs us that "a painting is in progress from +the same hand, showing Sir Walter as he lately appeared—lying on a +couch in his principal room: all the windows are closed save one, +admitting a strong central light, and showing all that the room +contains—in deep shadow, or in strong sunshine." A splendid portrait +of the Poet was painted by Sir Thomas Lawrence for the late King, and +exhibited at the Royal Academy a few years since; an engraving of +which has been announced by Messrs. Moon, Boys, and Graves, his +present Majesty having graciously granted the loan of the picture for +this purpose.<a id="footnotetag17" name="footnotetag17"></a><a href="#footnote17"><sup>17</sup></a> +</p> + +<!-- [Illustration: (<i>Sir Walter Scott.—Sketched by Mr. W.H. Brooke, from +the engraving by Horsburgh.</i>)] --> +<a id="illustration4" name="illustration4"></a> +<div class="figure" style="width:50%;"> + <a href="images/571sup-4.png"><img width="100%" src="images/571sup-4.png" + alt="Sir Walter Scott. Sketched by Mr. W.H. Brooke, from the engraving by Horsburgh." /></a> +<center> +(<i>Sir Walter Scott.—Sketched by Mr. W.H. Brooke, from +the engraving by Horsburgh.</i>) +</center> +</div> +<span class="pagenum"><a name="page255" id="page255"></a>[pg 255]</span> + + +<h3> +UNPUBLISHED WORKS. +</h3> + + +<p> +Report states that there are in the library of Abbotsford, unfinished +manuscripts and letters, which will compose ten volumes of +correspondence of Sir Walter with nearly all the distinguished +literary characters of his time. These will, of course, be given to +his creditors, as directed by his will. His son-in-law, Mr. Lockhart, +has likewise a great number of letters from Sir Walter; and Mrs. Terry +possesses the baronet's correspondence with the late Mr. Terry, who +was one of Sir Walter's intimate friends. This lady has likewise in +her possession a tragedy written by Sir Walter for her eldest son, +Walter Scott Terry, and intended by the author as a legacy for +Walter's first appearance on the stage. +</p> + +<p> +With such materials, and the poet's autobiographical sketches prefixed +to his works, a competent biographer will, doubtless, be found among +Sir Walter's personal acquaintance. Mr. Allan Cunningham's "Account" +is, perhaps, the most characteristic that has yet appeared: it is full +of truth, nature, kindly feeling, and tinged throughout with a +delightfully poetic enthusiasm. Mr. Ballantyne, the intelligent +printer of nearly the whole of Sir Walter's works, and whom the Poet +much respected for his taste and good sense, has promised a memoir of +the deceased. Public expectation, however, points more decidedly to +Mr. Lockhart; although the Ettrick Shepherd will, doubtless, pay his +announced tribute to the talents and virtues of his illustrious +contemporary. In his Reminiscences of Former Days, prefixed to the +first volume of the <i>Altrive Tales</i>, published a few months since, is +the following striking passage:—"There are not above five people in +the world who, I think, know Sir Walter better, or understand his +character better than I do; and if I outlive him, which is likely, as +I am five months and ten days younger, I shall draw a mental portrait +of him, the likeness of which to the original shall not be +disputed."<a id="footnotetag18" name="footnotetag18"></a><a href="#footnote18"><sup>18</sup></a> +</p> + + +<h3> +MEDAL. +</h3> + + +<p> +A handsome Medal, in bronze, of the lamented Baronet, has been +published from the establishment of Mr. Parker, (medallist, and the +originator of some ingenious improvements in the construction of +lamps), in Argyle-place. The obverse is from Chantrey's celebrated +Bust of Sir Walter, and the reverse a graceful female figure, with the +inscription, "to great men;"—designed by R. Stothard, Esq., the +venerable Academician, and engraved by his son, A.J. Stothard, Esq. +The profile of the obverse is encircled with a motto chosen by Sir +Walter, as will be seen by the following letter; the date of which +shows that the medal was submitted to his approbation some months +since, together with a medal of his present Majesty. The letter is +likewise treasurable,<a id="footnotetag19" name="footnotetag19"></a><a href="#footnote19"><sup>19</sup></a> +as well for the writer's opinion of the +Monarch, as of the productions of his own pen:— +</p> + +<p> +"Sir,—I would long ere now have answered your very obliging letter +with the medals. That representing our Sovereign seems most +beautifully executed, and is a striking resemblance. I have very +little turn for imagining mottos, it being long since I read the +classics, which are the great storehouse of such things. I think that +a figure or head of Neptune upon the reverse, with the motto round the +exergue, <i>Tridens Neptuni sceptrum mundi</i>. I think this better than +any motto more personally addressed to the King himself than to his +high kingly office. I cannot, of course, be a judge of the other +medal; but such of my family as are with me think it very like. If +there is any motto to be added, I should like the line +</p> + +<blockquote> + "Bardorum citharas patrio qui redidit Istro. +</blockquote> + +<p> +"because I am far more vain of having been able to fix some share of +public attention upon the ancient poetry and manners of my country, +than of any original efforts which I have been able to make in +literature. +</p> + +<p> +"I beg you will excuse the delay which has taken place. Your obliging +communication, with the packet which accompanied it, travelled from +country to town, and from town to country, as it chanced to miss me +upon the road. +</p> + +<p> +"I have the honour to be, sir, your obliged, humble servant, +</p> + +<p> +"WALTER SCOTT. <br /> +"Edinburgh, 29th May. <br /> +"Samuel Parker, Esq., Bronze Works, <br /> +"12, Argyle-place, London." +</p> + +<p> +The likeness of the medal is strikingly correct; and Mr. Parker, with +becoming taste, causes an autograph copy of the letter to be delivered +with each medal. +</p> + +<p> +The deference of the latter opinion conveyed in this letter is perhaps +one of the most delightful characteristics of the genius of Sir Walter +Scott,—especially if we admit the position of the writer in the +<i>Edinburgh Review,</i> that no writer has ever enjoyed in his life-time +so extensive a popularity as the Author of Waverley. His love of +fame and acquisition of honourable distinction all +<span class="pagenum"><a name="page256" id="page256"></a>[pg 256]</span> +over the world had +not the common effect of making him vain. Hear, in proof, the +following unassuming declaration, from the delightful autobiographic +sketch to a late edition of <i>Rokeby</i>:— +</p> + +<p> +"I shall not, I believe, be accused of ever having attempted to usurp +a superiority over many men of genius, my contemporaries; but, in +point of popularity, not of actual talent, the caprice of the public +has certainly given me such a temporary superiority over men, of whom, +in regard to poetical fancy and feeling, I scarcely thought myself +worthy to loose the shoe-latch. On the other hand, it would be absurd +affectation in me to deny, that I conceived myself to understand more +perfectly than many of my contemporaries, the manner most likely to +interest the great mass of mankind. Yet, even with this belief, I must +truly and fairly say, that I always considered myself rather as one +who held the bets, in time to be paid over to the winner, than as +having any pretence to keep them in my own right." +</p> + +<p> +Mr. Cunningham well observes—"Though the most accomplished author of +his day, yet he had none of the airs of authorship." He continues—"He +was a proud man; not a proud poet, or historian, or novelist." His was +the pride of ancestry—a weakness, to be sure, but of a venial nature: +"he loved to be looked on as a gentleman of old family, who <i>built +Abbotsford</i>, and laid out its garden, and planted its avenues, rather +than a genius, whose works influenced mankind, and diffused happiness +among millions." His own narrative will best illustrate his labours of +leisure at Abbotsford. He writes of that period which men familiarly +call <i>the turn of life</i>:—"With the satisfaction of having attained +the fulfilment of an early and long-cherished hope, I commenced my +improvements, as delightful in their progress as those of the child +who first makes a dress for a new doll. The nakedness of the land was +in time hidden by woodlands of considerable extent—the smallest +possible of cottages was progressively expanded into a sort of dream +of a mansion-house, whimsical in the exterior, but convenient within. +Nor did I forget what was the natural pleasure of every man who has +been a reader—I mean the filling the shelves of a tolerably large +library. All these objects I kept in view, to be executed as +convenience should serve; and although I knew many years should elapse +before they could be attained, I was of a disposition to comfort +myself with the Spanish proverb, 'Time and I against any two.'" +</p> + +<hr /> + +<p> +*** In the preceding account we have purposely abstained from +reference to the position of the affairs of Sir Walter Scott, from our +inability to obtain any decisive information on the subject. The most +pleasing and the latest intelligence will be found in the <i>Morning +Chronicle</i> of Thursday, wherein it is stated that the prospects of the +family of Sir Walter are much better than have been represented. "We +are assured that there are funds sufficient to cover all his debts, +without touching Abbotsford. In the Biography of Allan Cunningham, it +was stated that there would only be a balance due to his creditors of +21,000<i>l</i>. But Mr. Cadell, the bookseller, has undertaken to pay +20,000<i>l.</i> for the publication of the remainder of his works, on the +plan which had been so far proceeded in. This will clear off all the +claims. A near relative of Lady Scott left 60,000<i>l.</i> to the children +of Sir Walter, to which, of course, they are entitled; and the eldest +son received a large fortune with his wife. The public, therefore, are +spared the pain of knowing that the family of one to whom they are so +largely indebted, are left in a state of destitution."—We hope this +statement is as correct as it is gratifying. +</p> + +<!-- [Illustration: (<i>Dryburgh Abbey.</i>)] --> +<a id="illustration5" name="illustration5"></a> +<div class="figure" style="width:100%;"> + <a href="images/571sup-5.png"><img width="100%" src="images/571sup-5.png" + alt="Dryburgh Abbey." /></a> +<center> +(<i>Dryburgh Abbey.</i>) +</center> +</div> + + + +<hr class="full" /> + +<blockquote class="footnote"> +<a id="footnote1" name="footnote1"></a> <b>Footnote 1</b>: <a href="#footnotetag1">(return)</a> +<p> + Chamber's Life of Sir Walter Scott. +</p> +</blockquote> + +<blockquote class="footnote"> +<a id="footnote2" name="footnote2"></a> <b>Footnote 2</b>: <a href="#footnotetag2">(return)</a> +<p> + General Preface to the Waverley Novels, 41 vols. +</p> +</blockquote> + +<blockquote class="footnote"> +<a id="footnote3" name="footnote3"></a> <b>Footnote 3</b>: <a href="#footnotetag3">(return)</a> +<p> + Life of Sir Walter Scott; in the Athenaeum, No. 258. +</p> +</blockquote> + +<blockquote class="footnote"> +<a id="footnote4" name="footnote4"></a> <b>Footnote 4</b>: <a href="#footnotetag4">(return)</a> +<p> + General Preface, p. ii. +</p> +</blockquote> + +<blockquote class="footnote"> +<a id="footnote5" name="footnote5"></a> <b>Footnote 5</b>: <a href="#footnotetag5">(return)</a> +<p> + General Preface, &c. +</p> +</blockquote> + +<blockquote class="footnote"> +<a id="footnote6" name="footnote6"></a> <b>Footnote 6</b>: <a href="#footnotetag6">(return)</a> +<p> + Many anecdotes are related in illustration of Sir Walter + Scott's excellent memory. The Ettrick Shepherd tells of + his attempting to sing his ballad of <i>Gilmanscleuch</i>, + which had never been printed or penned, but which the + Shepherd had sung once over to Sir Walter three years + previously. On the second attempt to sing it, says the + Shepherd, "in the eighth or ninth verse, I stuck in it, + and could not get on with another line; on which he (Sir + Walter) began it a second time, and recited it every word + from beginning to the end of the eighty-eighth stanza:" + and, on the Shepherd expressing his astonishment, Sir + Walter related that he had recited that ballad and one of + Southey's, but which ballads he had only heard once from + their respective authors, and he believed he had recited + them both without missing a word. Sir Walter also used to + relate that his friend, Mr. Thomas Campbell, called upon + him one evening to show him the manuscript of a poem he + had written—<i>The Pleasures of Hope</i>. Sir Walter happened + to have some fine old whisky in his house, and his friend + sat down and had a tumbler or two of punch. Mr. Campbell + left him, but Sir Walter thought he would dip into the + manuscript before going to bed. He opened it, read, and + read again—charmed with the classical grace, purity, and + stateliness of that finest of all our modern didactic + poems. Next morning Mr. Campbell again called, when to his + inexpressible surprise, his friend on returning the + manuscript to its owner, said he should guard well against + piracy, for that he himself could repeat the poem from + beginning to end! The poet dared him to the task, when Sir + Walter Scott began and actually repeated the whole, + consisting of more than two thousand lines, with the + omission of only a few couplets.—<i>Inverness Courier</i>. +</p> +</blockquote> + +<blockquote class="footnote"> +<a id="footnote7" name="footnote7"></a> <b>Footnote 7</b>: <a href="#footnotetag7">(return)</a> +<p> + Memoir in the <i>Athenaeum</i>. +</p> +</blockquote> + +<blockquote class="footnote"> +<a id="footnote8" name="footnote8"></a> <b>Footnote 8</b>: <a href="#footnotetag8">(return)</a> +<p> + Sir Walter possessed a practical as well as theoretical + knowledge of Landscape Gardening, as may be seen in a + valuable paper contributed by him to No. 47, of the + <i>Quarterly Review</i>. The details of this paper were, + however, disputed by some writers on the subject. +</p> +</blockquote> + +<blockquote class="footnote"> +<a id="footnote9" name="footnote9"></a> <b>Footnote 9</b>: <a href="#footnotetag9">(return)</a> +<p> + Communicated to No. 199, of <i>The Athenaeum</i>. The mansion + was built from designs by Atkinson. Sir Walter may, + however, be termed the amateur architect of the pile, and + this may somewhat explain its irregularities. We have been + told that the earliest design of Abbotsford was furnished + by the late Mr. Terry, the comedian, who was an intimate + friend of Sir Walter, and originally an architect by + profession. His widow, one of the Nasmyths, has painted a + clever View of Abbotsford, from the opposite bank of the + Tweed; which is engraved in No. 427, of <i>The Mirror</i>. +</p> +</blockquote> + +<blockquote class="footnote"> +<a id="footnote10" name="footnote10"></a> <b>Footnote 10</b>: <a href="#footnotetag10">(return)</a> +<p> + Picture of Scotland, by Chambers. +</p> +</blockquote> + +<blockquote class="footnote"> +<a id="footnote11" name="footnote11"></a> <b>Footnote 11</b>: <a href="#footnotetag11">(return)</a> +<p> + Abridged from the General Preface, &c. +</p> +</blockquote> + +<blockquote class="footnote"> +<a id="footnote12" name="footnote12"></a> <b>Footnote 12</b>: <a href="#footnotetag12">(return)</a> +<p> + Sir Henry Wootton's <i>Elements of Architecture</i>. +</p> +</blockquote> + +<blockquote class="footnote"> +<a id="footnote13" name="footnote13"></a> <b>Footnote 13</b>: <a href="#footnotetag13">(return)</a> +<p> + Evelyn's <i>Diary</i>. +</p> +</blockquote> + +<blockquote class="footnote"> +<a id="footnote14" name="footnote14"></a> <b>Footnote 14</b>: <a href="#footnotetag14">(return)</a> +<p> + Cunningham. +</p> +</blockquote> + +<blockquote class="footnote"> +<a id="footnote15" name="footnote15"></a> <b>Footnote 15</b>: <a href="#footnotetag15">(return)</a> +<p> + Mr. Chambers describes Sir Walter's eyebrows as so shaggy + and prominent, that, when he was reading or writing at a + table, they <i>completely</i> shrouded the eyes beneath; and + the Ettrick Shepherd speaks of Sir Walter's shaggy + eyebrows dipping deep over his eyes. +</p> +</blockquote> + +<blockquote class="footnote"> +<a id="footnote16" name="footnote16"></a> <b>Footnote 16</b>: <a href="#footnotetag16">(return)</a> +<p> + One of the amusements of Sir Walter's retirement was to + walk out frequently among his plantations at Abbotsford, + with a small hatchet and hand-saw, with which he lopped + off superfluous boughs, or removed an entire tree when it + was marring the growth of others. The author of + <i>Anastasius</i> delighted in a similar pursuit; he would + stroll for hours through the winding walks of the + Deepdene plantation, and with a small hatchet or shears + lop off the luxuriant twigs or branches that might spoil + the trim neatness of the path. +</p> +</blockquote> + +<blockquote class="footnote"> +<a id="footnote17" name="footnote17"></a> <b>Footnote 17</b>: <a href="#footnotetag17">(return)</a> +<p> + A portrait of Sir Walter was painted by Knight for the + late Mr. Terry, in the year 1825: it is described in the + <i>Literary Gazette</i> as, "particularly excellent," and was + unfortunately destroyed a short time since by a fire at + the house of Mr. Harding, Finchley, in whose possession + it was. This portrait, it is feared, has not been + engraved.