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diff --git a/37631-h/37631-h.htm b/37631-h/37631-h.htm new file mode 100644 index 0000000..38488bb --- /dev/null +++ b/37631-h/37631-h.htm @@ -0,0 +1,12683 @@ +<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD HTML 4.01 Transitional//EN"> +<html lang="en"> +<head> +<meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=ISO-8859-1"> +<title>The Project Gutenberg eBook of Memoirs of the Life of Sir Walter Scott, Volume VI (of 10), by John Gibson Lockhart</title> + +<style type="text/css"> +<!-- + +body {font-size: 1em; text-align: justify; margin-left: 5%; margin-right: 5%;} +h1 {font-size: 140%; text-align: center; margin-top: 2em; margin-bottom: 2em;} +h2 {font-size: 130%; text-align: center; margin-top: 4em; margin-bottom: 2em;} + +ul {list-style-type: none;} +ul.roman {list-style-type: upper-roman;} +li {margin-top: 1em;} +p {text-indent: 1em;} + +hr.small {width: 20%; margin-left:40%;} + +.pagenum {visibility: hidden; position: absolute; right:0; + font-size: 10px; text-align: right; + color: #C0C0C0; background-color: inherit;} + +.p2 {margin-top: 2em; margin-bottom: 1em;} +.p4 {margin-top: 4em; margin-bottom: 1em;} + +.smcap {font-variant: small-caps; font-size: 95%;} +.small {font-size: 75%;} +.smaller {font-size: 90%;} + +.resume {margin-left: 10%; margin-right: 10%; + margin-top: 1em; margin-bottom: 1em; text-indent: 0em; + font-variant: small-caps; font-size: 95%;} +.chapdate {text-align: center; margin-bottom: 2em;} + +.toc {margin-left: 5%; margin-right: 10%;} +.tn {margin-right: 10%; margin-left: 10%; font-size: 85%; text-indent: 0em;} +.quote {margin-left: 5%; margin-right: 5%; font-size: 95%;} +.subquote {margin-left: 5%;} +.letter {margin-left: 5%; margin-right: 5%; margin-top: 1.5em; margin-bottom: 1.5em; font-size: 95%;} +.titleletter {font-variant: small-caps; font-size: 95%; text-align: center;} +.author {margin-right: 10%; text-align: right; font-variant: small-caps; font-size: 95%;} +.date {margin-right: 10%; text-align: right;} + +.center {text-align: center; text-indent: 0em;} +.ralign {position: absolute; right: 5%;} +.noindent {text-indent: 0em;} +.lspaced1 {letter-spacing: 1em; font-weight: bold;} + +.figcenter {text-align: center;} +.footnote p {text-indent: 0em;} + +.poem10 {margin-left: 10%; font-size: 95%; text-indent: 0em;} +.poem10 p {text-indent: 0em;} + +.min33em {margin-left: -0.33em;} +.add1em {margin-left: 1em;} +.add2em {margin-left: 2em;} +.add4em {margin-left: 4em;} +.add45em {margin-left: 4.5em;} +.add5em {margin-left: 5em;} +.add8em {margin-left: 8em;} +.add17em {margin-left: 17em;} + +--> +</style> +</head> +<body> + + +<pre> + +The Project Gutenberg EBook of Memoirs of the Life of Sir Walter Scott, +Volume 6, by John Gibson Lockhart + +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: Memoirs of the Life of Sir Walter Scott, Volume 6 + +Author: John Gibson Lockhart + +Release Date: October 5, 2011 [EBook #37631] + +Language: English + +Character set encoding: ISO-8859-1 + +*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK MEMOIRS OF THE LIFE OF SIR *** + + + + +Produced by D. Alexander, Christine P. Travers and the +Online Distributed Proofreading Team at http://www.pgdp.net + + + + + + +</pre> + + +<p class="tn">Transcriber's note: Obvious printer's errors have been corrected, +all other inconsistencies are as in the original. The author's spelling has been +maintained.</p> + + + +<p class="center">Large-Paper Edition</p> + +<h1><span class="smaller">LOCKHART'S</span><br> + LIFE OF SCOTT</h1> + +<p class="center">COPIOUSLY ANNOTATED AND ABUNDANTLY ILLUSTRATED</p> + +<p class="p4 center">IN TEN VOLUMES<br> + VOL. VI</p> + +<a id="img001" name="img001"></a> +<div class="figcenter p4"> +<img src="images/img001.jpg" width="400" height="504" alt="" title=""> +<p>WALTER SCOTT <span class="smcap">IN 1820</span><br> +<i>From the painting by Sir Thomas Lawrence</i></p> +</div> + +<h1>MEMOIRS OF THE LIFE<br> + OF<br> + SIR WALTER SCOTT<br> + + BART.</h1> + +<p class="center">BY</p> + +<h2>JOHN GIBSON LOCKHART</h2> + +<p class="center">IN TEN VOLUMES<br> + VOLUME VI</p> + +<a id="img002" name="img002"></a> +<div class="figcenter p4"> +<img src="images/img002.jpg" width="150" height="195" alt="Editor's arm." title=""> +</div> + +<p class="center p4 smaller">BOSTON AND NEW YORK<br> + HOUGHTON, MIFFLIN AND COMPANY<br> + The Riverside Press, Cambridge<br> + MCMI</p> + +<p class="center p4 small">COPYRIGHT, 1901<br> + + BY HOUGHTON, MIFFLIN AND COMPANY<br> + ALL RIGHTS RESERVED</p> + +<p class="center p4 small">Six Hundred Copies Printed<br> + Number,</p> + +<a id="toc" name="toc"></a> +<h2>(p.~v) TABLE OF CONTENTS</h2> + +<div class="toc"> +<ul> +<li>Chap.</li> +</ul> + +<ul class="roman toc"> +<li value="43">Declining Health of Charles, Duke of Buccleuch. — Letter + on the Death of Queen + Charlotte. — Provincial Antiquities, etc. — Extensive + Sale of Copyrights to Constable & + Co. — Death of Mr. Charles Carpenter. — Scott accepts + the Offer of a Baronetcy. — He + declines to renew his Application for a + Seat on the Exchequer Bench. — Letters to + Morritt, Richardson, Miss Baillie, the Duke + of Buccleuch, Lord Montagu, and Captain + Ferguson. — Rob Roy played at Edinburgh. — Letter + from Jedediah Cleishbotham to + Mr. Charles Mackay. 1818-1819<span class="ralign"><a href="#page1">1</a></span></li> + +<li>Recurrence of Scott's Illness. — Death of the + Duke of Buccleuch. — Letters to Captain + Ferguson, Lord Montagu, Mr. Southey, and + Mr. Shortreed. — Scott's Sufferings while + dictating The Bride of Lammermoor. — Anecdotes + by James Ballantyne, etc. — Appearance + of the Third Series of Tales of + my Landlord. — Anecdote of the Earl of + Buchan. 1819<span class="ralign"><a href="#page24">24</a></span></li> + +<li>Gradual Reëstablishment of Scott's Health. — Ivanhoe + in Progress. — His Son Walter + joins the Eighteenth Regiment of Hussars. — Scott's + Correspondence with his Son. — Miscellaneous + Letters to Mrs. Maclean Clephane, + M. W. Hartstonge, J. G. Lockhart, + John Ballantyne, John Richardson, Miss + Edgeworth, Lord Montagu, etc. — Abbotsford + <span class="pagenum"><a id="pagevi" name="pagevi"></a>(p. vi)</span> visited by Prince Leopold of Saxe-Coburg. — Death + of Mrs. William Erskine. + 1819<span class="ralign"><a href="#page69">69</a></span></li> + +<li>Political Alarms. — The Radicals. — Levies + of Volunteers. — Project of the Buccleuch + Legion. — Death of Scott's Mother, her + Brother Dr. Rutherford, and her Sister + Christian. — Letters to Lord Montagu, Mr. + Thomas Scott, Cornet Scott, Mr. Laidlaw, + and Lady Louisa Stuart. — Publication of + Ivanhoe. 1819<span class="ralign"><a href="#page106">106</a></span></li> + +<li>The Visionary. — The Peel of Darnick. — Scott's + Saturday Excursions to Abbotsford. — A + Sunday there in February. — Constable. — John + Ballantyne. — Thomas Purdie, + etc. — Prince Gustavus Vasa. — Proclamation + of King George IV. — Publication + of The Monastery. 1820<span class="ralign"><a href="#page132">132</a></span></li> + +<li>Scott revisits London. — His Portrait by + Lawrence, and Bust by Chantrey. — Anecdotes + by Allan Cunningham. — Letters to + Mrs. Scott, Laidlaw, etc. — His Baronetcy + gazetted. — Marriage of his Daughter Sophia. — Letter + to "the Baron of Galashiels." — Visit + of Prince Gustavus Vasa at Abbotsford. — Tenders + of Honorary Degrees from + Oxford and Cambridge. — Letter to Mr. + Thomas Scott. 1820<span class="ralign"><a href="#page147">147</a></span></li> + +<li>Autumn at Abbotsford. — Scott's Hospitality. — Visit + of Sir Humphry Davy, Henry + Mackenzie, Dr. Wollaston, and William + Stewart Rose. — Coursing on Newark Hill. — Salmon-fishing. — The + Festival at Boldside. — The + Abbotsford Hunt. — The Kirn, + etc. 1820<span class="ralign"><a href="#page172">172</a></span></li> + +<li>Publication of The Abbot. — The Blair-Adam + Club. — Kelso, Walton Hall, etc. — Ballantyne's + Novelists' Library. — Acquittal + <span class="pagenum"><a id="pagevii" name="pagevii"></a>(p. vii)</span> of Queen Caroline. — Service of the + Duke of Buccleuch. — Scott elected President + of the Royal Society of Edinburgh. — The + Celtic Society. — Letters to Lord Montagu, + Cornet Scott, Charles Scott, Allan + Cunningham, etc. — Kenilworth published. + 1820-1821<span class="ralign"><a href="#page189">189</a></span></li> + +<li>Visit to London. — Project of the Royal + Society of Literature. — Affairs of the 18th + Hussars. — Marriage of Captain Adam Ferguson. — Letters + to Lord Sidmouth, Lord + Montagu, Allan Cunningham, Mrs. Lockhart, + and Cornet Scott. 1821<span class="ralign"><a href="#page219">219</a></span></li> + +<li>Illness and Death of John Ballantyne. — Extract + from his Pocketbook. — Letters + from Blair-Adam. — Castle-Campbell. — Sir + Samuel Shepherd. — "Bailie Mackay," + etc. — Coronation of George IV. — Correspondence + with James Hogg and Lord Sidmouth. — Letter + on the Coronation. — Anecdotes. — Allan + Cunningham's Memoranda. — Completion + of Chantrey's Bust. + 1821<span class="ralign"><a href="#page241">241</a></span></li> + +<li>Publication of Mr. Adolphus's Letters on + the Authorship of Waverley. 1821<span class="ralign"><a href="#page267">267</a></span></li> + +<li>New Buildings at Abbotsford. — Chiefswood. — William + Erskine. — Letter to + Countess Purgstall. — Progress of The + Pirate. — Franck's Northern Memoir, and + Notes of Lord Fountainhall, published. — Private + Letters in the Reign of James I. — Commencement + of The Fortunes of Nigel. — Second + Sale of Copyrights. — Contract for + "Four Works of Fiction." — Enormous + Profits of the Novelist, and Extravagant + Projects of Constable. — The Pirate published. — Lord + Byron's Cain, dedicated to + Scott. — Affair of the Beacon Newspaper. + 1821<span class="ralign"><a href="#page288">288</a></span></li> +</ul> +</div> + +<h2><span class="pagenum"><a id="pageviii" name="pageviii"></a>(p. viii)</span> LIST OF ILLUSTRATIONS</h2> + +<div class="toc"> +<ul> +<li> <span class="ralign">Page</span></li> + +<li><span class="smcap">Walter Scott in 1820</span><br> <span class="ralign"><a href="#img001"><i>Frontispiece</i></a></span> + From the painting by Sir Thomas Lawrence, P. R. A., in the + Royal Gallery, Windsor Castle.</li> + +<li><span class="smcap">Charles Mackay as Bailie Nicol Jarvie</span><br> <span class="ralign"><a href="#img003">22</a></span> + From the painting by Sir D. Macnee, P. R. S. A., in the + Scottish National Portrait Gallery, Edinburgh.</li> + +<li><span class="smcap">Anne Rutherford, Mother of Sir Walter Scott</span><br> <span class="ralign"><a href="#img004">106</a></span> + After the painting at Abbotsford.</li> + +<li><span class="smcap">Sophia Scott (Mrs. J. G. Lockhart)</span><br> <span class="ralign"><a href="#img005">136</a></span> + After the painting at Abbotsford by William Nicholson, + R. S. A.</li> + +<li><span class="smcap">Walter Scott in 1820</span><br> <span class="ralign"><a href="#img006">150</a></span> + From the pencil sketch by Sir Francis Chantrey, R. A.</li> + +<li><span class="smcap">Chiefswood</span><br> <span class="ralign"><a href="#img007">288</a></span> + After the drawing by J. M. W. Turner, R. A.</li> +</ul> +</div> + +<h1><span class="pagenum"><a id="page1" name="page1"></a>(p. 1)</span> SIR WALTER SCOTT</h1> + +<h2>CHAPTER XLIII</h2> + +<p class="resume">DECLINING HEALTH OF CHARLES, DUKE OF BUCCLEUCH. — LETTER ON THE + DEATH OF QUEEN CHARLOTTE. — PROVINCIAL ANTIQUITIES, + ETC. — EXTENSIVE SALE OF COPYRIGHTS TO CONSTABLE AND CO. — DEATH OF + MR. CHARLES CARPENTER. — SCOTT ACCEPTS THE OFFER OF A + BARONETCY. — HE DECLINES TO RENEW HIS APPLICATION FOR A SEAT ON + THE EXCHEQUER BENCH. — LETTERS TO MORRITT, RICHARDSON, MISS + BAILLIE, THE DUKE OF BUCCLEUCH, LORD MONTAGU, AND CAPTAIN + FERGUSON. — ROB ROY PLAYED AT EDINBURGH. — LETTER FROM JEDEDIAH + CLEISHBOTHAM TO MR. CHARLES MACKAY.</p> + +<p class="chapdate">1818-1819</p> + +<p>I have now to introduce a melancholy subject—one of the greatest +afflictions that ever Scott encountered. The health of Charles, Duke +of Buccleuch was by this time beginning to give way, and Scott thought +it his duty to intimate his very serious apprehensions to his noble +friend's brother.</p> + +<div class="letter"> +<p class="titleletter">TO THE RIGHT HON. LORD MONTAGU, DITTON PARK, WINDSOR.</p> + +<p class="date"><span class="smcap">Edinburgh</span>, 12th November, 1818.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">My dear Lord</span>,—I am about to write to you with feelings of the + deepest anxiety. I have hesitated for two or three days whether I + should communicate to your Lordship the sincere alarm which I + entertain on account of the Duke's present state of health, but I + have come <span class="pagenum"><a id="page2" name="page2"></a>(p. 2)</span> to persuade myself, that it will be discharging + a part of the duty which I owe to him, to mention my own most + distressing apprehensions. I was at the cattle-show on the 6th, + and executed the delegated task of toast-master, and so forth. I + was told by **** that the Duke is under the influence of the + muriatic bath, which occasions a good deal of uneasiness when the + medicine is in possession of the system. The Duke observed the + strictest diet, and remained only a short time at table, leaving + me to do the honors, which I did with a sorrowful heart, + endeavoring, however, to persuade myself that ****'s account, and + the natural depression of spirits incidental to his finding + himself unable for the time to discharge the duty to his guests, + which no man could do with so much grace and kindness, were + sufficient to account for the alteration of his manner and + appearance. I spent Monday with him quietly and alone, and I must + say that all I saw and heard was calculated to give me the + greatest pain. His strength is much less, his spirits lower, and + his general appearance far more unfavorable than when I left him + at Drumlanrig a few weeks before. What ****, and indeed what the + Duke himself, says of the medicine, may be true—but **** is very + sanguine, and, like all the personal physicians attached to a + person of such consequence, he is too much addicted to the + <i>placebo</i>—at least I think so—too apt to fear to give offence + by contradiction, or by telling that sort of truth which may + controvert the wishes or habits of his patient. I feel I am + communicating much pain to your Lordship, but I am sure that, + excepting yourself, there is not a man in the world whose sorrow + and apprehension could exceed mine in having such a task to + discharge; for, as your Lordship well knows, the ties which bind + me to your excellent brother are of a much stronger kind than + usually connect persons so different in rank. But the alteration + in voice and person, in features, and in spirits, all argue the + decay of natural strength, and the <span class="pagenum"><a id="page3" name="page3"></a>(p. 3)</span> increase of some + internal disorder, which is gradually triumphing over the system. + Much has been done in these cases by change of climate. I hinted + this to the Duke at Drumlanrig, but I found his mind totally + averse to it. But he made some inquiries of Harden (just returned + from Italy), which seemed to imply that at least the idea of a + winter in Italy or the south of France was not altogether out of + his consideration. Your Lordship will consider whether he can or + ought to be pressed upon this point. He is partial to Scotland, + and feels the many high duties which bind him to it. But the air + of this country, with its alternations of moisture and dry frost, + although excellent for a healthy person, is very trying to a + valetudinarian.</p> + +<p>I should not have thought of volunteering to communicate such + unpleasant news, but that the family do not seem alarmed. I am + not surprised at this, because, where the decay of health is very + gradual, it is more easily traced by a friend who sees the + patient from interval to interval, than by the affectionate eyes + which are daily beholding him.</p> + +<p>Adieu, my dear Lord. God knows you will scarce read this letter + with more pain than I feel in writing it. But it seems + indispensable to me to communicate my sentiments of the Duke's + present situation to his nearest relation and dearest friend. His + life is invaluable to his country and to his family, and how dear + it is to his friends can only be estimated by those who know the + soundness of his understanding, the uprightness and truth of his + judgment, and the generosity and warmth of his feelings.</p> + +<p>I am always, my dear Lord, most truly yours,</p> + +<p class="author">Walter Scott.</p> +</div> + +<p>Scott's letters of this and the two following months are very much +occupied with the painful subject of the Duke of Buccleuch's health; +but those addressed to his <span class="pagenum"><a id="page4" name="page4"></a>(p. 4)</span> Grace himself are, in general, in a +more jocose strain than usual. His friend's spirits were sinking, and +he exerted himself in this way, in the hope of amusing the hours of +languor at Bowhill. These letters are headed "Edinburgh Gazette +Extraordinary," No. 1, No. 2, and so on; but they deal so much in +laughable gossip about persons still living, that I find it difficult +to make any extracts from them. The following paragraphs, however, +from the Gazette of November the 20th, give a little information as to +his own minor literary labors:—</p> + +<p>"The article on Gourgaud's Narrative<a id="footnotetag1" name="footnotetag1"></a><a href="#footnote1" title="Go to footnote 1"><span class="smaller">[1]</span></a> <i>is</i> by a certain <i>Vieux +Routier</i> of your Grace's acquaintance, who would willingly have some +military hints from you for the continuation of the article, if at any +time you should feel disposed to amuse yourself with looking at the +General's most marvellous performance. His lies are certainly like the +father who begot them. Do not think that at any time the little +trumpery intelligence this place affords can interrupt my labors, +while it amuses your Grace. I can scribble as fast in the Court of +Session as anywhere else, without the least loss of time or hindrance +of business. At the same time, I cannot help laughing at the +miscellaneous trash I have been putting out of my hand, and the +various motives which made me undertake the jobs. An article for the +Edinburgh Review<a id="footnotetag2" name="footnotetag2"></a><a href="#footnote2" title="Go to footnote 2"><span class="smaller">[2]</span></a>—this for the love of Jeffrey, the editor—the +first for ten years. Do., being the article <i>Drama</i> for the +Encyclopædia—this for the sake of Mr. Constable, the publisher. Do. +for the Blackwoodian Magazine—this for love of the cause I espoused. +Do. for the Quarterly Review<a id="footnotetag3" name="footnotetag3"></a><a href="#footnote3" title="Go to footnote 3"><span class="smaller">[3]</span></a>—this for the love of myself, I +believe, or, which is the same <span class="pagenum"><a id="page5" name="page5"></a>(p. 5)</span> thing, for the love of £100, +which I wanted for some odd purpose. As all these folks fight like dog +and cat among themselves, my situation is much like the <i>Suave mare +magno</i>, and so forth....</p> + +<p>"I hope your Grace will never think of answering the Gazettes at all, +or even replying to letters of business, until you find it quite +convenient and easy. The Gazette will continue to appear as materials +occur. Indeed I expect, in the end of next week, to look in upon +Bowhill, per the Selkirk mail, about eight at night, with the hope of +spending a day there, which will be more comfortable than at +Abbotsford, where I should feel like a mouse below a firlot. If I find +the Court can spare so important a person for one day, I shall order +my pony up to meet me at Bowhill, and, supposing me to come on Friday +night, I can easily return by the Blucher on Monday, dining and +sleeping at Huntly Burn on the Sunday. So I shall receive all +necessary reply in person."