—See <i>Literary Gazette</i>, No. 819. +</p> +</blockquote> + +<blockquote class="footnote"> +<a id="footnote18" name="footnote18"></a> <b>Footnote 18</b>: <a href="#footnotetag18">(return)</a> +<p> + Hogg is indebted to Sir Walter for many valuable + suggestions of subjects for his ballads, &c. There is + touching gratitude in the following lines by the + Shepherd, in his dedication of the <i>Mountain Bard</i> to + Scott: + + Bless'd be his generous heart for aye; + He told me where the relic lay; + Pointed my way with ready will, + Afar on Ettrick's wildest hill; + Watch'd my first notes with curious eye, + And wonder'd at my minstrelsy: + He little ween'd a parent's tongue + Such strains had o'er my cradle sung. +</p> +</blockquote> + +<blockquote class="footnote"> +<a id="footnote19" name="footnote19"></a> <b>Footnote 19</b>: <a href="#footnotetag19">(return)</a> +<p> + First printed in the <i>Literary Gazette,</i> No. 819. +</p> +</blockquote> + + + +<hr class="full" /> + +<p> +<i>Printed and published by J. LIMBIRD, 143, Strand, (near Somerset +House,) London.</i> +</p> +<hr class="full" /> + + + + + + + + +<pre> + + + + + +End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of The Mirror of Literature, Amusement, +and Instruction, No. 571, by Various + +*** END OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK MIRROR OF LITERATURE, NO. 571 *** + +***** This file should be named 12054-h.htm or 12054-h.zip ***** +This and all associated files of various formats will be found in: + https://www.gutenberg.org/1/2/0/5/12054/ + +Produced by Jonathan Ingram, Gregory Margo and PG Distributed +Proofreaders + + +Updated editions will replace the previous one--the old editions +will be renamed. + +Creating the works from public domain print editions means that no +one owns a United States copyright in these works, so the Foundation +(and you!) can copy and distribute it in the United States without +permission and without paying copyright royalties. Special rules, +set forth in the General Terms of Use part of this license, apply to +copying and distributing Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works to +protect the PROJECT GUTENBERG-tm concept and trademark. Project +Gutenberg is a registered trademark, and may not be used if you +charge for the eBooks, unless you receive specific permission. If you +do not charge anything for copies of this eBook, complying with the +rules is very easy. You may use this eBook for nearly any purpose +such as creation of derivative works, reports, performances and +research. They may be modified and printed and given away--you may do +practically ANYTHING with public domain eBooks. Redistribution is +subject to the trademark license, especially commercial +redistribution. + + + +*** START: FULL LICENSE *** + +THE FULL PROJECT GUTENBERG LICENSE +PLEASE READ THIS BEFORE YOU DISTRIBUTE OR USE THIS WORK + +To protect the Project Gutenberg-tm mission of promoting the free +distribution of electronic works, by using or distributing this work +(or any other work associated in any way with the phrase "Project +Gutenberg"), you agree to comply with all the terms of the Full Project +Gutenberg-tm License (available with this file or online at +https://gutenberg.org/license). + + +Section 1. General Terms of Use and Redistributing Project Gutenberg-tm +electronic works + +1.A. By reading or using any part of this Project Gutenberg-tm +electronic work, you indicate that you have read, understand, agree to +and accept all the terms of this license and intellectual property +(trademark/copyright) agreement. If you do not agree to abide by all +the terms of this agreement, you must cease using and return or destroy +all copies of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works in your possession. +If you paid a fee for obtaining a copy of or access to a Project +Gutenberg-tm electronic work and you do not agree to be bound by the +terms of this agreement, you may obtain a refund from the person or +entity to whom you paid the fee as set forth in paragraph 1.E.8. + +1.B. "Project Gutenberg" is a registered trademark. It may only be +used on or associated in any way with an electronic work by people who +agree to be bound by the terms of this agreement. There are a few +things that you can do with most Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works +even without complying with the full terms of this agreement. See +paragraph 1.C below. There are a lot of things you can do with Project +Gutenberg-tm electronic works if you follow the terms of this agreement +and help preserve free future access to Project Gutenberg-tm electronic +works. See paragraph 1.E below. + +1.C. The Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation ("the Foundation" +or PGLAF), owns a compilation copyright in the collection of Project +Gutenberg-tm electronic works. Nearly all the individual works in the +collection are in the public domain in the United States. If an +individual work is in the public domain in the United States and you are +located in the United States, we do not claim a right to prevent you from +copying, distributing, performing, displaying or creating derivative +works based on the work as long as all references to Project Gutenberg +are removed. Of course, we hope that you will support the Project +Gutenberg-tm mission of promoting free access to electronic works by +freely sharing Project Gutenberg-tm works in compliance with the terms of +this agreement for keeping the Project Gutenberg-tm name associated with +the work. You can easily comply with the terms of this agreement by +keeping this work in the same format with its attached full Project +Gutenberg-tm License when you share it without charge with others. + +1.D. The copyright laws of the place where you are located also govern +what you can do with this work. Copyright laws in most countries are in +a constant state of change. If you are outside the United States, check +the laws of your country in addition to the terms of this agreement +before downloading, copying, displaying, performing, distributing or +creating derivative works based on this work or any other Project +Gutenberg-tm work. The Foundation makes no representations concerning +the copyright status of any work in any country outside the United +States. + +1.E. Unless you have removed all references to Project Gutenberg: + +1.E.1. The following sentence, with active links to, or other immediate +access to, the full Project Gutenberg-tm License must appear prominently +whenever any copy of a Project Gutenberg-tm work (any work on which the +phrase "Project Gutenberg" appears, or with which the phrase "Project +Gutenberg" is associated) is accessed, displayed, performed, viewed, +copied or distributed: + +This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with +almost no restrictions whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or +re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included +with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.org + +1.E.2. If an individual Project Gutenberg-tm electronic work is derived +from the public domain (does not contain a notice indicating that it is +posted with permission of the copyright holder), the work can be copied +and distributed to anyone in the United States without paying any fees +or charges. If you are redistributing or providing access to a work +with the phrase "Project Gutenberg" associated with or appearing on the +work, you must comply either with the requirements of paragraphs 1.E.1 +through 1.E.7 or obtain permission for the use of the work and the +Project Gutenberg-tm trademark as set forth in paragraphs 1.E.8 or +1.E.9. + +1.E.3. If an individual Project Gutenberg-tm electronic work is posted +with the permission of the copyright holder, your use and distribution +must comply with both paragraphs 1.E.1 through 1.E.7 and any additional +terms imposed by the copyright holder. Additional terms will be linked +to the Project Gutenberg-tm License for all works posted with the +permission of the copyright holder found at the beginning of this work. + +1.E.4. Do not unlink or detach or remove the full Project Gutenberg-tm +License terms from this work, or any files containing a part of this +work or any other work associated with Project Gutenberg-tm. + +1.E.5. Do not copy, display, perform, distribute or redistribute this +electronic work, or any part of this electronic work, without +prominently displaying the sentence set forth in paragraph 1.E.1 with +active links or immediate access to the full terms of the Project +Gutenberg-tm License. + +1.E.6. You may convert to and distribute this work in any binary, +compressed, marked up, nonproprietary or proprietary form, including any +word processing or hypertext form. However, if you provide access to or +distribute copies of a Project Gutenberg-tm work in a format other than +"Plain Vanilla ASCII" or other format used in the official version +posted on the official Project Gutenberg-tm web site (www.gutenberg.org), +you must, at no additional cost, fee or expense to the user, provide a +copy, a means of exporting a copy, or a means of obtaining a copy upon +request, of the work in its original "Plain Vanilla ASCII" or other +form. Any alternate format must include the full Project Gutenberg-tm +License as specified in paragraph 1.E.1. + +1.E.7. Do not charge a fee for access to, viewing, displaying, +performing, copying or distributing any Project Gutenberg-tm works +unless you comply with paragraph 1.E.8 or 1.E.9. + +1.E.8. You may charge a reasonable fee for copies of or providing +access to or distributing Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works provided +that + +- You pay a royalty fee of 20% of the gross profits you derive from + the use of Project Gutenberg-tm works calculated using the method + you already use to calculate your applicable taxes. The fee is + owed to the owner of the Project Gutenberg-tm trademark, but he + has agreed to donate royalties under this paragraph to the + Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation. Royalty payments + must be paid within 60 days following each date on which you + prepare (or are legally required to prepare) your periodic tax + returns. Royalty payments should be clearly marked as such and + sent to the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation at the + address specified in Section 4, "Information about donations to + the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation." + +- You provide a full refund of any money paid by a user who notifies + you in writing (or by e-mail) within 30 days of receipt that s/he + does not agree to the terms of the full Project Gutenberg-tm + License. You must require such a user to return or + destroy all copies of the works possessed in a physical medium + and discontinue all use of and all access to other copies of + Project Gutenberg-tm works. + +- You provide, in accordance with paragraph 1.F.3, a full refund of any + money paid for a work or a replacement copy, if a defect in the + electronic work is discovered and reported to you within 90 days + of receipt of the work. + +- You comply with all other terms of this agreement for free + distribution of Project Gutenberg-tm works. + +1.E.9. If you wish to charge a fee or distribute a Project Gutenberg-tm +electronic work or group of works on different terms than are set +forth in this agreement, you must obtain permission in writing from +both the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation and Michael +Hart, the owner of the Project Gutenberg-tm trademark. Contact the +Foundation as set forth in Section 3 below. + +1.F. + +1.F.1. Project Gutenberg volunteers and employees expend considerable +effort to identify, do copyright research on, transcribe and proofread +public domain works in creating the Project Gutenberg-tm +collection. Despite these efforts, Project Gutenberg-tm electronic +works, and the medium on which they may be stored, may contain +"Defects," such as, but not limited to, incomplete, inaccurate or +corrupt data, transcription errors, a copyright or other intellectual +property infringement, a defective or damaged disk or other medium, a +computer virus, or computer codes that damage or cannot be read by +your equipment. + +1.F.2. LIMITED WARRANTY, DISCLAIMER OF DAMAGES - Except for the "Right +of Replacement or Refund" described in paragraph 1.F.3, the Project +Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation, the owner of the Project +Gutenberg-tm trademark, and any other party distributing a Project +Gutenberg-tm electronic work under this agreement, disclaim all +liability to you for damages, costs and expenses, including legal +fees. YOU AGREE THAT YOU HAVE NO REMEDIES FOR NEGLIGENCE, STRICT +LIABILITY, BREACH OF WARRANTY OR BREACH OF CONTRACT EXCEPT THOSE +PROVIDED IN PARAGRAPH F3. YOU AGREE THAT THE FOUNDATION, THE +TRADEMARK OWNER, AND ANY DISTRIBUTOR UNDER THIS AGREEMENT WILL NOT BE +LIABLE TO YOU FOR ACTUAL, DIRECT, INDIRECT, CONSEQUENTIAL, PUNITIVE OR +INCIDENTAL DAMAGES EVEN IF YOU GIVE NOTICE OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH +DAMAGE. + +1.F.3. LIMITED RIGHT OF REPLACEMENT OR REFUND - If you discover a +defect in this electronic work within 90 days of receiving it, you can +receive a refund of the money (if any) you paid for it by sending a +written explanation to the person you received the work from. If you +received the work on a physical medium, you must return the medium with +your written explanation. The person or entity that provided you with +the defective work may elect to provide a replacement copy in lieu of a +refund. If you received the work electronically, the person or entity +providing it to you may choose to give you a second opportunity to +receive the work electronically in lieu of a refund. If the second copy +is also defective, you may demand a refund in writing without further +opportunities to fix the problem. + +1.F.4. Except for the limited right of replacement or refund set forth +in paragraph 1.F.3, this work is provided to you 'AS-IS' WITH NO OTHER +WARRANTIES OF ANY KIND, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO +WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTIBILITY OR FITNESS FOR ANY PURPOSE. + +1.F.5. Some states do not allow disclaimers of certain implied +warranties or the exclusion or limitation of certain types of damages. +If any disclaimer or limitation set forth in this agreement violates the +law of the state applicable to this agreement, the agreement shall be +interpreted to make the maximum disclaimer or limitation permitted by +the applicable state law. The invalidity or unenforceability of any +provision of this agreement shall not void the remaining provisions. + +1.F.6. INDEMNITY - You agree to indemnify and hold the Foundation, the +trademark owner, any agent or employee of the Foundation, anyone +providing copies of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works in accordance +with this agreement, and any volunteers associated with the production, +promotion and distribution of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works, +harmless from all liability, costs and expenses, including legal fees, +that arise directly or indirectly from any of the following which you do +or cause to occur: (a) distribution of this or any Project Gutenberg-tm +work, (b) alteration, modification, or additions or deletions to any +Project Gutenberg-tm work, and (c) any Defect you cause. + + +Section 2. Information about the Mission of Project Gutenberg-tm + +Project Gutenberg-tm is synonymous with the free distribution of +electronic works in formats readable by the widest variety of computers +including obsolete, old, middle-aged and new computers. It exists +because of the efforts of hundreds of volunteers and donations from +people in all walks of life. + +Volunteers and financial support to provide volunteers with the +assistance they need, is critical to reaching Project Gutenberg-tm's +goals and ensuring that the Project Gutenberg-tm collection will +remain freely available for generations to come. In 2001, the Project +Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation was created to provide a secure +and permanent future for Project Gutenberg-tm and future generations. +To learn more about the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation +and how your efforts and donations can help, see Sections 3 and 4 +and the Foundation web page at https://www.pglaf.org. + + +Section 3. Information about the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive +Foundation + +The Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation is a non profit +501(c)(3) educational corporation organized under the laws of the +state of Mississippi and granted tax exempt status by the Internal +Revenue Service. The Foundation's EIN or federal tax identification +number is 64-6221541. Its 501(c)(3) letter is posted at +https://pglaf.org/fundraising. Contributions to the Project Gutenberg +Literary Archive Foundation are tax deductible to the full extent +permitted by U.S. federal laws and your state's laws. + +The Foundation's principal office is located at 4557 Melan Dr. S. +Fairbanks, AK, 99712., but its volunteers and employees are scattered +throughout numerous locations. Its business office is located at +809 North 1500 West, Salt Lake City, UT 84116, (801) 596-1887, email +business@pglaf.org. Email contact links and up to date contact +information can be found at the Foundation's web site and official +page at https://pglaf.org + +For additional contact information: + Dr. Gregory B. Newby + Chief Executive and Director + gbnewby@pglaf.org + +Section 4. Information about Donations to the Project Gutenberg +Literary Archive Foundation + +Project Gutenberg-tm depends upon and cannot survive without wide +spread public support and donations to carry out its mission of +increasing the number of public domain and licensed works that can be +freely distributed in machine readable form accessible by