</p> + +<p>Good Queen Charlotte died on the 17th of this month; and in writing to +Mr. Morritt on the 21st, Scott thus expresses what was, I believe, the +universal feeling at the moment:—</p> + +<p>"So we have lost the old Queen. She has only had the sad prerogative +of being kept alive by nursing for some painful weeks, whereas perhaps +a subject might have closed the scene earlier. I fear the effect of +this event on public manners—were there but a weight at the back of +the drawing-room door, which would slam it in the face of w——s, its +fall ought to be lamented; and I believe that poor Charlotte really +adopted her rules of etiquette upon a feeling of duty. If we should +suppose the Princess of Wales to have been at the head of the +matronage of the land for these last ten years, what would have been +the difference on public opinion! No man of experience will ever +expect the breath of a court to be favorable to correct morals—<i>sed +si non caste caute <span class="pagenum"><a id="page6" name="page6"></a>(p. 6)</span> tamen</i>. One half of the mischief is done by +the publicity of the evil, which corrupts those which are near its +influence, and fills with disgust and apprehension those to whom it +does not directly extend. Honest old Evelyn's account of Charles the +Second's court presses on one's recollection, and prepares the mind +for anxious apprehensions."</p> + +<p>Towards the end of this month Scott received from his kind friend Lord +Sidmouth, then Secretary of State for the Home Department, the formal +announcement of the Prince Regent's desire (which had been privately +communicated some months earlier through the Lord Chief Commissioner +Adam) to confer on him the rank of Baronet. When Scott first heard of +the Regent's gracious intention, he had signified considerable +hesitation about the prudence of his accepting any such accession of +rank; for it had not escaped his observation, that such airy sounds, +however modestly people may be disposed to estimate them, are apt to +entail in the upshot additional cost upon their way of living, and to +affect accordingly the plastic fancies, feelings, and habits of their +children. But Lord Sidmouth's letter happened to reach him a few days +after he had heard of the sudden death of his wife's brother, Charles +Carpenter, who had bequeathed the reversion of his fortune to his +sister's family; and this circumstance disposed Scott to waive his +scruples, chiefly with a view to the professional advantage of his +eldest son, who had by this time fixed on the life of a soldier. As is +usually the case, the estimate of Mr. Carpenter's property transmitted +at the time to England proved to have been an exaggerated one; as +nearly as my present information goes, the amount was doubled. But as +to the only question of any interest, to wit, how Scott himself felt +on all these matters at the moment, the following letter to one whom +he had long leaned to as a brother, will be more satisfactory than +anything else it is in my power to quote:—</p> + +<div class="letter"> +<p class="titleletter"><span class="pagenum"><a id="page7" name="page7"></a>(p. 7)</span> TO J. B. S. MORRITT, ESQ., M. P., ROKEBY.</p> + +<p class="date"><span class="smcap">Edinburgh</span>, 7th December, 1818.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">My dear Morritt</span>,—I know you are indifferent to nothing that + concerns us, and therefore I take an early opportunity to + acquaint you with the mixture of evil and good which has very + lately befallen us. On Saturday last we had the advice of the + death of my wife's brother, Charles Carpenter, commercial + resident at Salem, in the Madras Establishment. This event has + given her great distress. She has not, that we know of, a single + blood-relation left in the world, for her uncle, the Chevalier de + la Volere,<a id="footnotetag4" name="footnotetag4"></a><a href="#footnote4" title="Go to footnote 4"><span class="smaller">[4]</span></a> colonel of a Russian regiment, is believed to have + been killed in the campaign of 1813. My wife has been very unwell + for two days, and is only now sitting up and mixing with us. She + has that sympathy which we are all bound to pay, but feels she + wants that personal interest in her sorrow which could only be + grounded on a personal acquaintance with the deceased.</p> + +<p>Mr. Carpenter has, with great propriety, left his property in + life-rent to his wife—the capital to my children. It seems to + amount to about £40,000. Upwards of £30,000 is in the British + funds; the rest, to an uncertain value, in India. I hope this + prospect of independence will not make my children different from + that which they have usually been—docile, dutiful, and + affectionate. I trust it will not. At least, the first expression + of their feelings was honorable, for it was a unanimous wish to + give up all to their mother. This I explained to them was out of + the question; but that, if they should be in possession at any + time of this property, they ought, among them, to settle an + income of £400 or £500 on their mother for her life, to supply + her with a fund at her own uncontrolled disposal, for any + indulgence <span class="pagenum"><a id="page8" name="page8"></a>(p. 8)</span> or useful purpose that might be required. Mrs. + Scott will stand in no need of this; but it is a pity to let kind + affections run to waste; and if they never have it in their power + to pay such a debt, their willingness to have done so will be a + pleasant reflection. I am Scotchman enough to hate the breaking + up of family ties, and the too close adherence to personal + property. For myself, this event makes me neither richer nor + poorer <i>directly</i>; but indirectly it will permit me to do + something for my poor brother Tom's family, besides pleasing + myself in "<i>plantings</i>, and <i>policies</i>, and <i>biggings</i>,"<a id="footnotetag5" name="footnotetag5"></a><a href="#footnote5" title="Go to footnote 5"><span class="smaller">[5]</span></a> with + a safe conscience.</p> + +<p>There is another thing I have to whisper to your faithful ear. + Our fat friend, being desirous to honor Literature in my unworthy + person, has intimated to me, by his organ the Doctor,<a id="footnotetag6" name="footnotetag6"></a><a href="#footnote6" title="Go to footnote 6"><span class="smaller">[6]</span></a> that, + with consent ample and unanimous of all the potential voices of + all his ministers, each more happy than another of course on so + joyful an occasion, he proposes to dub me Baronet. It would be + easy saying a parcel of fine things about my contempt of rank, + and so forth; but although I would not have gone a step out of my + way to have asked, or bought, or begged or borrowed a + distinction, which to me personally will rather be inconvenient + than otherwise, yet, coming as it does directly from the source + of feudal honors, and as an honor, I am really gratified with + it;—especially as it is intimated that it is his Royal + Highness's pleasure to heat the oven for me expressly, without + waiting till he has some new <i>batch</i> of Baronets ready in dough. + In plain English, I am to be gazetted <i>per se</i>. My poor friend + Carpenter's bequest to my family has taken away <span class="pagenum"><a id="page9" name="page9"></a>(p. 9)</span> a certain + degree of <i>impecuniosity</i>, a necessity of saving cheese-parings + and candle-ends, which always looks inconsistent with any little + pretension to rank. But as things now stand, Advance banners in + the name of God and Saint Andrew. Remember, I anticipate the + jest, "I like not such grinning honor as Sir Walter hath."<a id="footnotetag7" name="footnotetag7"></a><a href="#footnote7" title="Go to footnote 7"><span class="smaller">[7]</span></a> + After all, if one must speak for himself, I have my quarters and + emblazonments, free of all stain but Border theft and High + Treason, which I hope are gentlemanlike crimes; and I hope Sir + Walter Scott will not sound worse than Sir Humphry Davy, though + my merits are as much under his, in point of utility, as can well + be imagined. But a name is something, and mine is the better of + the two. Set down this flourish to the account of national and + provincial pride, for you must know we have more Messieurs de + Sotenville<a id="footnotetag8" name="footnotetag8"></a><a href="#footnote8" title="Go to footnote 8"><span class="smaller">[8]</span></a> in our Border counties than anywhere else in the + Lowlands—I cannot say for the Highlands. The Duke of Buccleuch, + greatly to my joy, resolves to go to France for a season. Adam + Ferguson goes with him, to glad him by the way. Charlotte and the + young folks join in kind compliments.</p> + +<p>Most truly yours,</p> +<p class="author">Walter Scott.</p> +</div> + +<p>A few additional circumstances are given in a letter of the same week +to Joanna Baillie. To her, after mentioning the testamentary +provisions of Mr. Carpenter, Scott says:—</p> + +<div class="letter"> +<p><span class="smcap">My dear Friend</span>,—I am going to tell you a little secret. I have + changed my mind, or rather existing circumstances have led to my + altering my opinions in a case of sublunary honor. I have now + before me Lord Sidmouth's letter, containing the Prince's + gracious and unsolicited intention to give me a Baronetcy. It + will neither make me better nor worse than I feel myself—in + <span class="pagenum"><a id="page10" name="page10"></a>(p. 10)</span> fact it will be an incumbrance rather than otherwise; + but it may be of consequence to Walter, for the title is worth + something in the army, although not in a learned profession. The + Duke of Buccleuch and Scott of Harden, who, as the heads of my + clan and the sources of my gentry, are good judges of what I + ought to do, have both given me their earnest opinion to accept + of an honor directly derived from the source of honor, and + neither begged nor bought, as is the usual fashion. Several of my + ancestors bore the title in the seventeenth century; and were it + of consequence, I have no reason to be ashamed of the decent and + respectable persons who connect me with that period when they + carried into the field, like Madoc—</p> + +<p class="poem10"> +<span class="min33em">"</span>The crescent, at whose gleam the <i>Cambrian</i> oft,<br> + Cursing his perilous tenure, wound his horn"—</p> + +<p class="noindent">so that, as a gentleman, I may stand on as good a footing as + other new creations. Respecting the reasons peculiar to myself + which have made the Prince show his respect for general + literature in my person, I cannot be a good judge, and your + friendly zeal will make you a partial one: the purpose is fair, + honorable, and creditable to the Sovereign, even though it should + number him among the monarchs who made blunders in literary + patronage. You know Pope says:—</p> + +<p class="poem10"> +<span class="min33em">"</span>The Hero William, and the Martyr Charles,<br> + One knighted Blackmore, and one pensioned Quarles."<a id="footnotetag9" name="footnotetag9"></a><a href="#footnote9" title="Go to footnote 9"><span class="smaller">[9]</span></a></p> + +<p>So let the intention sanctify the error, if there should be one + on this great occasion. The time of this grand affair is + uncertain: it is coupled with an invitation to London, which it + would be inconvenient to me to accept, unless it should happen + that I am called to come up by the affairs of poor Carpenter's + estate. Indeed, the prospects of my children form the principal + reason for a change of sentiments upon this flattering offer, + joined to my belief that, though I may still be a scribbler from + inveterate habit, I shall hardly engage again in any work of + consequence.</p> + +<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="page11" name="page11"></a>(p. 11)</span> We had a delightful visit from the Richardsons, only + rather too short. He will give you a picture of Abbotsford, but + not as it exists in my mind's eye, waving with all its future + honors. The pinasters are thriving very well, and in a year or + two more Joanna's Bower will be worthy of the name. At present it + is like Sir Roger de Coverley's portrait, which hovered between + its resemblance to the good knight and to a Saracen. Now the said + bower has still such a resemblance to its original character of a + gravel pit, that it is not fit to be shown to "bairns and fools," + who, according to our old canny proverb, should never see + half-done work; but Nature, if she works slowly, works surely, + and your laurels at Abbotsford will soon flourish as fair as + those you have won on Parnassus. I rather fear that a quantity of + game, which was shipped awhile ago at Inverness for the Doctor, + never reached him: it is rather a transitory commodity in London; + there were ptarmigan, grouse, and black game. I shall be grieved + if they have miscarried.—My health, thank God, continues as + strong as at any period in my life; only I think of rule and diet + more than I used to do, and observe as much as in me lies the + advice of my friendly physician, who took such kind care of me: + my best respects attend him, Mrs. Baillie, and Mrs. Agnes. Ever, + my dear friend, most faithfully yours,</p> + +<p class="author">W. S.</p> +</div> + +<p>In the next of these letters Scott alludes, among other things, to a +scene of innocent pleasure which I often witnessed afterwards. The +whole of the ancient ceremonial of the <i>daft days</i>, as they are called +in Scotland, obtained respect at Abbotsford. He said it was <i>uncanny</i>, +and would certainly have felt it very uncomfortable, not to welcome +the new year in the midst of his family and a few old friends, with +the immemorial libation of a <i>het pint</i>; but of all the consecrated +ceremonies of the time, none gave him such delight as the visit which +he received <span class="pagenum"><a id="page12" name="page12"></a>(p. 12)</span> as <i>Laird</i> from all the children on his estate, on +the last morning of every December—when, in the words of an obscure +poet often quoted by him,</p> + +<p class="poem10"> +<span class="min33em">"</span>The cottage bairns sing blithe and gay,<br> + At the ha' door for <i>hogmanay</i>."</p> + +<div class="letter"> +<p class="titleletter">TO MISS JOANNA BAILLIE, HAMPSTEAD.</p> + +<p class="date"><span class="smcap">Abbotsford</span>, 1st January, 1819.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">My dear Friend</span>,—Many thanks for your kind letter. Ten brace of + ptarmigan sailed from Inverness about the 24th, directed for Dr. + Baillie;—if they should have reached, I hope you would seize + some for yourself and friends, as I learn the Doctor is on duty + at Windsor. I do not know the name of the vessel, but they were + addressed to Dr. Baillie, London, which I trust was enough, for + there are not <i>two</i>. The Doctor has been exercising his skill + upon my dear friend and chief, the Duke of Buccleuch, to whom I + am more attached than to any person beyond the reach of my own + family, and has advised him to do what, by my earnest advice, he + ought to have done three years ago—namely, to go to Lisbon: he + left this vicinity with much reluctance to go to Toulouse, but if + he will be advised, should not stop save in Portugal or the south + of Spain. The Duke is one of those retired and high-spirited men + who will never be known until the world asks what became of the + huge oak that grew on the brow of the hill, and sheltered such an + extent of ground. During the late distress, though his own + immense rents remained in arrears, and though I know he was + pinched for money, as all men were, but more especially the + possessors of entailed estates, he absented himself from London + in order to pay with ease to himself the laborers employed on his + various estates. These amounted (for I have often seen the roll + and helped to check it) to nine hundred and fifty men, working at + day wages, each of whom on a moderate average might maintain + three persons, since the single men have <span class="pagenum"><a id="page13" name="page13"></a>(p. 13)</span> mothers, + sisters, and aged or very young relations to protect and assist. + Indeed it is wonderful how much even a small sum, comparatively, + will do in supporting the Scottish laborer, who is in his natural + state perhaps one of the best, most intelligent, and kind-hearted + of human beings; and in truth I have limited my other habits of + expense very much since I fell into the habit of employing mine + honest people. I wish you could have seen about a hundred + children, being almost entirely supported by their fathers' or + brothers' labor, come down yesterday to dance to the pipes, and + get a piece of cake and bannock, and pence apiece (no very deadly + largess) in honor of <i>hogmanay</i>. I declare to you, my dear + friend, that when I thought the poor fellows who kept these + children so neat, and well taught, and well behaved, were slaving + the whole day for eighteen-pence or twenty-pence at the most, I + was ashamed of their gratitude, and of their becks and bows. But, + after all, one does what one can, and it is better twenty + families should be comfortable according to their wishes and + habits, than half that number should be raised above their + situation. Besides, like Fortunio in the fairy tale, I have my + gifted men—the best wrestler and cudgel-player—the best runner + and leaper—the best shot in the little district; and as I am + partial to all manly and athletic exercises, these are great + favorites, being otherwise decent persons, and bearing their + faculties meekly. All this smells of sad egotism, but what can I + write to you about, save what is uppermost in my own thoughts: + and here am I, thinning old plantations and planting new ones; + now undoing what has been done, and now doing what I suppose no + one would do but myself, and accomplishing all my magical + transformations by the arms and legs of the aforesaid genii, + conjured up to my aid at eighteen-pence a day. There is no one + with me but my wife, to whom the change of scene and air, with + the facility of easy and uninterrupted exercise, is of service. + The young people <span class="pagenum"><a id="page14" name="page14"></a>(p. 14)</span> remain in Edinburgh to look after their + lessons, and Walter, though passionately fond of shooting, only + stayed three days with us, his mind running entirely on + mathematics and fortification, French and German. One of the + excellencies of Abbotsford is very bad pens and ink; and besides, + this being New Year's Day, and my writing-room above the + servants' hall, the progress of my correspondence is a little + interrupted by the Piper singing Gaelic songs to the servants, + and their applause in consequence. Adieu, my good and indulgent + friend: the best influences of the New Year attend you and yours, + who so well deserve all that they can bring. Most affectionately + yours,</p> + +<p class="author">Walter Scott.</p> +</div> + +<p>Before quitting the year 1818, I ought to have mentioned that among +Scott's miscellaneous occupations in its autumn, he found time to +contribute some curious materials toward a new edition of Burt's +Letters from the North of Scotland, which had been undertaken by his +old acquaintance, Mr. Robert Jameson. During the winter session he +appears to have made little progress with his novel; his painful +seizures of cramp were again recurring frequently, and he probably +thought it better to allow the story of Lammermoor to lie over until +his health should be reëstablished. In the mean time he drew up a set +of topographical and historical essays, which originally appeared in +the successive numbers of the splendidly illustrated work, entitled +Provincial Antiquities of Scotland.