the widest +array of equipment including outdated equipment. Many small donations +($1 to $5,000) are particularly important to maintaining tax exempt +status with the IRS. + +The Foundation is committed to complying with the laws regulating +charities and charitable donations in all 50 states of the United +States. Compliance requirements are not uniform and it takes a +considerable effort, much paperwork and many fees to meet and keep up +with these requirements. We do not solicit donations in locations +where we have not received written confirmation of compliance. To +SEND DONATIONS or determine the status of compliance for any +particular state visit https://pglaf.org + +While we cannot and do not solicit contributions from states where we +have not met the solicitation requirements, we know of no prohibition +against accepting unsolicited donations from donors in such states who +approach us with offers to donate. + +International donations are gratefully accepted, but we cannot make +any statements concerning tax treatment of donations received from +outside the United States. U.S. laws alone swamp our small staff. + +Please check the Project Gutenberg Web pages for current donation +methods and addresses. Donations are accepted in a number of other +ways including including checks, online payments and credit card +donations. To donate, please visit: https://pglaf.org/donate + + +Section 5. General Information About Project Gutenberg-tm electronic +works. + +Professor Michael S. Hart was the originator of the Project Gutenberg-tm +concept of a library of electronic works that could be freely shared +with anyone. For thirty years, he produced and distributed Project +Gutenberg-tm eBooks with only a loose network of volunteer support. + +Project Gutenberg-tm eBooks are often created from several printed +editions, all of which are confirmed as Public Domain in the U.S. +unless a copyright notice is included. Thus, we do not necessarily +keep eBooks in compliance with any particular paper edition. + +Each eBook is in a subdirectory of the same number as the eBook's +eBook number, often in several formats including plain vanilla ASCII, +compressed (zipped), HTML and others. + +Corrected EDITIONS of our eBooks replace the old file and take over +the old filename and etext number. The replaced older file is renamed. +VERSIONS based on separate sources are treated as new eBooks receiving +new filenames and etext numbers. + +Most people start at our Web site which has the main PG search facility: + + https://www.gutenberg.org + +This Web site includes information about Project Gutenberg-tm, +including how to make donations to the Project Gutenberg Literary +Archive Foundation, how to help produce our new eBooks, and how to +subscribe to our email newsletter to hear about new eBooks. + +EBooks posted prior to November 2003, with eBook numbers BELOW #10000, +are filed in directories based on their release date. If you want to +download any of these eBooks directly, rather than using the regular +search system you may utilize the following addresses and just +download by the etext year. + + https://www.gutenberg.org/etext06 + + (Or /etext 05, 04, 03, 02, 01, 00, 99, + 98, 97, 96, 95, 94, 93, 92, 92, 91 or 90) + +EBooks posted since November 2003, with etext numbers OVER #10000, are +filed in a different way. The year of a release date is no longer part +of the directory path. The path is based on the etext number (which is +identical to the filename). The path to the file is made up of single +digits corresponding to all but the last digit in the filename. For +example an eBook of filename 10234 would be found at: + + https://www.gutenberg.org/1/0/2/3/10234 + +or filename 24689 would be found at: + https://www.gutenberg.org/2/4/6/8/24689 + +An alternative method of locating eBooks: + https://www.gutenberg.org/GUTINDEX.ALL + + + + +</pre> + +</body> +</html> diff --git a/old/12054-h/images/571sup-1.png b/old/12054-h/images/571sup-1.png Binary files differnew file mode 100644 index 0000000..4dc03b2 --- /dev/null +++ b/old/12054-h/images/571sup-1.png diff --git a/old/12054-h/images/571sup-2.png b/old/12054-h/images/571sup-2.png Binary files differnew file mode 100644 index 0000000..0ca014b --- /dev/null +++ b/old/12054-h/images/571sup-2.png diff --git a/old/12054-h/images/571sup-3.png b/old/12054-h/images/571sup-3.png Binary files differnew file mode 100644 index 0000000..529ff5f --- /dev/null +++ b/old/12054-h/images/571sup-3.png diff --git a/old/12054-h/images/571sup-4.png b/old/12054-h/images/571sup-4.png Binary files differnew file mode 100644 index 0000000..e88b92d --- /dev/null +++ b/old/12054-h/images/571sup-4.png diff --git a/old/12054-h/images/571sup-5.png b/old/12054-h/images/571sup-5.png Binary files differnew file mode 100644 index 0000000..0dcf219 --- /dev/null +++ b/old/12054-h/images/571sup-5.png diff --git a/old/12054.txt b/old/12054.txt new file mode 100644 index 0000000..9207262 --- /dev/null +++ b/old/12054.txt @@ -0,0 +1,1927 @@ +The Project Gutenberg EBook of The Mirror of Literature, Amusement, and +Instruction, No. 571, by Various + +This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with +almost no restrictions whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or +re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included +with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.org + + +Title: The Mirror of Literature, Amusement, and Instruction, No. 571 + Volume 20, No. 571--Supplementary Number + +Author: Various + +Release Date: April 15, 2004 [EBook #12054] + +Language: English + +Character set encoding: ASCII + +*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK MIRROR OF LITERATURE, NO. 571 *** + + + + +Produced by Jonathan Ingram, Gregory Margo and PG Distributed +Proofreaders + + + + + + +THE MIRROR OF LITERATURE, AMUSEMENT, AND INSTRUCTION. + +Vol. 20 No. 571.] SUPPLEMENTARY NUMBER. [PRICE 2d. + + + + * * * * * + + + +NOTICES OF THE LIFE AND WRITINGS OF THE LATE SIR WALTER SCOTT, BART. + + +With Five Engravings: + + 1. ABBOTSFORD, (_from the Garden_.) + 2. THE ARMOURY. + 3. THE POET'S STUDY. + 4. PORTRAIT--(_from the last painting_.) + 5. DRYBURGH ABBEY. + + +[Illustration: ABBOTSFORD, (FROM THE GARDEN, see page 247.)] + + +Sir Walter Scott was the third son of Walter Scott, Esq., Writer to +the Signet, in Edinburgh, and Anne, daughter of Dr. John Rutherford, +Professor of Medicine in the University of the above city. His +ancestry numbers several distinguished persons; though the well-earned +fame of Sir Walter Scott readers his pedigree comparatively +uninteresting; inasmuch as it illustrates the saw of an olden poet, +that + + Learning is an addition beyond + Nobility of birth: honour of blood, + Without the ornament of knowledge, is + A glorious ignorance. + +SHIRLEY. + +Sir Walter was born at Edinburgh, on the 15th of August, 1771--or, on +the birthday of Napoleon Buonaparte. His father was a man of +prosperous fortune and good report; and for many years was "an elder +in the parish church of Old Grey Friars, while Dr. Robertson, the +historian, acted as one of the ministers. The other clergyman was Dr. +John Erskine, of whom Sir Walter has given an animated picture in his +novel of _Guy Mannering_."[1] Mrs. Scott is described as a +well-educated gentlewoman, possessing considerable natural talents; +though she did not enjoy the acquaintance of Allan Ramsay, Blacklock, +Beattie, and Burns, as has been stated by some biographers. She, +however, advantageously mixed in literary society, and from her +superintendence of the early education of her eldest son, Walter, +there is reason to infer that such advantages may have influenced his +habits and taste. He was the third of a family, consisting of six sons +and one daughter. The cleverest of the sons is stated by Sir Walter to +have been Daniel, a sailor, who died young. Thomas, the next brother +to Sir Walter, was a man of considerable talent, and before the avowal +of the authorship of the Waverley Novels, report ascribed to him a +great part or the whole of them. Sir Walter observes--"Those who +remember that gentleman (of the 70th regiment, then stationed in +Canada) will readily grant, that, with general talent at least equal +to those of his elder brother, he added a power of social humour, and +a deep insight into human character, which rendered him an universally +delightful member of society, and that the habit of composition alone +was wanting to render him equally successful as a writer. The Author +of Waverley was so persuaded of the truth of this, that he warmly +pressed his brother to make such an experiment, and willingly +undertook all the trouble of correcting and superintending the press." +Ill health, however, unfitted Mr. Scott for the task, though "the +author believes his brother would have made himself distinguished in +that striking field, in which, since that period, Mr. Cooper has +achieved so many triumphs."[2] + + [1] Chamber's Life of Sir Walter Scott. + + [2] General Preface to the Waverley Novels, 41 vols. + +The house in which Sir Walter Scott was born no longer exists. It was +situated at the head of the College Wynd, at its entrance into North +College-street. It was thus described by Sir Walter in 1825:--"It +consisted of two flats above Mr. Keith's, and belonged to my father, +Mr. Walter Scott, Writer to the Signet. There I had the chance to be +born, 15th of August, 1771. My father, soon after my birth, removed to +George's Square, and let the house in the College Wynd, first to Mr. +Dundas, of Philipstoun, and afterwards to Mr. William Keith, father of +Sir Alexander Keith. It was purchased by the public, together with Mr. +Keith's (the inferior floors), and pulled down to make way for the new +College." + + +CHILDHOOD. + + +Mr. Cunningham relates some interesting particulars of this period. +Before Sir Walter was two years old, his nurse let him fall out of her +arms, so as to injure his right foot, and render him lame for life: +"This accident did not otherwise affect his health; he was, as I have +been informed by a lady who chanced to live near him, a remarkably +active and dauntless boy, full of all manner of fun, and ready for all +manner of mischief. He calls himself, in one of his introductions to +_Marmion_-- + + A self-willed imp; a grondame's child; + +and I have heard it averred, that the circumstance of his lame foot +prompted him to take the lead among all the stirring boys in the +street where he lived, or the school which he attended: he desired, +perhaps, to show them, that there was a spirit which could triumph +over all impediments."[3] If this statement be correct, it is a +somewhat remarkable coincidence with the circumstance of Lord Byron's +lameness; though, happily, the influence of the accident on the +temperament of Scott is not traceable beyond his early years. + + [3] Life of Sir Walter Scott; in the Athenaeum, No. 258. + +Sir Walter was subsequently removed from Edinburgh, for the +improvement of his health, to the farm-house of Sandyknowe, then +inhabited by his paternal grandfather, and situated in the loveliest +part of the Vale of Tweed. In the neighbourhood, upon a considerable +eminence, stands Smailholm Tower, a Border fort which the future poet +enshrined in his admirable ballad, _The Eve of St. John_. The romantic +influence of the scenery of the whole district is told with much +vigour and sweetness in the introduction to the third canto of +_Marmion_. + + +EDUCATION. + + +Little is known of the schooldom of Scott, that denotes anything like +precocious talent. It is, however better ascertained that his early +rambles amidst the Tweed scenery retarded his educational pursuits. He +received the rudiments of knowledge under the home tuition of his +mother; next attended an ordinary school at Edinburgh, and was then +placed at the High School, his name first appearing in the school +register in the year 1779. His masters, Mr. Luke Fraser, and Dr. Adam, +were erudite and pains-taking teachers; but, to borrow a phrase from +Montaigne, they could neither lodge it with him, nor make him espouse +it, and Chambers illustratively relates, "apparently, neither the care +of the master, nor the inborn genius of the pupil, availed much in +this case; for it is said that the twenty-fifth place was no uncommon +situation in the class for the future Author of the Waverley Novels." +Perhaps the only anecdote of any early indication of talent that can +be relied on is that related by Mr. Cunningham, of Burns:--"The poet, +while at Professor Ferguson's one day, was struck by some lines +attached to a print of a Soldier dying in the snow, and inquired who +was the author: none of the old or the learned spoke, when the future +author of _Marmion_ answered, 'They are by Langhorne.' Burns, fixing +his large, bright eyes on the boy, and, striding up to him, said, it +is no common course of reading which has taught you this--'this lad,' +said he to the company, will be heard of yet." + +At school, Sir Walter represents himself to have excelled in what may +be termed the _art_, or, as Swift calls it, the "knack," of narrating +a story, which, by the way, is as companionable an acquirement at +school as elsewhere. His account is as follows:--"I must refer to a +very early period of my life, were I to point out my first +achievements as a tale-teller--but I believe some of my old +school-fellows can still bear witness that I had a distinguished +character for that talent, at a time when the applause of my +companions was my recompense for the disgraces and punishments which +the future romance writer incurred for being idle himself, and keeping +others idle, during hours that should have been employed on our tasks. +The chief enjoyment of my holydays was to escape with a chosen friend, +who had the same taste with myself, and alternately to recite to each +other such wild adventures as we were able to devise. We told, each in +turn, interminable tales of knight-errantry and battles and +enchantments, which were continued from one day to another as +opportunity offered, without our ever thinking of bringing them to a +conclusion. As we observed a strict secresy on the subject of this +intercourse, it acquired all the character of a concealed pleasure; +and we used to select for the scenes of our indulgence, long walks +through the solitary and romantic environs of Arthur's Seat, Salisbury +Crags, Braid Hills, and similar places in the vicinity of Edinburgh, +and the recollection of those holydays still forms an _oasis_ in the +pilgrimage which I have to look back upon."[4] + + [4] General Preface, p. ii. + +This excellence in tale-telling drew Scott's attention from graver +studies; but it was an indication of genius which may be regarded as +the corner-stone of his future fame. This reminds us of Steele's idea, +that "a story-teller is born as well as a poet." Scott, about this +time, received some instructions in music, which was then considered a +branch of ordinary education in Scotland; but the future poet, to use +a familiar expression, wanted "an ear." Throughout life he, however, +was highly susceptible of the delights of music, though his own +execution was confined to a single song, with which he attempted to +enliven the social board, but, it is stated, with such unmusical +oddity as to content his hearers with a single specimen of his vocal +talent. His early rambles around the "hills and holms of the border," +is said to have kindled in Scott the love of painting landscapes, not +strictly in accordance with the rules of art, though certainly from +nature herself. Such attempts in art, by the way, are by no means +uncommon in the early lives of men of genius; and, they are to be +regarded, in many instances as their earliest appreciation of the +beauties of nature. + +In 1783, Scott was placed at the University of Edinburgh, where his +studies were as irregular as at the High School: at the latter he is +said to have made his first attempt at versification in the +description of a thunderstorm in six lines, the recital of which +afforded his mother considerable pleasure and promise; and, on another +occasion, he is stated to have remarked, during a journey over a +sterile district of Scotland, in a day of drizzling rain, "It is only +nature weeping for the barrenness of her soil." + + +LOVE OF READING. + + +Scott's early love of reading is described to have been of +enthusiastic character, and to have been fostered by an accident at +this period of his life. He had just given over the amusements of +boyhood, and began to prepare himself for the serious business of +life, or the study of the law, when, to use his own words, "a long +illness threw him back on the kingdom of fiction, as it were by a +species of fatality." His autobiography of this period is extremely +interesting:--"My indisposition arose in part at least, from my having +broken a blood-vessel; and motion and speech were for a long time +pronounced positively dangerous. For several weeks I was confined +strictly to my bed, during which time I was not allowed to speak above +a whisper, to eat more than a spoonful or two of boiled rice, or to +have more covering than one thin counterpane. When the reader is +informed that I was at this time a growing youth, with the spirits, +appetite, and impatience of fifteen, and suffered, of course, greatly +under this severe regimen, which the repeated return of my disorder +rendered indispensable, he will not be surprised that I was abandoned +to my own discretion, so far as reading (my almost sole amusement) was +concerned, and still less so, that I abused the indulgence which left +my time so much at my own disposal. + +"There was at this time a circulating library at Edinburgh, founded, I +believe, by the celebrated Allan Ramsay, which, besides containing a +most respectable collection of books of every description, was, as +might have been expected, peculiarly rich in works of fiction. I was +plunged into this great ocean of reading without compass or pilot; and +unless when some one had the charity to play at chess with me, I was +allowed to do nothing save read, from morning to night. As my taste +and appetite were gratified in nothing else, I indemnified myself by +becoming a glutton of books. Accordingly, I believe, I read almost all +the old romances, old plays, and epic poetry, in that formidable +collection, and no doubt was unconsciously amassing materials for the +task in which it has been my lot to be so much employed. + +"At the same time, I did not in all respects abuse the license +permitted me. Familiar acquaintance with the specious miracles of +fiction brought with it some degree of satiety, and I began by degrees +to seek in histories, memoirs, voyages and travels, and the like, +events nearly as wonderful as those which were the works of the +imagination, with the additional advantage that they were, at least, +in a great measure true. The lapse of nearly two years, during which I +was left to the service of my own free will, was followed by a +temporary residence in the country, where I was again very lonely, but +for the amusement which I derived from a good, though old-fashioned, +library. The vague and wild use which I made of this advantage I +cannot describe better than by referring my reader to the desultory +studies of Waverley in a similar situation; the passages concerning +whose reading were imitated from recollections of my own."