<a id="footnotetag10" name="footnotetag10"></a><a href="#footnote10" title="Go to footnote 10"><span class="smaller">[10]</span></a> But he did this merely to +gratify his own love of the subject, and because, well or ill, he must +be doing something. He declined all pecuniary recompense; but +afterwards, when the success of the publication was secure, accepted +from the proprietors some of the beautiful drawings by Turner, +Thomson, and other artists, which had been prepared to accompany his +<span class="pagenum"><a id="page15" name="page15"></a>(p. 15)</span> text. These drawings are now in the little breakfast-room at +Abbotsford—the same which had been constructed for his own den, and +which I found him occupying as such in the spring of 1819.</p> + +<p>In the course of December, 1818, he also opened an important +negotiation with Messrs. Constable, which was completed early in the +ensuing year. The cost of his building had, as is usual, exceeded his +calculation; and he had both a large addition to it, and some new +purchases of land, in view. Moreover, his eldest son had now fixed on +the cavalry, in which service every step infers very considerable +expense. The details of this negotiation are remarkable;—Scott +considered himself as a very fortunate man when Constable, who at +first offered £10,000 for all his then existing copyrights, agreed to +give for them £12,000. Meeting a friend in the street, just after the +deed had been executed, he said he wagered no man could guess at how +large a price Constable had estimated his "eild kye" (cows barren from +age). The copyrights thus transferred were, as specified in the +instrument:—</p> + +<table style="margin-left: 10%;" border="0" cellpadding="0" summary="Copyrights."> +<colgroup> + <col width="10%"> + <col width="20%"> + <col width="30%"> + <col width="20%"> +</colgroup> +<tr> +<td colspan="4">"The said Walter Scott, Esq.'s present share, being the entire copyright, + of Waverley.</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td>Do.</td> +<td><span class="add2em">do</span></td> +<td>Guy Mannering.</td> +<td> </td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td>Do.</td> +<td><span class="add2em">do</span></td> +<td>Antiquary.</td> +<td> </td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td>Do.</td> +<td><span class="add2em">do</span></td> +<td>Rob Roy.</td> +<td> </td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td>Do.</td> +<td><span class="add2em">do</span></td> +<td>Tales of My Landlord,</td> +<td>1st Series.</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td>Do.</td> +<td><span class="add2em">do</span></td> +<td><span class="add2em">do.</span></td> +<td>2d Series.</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td>Do.</td> +<td><span class="add2em">do</span></td> +<td><span class="add2em">do.</span></td> +<td>3d Series.</td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td>Do.</td> +<td><span class="add2em">do</span></td> +<td>Bridal of Triermain.</td> +<td> </td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td>Do.</td> +<td><span class="add2em">do</span></td> +<td>Harold the Dauntless.</td> +<td> </td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td>Do.</td> +<td><span class="add2em">do</span> +<td>Sir Tristrem.</td> +<td> </td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td>Do.</td> +<td><span class="add2em">do</span></td> +<td>Roderick Collection,</td> +<td> </td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td>Do.</td> +<td><span class="add2em">do</span></td> +<td>Paul's Letters.</td> +<td> </td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td>Do.</td> +<td>being one eighth of</td> +<td>The Lay of the Last Minstrel.</td> +<td> </td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td>Do.</td> +<td>being one half of</td> +<td>The Lady of the Lake.</td> +<td> </td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td>Do.</td> +<td>being one half of</td> +<td>Rokeby.</td> +<td> </td> +</tr> +<tr> +<td>Do.</td> +<td>being one half of</td> +<td>The Lord of the Isles."</td> +<td> </td> +</tr> +</table> + +<p>The instrument contained a clause binding Messrs. Constable never to +divulge the name of the Author of Waverley during his life, under a +penalty of £2000.</p> + +<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="page16" name="page16"></a>(p. 16)</span> I may observe, that had these booksellers fulfilled their part +of this agreement, by paying off, prior to their insolvency in 1826, +the whole bonds for £12,000, which they signed on the 2d of February, +1819, no interest in the copyrights above specified could have been +expected to revert to the Author of Waverley: but more of this in due +season.</p> + +<p>He alludes to the progress of the treaty in the following letter to +Captain Adam Ferguson, who had, as has already appeared, left Scotland +with the Duke of Buccleuch. His Grace hearing, when in London, that +one of the Barons of Exchequer at Edinburgh meant speedily to resign, +the Captain had, by his desire, written to urge on Scott the propriety +of renewing his application for a seat on that bench; which, however, +Scott at once refused to do. There were several reasons for this +abstinence; among others, he thought such a promotion at this time +would interfere with a project which he had formed of joining "the +Chief and the Aide-de-Camp" in the course of the spring, and +accomplishing in their society the tour of Portugal and Spain—perhaps +of Italy also. Some such excursion had been strongly recommended to +him by his own physicians, as the likeliest means of interrupting +those habits of sedulous exertion at the desk, which they all regarded +as the true source of his recent ailments, and the only serious +obstacle to his cure; and his standing as a Clerk of Session, +considering how largely he had labored in that capacity for infirm +brethren, would have easily secured him a twelve-month's leave of +absence from the Judges of his Court. But the principal motive was, as +we shall see, his reluctance to interfere with the claims of the then +Sheriff of Mid-Lothian, his own and Ferguson's old friend and +schoolfellow, Sir William Rae—who, however, accepted the more +ambitious post of Lord Advocate, in the course of the ensuing summer.</p> + +<div class="letter"> +<p class="titleletter"><span class="pagenum"><a id="page17" name="page17"></a>(p. 17)</span> TO CAPTAIN ADAM FERGUSON, DITTON PARK, WINDSOR.</p> + +<p class="date">15th January, 1819.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Dear Adam</span>,—Many thanks for your kind letter, this moment + received. I would not for the world stand in Jackie (I beg his + pardon, Sir John) Peartree's way.<a id="footnotetag11" name="footnotetag11"></a><a href="#footnote11" title="Go to footnote 11"><span class="smaller">[11]</span></a> He has merited the cushion + <i>en haut</i>, and besides he needs it. To me it would make little + difference in point of income. The <i>otium cum dignitate</i>, if it + ever come, will come as well years after this as now. Besides, I + am afraid the opening will be soon made, through the death of our + dear friend the Chief Baron, of whose health the accounts are + unfavorable.<a id="footnotetag12" name="footnotetag12"></a><a href="#footnote12" title="Go to footnote 12"><span class="smaller">[12]</span></a> Immediate promotion would be inconvenient to me, + rather than otherwise, because I have the desire, like an old + fool as I am, <i>courir un peu le monde</i>. I am beginning to draw + out from my literary commerce. Constable has offered me £10,000 + for the copyrights of published works which have already produced + more than twice the sum. I stand out for £12,000. Tell this to + the Duke; he knows how I managed to keep the hen till the rainy + day was past. I will write two lines to Lord Melville, just to + make my bow for the present, resigning any claims I have through + the patronage of my kindest and best friend, for I have no other, + till the next opportunity. I should have been truly vexed if the + Duke had thought of writing about this. I don't wish to hear from + him till I can have his account of the lines of Torres Vedras. I + care so little how or where I travel, that I am not sure at all + whether I shall not come to Lisbon and surprise you, instead of + going to Italy by Switzerland; that is, providing the state of + Spain will allow me, without any unreasonable danger of my + throat, to get from Lisbon to Madrid, and thence to Gibraltar. + <span class="pagenum"><a id="page18" name="page18"></a>(p. 18)</span> I am determined to roll a little about, for I have lost + much of my usual views of summer pleasure here. But I trust we + shall have one day the Maid of Lorn (recovered of her lameness), + and Charlie Stuart (reconciled to bogs), and Sibyl Grey (no + longer retrograde), and the Duke set up by a southern climate, + and his military and civil aides-de-camp, with all the rout of + younkers and dogs, and a brown hillside, introductory to a good + dinner at Bowhill or Drumlanrig, and a merry evening. Amen, and + God send it. As to my mouth being stopped with the froth of the + title, that is, as the learned Partridge says, a <i>non sequitur</i>. + You know the schoolboy's expedient of first asking mustard for + his beef, and then beef for his mustard. Now, as they put the + mustard on my plate, without my asking it, I shall consider + myself, time and place serving, as entitled to ask a slice of + beef; that is to say, I would do so if I cared much about it; but + as it is, I trust it to time and chance, which, as you, dear + Adam, know, have (added to the exertions of kind friends) been + wonderful allies of mine. People usually wish their letters to + come to hand, but I hope you will not receive this in Britain. I + am impatient to hear you have sailed. All here are well and + hearty. The Baronet<a id="footnotetag13" name="footnotetag13"></a><a href="#footnote13" title="Go to footnote 13"><span class="smaller">[13]</span></a> and I propose to go up to the Castle + to-morrow to fix on the most convenient floor of the Crown House + for your mansion, in hopes you will stand treat for gin-grog and + Cheshire cheese on your return, to reward our labor. The whole + expense will fall within the Treasury order, and it is important + to see things made convenient. I will write a long letter to the + Duke to Lisbon. Yours ever,</p> + +<p class="author">Walter Scott.</p> + +<p>P. S.—No news here, but that the goodly hulk of conceit and + tallow, which was called Macculloch, of the Royal Hotel, Prince's + Street, was put to bed dead-drunk on Wednesday night, and taken + out the next morning dead-by-itself-dead. Mair skaith at + Sheriffmuir.</p> +</div> + +<div class="letter"> +<p class="titleletter"><span class="pagenum"><a id="page19" name="page19"></a>(p. 19)</span> TO J. RICHARDSON, ESQ., FLUDYER STREET, WESTMINSTER.</p> + +<p class="date"><span class="smcap">Edinburgh</span>, 18th January, 1819.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">My dear Richardson</span>,—Many thanks for your kind letter. I own I + did mystify Mrs. **** a little about the report you mention; and + I am glad to hear the finesse succeeded.<a id="footnotetag14" name="footnotetag14"></a><a href="#footnote14" title="Go to footnote 14"><span class="smaller">[14]</span></a> She came up to me + with a great overflow of gratitude for the delight and pleasure, + and so forth, which she owed to me on account of these books. + Now, as she knew very well that I had never owned myself the + author, this was not <i>polite</i> politeness, and she had no right to + force me up into a corner and compel me to tell her a word more + than I chose, upon a subject which concerned no one but + myself—and I have no notion of being pumped by any old dowager + Lady of Session, male or female. So I gave in dilatory defences, + under protestation to add and eik; for I trust, in learning a new + slang, you have not forgot the old. In plain words, I denied the + charge, and as she insisted to know who else <i>could</i> write these + novels, I suggested Adam Ferguson as a person having all the + information and capacity necessary for that purpose. But the + inference that he <i>was</i> the author was of her own deducing; and + thus ended her attempt, notwithstanding her having primed the + pump with a good dose of flattery. It is remarkable, that among + all my real friends to whom I did not choose to communicate this + matter, not one ever thought it proper or delicate to tease me + about it. Respecting the knighthood, I can only say, that coming + as it does, and I finding myself and my family in circumstances + which will not render the <i>petit titre</i> ridiculous, I think there + would be more vanity in declining than in accepting what is + offered to me by the express wish of the Sovereign as a mark of + favor and distinction. Will you be so kind as to inquire and let + me know what the fees, etc., of a baronetcy amount to—for I must + provide <span class="pagenum"><a id="page20" name="page20"></a>(p. 20)</span> myself accordingly, not knowing exactly when + this same title may descend upon me. I am afraid the sauce is + rather smart. I should like also to know what is to be done + respecting registration of arms and so forth. Will you make these + inquiries for me <i>sotto voce</i>? I should not suppose, from the + persons who sometimes receive this honor, that there is any + inquiry about descent or genealogy; mine were decent enough + folks, and enjoyed the honor in the seventeenth century, so I + shall not be first of the title; and it will sound like that of a + Christian knight, as Sir Sidney Smith said.</p> + +<p>I had a letter from our immortal Joanna some fortnight since, + when I was enjoying myself at Abbotsford. Never was there such a + season, flowers springing, birds singing, grubs eating the + wheat—as if it was the end of May. After all, nature had a + grotesque and inconsistent appearance, and I could not help + thinking she resembled a withered beauty who persists in looking + youthy, and dressing conform thereto. I thought the loch should + have had its blue frozen surface, and russet all about it, + instead of an unnatural gayety of green. So much are we the + children of habit, that we cannot always enjoy thoroughly the + alterations which are most for our advantage.—They have filled + up the historical chair here. I own I wish it had been with our + friend Campbell, whose genius is such an honor to his country. + But he has cast anchor I suppose in the south. Your friend, Mrs. + Scott, was much cast down with her brother's death. His bequest + to my family leaves my own property much at my own disposal, + which is pleasant enough. I was foolish enough sometimes to be + vexed at the prospect of my library being sold <i>sub hasta</i>, which + is now less likely to happen. I always am, most truly yours,</p> + +<p class="author">Walter Scott.</p> +</div> + +<p>On the 15th of February, 1819, Scott witnessed the first +representation, on the Edinburgh boards, of the most <span class="pagenum"><a id="page21" name="page21"></a>(p. 21)</span> +meritorious and successful of all the <i>Terryfications</i>, though Terry +himself was not the manufacturer. The drama of Rob Roy will never +again be got up so well, in all its parts, as it then was by William +Murray's company; the manager's own <i>Captain Thornton</i> was +excellent—and so was the <i>Dugald Creature</i> of a Mr. Duff—there was +also a good <i>Mattie</i>—(about whose equipment, by the bye, Scott felt +such interest that he left his box between the acts to remind Mr. +Murray that she "must have a mantle with her lanthorn;")—but the +great and unrivalled attraction was the personification of <i>Bailie +Jarvie</i>, by Charles Mackay, who, being himself a native of Glasgow, +entered into the minutest peculiarities of the character with high +<i>gusto</i>, and gave the west-country dialect in its most racy +perfection. It was extremely diverting to watch the play of Scott's +features during this admirable realization of his conception; and I +must add, that the behavior of the Edinburgh audience on all such +occasions, while the secret of the novels was preserved, reflected +great honor on their good taste and delicacy of feeling. He seldom, in +those days, entered his box without receiving some mark of general +respect and admiration; but I never heard of any pretext being laid +hold of to connect these demonstrations with the piece he had come to +witness, or, in short, to do or say anything likely to interrupt his +quiet enjoyment of the evening in the midst of his family and friends. +The Rob Roy had a continued run of forty-one nights, during February +and March; and it was played once a week, at least, for many years +afterwards.<a id="footnotetag15" name="footnotetag15"></a><a href="#footnote15" title="Go to footnote 15"><span class="smaller">[15]</span></a> Mackay, of course, always selected it for his +benefit;—and I now print from Scott's MS. a letter, which, no doubt, +reached the mimic Bailie <span class="pagenum"><a id="page22" name="page22"></a>(p. 22)</span> in the handwriting of one of the +Ballantynes, on the first of these occurrences:—</p> + +<div class="letter"> +<p class="titleletter">TO MR. CHARLES MACKAY, THEATRE-ROYAL, EDIN<sup>R</sup>.</p> + +<p class="smaller center">(<i>Private.</i>)</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Friend Mackay</span>,—My lawful occasions having brought me from my + residence at Gandercleuch to this great city, it was my lot to + fall into company with certain friends, who impetrated from me a + consent to behold the stage-play, which hath been framed forth of + an history entitled Rob (<i>seu potius</i> Robert) Roy; which history, + although it existeth not in mine erudite work, entitled Tales of + my Landlord, hath nathless a near relation in style and structure + to those pleasant narrations. Wherefore, having surmounted those + arguments whilk were founded upon the unseemliness of a personage + in my place and profession appearing in an open stage-play house, + and having buttoned the terminations of my cravat into my bosom, + in order to preserve mine incognito, and indued an outer coat + over mine usual garments, so that the hue thereof might not + betray my calling, I did place myself (much elbowed by those who + little knew whom they did incommode) in that place of the Theatre + called the two-shilling gallery, and beheld the show with great + delectation, even from the rising of the curtain to the fall + thereof.</p> + +<p>Chiefly, my facetious friend, was I enamored of the very lively + representation of Bailie Nicol Jarvie, in so much that I became + desirous to communicate to thee my great admiration thereof, + nothing doubting that it will give thee satisfaction to be + apprised of the same. Yet further, in case thou shouldst be of + that numerous class of persons who set less store by good words + than good deeds, and understanding that there is assigned unto + each stage-player a special night, called a benefit (it will do + thee no harm to know that the phrase cometh from two Latin words, + <i>bene</i> and <i>facio</i>), on which their friends <span class="pagenum"><a id="page23" name="page23"></a>(p. 23)</span> and + patrons show forth their benevolence, I now send thee mine in the + form of a five-ell web (<i>hoc jocose</i>, to express a note for £5), + as a meet present for the Bailie, himself a weaver, and the son + of a worthy deacon of that craft. The which propine I send thee + in token that it is my purpose, business and health permitting, + to occupy the central place of the pit on the night of thy said + beneficiary or benefit.