[5] + + [5] General Preface, &c. + + +STUDIES IN THE LAW. + + +Upon the re-establishment of his health, Scott returned to Edinburgh, +and resumed his studies in the law, which had been interrupted by +illness. He states his progress to have been neither slow nor +unsatisfactory, though by others he is said to have been an indolent +student. He speaks of his "severe studies" occupying the greater part +of his time, and amidst their dulness he seems to have underrated the +incidents of his private life, which he afterwards related to the +world with some share of self-satisfaction. + +He appears to have succeeded tolerably in his legal lucubrations; for, +in 1792, he was called to the bar as an advocate. He established +himself in good style in Edinburgh, but had little practice; though +the accounts of his progress are somewhat contradictory. That he +passed much of his time in acquiring other than professional knowledge +is more certain, though he rarely attempted composition. Mr. Chambers, +with all his diligence and advantages for research, (and they are very +meritorious and considerable,) "has not been able to detect any +fugitive pieces of Sir Walter's in any of the periodical publications +of the day, nor even any attempt to get one intruded (?) unless the +following notice in Dr. Anderson's _Bee_ for May 9, 1792, refers to +him:--'The Editor regrets that the verses of _W.S._ are _too defective +for publication_.'" + + +FIRST LITERARY ATTEMPTS. + + +About this time Sir Walter employed his leisure in collecting the +ballad poetry of the Scottish Border. His inducement to this task was +subsequently described by him as follows:-- + +"A period," says Sir Walter, "when this particular taste for the +popular ballad was in the most extravagant degree of fashion, became +the occasion, unexpectedly indeed, of my deserting the profession to +which I was educated, and in which I had sufficiently advantageous +prospects for a person of limited ambition. * * I may remark that, +although the assertion has been made, it is a mistake to suppose that +my situation in life or place in society were materially altered by +such success as I attained in literary attempts. My birth, without +giving the least pretension to distinction, was that of a gentleman, +and connected me with several respectable families and accomplished +persons. My education had been a good one, although I was deprived of +its full benefit by indifferent health, just at the period when I +ought to have been most sedulous in improving it." He then describes +his circumstances as easy, with a moderate degree of business for his +standing, and "the friendship of more than one person of +consideration, efficiently disposed to aid his views in life." In +short, he describes himself as "beyond all apprehension of want." He +then notices the low ebb of poetry in Britain for the previous ten +years; the fashionable but slender poetical reputation of Hayley, then +in the wane; "the Bard of Memory slumbered on his laurels, and he of +Hope had scarce begun to attract his share of public attention;" +Cowper was dead, and had not left an extensive popularity; "Burns, +whose genius our southern neighbours could hardly yet comprehend, had +long confined himself to song-writing; and the realms of Parnassus +seemed to lie open to the first bold invader." The gradual +introduction of German literature into this country during such a +dearth of native talent, now led Sir Walter to the study of the German +language. He also became acquainted with Mr. G. Lewis, author of _The +Monk_, who had already published some successful imitations of the +German ballad school. "Out of this acquaintance," says Sir Walter, +"consequences arose, which altered almost all the Scottish +ballad-maker's future prospects of life. In early youth I had been an +eager student of ballad poetry, and the tree is still in my +recollection, beneath which I lay and first entered upon the +enchanting perusal of Percy's Reliques of Ancient Poetry. The taste of +another person had strongly encouraged my own researches into this +species of legendary lore; but I had never dreamed of an attempt to +imitate what gave me so much pleasure." He then speaks of some +successful metrical translations which he made at the High School; but +in original rhyme he was less fortunate. "In short," says Sir Walter, +"except the usual tribute to a mistress' eyebrow, which is the +language of passion rather than poetry, I had not for ten years +indulged the wish to couple so much as _love_ and _dove_, when finding +Lewis in possession of so much reputation, and, conceiving that, if I +fell behind him in poetical powers, I considerably exceeded him in +general information, I suddenly took it into my head to attempt the +style by which he had raised himself to fame." Sir Walter next hearing +a striking passage from Mr. W. Taylor's translation of Buerger's +_Leonore_, was induced to procure a copy of the original poem from +Germany, and "the book had only been a few hours in my possession, +when I found myself giving an animated account of the poem to a +friend, and rashly added a promise to furnish a copy in English ballad +verse. I well recollect that I began my task after supper, and +finished it about daybreak the next morning, (it consists of 66 +stanzas,) by which time the ideas which the task had a tendency to +summon up, were rather of an uncomfortable character." This success +encouraged Sir Walter to publish his translation of _Leonore_ with +that of _Der Wilde Jager_ (the Wild Huntsman,) in a thin quarto; but, +other translations appearing at the same time, Sir Walter's adventure +proved a dead loss: "and a great part of the edition was condemned to +the service of the trunk-maker." This failure did not discourage Sir +Walter; for, early in 1799 he published _Goetz of Berlinchingen_, a +tragedy, from the German of Goethe. We thus see that Sir Walter did +not conceal his obligation to Lewis, for his aid in his translations; +but Lord Byron's assertion that Monk Lewis corrected Scott's verse, +and that he understood little then of the mechanical part of it--is +far from true, as a comparison of their productions warrants us to +conclude. + +Sir Walter's first attempt at originality was in ballad poetry. He +says:--"The ballad called _Glenfinlas_ was, I think, the first +original poem which I ventured to compose. After _Glenfinlas_, I +undertook another ballad, called _The Eve of St. John_. The incidents, +except the hints alluded to in the notes, are entirely imaginary; but +the scene was that of my early childhood. Some idle persons had of +late years during the proprietor's absence, torn down the iron-grated +door of Smailholm Tower from its hinges, and thrown it down the rock." +Sir Walter prevailed on the proprietor to repair the mischief, on +condition that the young poet should write a ballad, of which the +scene should lie at Smailholm Tower, and among the crags where it is +situated. The ballad, as well as _Glenfinlas_, was approved of, and +procured Sir Walter many marks of attention and kindness from Duke +John of Roxburgh, who gave him the unlimited use of the Roxburgh club +library. + + +MINSTRELSY OF THE SCOTTISH BORDER. + + +This work, although not original, may be said to be the superstructure +of Sir Walter Scott's fame. It consists, as we have already hinted, of +the ballad poetry of the Border district; but to obtain this +vernacular literature was not the work of mere compilation. The +editor's task was not performed in the closet, but in a sort of +literary pilgrimage through a land of song, story, and romance. The +farmers and peasantry from whose recitation the ballads were to be set +down, were a primitive race; and the country among which oral +traditions, anecdotes, and legends were to be collected for notes +illustrative of the ballads, was of the most romantic character. Sir +Walter found the most fertile field in the pastoral vale of +Liddesdale, whither he travelled in an old gig with Mr. Shortreed, an +intelligent observer of the manners of the people. In these +researches, Sir Walter evinced a most retentive memory: he is stated +to have used neither pencil nor pen, but to have made his own +memoranda by cutting notches on twigs, or small sticks.[6] The +_Minstrelsy_ was published in 1802, in two volumes; it was reprinted +in the following year with a third volume, of imitations, by Scott and +others, of the ancient ballad; but Sir Walter refers to the second +edition as rather a heavy concern. + + [6] Many anecdotes are related in illustration of Sir Walter + Scott's excellent memory. The Ettrick Shepherd tells of + his attempting to sing his ballad of _Gilmanscleuch_, + which had never been printed or penned, but which the + Shepherd had sung once over to Sir Walter three years + previously. On the second attempt to sing it, says the + Shepherd, "in the eighth or ninth verse, I stuck in it, + and could not get on with another line; on which he (Sir + Walter) began it a second time, and recited it every word + from beginning to the end of the eighty-eighth stanza:" + and, on the Shepherd expressing his astonishment, Sir + Walter related that he had recited that ballad and one of + Southey's, but which ballads he had only heard once from + their respective authors, and he believed he had recited + them both without missing a word. Sir Walter also used to + relate that his friend, Mr. Thomas Campbell, called upon + him one evening to show him the manuscript of a poem he + had written--_The Pleasures of Hope_. Sir Walter happened + to have some fine old whisky in his house, and his friend + sat down and had a tumbler or two of punch. Mr. Campbell + left him, but Sir Walter thought he would dip into the + manuscript before going to bed. He opened it, read, and + read again--charmed with the classical grace, purity, and + stateliness of that finest of all our modern didactic + poems. Next morning Mr. Campbell again called, when to his + inexpressible surprise, his friend on returning the + manuscript to its owner, said he should guard well against + piracy, for that he himself could repeat the poem from + beginning to end! The poet dared him to the task, when Sir + Walter Scott began and actually repeated the whole, + consisting of more than two thousand lines, with the + omission of only a few couplets.--_Inverness Courier_. + + +MARRIAGE--SHERIFFDOM--LEAVES THE BAR. + + +Reverting to Sir Walter's domestic life, we should mention that in +1797, he married Miss Carpenter, a lady of Jersey, with an annuity of +400_l._; soon after which he established himself during the vacations, +in a delightful retreat at Lasswade, on the banks of the Esse, about +five miles to the south of Edinburgh. In 1799, he obtained the Crown +appointment of sheriff of Selkirkshire, with a salary of 300_l._ a +year; the duties of which office he is said to have performed with +kindness and justice. Mr. Cunningham relates that Sir Walter had a +high notion of the dignity which belonged to his post, and sternly +maintained it when any one seemed disposed to treat it with unbecoming +familiarity. On one occasion, it is said, when some foreign prince +passed through Selkirk, the populace, anxious to look on a live +prince, crowded round him so closely, that Scott, in vain attempted to +approach him; the poet's patience failed, and exclaiming "Room for +your sheriff! Room for your sheriff!" he pushed and elbowed the gapers +impatiently aside, and apologised to the prince for their +curiosity.[7] + + [7] Memoir in the _Athenaeum_. + +By the death of Sir Walter's father, his income was increased, and +this addition, with the salary of his sheriffdom, left him more at +leisure to indulge his literary pursuits. Soon after this period, +about 1803, Sir Walter finding that his attempts in literature had +been unfavourable to his success at the bar, says:--"My profession and +I, therefore, came to stand nearly upon the footing on which honest +Slender consoled himself with having established with Mrs. Anne Page. +'There was no great love between us at the beginning, and it pleased +Heaven to decrease it on farther acquaintance!' I became sensible that +the time was come when I must either buckle myself resolutely to 'the +toil by day, the lamp by night,' renouncing all the Dalilahs of my +imagination, or bid adieu to the profession of the law, and hold +another course. + +"I confess my own inclination revolted from the more severe choice, +which might have been deemed by many the wiser alternative. As my +transgressions had been numerous, my repentance must have been +signalized by unusual sacrifices. I ought to have mentioned that, +since my fourteenth or fifteenth year, my health, originally delicate, +had been extremely robust. From infancy I had laboured under the +infirmity of a severe lameness, but, as I believe is usually the case +with men of spirit who suffer under personal inconveniences of this +nature, I had, since the improvement of my health, in defiance of this +incapacitating circumstance, distinguished myself by the endurance of +toil on foot or horseback, having often walked thirty miles a-day, and +rode upwards of a hundred without stopping. In this manner I made many +pleasant journeys through parts of the country then not very +accessible, gaining more amusement and instruction than I have been +able to acquire since I have travelled in a more commodious manner. I +practised most sylvan sports also with some success and with great +delight. But these pleasures must have been all resigned, or used with +great moderation, had I determined to regain my station at the bar." +After well weighing these matters, Sir Walter resolved on quitting his +avocations in the law for literature; though he determined that +literature should be his staff but not his crutch, and that the +profits of his labour, however convenient otherwise, should not become +necessary to his ordinary expenses. + + +THE LAY OF THE LAST MINSTREL. + + +Sir Walter's secession from the law was followed by the production of +his noblest poem--_the Lay of the Last Minstrel_--the origin of which +is thus related by the author: + +"The lovely young Countess of Dalkeith, afterwards Harriet, Duchess of +Buccleuch, had come to the land of her husband, with the desire of +making herself acquainted with its traditions and customs. Of course, +where all made it a pride and pleasure to gratify her wishes, she soon +heard enough of Border lore; among others, an aged gentleman of +property, near Langholm, communicated to her ladyship the story of +Gilpin Horner--a tradition in which the narrator and many more of that +county were firm believers. The young Countess, much delighted with +the legend, and the gravity and full confidence with which it was +told, enjoined it on me as a task to compose a ballad on the subject. +Of course, to hear was to obey; and thus the goblin story, objected to +by several critics as an excrescence upon the poem, was, in fact, the +occasion of its being written." + +Sir Walter having composed the first two or three stanzas of the +poem--taking for his model the _Christabel_ of Coleridge--showed them +to two friends, "whose talents might have raised them to the highest +station in literature, had they not preferred exerting them in their +own profession of the law, in which they attained equal preferment." +They were more silent upon the merits of the stanzas than was +encouraging to the author; and Sir Walter, looking upon the attempt as +a failure, threw the manuscript into the fire, and thought as little +as he could of the matter. Sometime afterwards, Sir Walter meeting his +two friends, was asked how he proceeded in his romance;--they were +surprised at its fate, said they had reviewed their opinion, and +earnestly desired that Sir Walter would proceed with the composition. +He did so; and the poem was soon finished, proceeding at the rate of +about a canto per week. It was finally published in 1805, and produced +to the author 600_l._; and, to use his own words, "it may be regarded +as the first work in which the writer, who has been since so +voluminous, laid his claim to be considered as an original author." We +thus see that Sir Walter Scott was in his 34th year before he had +published an original work. + + +MARMION. + + +Sir Walter's second poem of consequence appeared in 1808, he having +published a few ballads and lyrical pieces during the year 1806. The +publishers, emboldened by the success of _the Lay of the Last +Minstrel_, gave the author 1,000_l._ for _Marmion_. Its success was +electric, and at once wrought up the poet's reputation. In his preface +to the last edition, April, 1830, he states 36,000 copies to have been +printed between 1808 and 1825, besides a considerable sale since that +period; and the publishers were so delighted with the success, as "to +supply the author's cellars with what is always an acceptable present +to a young Scotch house-keeper--namely, a hogshead of excellent +claret." + + +CLERK OF SESSION. + + +Between the appearance of _the Lay of the Last Minstrel_ and +_Marmion_, hopes were held out to him from an influential quarter of +the reversion of the office of a Principal Clerk in the Court of +Session; and, Mr. Pitt, having expressed a wish to be of service to +the author, of _the Lay of the Last Minstrel_, Sir Walter applied for +the reversion. His desire was readily acceeded to; and, according to +Chambers, George III. is reported to have said, when he signed the +commission, that "he was happy he had it in his power to reward a man +of genius, and a person of such distinguished merit." The King had +signed the document, and the office fees alone remained to be paid, +when Mr. Pitt died, and a new and opposite ministry succeeded. Sir +Walter, however, obtained the appointment, though not from the favour +of an administration differing from himself in politics, as has been +supposed; the grant having been obtained before Mr. Fox's direction +that the appointment should be conferred as a favour coming directly +from his administration. The duties were easy, and the profits about +1,200_l._ a year, though Sir Walter, according to arrangement, +performed the former for five or six years without salary, until the +retirement of his colleague. + + +EDITIONS OF DRYDEN AND SWIFT. + + +Sir Walter's next literary labour was the editorship of the _Works of +John Dryden_, with Notes. Critical and Explanatory, and a Life of the +Author: the chief aim of which appears to be the arrangement of the +"literary productions in their succession, as actuated by, and +operating upon, the taste of an age, where they had so predominating +an influence," and the connexion of the Life of Dryden with the +history of his publications. This he accomplished within a +twelvemonth. Sir Walter subsequently edited, upon a similar plan, an +edition of the _Works of Swift_.--Neither of these works can be said +to entitle Sir Walter to high rank as a biographer. + + +THE LADY OF THE LAKE + + +Was written in 1809, and published in 1810, and was considered by the +author as the best of his poetic compositions. He appears to have +taken more than ordinary pains in its accuracy, especially in +verifying the correctness of the local circumstances of the story. In +his introduction to a late edition of the poem, he says--"I recollect, +in particular, that to ascertain whether I was telling a probable +tale, I went into Perthshire, to see whether King James could actually +have ridden from the banks of Loch Venachar to Stirling Castle within +the time supposed in the poem, and had the pleasure to satisfy myself +that it was quite practicable." The success of the poem "was certainly +so extraordinary, as to induce him for the moment to conclude, that he +had at last fixed a nail in the proverbially inconstant wheel of +Fortune, whose stability in behalf of an individual, who had so boldly +courted her favours for three successive times, had not as yet been +shaken." + + +ABBOTSFORD.--(_See the Cuts_.) + + +Since Sir Walter's appointment to the sheriffdom of Selkirkshire, he +had resided at Ashiesteel, on the banks of the Tweed, of which he was +but the tenant. He was now desirous to purchase a small estate, and +thereon build a house according to his own taste. He found a desirable +site six or seven miles farther down the Tweed, in the neighbourhood +of the public road between Melrose and Selkirk, and at nearly an equal +distance from both of those towns: it was then occupied by a little +farm onstead, which bore the name of Cartley Hole. The mansion is in +what is termed the castellated Gothic style, embosomed in flourishing +wood. It takes its name from a ford, formerly used by the monks of +Melrose, across the Tweed, which now winds amongst a rich succession +of woods and lawns. But we will borrow Mr. Allan Cunningham's +description of the estate, written during a visit to Abbotsford, in +the summer of 1831:--"On the other side of the Tweed we had a fine +view of Abbotsford, and all its policies and grounds. The whole is at +once extensive and beautiful. The fast rising woods are already +beginning to bury the house, which is none of the smallest; and the +Tweed, which runs within gun-shot of the windows, can only be +discerned here and there through the tapestry of boughs. A fine, +open-work, Gothic screen half conceals and half shows the garden, as +you stand in front of the house--(_see the Engraving_.) It was the +offspring of necessity, for it became desirable to mask an unseemly +old wall, on which are many goodly fruit-trees. What we most admired +about the estate, was the naturally useful and elegant manner in which +the great poet has laid out the plantations--first, with respect to +the bounding or enclosing line; and secondly, with regard to the +skilful distribution of the trees, both for the contrast of light and +shade, and for the protection which the strong affords to the weak.[8] +The horizontal profile of the house is fine, crowded with towers and +clustered chimneys: it looks half castle, half monastery. The +workmanship, too, is excellent: indeed we never saw such well-dressed, +cleanly, and compactly laid whinstone course and gage in our life: it +is a perfect picture."[9] "The external walls of Abbotsford, as also +the walls of the adjoining garden, are enriched with many old carved +stones, which, having originally figured in other situations, to which +they were calculated by their sculptures and inscriptions, have a very +curious effect. Among the various relics which Sir Walter has +contrived to collect, may be mentioned the door of the old Tolbooth of +Edinburgh, which, together with the hewn stones that composed the +gateway, are now made to figure in a base court at the west end of the +house."[10] + + [8] Sir Walter possessed a practical as well as theoretical + knowledge of Landscape Gardening, as may be seen in a + valuable paper contributed by him to No. 47, of the + _Quarterly Review_. The details of this paper were, + however, disputed by some writers on the subject. + + [9] Communicated to No. 199, of _The Athenaeum_. The mansion + was built from designs by Atkinson. Sir Walter may, + however, be termed the amateur architect of the pile, and + this may somewhat explain its irregularities. We have been + told that the earliest design of Abbotsford was furnished + by the late Mr. Terry, the comedian, who was an intimate + friend of Sir Walter, and originally an architect by + profession. His widow, one of the Nasmyths, has painted a + clever View of Abbotsford, from the opposite bank of the + Tweed; which is engraved in No. 427, of _The Mirror_. + + [10] Picture of Scotland, by Chambers. + +[Illustration: (_Armoury_.)] + +It would occupy a whole sheet to describe the _interior_ of the +mansion; so that we select only two apartments, as graphic memorials +of the lamented owner. First, is the _Armoury_, (from a coloured +lithograph, published by Ackermann)--an arched apartment, with a +richly-blazoned window, and the walls filled all over with smaller +pieces of armour and weapons, such as swords, firelocks, spears, +arrows, darts, daggers, &c. These relics will be found enumerated in a +description of Abbotsford, in _the Anniversary_, quoted in vol. xv. of +the _Mirror_. The second of the _interiors_ is the poet's _Study_--a +room about twenty-five feet square by twenty feet high, containing of +what is properly called furniture, nothing but a small writing-table +and an antique arm-chair. On either side of the fire-place various +pieces of armour are hung on the wall; but, there are no books, save +the contents of a light gallery, which runs round three sides of the +room, and is reached by a hanging stair of carved oak in one corner. +There are only two portraits--an original of the beautiful and +melancholy head of Claverhouse, and a small full-length of Rob Roy. +Various little antique cabinets stand about the room; and in one +corner is a collection of really useful weapons--those of the forest +craft, to wit--axes and bills, &c. Over the fire-place, too, are some +Highland claymores clustered round a target. There is only one window, +pierced in a very thick wall, so that the place is rather sombre. + +[Illustration: (_Study_.)] + + +ROKEBY, AND MINOR POEMS. + + +After the publication of _the Lady of the Lake_, Sir Walter's poetical +reputation began to wane. In 1811, appeared _Don Roderick_; and in +1813, _Rokeby_; both of which were unsuccessful; and the _Lord of the +Isles_ followed with no better fortune. In short, Sir Walter perceived +that the tide of popularity was turning, and he wisely changed with +the public taste. The subjects of these poems were neither so +striking, nor the versification so attractive, as in his earlier +poems. The poet himself attributes their failure to the manner or +style losing its charms of novelty, and the harmony becoming tiresome +and ordinary; his measure and manner were imitated by other writers, +and, above all Byron had just appeared as a serious candidate in the +first canto of _Childe Harold_; so that Sir Walter with exemplary +candour confesses that "the original inventor and his invention must +have fallen into contempt, if he had not found out another road to +public favour." We shall therefore now part with his poetic fame, and +proceed in the more gratifying task of glancing at his splendid +successes in prose fiction. + + +WAVERLEY. + + +The first of the author's + + long trails of light descending down, + +had its origin in a desire to story the ancient traditions and noble +spirit of the Highlands, aided by the author's early recollections of +their scenery and customs; in short, to effect in prose what he had so +triumphantly achieved in the poem of _the Lady of the Lake_. The +author's own account will be read with interest:--"It was with some +idea of this kind, that, about the year 1805, I threw together about +one-third part of the first volume of Waverley. It was advertised to +be published by the late Mr. John Ballantyne, under the name of +'Waverley,' or ''Tis Fifty Years since,'--a title afterwards altered +to ''Tis Sixty Years since,' that the actual date of publication might +be made to correspond with the period in which the scene was laid. +Having proceeded as far, I think, as the seventh chapter, I showed my +work to a critical friend, whose opinion was unfavourable, and having +some poetical reputation, I was unwilling to risk the loss of it by +attempting a new style of composition. I therefore threw aside the +work I had commenced, without either reluctance or remonstrance. This +portion of the manuscript was laid aside in the drawers of an old +writing desk, which, on my first coming to reside at Abbotsford in +1811, was placed in a lumber garret, and entirely forgotten. Thus, +though I sometimes, among other literary avocations, turned my +thoughts to the continuation of the romance which I had commenced, +yet, as I could not find what I had already written, after searching +such repositories as were within my reach, and was too indolent to +attempt to write it anew from memory. I as often laid aside all +thoughts of that nature." + +The success of Miss Edgeworth's delineations of Irish life, and the +author's completion of Mr. Strutt's romance of _Queen Hoo Hall_, in +1808, again drew his attention to _Waverley_. Accident threw the lost +sheets in his way, while searching an old writing-desk for some +fishing-tackle for a friend. The long-lost manuscript presented +itself, and "he immediately set to work to complete it, according to +his original purpose." Among other unfounded reports, it has been +said, that the copyright was, during the book's progress through the +press, offered for sale to various booksellers in London at a very +inconsiderable price. This was not the case. Messrs. Constable and +Cadell, who published the work, were the only persons acquainted with +the contents of the publication, and they offered a large sum for it, +while in the course of printing, which, however, was declined, the +author not choosing to part with the copyright. Waverley was published +in 1814: its progress was for some time slow, but, after two or three +months its popularity began to spread, and, in a short time about +12,000 copies were disposed of. The name of the author was kept secret +from his desire to publish the work "as an experiment on the public +taste. Mr. Ballantyne, who printed the novel, alone corresponded with +the author; the original manuscript was transcribed under Mr. +Ballantyne's eye, by confidential persons; nor was there an instance +of treachery during the many years in which these precautions were +resorted to, although various individuals were employed at different +times. Double proof sheets were regularly printed off. One was +forwarded to the author by Mr. Ballantyne, and the alterations which +it received were, by his own hand, copied upon the other proof-sheet +for the use of the printers, so that even the corrected proofs of the +author were never seen in the printing-office; and thus the curiosity +of such eager inquirers as made the most minute investigation was +entirely at fault."[11] + + [11] Abridged from the General Preface, &c. + + +OTHER NOVELS. + + +The success of _Waverley_ led to the production of that series of +works, by which the author established himself "as the greatest master +in a department of literature, to which he has given a lustre +previously unknown;--in which he stands confessedly unrivalled, and +not approached, even within moderate limits, except, among +predecessors, by Cervantes, and among contemporaries, by the author of +_Anastasius_." We shall merely enumerate these works, with the date of +their publication, and, as a point of kindred interest, the sums for +which the original manuscripts, in the hand-writing of Sir Walter, +were sold in the autumn of last year. Of the merits of these +productions it would be idle to attempt to speak in our narrow space; +but, for a finely graphic paper, (probably the last written previously +to the author's death,) on the literary claims of Sir Walter Scott, as +a novelist, we may refer the reader to No. 109 of the _Edinburgh +Review_. + + Year of Orig. MS. + Publication. sold in + Novels. Vols. 1831, for + L. s. + Waverley 3 1814 18 0 + Guy Mannering 3 1815 27 10 + The Antiquary* 3 1816 42 0 + Tales of My Landlord 4 1st ser. 1816 33 0 + Rob Roy* 3 1818 50 0 + Tales of My Landlord 4 2nd ser. 1818 + Tales of My Landlord 4 3rd ser. 1819 14 14 + Ivanhoe 3 1820 12 0 + The Monastery* 3 1820 18 18 + The Abbot 3 1820 14 0 + Kenilworth 3 1821 17 0 + The Pirate 3 1822 12 0 + The Fortunes of Nigel 3 1822 16 16 + Peveril of the Peak* 3 1823 42 0 + Quentin Durward 3 1823 + St. Ronan's Well 3 1824 + Redgauntlet 3 1824 + Tales of the Crusaders 4 1825 + Woodstock 3 1826 + Chronicles of the Canongate 2 1st ser. 1827 + Chronicles of the Canongate 3 2nd ser. 1828 + Anne of Gerstein 3 1829 + Tales of My Landlord 4 4th ser. 1831 + + Making in all, 73 volumes, within 17 years. + (Those marked * were alone perfect.) + + +MISCELLANEOUS WORKS. + + +To particularize Sir Walter's contributions to periodical literature +would occupy considerable space. He wrote a few papers in the early +numbers of the _Edinburgh Review_, and several in the _Quarterly +Review_, especially during the last ten volumes of that journal, of +which his son-in-law, Mr. Lockhart, is the accredited editor. Sir +Walter likewise contributed the articles Chivalry, Drama, and Romance +to the sixth edition of the _Encyclopaedia Britannica_. _Paul's +Letters to his Kinsfolk_, the fruits of Sir Walter's tour through +France and Belgium, in 1815, were published anonymously; and the +_Field of Waterloo_, a poem, appeared about the same time. We may also +here mention his dramatic poem of _Halidon Hill_, which appeared in +1822; and two dramas, _the Doom of Devergoil_ and _Auchindrane_, in +1830--neither of which works excited more than temporary attention. +Sir Walter likewise contributed a _History of Scotland_, in two +volumes, to Dr. Lardner's _Cabinet Cyclopaedia_, in 1830; and in the +same year a volume on _Demonology and Witchcraft_, to Mr. Murray's +_Family Library_: both which works, of course, had a circulation +co-extensively with the series of which they form portions. We may +here notice a juvenile History of Scotland, in three series, or nine +volumes, under the title of _Tales of a Grandfather_, affectionately +addressed to his grandchild, the eldest son of Mr. Lockhart, as Hugh +Littlejohn, Esq. + + +ABBOTSFORD--BARONETCY. + + +The large sums received by Sir Walter for the copyright of his earlier +works had enabled him to expend nearly one hundred thousand pounds +upon Abbotsford, so as to make it his "proper mansion, house, and +home, the theatre of his hospitality, the seat of self-fruition, the +comfortablest part of his own life, the noblest of his son's +inheritance, a kind of private princedom, and, according to the degree +of the master, decently and delightfully adorned."