</p> + +<p>Friend Mackay! from one, whose profession it is to teach others, + thou must excuse the freedom of a caution. I trust thou wilt + remember that, as excellence in thine art cannot be attained + without much labor, so neither can it be extended, or even + maintained, without constant and unremitted exertion; and + further, that the decorum of a performer's private character (and + it gladdeth me to hear that thine is respectable) addeth not a + little to the value of his public exertions.</p> + +<p>Finally, in respect there is nothing perfect in this world,—at + least I have never received a wholly faultless version from the + very best of my pupils—I pray thee not to let Rob Roy twirl thee + around in the ecstasy of thy joy, in regard it oversteps the + limits of nature, which otherwise thou so sedulously preservest + in thine admirable national portraiture of Bailie Nicol + Jarvie.—I remain thy sincere friend and well-wisher,</p> + +<p class="author">Jedediah Cleishbotham.</p> +</div> + +<a id="img003" name="img003"></a> +<div class="figcenter p4"> +<img src="images/img003.jpg" width="400" height="540" alt="" title=""> +<p>CHARLES MACKAY<br> +<i>From the painting by Sir D. Macnee</i></p> +</div> + +<h2><span class="pagenum"><a id="page24" name="page24"></a>(p. 24)</span> CHAPTER XLIV</h2> + +<p class="resume">RECURRENCE OF SCOTT'S ILLNESS. — DEATH OF THE DUKE OF + BUCCLEUCH. — LETTERS TO CAPTAIN FERGUSON, LORD MONTAGU, MR. + SOUTHEY, AND MR. SHORTREED. — SCOTT'S SUFFERINGS WHILE DICTATING + THE BRIDE OF LAMMERMOOR. — ANECDOTES BY JAMES BALLANTYNE, + ETC. — APPEARANCE OF THE THIRD SERIES OF TALES OF MY + LANDLORD. — ANECDOTE OF THE EARL OF BUCHAN.</p> + +<p class="chapdate">1819</p> + +<p>It had been Scott's purpose to spend the Easter vacation in London, +and receive his baronetcy; but this was prevented by the serious +recurrence of the malady which so much alarmed his friends in the +early part of the year 1817, and which had continued ever since to +torment him at intervals. The subsequent correspondence will show that +afflictions of various sorts were accumulated on his head at the same +period:—</p> + +<div class="letter"> +<p class="titleletter">TO THE LORD MONTAGU, DITTON PARK, WINDSOR.</p> + +<p class="date"><span class="smcap">Edinburgh</span>, 4th March, 1819.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">My dear Lord</span>,—The Lord President tells me he has a letter from + his son, Captain Charles Hope, R. N., who had just taken leave of + our High Chief, upon the deck of the Liffey. He had not seen the + Duke for a fortnight, and was pleasingly surprised to find his + health and general appearance so very much improved. For my part, + having watched him with such unremitting attention, I feel very + confident in the effect of a change of air and of climate. It is + with great pleasure that I find the <span class="pagenum"><a id="page25" name="page25"></a>(p. 25)</span> Duke has received an + answer from me respecting a matter about which he was anxious, + and on which I could make his mind quite easy. His Grace wished + Adam Ferguson to assist him as his confidential secretary; and + with all the scrupulous delicacy that belongs to his character, + he did not like to propose this, except through my medium as a + common friend. Now, I can answer for Adam, as I can for myself, + that he will have the highest pleasure in giving assistance in + every possible way the Duke can desire; and if forty years' + intimacy can entitle one man to speak for another, I believe the + Duke can find nowhere a person so highly qualified for such a + confidential situation. He was educated for business, understands + it well, and was long a military secretary;—his temper and + manners your Lordship can judge as well as I can, and his worth + and honor are of the very first water. I confess I should not be + surprised if the Duke should wish to continue the connection even + afterwards, for I have often thought that two hours' + letter-writing, which is his Grace's daily allowance, is rather + worse than the duty of a Clerk of Session, because there is no + vacation. Much of this might surely be saved by an intelligent + friend, on whose style of expression, prudence, and secrecy, his + Grace could put perfect reliance. Two words marked on any letter + by his own hand would enable such a person to refuse more or less + positively—to grant directly or conditionally—or, in short, to + maintain the exterior forms of the very troublesome and extensive + correspondence which his Grace's high situation entails upon him. + I think it is Monsieur le Duc de Saint-Simon who tells us of one + of Louis XIV.'s ministers <i>qu'il avoit la plume</i>—which he + explains by saying that it was his duty to imitate the King's + handwriting so closely, as to be almost undistinguishable, and + make him on all occasions <i>parler très noblement</i>. I wonder how + the Duke gets on without such a friend. In the mean time, + however, I am glad I can assure him of Ferguson's <span class="pagenum"><a id="page26" name="page26"></a>(p. 26)</span> + willing and ready assistance while abroad; and I am happy to find + still further that he had got that assurance before they sailed, + for tedious hours occur on board of ship, when it will serve as a + relief to talk over any of the private affairs which the Duke + wishes to entrust to him.</p> + +<p>I have been very unwell from a visitation of my old enemy, the + cramp in my stomach, which much resembles, as I conceive, the + process by which <i>the deil</i> would make one's <i>king's-hood</i> into a + <i>spleuchan</i>,<a id="footnotetag16" name="footnotetag16"></a><a href="#footnote16" title="Go to footnote 16"><span class="smaller">[16]</span></a> according to the anathema of Burns. + Unfortunately, the opiates which the medical people think + indispensable to relieve spasms, bring on a habit of body which + has to be counteracted by medicines of a different tendency, so + as to produce a most disagreeable see-saw—a kind of pull-devil, + pull-baker contention, the field of battle being my unfortunate + <i>præcordia</i>. I am better to-day, and I trust shall be able to + dispense with these alternations. I still hope to be in London in + April.</p> + +<p>I will write to the Duke regularly, for distance of place acts in + a contrary ratio on the mind and on the eye: trifles, instead of + being diminished, as in prospect, become important and + interesting, and therefore he shall have a budget of them. Hogg + is here busy with his Jacobite songs. I wish he may get + handsomely through, for he is profoundly ignorant of history, and + it is an awkward thing to read in order that you may write.<a id="footnotetag17" name="footnotetag17"></a><a href="#footnote17" title="Go to footnote 17"><span class="smaller">[17]</span></a> I + give him all the help I can, but he sometimes poses me. For + instance, he came yesterday, open mouth, inquiring <span class="pagenum"><a id="page27" name="page27"></a>(p. 27)</span> what + great dignified clergyman had distinguished himself at + Killiecrankie—not exactly the scene where one would have + expected a churchman to shine—and I found, with some difficulty, + that he had mistaken Major-General Canon, called, in Kennedy's + Latin Song, <i>Canonicus Gallovidiensis</i>, for the canon of a + cathedral. <i>Ex ungue leonem.</i> Ever, my dear Lord, your truly + obliged and faithful</p> + +<p class="author">Walter Scott.</p> +</div> + +<p>Before this letter reached Lord Montagu, his brother had sailed for +Lisbon. The Duke of Wellington had placed his house in that capital +(the Palace <i>das Necessidades</i>) at the Duke of Buccleuch's disposal; +and in the affectionate care and cheerful society of Captain Ferguson, +the invalid had every additional source of comfort that his friends +could have wished for him. But the malady had gone too far to be +arrested by a change of climate; and the letter which he had addressed +to Scott, when about to embark at Portsmouth, is endorsed with these +words: "<i>The last I ever received from my dear friend the Duke of +Buccleuch.—Alas! alas!</i>" The principal object of this letter was to +remind Scott of his promise to sit to Raeburn for a portrait, to be +hung up in that favorite residence where the Duke had enjoyed most of +his society. "My prodigious undertaking," writes his Grace, "of a west +wing at Bowhill, is begun. A library of forty-one feet by twenty-one +is to be added to the present drawing-room. A space for one picture is +reserved over the fireplace, and in this warm situation I intend to +place the Guardian of Literature. I should be happy to have my friend +Maida appear. It is now almost proverbial, 'Walter Scott and his Dog.' +Raeburn should be warned that I am as well acquainted with my friend's +hands and arms as with his nose—and Vandyke was of my opinion. Many +of R.'s works are shamefully finished—the face studied, but +everything else neglected. This is a fair opportunity of producing +something really worthy of his skill."</p> + +<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="page28" name="page28"></a>(p. 28)</span> I shall insert by and by Scott's answer—which never reached +the Duke's hand—with another letter of the same date to Captain +Ferguson; but I must first introduce one, addressed a fortnight +earlier to Mr. Southey, who had been distressed by the accounts he +received of Scott's health from an American traveller, Mr. George +Ticknor of Boston—a friend, and worthy to be such, of Mr. Washington +Irving.<a id="footnotetag18" name="footnotetag18"></a><a href="#footnote18" title="Go to footnote 18"><span class="smaller">[18]</span></a> The Poet Laureate, by the way, had adverted also to an +impudent trick of a London bookseller, who shortly before this time +announced certain volumes of Grub Street manufacture, as "A New Series +of the Tales of my Landlord," and who, when John Ballantyne, as the +"agent for the Author of Waverley," published a declaration that the +volumes thus advertised were not from that writer's pen, met John's +declaration by an audacious rejoinder—impeaching his authority, and +asserting that nothing but the personal appearance in the field of the +gentleman for whom Ballantyne pretended to act, could shake his belief +that he was himself in the confidence of the true Simon Pure.