[12] Here Sir Walter +lived in dignified enjoyment of his well-earned fortune, during the +summer and autumn, and was visited by distinguished persons from +nearly all parts of the world. He unostentatiously opened his treasury +of relics to all visitors, and his affability spread far and wide. He +usually devoted three hours in the morning, from six or seven o'clock, +to composition, his customary quota being a sheet daily. He passed the +remainder of the day in the pleasurable occupations of a country +life--as in superintending the improvements of the mansion, and the +planting and disposal of the grounds of Abbotsford; or, as Walpole +said of John Evelyn, "unfolding the perfection of the works of the +Creator, and assisting the imperfection of the minute works of the +creature;" so as to render Abbotsford as Evelyn describes his own dear +Wotton, "large and ancient (for there is an air of assumed antiquity +in Abbotsford), suitable to those hospitable times, and so sweetly +environed with those delicious streams and venerable woods, as in the +judgment of strangers as well as Englishmen, it may be compared to one +of the most pleasant seats in the nation, most tempting to a great +person and a wanton purse, to render it conspicuous: it has rising +grounds, meadows, woods, and water in abundance."[13] + + [12] Sir Henry Wootton's _Elements of Architecture_. + + [13] Evelyn's _Diary_. + +In 1820, the poet of _Marmion_ was created a baronet, by George IV., +but a few weeks after his accession--it being the first baronetcy +conferred by the King, and standing alone in the _Gazette_ which +announced the honour. In 1822, Sir Walter distinguished himself in the +loyal reception of the King, on his visit to Scotland; and soon +afterwards the Baronet was appointed a deputy-lieutenant for the +county of Roxburgh. + + +EMBARRASSMENTS. + + +Thus stood the "pure contents" of Abbotsford, when, in January, 1826, +the failure of Messrs. Constable threw a gloom over Sir Walter's +affairs. The eminent publisher had been one of his earliest friends. +"Archie Constable," he once said, "was a good friend to me long ago, +and I will never see him at a loss." The sums given by Mr. Constable +for the copyright of Sir Walter's novels were nominally immense; but +they were chiefly paid in bills, which were renewed as the necessities +of the publisher increased, till, on his failure, Sir Walter found +himself responsible for various debts, amounting to 102,000_l_. About +this time Lady Scott died, and her loss was an additional affliction +to him. Various modes of settlement were proposed to Sir Walter for +the liquidation of these heavy debts; but, "like the elder +Osbaldistone of his own immortal pages, considering commercial honour +as dear as any other honour," he would only consent to payment _in +full_; and, in the short space of six years, he paid off 60,000_l._ +"by his genius alone; but he crushed his spirit in the gigantic +struggle, or, in plain words, sacrificed himself in the attempt to +repair his broken fortunes." He sold his house and furniture in +Edinburgh, and, says Chambers, "retreated into a humble lodging in a +second-rate street (St. David-street, where David Hume had formerly +lived.)" He reduced his establishment at Abbotsford, and retired, as +far as his official duties would permit, from public life, accompanied +only by his younger daughter. In this domestic retreat, at fifty-five +years of age, he commenced + + +THE LIFE OF NAPOLEON BUONAPARTE + + +--visiting France, in 1826, for some information requisite to the +work. In the following summer the _Life_ appeared in nine volumes, an +extent much beyond the original project. As might be expected, from +the aristocratical turn of Sir Walter's political tenets, the opinions +on this work were more various than on any other of his productions: +it is, to say the best, the most faulty and unequal of them all; and, +considering how clearly this has been shown, it is somewhat surprising +to hear so clever a critic as Mr. Cunningham pronounce _The Life of +Napoleon_ as "one of the noblest monuments of Scott's genius." We pass +from these considerations to the excellence of the purpose to which +the proceeds (12,000_l._) of this work were applied--namely, to the +payment of 6_s._ 8_d._ in the pound, as the first dividend of the +debts of the author. + +In parting with the _Napoleon_, we might notice the conflicting +opinions of the French critics on its merits; but, as that task would +occupy too much space we content ourselves with the following passage +from a journal published a few days subsequent to the melancholy +intelligence of the death of Sir Walter Scott being received in Paris. +The criticism is in every sense plain-spoken:-- + +"If Sir Walter Scott's politics did not square with the natural state +of things--if upon this subject he still remained the victim of early +prejudices, and, perhaps, of the predilections of a poetical mind, yet +he was fortunate enough to promote, by his writings, the real +improvement of the people. France has reason to reproach him severely +for the unaccountable statements in his "Paul's Letters to his +Kinsfolk," and in the "History of Bonaparte." But those errors were +imputable to carelessness much more than to malice. A prose writer, a +poet, a novelist--he yielded, during his long and laborious career, to +the impulse of a fancy, rich, copious, and entirely independent of +present circumstances, aloof from the agitations of the day, +delighting in the memory of the past, and drawing from the surviving +relics of ancient times the traditionary tale, to revive and embellish +it. He was one of those geniuses in romance who may be said to have +been impartial and disinterested, for he gave a picture of ordinary +life exactly as it was. He painted man in all the varieties produced +in his nature by passion and the force of circumstances, and avoided +mixing up with these portraits what was merely ideal. Persons gifted +with this power of forgetting themselves, as it were, and of assuming +in succession an infinite series of varied characters, who live, +speak, and act before us in a thousand ways that affect or delight us, +such men are often susceptible of feelings the most ardent on their +own account, although they may not directly express as much. It is +difficult to believe that Shakspeare and Moliere, the noblest types of +this class of exalted minds, did not contemplate life with feelings of +deep and, perhaps, melancholy emotion. It was not so, however, with +Scott, who certainly belonged not to their kindred, possessing neither +the vigour of combination, nor the style which distinguished those +men. Of great natural benevolence, gentle and kind, ardent in the +pursuit of various knowledge, accommodating himself to the manners and +sentiments of his day, good-humoured, and favoured by happy +conjunctures of circumstances, Scott came forth under the most +brilliant auspices, accomplishing his best and most durable works +almost without an effort, and without impressing on these productions +any sort of character which would connect them with the personal +character of the author. If he be represented, indeed, in any part of +his writings, it is in such characters as that of Morton (one of the +Puritans), a sort of ambiguous, undetermined, unoffending, good sort +of person." + + +"WAVERLEY NOVELS." + + +Up to this period, the secret of the authorship of the novels was not +generally known, though more extensively so than was at the time +imagined. The public had made up their minds to the fact; but the +identity was _not proven_. The adjustment of Messrs. Constable's +affairs, however, rendered it impossible longer to conceal the +authorship, which was revealed by Sir Walter, at the anniversary +dinner of the Edinburgh Theatrical Fund, in February, 1827. Thus he +acknowledged before three hundred gentlemen "a secret which, +considering that it was communicated to more than twenty people, had +been remarkably well kept." His avowal was as follows:-- + +"He had now to say, however, that the merits of these works, if they +had any, and their faults, were entirely imputable to himself." [Here +the audience broke into an absolute shout of surprise and delight.] +"He was afraid to think on what he had done. 'Look on't again I dare +not.' He had thus far unbosomed himself, and he knew that it would be +reported to the public. He meant, then, seriously to state, that when +he said he was the author, he was the total and undivided author. With +the exception of quotations, there was not a single word written that +was not derived from himself, or suggested in the course of his +reading. The wand was now broken, and the rod buried. His audience +would allow him further to say, with Prospero, 'Your breath has filled +my sails.'" + +The copyright of the novels was soon afterwards sold for 8,400_l._, +and they have since been republished, with illustrations, and notes +and introductions by the author, in forty-one volumes, monthly; the +last volume appearing within a few days of the author's death. + + +FATAL ILLNESS. + + +Towards the close of 1830, Sir Walter retired from his office, +retaining a portion of his salary, but declining a pension which had +been offered to him by the present administration. He was now in his +60th year; his health broke apace; it was evident that the task of +writing to pay off debts, which were not of his own contracting, was +alike too severe for his mental and physical powers; and in the +succeeding winter they became gradually paralyzed. He somewhat rallied +in the spring, and, unfortunately for his health, embroiled himself in +the angry politics of the day, at a county meeting at Jedburgh, upon +the Reform question. He was then very feeble, but spoke with such +vehemence as to draw upon him the hisses of some of his auditors: this +ebullition of feeling is said to have much affected him; and he is +stated (we know not how truly) to have been observed on his way home +in tears. + +In the autumn of last year Sir Walter, at the recommendation of his +physicians, resolved to winter in the more congenial climate of Italy; +though it required the most earnest entreaties of his friends to +induce him to consent to the change, so strong was his love of country +and apprehension of dying in a foreign land. He accordingly set sail +in H.M.S. the Barham for Malta, on the 27th of October; previous to +which he appended to the Fourth and Last Series of _Tales of my +Landlord_ the following affecting, and, as we lately observed, almost +prophetic, passage: + +"The gentle reader is acquainted that these are, in all probability, +the last tales which it will be the lot of the author to submit to the +public. He is now on the eve of visiting foreign parts; a ship of war +is commissioned by its royal master, to carry the Author of Waverley +to climates in which he may readily obtain such a restoration of +health as may serve him to spin his thread to an end in his own +country. Had he continued to prosecute his usual literary labours, it +seems indeed probable that, at the term of years he has already +attained, the bowl, to use the pathetic language of Scripture, would +have been broken at the fountain; and little can one, who has enjoyed +on the whole, an uncommon share of the most inestimable of worldly +blessings, be entitled to complain, that life, advancing to its +period, should be attended with its usual proportion of shadows and +storms. They have affected him, at least, in no more painful manner, +than is inseparable from the discharge of this part of the debt of +humanity. Of those whose relations to him in the ranks of life, might +have insured their sympathy under indisposition, many are now no more; +and those who may yet follow in his wake, are entitled to expect, in +bearing inevitable evils, an example of firmness and patience, more +especially on the part of one who has enjoyed no small good fortune +during the course of his pilgrimage. + +"The public have claims on his gratitude, for which the Author of +Waverley has no adequate means of expression; but he may be permitted +to hope that the powers of his mind, such as they are, may not have a +different date from his body; and that he may again meet his +patronizing friends, if not exactly in his old fashion of literature, +at least in some branch which may not call forth the remark, that-- + + "Superfluous lags the veteran on the stage." + +Sir Walter resided at Malta for a short time; thence he proceeded to +Naples, where he was received with almost pageant honours. In the +spring he visited Rome; but "the world's chief ornament" had few +charms for one bereft of all hope of healthful recovery. His strength +was waning fast, and he set out to return with more than prudent speed +to his native country. He travelled seventeen hours for six successive +days, and, in descending the Rhine, had a second attack of paralysis +which would have carried him off but for the timely presence of mind +of his servant, who immediately bled him. The illustrious Goethe had +looked forward with great pleasure to the meeting with Sir Walter when +he returned through Germany, but the destroyer had fell also on him. +On his arrival in London, Sir Walter was conveyed to the St. James's +Hotel, Jermyn-street, and attended by Sir Henry Halford and Dr. +Holland, with Mr. and Mrs. Lockhart. He lay some weeks in a hopeless +condition, and when the flame of life was just flickering out, he +entreated to be conveyed to his own home. The journey was a hazardous +one, but, as the dying wish of the poet, was tried and effected: on +July 9th, he was conveyed to Edinburgh, whence he was removed to his +fondly-cherished home on the 11th. + + +DEATH. + + +Sir Walter's return to Abbotsford was an afflicting scene. On +approaching the mansion he could scarcely be kept from attempting to +raise himself in his carriage, such was his eagerness to catch a +glimpse of his home: he murmured, on his arrival, "that _now_ he knew +he was at Abbotsford." He lingered for two months, during which he +recognised and spoke kindly to friends, and was even pleased in +listening to passages read from the poems of Crabbe and Wordsworth: +till, on September 21st, 1832, he died, apparently free from pain, and +surrounded by his family. + + +FUNERAL. + + +His remains were placed in a coffin of lead, enclosed in another +coffin covered with black cloth, and gilt ornaments. The inscription +plate bore the words, "SIR WALTER SCOTT, of ABBOTSFORD, Bart. AN. +AETAT. 62." The funeral took place at Dryburgh, amidst the ruins of +the venerable abbey, at night-fall, on Sept. 25th; the body being +borne from the hearse to the grave by his domestics, and followed by +upwards of 300 mourners. A Correspondent has furnished us with the +subjoined note of the funeral. + +It has been remarked that at the grave, the burial service of the +Episcopal Church was read by a clergyman of the Church of England (the +Rev. John Williams, of Baliol College, Oxford, Rector of the Edinburgh +Academy, and Vicar of Lampeter), although Sir Walter through life +adhered to the persuasion of the Presbyterian or Church of Scotland. +In Scotland no prayers are offered over the dead; when the mourners +assemble in the house of the deceased, refreshments are handed round, +previous to which a blessing is implored, (as at meals,) and _then_ +only the minister alludes to the bereavement the family have suffered, +and strength and grace are implored to sustain them under it. This +gratuitous custom was adhered to, and previous to the funeral +_cortege_ setting out from Abbotsford, the Rev. Principal Baird, +offered up a prayer. But although a Presbyterian in practice, Sir +Walter in several parts of his works expressed his dissent from +several of the rigid canons of that Church, and an example occurs in +that graphic scene in _the Antiquary_, the funeral group of _Steenie +Mucklebacket_, where "the creak of the screw nails announced that the +lid of the last mansion of mortality was in the act of being secured +above its tenant. The last act which separates us for ever from the +mortal relicks of the person we assemble to mourn has usually its +effect upon the most indifferent, selfish, and hard-hearted:" and he +adds in condemnation, "With a spirit of contradiction which we may be +pardoned for esteeming narrow-minded, the fathers of the Scottish Kirk +rejected even on this most solemn occasion the form of an address to +the Divinity, lest they should be thought to give countenance to the +ritual of Rome or of England." And he seizes the opportunity to +applaud the liberal judgment of the present Scottish clergymen who +avail themselves of the advantage of offering a prayer, suitable to +make an impression on the living. + +The scenery around his burial-place is fraught with melancholy +associations--enshrined as have been its beauties by him that now +sought a bourn amidst them. It had been the land of his poetical +pilgrimage: through its "bosomed vales" and alongside its "valley +streams" his genius had journeyed with untiring energy, then to spread +abroad its stores for the gratification of hundreds of thousands, who +may about his grave + + Make dust their paper, and with rainy eyes + Write sorrow on the bosom of the earth. + +--Only let us glance at a few of the storied sites that are to be seen +around this hallowed spot: at Melrose, with antique pillar and ruins +grey-- + + Was ever scene so sad and fair. + +Eildon Hill, where Sir Walter said he could stand and point out +forty-three places famous in war and verse;[14] and above all, the +tower of Smailholm Castle, where once "his careless childhood +strayed,"--the _Alpha_ of his poetic fame. + + [14] Cunningham. + + +FAMILY. + + +Sir Walter Scott had two sons and two daughters. The elder daughter, +Sophia Charlotte, was married, April 28, 1820, to Mr. John Gibson +Lockhart, advocate, editor of the _Quarterly Review_. The eldest son, +Walter, who has succeeded to the baronetcy, is now in his +thirty-second year, and Major of the 15th or King's Hussars. In 1825, +he married Jane, daughter and sole heiress of John Jobson, Esq., an +opulent Scottish merchant, with which lady, report affirmed at the +time, Major Scott received a fortune of 60,000_l_. The estate of +Abbotsford was also settled by Sir Walter upon the young pair; but, as +the owner is stated not to have been at this time in a state of +solvency, though he thought himself so, and his estate now proves to +be encumbered with heavy debts, the deed of entail, of course, becomes +invalid, and the paternal property must be sold by the creditors of +the estate. There is, however, ample reason to hope that such a step +will be averted, by the gratitude of the public, and that Abbotsford +will be preserved for the family. The younger son, Charles, who is, we +believe, a junior clerk in the Foreign Office, is unmarried; as is the +younger daughter, Anne. The death of Lady Scott occurred May 15, 1826. +Mrs. Lockhart's children are as yet the only descendants of Sir Walter +in the second generation. + + +PORTRAITS. + + +The reader may be somewhat familiar with the personal appearance of +Sir Walter Scott, through the several portraits which have from time +to time been painted and engraved of the illustrious Baronet. His +height is stated at upwards of six feet; and his frame was strongly +knit, and compactly built. His right leg was shrunk from his boyhood, +and required support by a staff. Mr. Cunningham describes the personal +habits of Sir Walter with his usual characteristic force: "his arms +were strong and sinewy; his looks stately and commanding; and his +face, as he related a heroic story, flushed up as a crystal cup when +one fills it with wine. His eyes were deep seated under his somewhat +shaggy brow;[15] their colour was a bluish grey--they laughed more +than his lips did at a humorous story. His tower-like head and thin, +white hair marked him out among a thousand, while any one might swear +to his voice again who heard it once, for it had a touch of the lisp +and the burr; yet, as the minstrel said, of Douglas, 'it became him +wonder well,' and gave great softness to a sorrowful story: indeed, I +imagined that he kept the burr part of the tone for matters of a +facetious or humorous kind, and brought out the lisp part in those of +tenderness or woe. When I add, that in a meeting of a hundred men, his +hat was sure to be the least, and would fit no one's head but his own, +I have said all that I have to say about his appearance."[16] + + [15] Mr. Chambers describes Sir Walter's eyebrows as so shaggy + and prominent, that, when he was reading or writing at a + table, they _completely_ shrouded the eyes beneath; and + the Ettrick Shepherd speaks of Sir Walter's shaggy + eyebrows dipping deep over his eyes. + + [16] One of the amusements of Sir Walter's retirement was to + walk out frequently among his plantations at Abbotsford, + with a small hatchet and hand-saw, with which he lopped + off superfluous boughs, or removed an entire tree when it + was marring the growth of others. The author of + _Anastasius_ delighted in a similar pursuit; he would + stroll for hours through the winding walks of the + Deepdene plantation, and with a small hatchet or shears + lop off the luxuriant twigs or branches that might spoil + the trim neatness of the path. + +Among the accredited portraits of Sir Walter Scott is that painted by +the late Sir Henry Raeburn, which has been engraved in a handsome +style; another portrait, by Mr. Leslie, was engraved in the +_Souvenir_, a year or two since, and was styled in the Noctes of +_Blackwood's Magazine_, "the vera man himsel;" but the latest, and +perhaps the best, was painted not many month's since, by Mr. Watson +Gordon, and admirably engraved by Horsburgh, of Edinburgh, for the +revised edition of the Novels. A whole-length portrait of the Poet in +his Study, at Abbotsford, was painted a few years since, in masterly +style, by Allan, and engraved by Goodall for the _Anniversary_, edited +by Mr. Cunningham, who informs us that "a painting is in progress from +the same hand, showing Sir Walter as he lately appeared--lying on a +couch in his principal room: all the windows are closed save one, +admitting a strong central light, and showing all that the room +contains--in deep shadow, or in strong sunshine." A splendid portrait +of the Poet was painted by Sir Thomas Lawrence for the late King, and +exhibited at the Royal Academy a few years since; an engraving of +which has been announced by Messrs. Moon, Boys, and Graves, his +present Majesty having graciously granted the loan of the picture for +this purpose.[17] + + [17] A portrait of Sir Walter was painted by Knight for the + late Mr. Terry, in the year 1825: it is described in the + _Literary Gazette_ as, "particularly excellent," and was + unfortunately destroyed a short time since by a fire at + the house of Mr. Harding, Finchley, in whose possession + it was. This portrait, it is feared, has not been + engraved.--See _Literary Gazette_, No. 819. + +[Illustration: (_Sir Walter Scott.--Sketched by Mr. W.H. Brooke, from +the engraving by Horsburgh._)] + + +UNPUBLISHED WORKS. + + +Report states that there are in the library of Abbotsford, unfinished +manuscripts and letters, which will compose ten volumes of +correspondence of Sir Walter with nearly all the distinguished +literary characters of his time. These will, of course, be given to +his creditors, as directed by his will. His son-in-law, Mr. Lockhart, +has likewise a great number of letters from Sir Walter; and Mrs. Terry +possesses the baronet's correspondence with the late Mr. Terry, who +was one of Sir Walter's intimate friends. This lady has likewise in +her possession a tragedy written by Sir Walter for her eldest son, +Walter Scott Terry, and intended by the author as a legacy for +Walter's first appearance on the stage. + +With such materials, and the poet's autobiographical sketches prefixed +to his works, a competent biographer will, doubtless, be found among +Sir Walter's personal acquaintance. Mr. Allan Cunningham's "Account" +is, perhaps, the most characteristic that has yet appeared: it is full +of truth, nature, kindly feeling, and tinged throughout with a +delightfully poetic enthusiasm. Mr. Ballantyne, the intelligent +printer of nearly the whole of Sir Walter's works, and whom the Poet +much respected for his taste and good sense, has promised a memoir of +the deceased. Public expectation, however, points more decidedly to +Mr. Lockhart; although the Ettrick Shepherd will, doubtless, pay his +announced tribute to the talents and virtues of his illustrious +contemporary. In his Reminiscences of Former Days, prefixed to the +first volume of the _Altrive Tales_, published a few months since, is +the following striking passage:--"There are not above five people in +the world who, I think, know Sir Walter better, or understand his +character better than I do; and if I outlive him, which is likely, as +I am five months and ten days younger, I shall draw a mental portrait +of him, the likeness of which to the original shall not be +disputed."[18] + + [18] Hogg is indebted to Sir Walter for many valuable + suggestions of subjects for his ballads, &c. There is + touching gratitude in the following lines by the + Shepherd, in his dedication of the _Mountain Bard_ to + Scott: + + Bless'd be his generous heart for aye; + He told me where the relic lay; + Pointed my way with ready will, + Afar on Ettrick's wildest hill; + Watch'd my first notes with curious eye, + And wonder'd at my minstrelsy: + He little ween'd a parent's tongue + Such strains had o'er my cradle sung. + + +MEDAL. + + +A handsome Medal, in bronze, of the lamented Baronet, has been +published from the establishment of Mr. Parker, (medallist, and the +originator of some ingenious improvements in the construction of +lamps), in Argyle-place. The obverse is from Chantrey's celebrated +Bust of Sir Walter, and the reverse a graceful female figure, with the +inscription, "to great men;"--designed by R. Stothard, Esq., the +venerable Academician, and engraved by his son, A.J. Stothard, Esq. +The profile of the obverse is encircled with a motto chosen by Sir +Walter, as will be seen by the following letter; the date of which +shows that the medal was submitted to his approbation some months +since, together with a medal of his present Majesty. The letter is +likewise treasurable,[19] as well for the writer's opinion of the +Monarch, as of the productions of his own pen:-- + + [19] First printed in the _Literary Gazette,_ No. 819. + +"Sir,--I would long ere now have answered your very obliging letter +with the medals. That representing our Sovereign seems most +beautifully executed, and is a striking resemblance. I have very +little turn for imagining mottos, it being long since I read the +classics, which are the great storehouse of such things. I think that +a figure or head of Neptune upon the reverse, with the motto round the +exergue, _Tridens Neptuni sceptrum mundi_. I think this better than +any motto more personally addressed to the King himself than to his +high kingly office. I cannot, of course, be a judge of the other +medal; but such of my family as are with me think it very like. If +there is any motto to be added, I should like the line + + "Bardorum citharas patrio qui redidit Istro. + +"because I am far more vain of having been able to fix some share of +public attention upon the ancient poetry and manners of my country, +than of any original efforts which I have been able to make in +literature. + +"I beg you will excuse the delay which has taken place. Your obliging +communication, with the packet which accompanied it, travelled from +country to town, and from town to country, as it chanced to miss me +upon the road. + +"I have the honour to be, sir, your obliged, humble servant, + +"WALTER SCOTT. + +"Edinburgh, 29th May. + +"Samuel Parker, Esq., Bronze Works, + +"12, Argyle-place, London." + +The likeness of the medal is strikingly correct; and Mr. Parker, with +becoming taste, causes an autograph copy of the letter to be delivered +with each medal. + +The deference of the latter opinion conveyed in this letter is perhaps +one of the most delightful characteristics of the genius of Sir Walter +Scott,--especially if we admit the position of the writer in the +_Edinburgh Review,_ that no writer has ever enjoyed in his life-time +so extensive a popularity as the Author of Waverley. His love of +fame and acquisition of honourable distinction all over the world had +not the common effect of making him vain. Hear, in proof, the +following unassuming declaration, from the delightful autobiographic +sketch to a late edition of _Rokeby_:-- + +"I shall not, I believe, be accused of ever having attempted to usurp +a superiority over many men of genius, my contemporaries; but, in +point of popularity, not of actual talent, the caprice of the public +has certainly given me such a temporary superiority over men, of whom, +in regard to poetical fancy and feeling, I scarcely thought myself +worthy to loose the shoe-latch. On the other hand, it would be absurd +affectation in me to deny, that I conceived myself to understand more +perfectly than many of my contemporaries, the manner most likely to +interest the great mass of mankind. Yet, even with this belief, I must +truly and fairly say, that I always considered myself rather as one +who held the bets, in time to be paid over to the winner, than as +having any pretence to keep them in my own right." + +Mr. Cunningham well observes--"Though the most accomplished author of +his day, yet he had none of the airs of authorship." He continues--"He +was a proud man; not a proud poet, or historian, or novelist." His was +the pride of ancestry--a weakness, to be sure, but of a venial nature: +"he loved to be looked on as a gentleman of old family, who _built +Abbotsford_, and laid out its garden, and planted its avenues, rather +than a genius, whose works influenced mankind, and diffused happiness +among millions." His own narrative will best illustrate his labours of +leisure at Abbotsford. He writes of that period which men familiarly +call _the turn of life_:--"With the satisfaction of having attained +the fulfilment of an early and long-cherished hope, I commenced my +improvements, as delightful in their progress as those of the child +who first makes a dress for a new doll. The nakedness of the land was +in time hidden by woodlands of considerable extent--the smallest +possible of cottages was progressively expanded into a sort of dream +of a mansion-house, whimsical in the exterior, but convenient within. +Nor did I forget what was the natural pleasure of every man who has +been a reader--I mean the filling the shelves of a tolerably large +library. All these objects I kept in view, to be executed as +convenience should serve; and although I knew many years should elapse +before they could be attained, I was of a disposition to comfort +myself with the Spanish proverb, 'Time and I against any two.'" + + * * * * * + +*** In the preceding account we have purposely abstained from +reference to the position of the affairs of Sir Walter Scott, from our +inability to obtain any decisive information on the subject. The most +pleasing and the latest intelligence will be found in the _Morning +Chronicle_ of Thursday, wherein it is stated that the prospects of the +family of Sir Walter are much better than have been represented. "We +are assured that there are funds sufficient to cover all his debts, +without touching Abbotsford. In the Biography of Allan Cunningham, it +was stated that there would only be a balance due to his creditors of +21,000_l_. But Mr. Cadell, the bookseller, has undertaken to pay +20,000_l._ for the publication of the remainder of his works, on the +plan which had been so far proceeded in. This will clear off all the +claims. A near relative of Lady Scott left 60,000_l._ to the children +of Sir Walter, to which, of course, they are entitled; and the eldest +son received a large fortune with his wife. The public, therefore, are +spared the pain of knowing that the family of one to whom they are so +largely indebted, are left in a state of destitution."--We hope this +statement is as correct as it is gratifying. + +[Illustration: (_Dryburgh Abbey._)] + + * * * * * + +_Printed and published by J. LIMBIRD, 143, Strand, (near Somerset +House,) London._ + + + + + +End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of The Mirror of Literature, Amusement, +and Instruction, No. 571, by Various + +*** END OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK MIRROR OF LITERATURE, NO. 571 *** + +***** This file should be named 12054.txt or 12054.zip ***** +This and all associated files of various formats will be found in: + https://www.gutenberg.org/1/2/0/5/12054/ + +Produced by Jonathan Ingram, Gregory Margo and PG Distributed +Proofreaders + + +Updated editions will replace the previous one--the old editions +will be renamed. + +Creating the works from public domain print editions means that no +one owns a United States copyright in these works, so the Foundation +(and you!) can copy and distribute it in the United States without +permission and without paying copyright royalties. Special rules, +set forth in the General Terms of Use part of this license, apply to +copying and distributing Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works to +protect the PROJECT GUTENBERG-tm concept and trademark. Project +Gutenberg is a registered trademark, and may not be used if you +charge for the eBooks, unless you receive specific permission. If you +do not charge anything for copies of this eBook, complying with the +rules is very easy. You may use this eBook for nearly any purpose +such as creation of derivative works, reports, performances and +research. They may be modified and printed and given away--you may do +practically ANYTHING with public domain eBooks. Redistribution is +subject to the trademark license, especially commercial +redistribution. + + + +*** START: FULL LICENSE *** + +THE FULL PROJECT GUTENBERG LICENSE +PLEASE READ THIS BEFORE YOU DISTRIBUTE OR USE THIS WORK + +To protect the Project Gutenberg-tm mission of promoting the free +distribution of electronic works, by using or distributing this work +(or any other work associated in any way with the phrase "Project +Gutenberg"), you agree to comply with all the terms of the Full Project +Gutenberg-tm License (available with this file or online at +https://gutenberg.org/license). + + +Section 1. General Terms of Use and Redistributing Project Gutenberg-tm +electronic works + +1.A. By reading or using any part of this Project Gutenberg-tm +electronic work, you indicate that you have read, understand, agree to +and accept all the terms of this license and intellectual property +(trademark/copyright) agreement. If you do not agree to abide by all +the terms of this agreement, you must cease using and return or destroy +all copies of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works in your possession. +If you paid a fee for obtaining a copy of or access to a Project +Gutenberg-tm electronic work and you do not agree to be bound by the +terms of this agreement, you may obtain a refund from the person or +entity to whom you paid the fee as set forth in paragraph 1.E.8. + +1.B. "Project Gutenberg" is a registered trademark. It may only be +used on or associated in any way with an electronic work by people who +agree to be bound by the terms of this agreement. There are a few +things that you can do with most Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works +even without complying with the full terms of this agreement. See +paragraph 1.C below. There are a lot of things you can do with Project +Gutenberg-tm electronic works if you follow the terms of this agreement +and help preserve free future access to Project Gutenberg-tm electronic +works. See paragraph 1.E below. + +1.C. The Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation ("the Foundation" +or PGLAF), owns a compilation copyright in the collection of Project +Gutenberg-tm electronic works. Nearly all the individual works in the +collection are in the public domain in the United States. If an +individual work is in the public domain in the United States and you are +located in the United States, we do not claim a right to prevent you from +copying, distributing, performing, displaying or creating derivative +works based on the work as long as all references to Project Gutenberg +are removed. Of course, we hope that you will support the Project +Gutenberg-tm mission of promoting free access to electronic works by +freely sharing Project Gutenberg-tm works in compliance with the terms of +this agreement for keeping the Project Gutenberg-tm name associated with +the work. You can easily comply with the terms of this agreement by +keeping this work in the same format with its attached full Project +Gutenberg-tm License when you share it without charge with others. + +1.D. The copyright laws of the place where you are located also govern +what you can do with this work. Copyright laws in most countries are in +a constant state of change. If you are outside the United States, check +the laws of your country in addition to the terms of this agreement +before downloading, copying, displaying, performing, distributing or +creating derivative works based on this work or any other Project +Gutenberg-tm work. The Foundation makes no representations concerning +the copyright status of any work in any country outside the United +States. + +1.E. Unless you have removed all references to Project Gutenberg: + +1.E.1. The following sentence, with active links to, or other immediate +access to, the full Project Gutenberg-tm License must appear prominently +whenever any copy of a Project Gutenberg-tm work (any work on which the +phrase "Project Gutenberg" appears, or with which the phrase "Project +Gutenberg" is associated) is accessed, displayed, performed, viewed, +copied or distributed: + +This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with +almost no restrictions whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or +re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included +with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.org + +1.E.2. If an individual Project Gutenberg-tm electronic work is derived +from the public domain (does not contain a notice indicating that it is +posted with permission of the copyright holder), the work can be copied +and distributed to anyone in the United States without paying any fees +or charges. If you are redistributing or providing access to a work +with the phrase "Project Gutenberg" associated with or appearing on the +work, you must comply either with the requirements of paragraphs 1.E.1 +through 1.E.7 or obtain permission for the use of the work and the +Project Gutenberg-tm trademark as set forth in paragraphs 1.E.8 or +1.E.9. + +1.E.3. If an individual Project Gutenberg-tm electronic work is posted +with the permission of the copyright holder, your use and distribution +must comply with both paragraphs 1.E.1 through 1.E.7 and any additional +terms imposed by the copyright holder. Additional terms will be linked +to the Project Gutenberg-tm License for all works posted with the +permission of the copyright holder found at the beginning of this work. + +1.E.4. Do not unlink or detach or remove the full Project Gutenberg-tm +License terms from this work, or any files containing a part of this +work or any other work associated with Project Gutenberg-tm. + +1.E.5. Do not copy, display, perform, distribute or redistribute this +electronic work, or any part of this electronic work, without +prominently displaying the sentence set forth in paragraph 1.E.1 with +active links or immediate access to the full terms of the Project +Gutenberg-tm License. + +1.E.6. You may convert to and distribute this work in any binary, +compressed, marked up, nonproprietary or proprietary form, including any +word processing or hypertext form. However, if you provide access to or +distribute copies of a Project Gutenberg-tm work in a format other than +"Plain Vanilla ASCII" or other format used in the official version +posted on the official Project Gutenberg-tm web site (www.gutenberg.org), +you must, at no additional cost, fee or expense to the user, provide a +copy, a means of exporting a copy, or a means of obtaining a copy upon +request, of the work in its original "Plain Vanilla ASCII" or other +form. Any alternate format must include the full Project Gutenberg-tm +License as specified in paragraph 1.E.1. + +1.E.7. Do not charge a fee for access to, viewing, displaying, +performing, copying or distributing any Project Gutenberg-tm works +unless you comply with paragraph 1.E.8 or 1.E.9. + +1.E.8. You may charge a reasonable fee for copies of or providing +access to or distributing Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works provided +that + +- You pay a royalty fee of 20% of the gross profits you derive from + the use of Project Gutenberg-tm works calculated using the method + you already use to calculate your applicable taxes. The fee is + owed to the owner of the Project Gutenberg-tm trademark, but he + has agreed to donate royalties under this paragraph to the + Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation. Royalty payments + must be paid within 60 days following each date on which you + prepare (or are legally required to prepare) your periodic tax + returns. Royalty payments should be clearly marked as such and + sent to the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation at the + address specified in Section 4, "Information about donations to + the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation." + +- You provide a full refund of any money paid by a user who notifies + you in writing (or by e-mail) within 30 days of receipt that s/he + does not agree to the terms of the full Project Gutenberg-tm + License. You must require such a user to return or + destroy all copies of the works possessed in a physical medium + and discontinue all use of and all access to other copies of + Project Gutenberg-tm works. + +- You provide, in accordance with paragraph 1.F.3, a full refund of any + money paid for a work or a replacement copy, if a defect in the + electronic work is discovered and reported to you within 90 days + of receipt of the work. + +- You comply with all other terms of this agreement for free + distribution of Project Gutenberg-tm works. + +1.E.9. If you wish to charge a fee or distribute a Project Gutenberg-tm +electronic work or group of works on different terms than are set +forth in this agreement, you must obtain permission in writing from +both the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation and Michael +Hart, the owner of the Project Gutenberg-tm trademark. Contact the +Foundation as set forth in Section 3 below. + +1.F. + +1.F.1. Project Gutenberg volunteers and employees expend considerable +effort to identify, do copyright research on, transcribe and proofread +public domain works in creating the Project Gutenberg-tm +collection. Despite these efforts, Project Gutenberg-tm electronic +works, and the medium on which they may be stored, may contain +"Defects," such as, but not limited to, incomplete, inaccurate or +corrupt data, transcription errors, a copyright or other intellectual +property infringement, a defective or damaged disk or other medium, a +computer virus, or computer codes that damage or cannot be read by +your equipment. + +1.F.2. LIMITED WARRANTY, DISCLAIMER OF DAMAGES - Except for the "Right +of Replacement or Refund" described in paragraph 1.F.3, the Project +Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation, the owner of the Project +Gutenberg-tm trademark, and any other party distributing a Project +Gutenberg-tm electronic work under this agreement, disclaim all +liability to you for damages, costs and expenses, including legal +fees. YOU AGREE THAT YOU HAVE NO REMEDIES FOR NEGLIGENCE, STRICT +LIABILITY, BREACH OF WARRANTY OR BREACH OF CONTRACT EXCEPT THOSE +PROVIDED IN PARAGRAPH F3. YOU AGREE THAT THE FOUNDATION, THE +TRADEMARK OWNER, AND ANY DISTRIBUTOR UNDER THIS AGREEMENT WILL NOT BE +LIABLE TO YOU FOR ACTUAL, DIRECT, INDIRECT, CONSEQUENTIAL, PUNITIVE OR +INCIDENTAL DAMAGES EVEN IF YOU GIVE NOTICE OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH +DAMAGE. + +1.F.3. LIMITED RIGHT OF REPLACEMENT OR REFUND - If you discover a +defect in this electronic work within 90 days of receiving it, you can +receive a refund of the money (if any) you paid for it by sending a +written explanation to the person you received the work from. If you +received the work on a physical medium, you must return the medium with +your written explanation. The person or entity that provided you with +the defective work may elect to provide a replacement copy in lieu of a +refund. If you received the work electronically, the person or entity +providing it to you may choose to give you a second opportunity to +receive the work electronically in lieu of a refund. If the second copy +is also defective, you may demand a refund in writing without further +opportunities to fix the problem. + +1.F.4. Except for the limited right of replacement or refund set forth +in paragraph 1.F.3, this work is provided to you 'AS-IS' WITH NO OTHER +WARRANTIES OF ANY KIND, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO +WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTIBILITY OR FITNESS FOR ANY PURPOSE. + +1.F.5. Some states do not allow disclaimers of certain implied +warranties or the exclusion or limitation of certain types of damages. +If any disclaimer or limitation set forth in this agreement violates the +law of the state applicable to this agreement, the agreement shall be +interpreted to make the maximum disclaimer or limitation permitted by +the applicable state law. The invalidity or unenforceability of any +provision of this agreement shall not void the remaining provisions. + +1.F.6. INDEMNITY - You agree to indemnify and hold the Foundation, the +trademark owner, any agent or employee of the Foundation, anyone +providing copies of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works in accordance +with this agreement, and any volunteers associated with the production, +promotion and distribution of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works, +harmless from all liability, costs and expenses, including legal fees, +that arise directly or indirectly from any of the following which you do +or cause to occur: (a) distribution of this or any Project Gutenberg-tm +work, (b) alteration, modification, or additions or deletions to any +Project Gutenberg-tm work, and (c) any Defect you cause. + + +Section 2. Information about the Mission of Project Gutenberg-tm + +Project Gutenberg-tm is synonymous with the free distribution of +electronic works in formats readable by the widest variety of computers +including obsolete, old, middle-aged and new computers. It exists +because of the efforts of hundreds of volunteers and donations from +people in all walks of life. + +Volunteers and financial support to provide volunteers with the +assistance they need, is critical to reaching Project Gutenberg-tm's +goals and ensuring that the Project Gutenberg-tm collection will +remain freely available for generations to come. In 2001, the Project +Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation was created to provide a secure +and permanent future for Project Gutenberg-tm and future generations. +To learn more about the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation +and how your efforts and donations can help, see Sections 3 and 4 +and the Foundation web page at https://www.pglaf.org. + + +Section 3. Information about the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive +Foundation + +The Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation is a non profit +501(c)(3) educational corporation organized under the laws of the +state of Mississippi and granted tax exempt status by the Internal +Revenue Service. The Foundation's EIN or federal tax identification +number is 64-6221541. Its 501(c)(3) letter is posted at +https://pglaf.org/fundraising. Contributions to the Project Gutenberg +Literary Archive Foundation are tax deductible to the full extent +permitted by U.S. federal laws and your state's laws. + +The Foundation's principal office is located at 4557 Melan Dr. S. +Fairbanks, AK, 99712., but its volunteers and employees are scattered +throughout numerous locations. Its business office is located at +809 North 1500 West, Salt Lake City, UT 84116, (801) 596-1887, email +business@pglaf.org. Email contact links and up to date contact +information can be found at the Foundation's web site and official +page at https://pglaf.org + +For additional contact information: + Dr. Gregory B. Newby + Chief Executive and Director + gbnewby@pglaf.org + +Section 4. Information about Donations to the Project Gutenberg +Literary Archive Foundation + +Project Gutenberg-tm depends upon and cannot survive without wide +spread public support and donations to carry out its mission of +increasing the number of public domain and licensed works that can be +freely distributed in machine readable form accessible by the widest +array of equipment including outdated equipment. Many small donations +($1 to $5,000) are particularly important to maintaining tax exempt +status with the IRS. + +The Foundation is committed to complying with the laws regulating +charities and charitable donations in all 50 states of the United +States. Compliance requirements are not uniform and it takes a +considerable effort, much paperwork and many fees to meet and keep up +with these requirements. We do not solicit donations in locations +where we have not received written confirmation of compliance. To +SEND DONATIONS or determine the status of compliance for any +particular state visit https://pglaf.org + +While we cannot and do not solicit contributions from states where we +have not met the solicitation requirements, we know of no prohibition +against accepting unsolicited donations from donors in such states who +approach us with offers to donate. + +International donations are gratefully accepted, but we cannot make +any statements concerning tax treatment of donations received from +outside the United States. U.S. laws alone swamp our small staff. + +Please check the Project Gutenberg Web pages for current donation +methods and addresses. Donations are accepted in a number of other +ways including including checks, online payments and credit card +donations. To donate, please visit: https://pglaf.org/donate + + +Section 5. General Information About Project Gutenberg-tm electronic +works. + +Professor Michael S. Hart was the originator of the Project Gutenberg-tm +concept of a library of electronic works that could be freely shared +with anyone. For thirty years, he produced and distributed Project +Gutenberg-tm eBooks with only a loose network of volunteer support. + +Project Gutenberg-tm eBooks are often created from several printed +editions, all of which are confirmed as Public Domain in the U.S. +unless a copyright notice is included. Thus, we do not necessarily +keep eBooks in compliance with any particular paper edition. + +Each eBook is in a subdirectory of the same number as the eBook's +eBook number, often in several formats including plain vanilla ASCII, +compressed (zipped), HTML and others. + +Corrected EDITIONS of our eBooks replace the old file and take over +the old filename and etext number. The replaced older file is renamed. +VERSIONS based on separate sources are treated as new eBooks receiving +new filenames and etext numbers. + +Most people start at our Web site which has the main PG search facility: + + https://www.gutenberg.org + +This Web site includes information about Project Gutenberg-tm, +including how to make donations to the Project Gutenberg Literary +Archive Foundation, how to help produce our new eBooks, and how to +subscribe to our email newsletter to hear about new eBooks. + +EBooks posted prior to November 2003, with eBook numbers BELOW #10000, +are filed in directories based on their release date. If you want to +download any of these eBooks directly, rather than using the regular +search system you may utilize the following addresses and just +download by the etext year. + + https://www.gutenberg.org/etext06 + + (Or /etext 05, 04, 03, 02, 01, 00, 99, + 98, 97, 96, 95, 94, 93, 92, 92, 91 or 90) + +EBooks posted since November 2003, with etext numbers OVER #10000, are +filed in a different way. The year of a release date is no longer part +of the directory path. The path is based on the etext number (which is +identical to the filename). The path to the file is made up of single +digits corresponding to all but the last digit in the filename. For +example an eBook of filename 10234 would be found at: + + https://www.gutenberg.org/1/0/2/3/10234 + +or filename 24689 would be found at: + https://www.gutenberg.org/2/4/6/8/24689 + +An alternative method of locating eBooks: + https://www.gutenberg.org/GUTINDEX.ALL + + diff --git a/old/12054.zip b/old/12054.zip Binary files differnew file mode 100644 index 0000000..031f34d --- /dev/null +++ b/old/12054.zip |