<a id="footnotetag19" name="footnotetag19"></a><a href="#footnote19" title="Go to footnote 19"><span class="smaller">[19]</span></a> This +affair gave considerable uneasiness at the time, and for a moment the +dropping of Scott's mask seems to have been pronounced advisable by +both Ballantyne and Constable. But he was not to be worked upon by +such means as these. He calmly replied, "The author who lends himself +to such a trick must be a blockhead—let them publish, and that will +serve our purpose <span class="pagenum"><a id="page29" name="page29"></a>(p. 29)</span> better than anything we ourselves could do." +I have forgotten the names of the "tales," which, being published +accordingly, fell still-born from the press. Mr. Southey had likewise +dropped some allusions to another newspaper story of Scott's being +seriously engaged in a dramatic work—a rumor which probably +originated in the assistance he had lent to Terry in some of the +recent highly popular adaptations of his novels to the purposes of the +stage; though it is not impossible that some hint of the <i>Devorgoil</i> +matter may have transpired. "It is reported," said the Laureate, "that +you are about to bring forth a play, and I am greatly in hopes it may +be true; for I am verily persuaded that in this course you might run +as brilliant a career as you have already done in narrative—both in +prose and rhyme;—for as for believing that you have a double in the +field—not I! Those same powers would be equally certain of success in +the drama, and were you to give them a dramatic direction, and reign +for a third seven years upon the stage, you would stand alone in +literary history. Indeed already I believe that no man ever afforded +so much delight to so great a number of his contemporaries in this or +in any other country. God bless you, my dear Scott, and believe me +ever yours affectionately, R. S." Mr. Southey's letter had further +announced his wife's safe delivery of a son; the approach of the +conclusion of his History of Brazil; and his undertaking of the Life +of Wesley.</p> + +<div class="letter"> +<p class="titleletter">TO ROBERT SOUTHEY, ESQ., KESWICK.</p> + +<p class="date"><span class="smcap">Abbotsford</span>, 4th April, 1819.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">My dear Southey</span>,—Tidings from you must be always acceptable, + even were the bowl in the act of breaking at the fountain—and my + health is at present very <i>totterish</i>. I have gone through a + cruel succession of spasms and sickness, which have terminated in + a special fit of the jaundice, so that I might sit for the image + of <span class="pagenum"><a id="page30" name="page30"></a>(p. 30)</span> Plutus, the god of specie, so far as complexion goes. + I shall like our American acquaintance the better that he has + sharpened your remembrance of me, but he is also a wondrous + fellow for romantic lore and antiquarian research, considering + his country. I have now seen four or five well-lettered + Americans, ardent in pursuit of knowledge, and free from the + ignorance and forward presumption which distinguish many of their + countrymen. I hope they will inoculate their country with a love + of letters, so nearly allied to a desire of peace and a sense of + public justice—virtues to which the great Transatlantic + community is more strange than could be wished. Accept my best + and most sincere wishes for the health and strength of your + latest pledge of affection. When I think what you have already + suffered, I can imagine with what mixture of feelings this event + must necessarily affect you; but you need not to be told that we + are in better guidance than our own. I trust in God this late + blessing will be permanent, and inherit your talents and virtues. + When I look around me, and see how many men seem to make it their + pride to misuse high qualifications, can I be less interested + than I truly am in the fate of one who has uniformly dedicated + his splendid powers to maintaining the best interests of + humanity? I am very angry at the time you are to be in London, as + I must be there in about a fortnight, or so soon as I can shake + off this depressing complaint, and it would add not a little that + I should meet you there. My chief purpose is to put my eldest son + into the army. I could have wished he had chosen another + profession, but have no title to combat a choice which would have + been my own had my lameness permitted. Walter has apparently the + dispositions and habits fitted for the military profession, a + very quiet and steady temper, an attachment to mathematics and + their application, good sense, and uncommon personal strength and + activity, with address in most exercises, particularly + horsemanship.</p> + +<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="page31" name="page31"></a>(p. 31)</span> —I had written thus far last week when I was + interrupted, first by the arrival of our friend Ticknor with Mr. + Cogswell, another well-accomplished Yankee—(by the bye, we have + them of all sorts, <i>e. g.</i>, one Mr. ****, rather a fine man, whom + the girls have christened, with some humor, the Yankee Doodle + <i>Dandie</i>). They have had Tom Drum's entertainment, for I have + been seized with one or two successive <i>crises</i> of my cruel + malady, lasting in the utmost anguish from eight to ten hours. If + I had not the strength of a team of horses, I could never have + fought through it, and through the heavy fire of medical + artillery, scarce less exhausting—for bleeding, blistering, + calomel, and ipecacuanha have gone on without + intermission—while, during the agony of the spasms, laudanum + became necessary in the most liberal doses, though inconsistent + with the general treatment. I did not lose my senses, because I + resolved to keep them, but I thought once or twice they would + have gone overboard, top and top-gallant. I should be a great + fool, and a most ungrateful wretch, to complain of such + inflictions as these. My life has been, in all its private and + public relations, as fortunate perhaps as was ever lived, up to + this period; and whether pain or misfortune may lie behind the + dark curtain of futurity, I am already a sufficient debtor to the + bounty of Providence to be resigned to it. Fear is an evil that + has never mixed with my nature, nor has even unwonted good + fortune rendered my love of life tenacious; and so I can look + forward to the possible conclusion of these scenes of agony with + reasonable equanimity, and suffer chiefly through the sympathetic + distress of my family.</p> + +<p>—Other ten days have passed away, for I would not send this + Jeremiad to tease you, while its termination seemed doubtful. For + the present,</p> + +<p class="poem10"> +<span class="min33em">"</span>The game is done—I've won, I've won,<br> + Quoth she, and whistles thrice."<a id="footnotetag20" name="footnotetag20"></a><a href="#footnote20" title="Go to footnote 20"><span class="smaller">[20]</span></a></p> + +<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="page32" name="page32"></a>(p. 32)</span> I am this day, for the first time, free from the relics + of my disorder, and, except in point of weakness, perfectly well. + But no broken-down hunter had ever so many sprung sinews, whelks, + and bruises. I am like Sancho after the doughty affair of the + Yanguesian Carriers, and all through the unnatural twisting of + the muscles under the influence of that <i>Goule</i>, the cramp. I + must be swathed in Goulard and Rosemary spirits—<i>probatum est</i>.</p> + +<p>I shall not fine and renew a lease of popularity upon the + theatre. To write for low, ill-informed, and conceited actors, + whom you must please, for your success is necessarily at their + mercy, I cannot away with. How would you, or how do you think I + should relish being the object of such a letter as Kean<a id="footnotetag21" name="footnotetag21"></a><a href="#footnote21" title="Go to footnote 21"><span class="smaller">[21]</span></a> wrote + t'other day to a poor author, who, though a pedantic blockhead, + had at least the right to be treated as a gentleman by a + copper-laced, twopenny tearmouth, rendered mad by conceit and + success? Besides, if this objection were out of the way, I do not + think the character of the audience in London is such that one + could have the least pleasure in pleasing them. One half come to + prosecute their debaucheries, so openly that it would degrade a + bagnio. Another set to snooze off their beef-steaks and port + wine; a third are critics of the fourth column of the newspaper; + fashion, wit, or literature, there is not; and, on the whole, I + would far rather write verses for mine honest friend Punch and + his audience. The only thing that could tempt me to be so silly, + would be to assist a friend in such a degrading task who was to + have the whole profit and shame of it.</p> + +<p>Have you seen decidedly the most full and methodized collection + of Spanish romances (ballads) published by the industry of + Depping (Altenburgh and Leipsic), <span class="pagenum"><a id="page33" name="page33"></a>(p. 33)</span> 1817? It is quite + delightful. Ticknor had set me agog to see it, without affording + me any hope it could be had in London, when by one of these + fortunate chances which have often marked my life, a friend, who + had been lately on the Continent, came unexpectedly to inquire + for me, and plucked it forth <i>par manière de cadeau</i>. God prosper + you, my dear Southey, in your labors; but do not work too + hard—<i>experto crede</i>. This conclusion, as well as the confusion + of my letter, like the Bishop of Grenada's sermon, savors of the + apoplexy. My most respectful compliments attend Mrs. S.</p> + +<p>Yours truly,</p> + +<p class="author">Walter Scott.</p> + +<p>P. S.—I shall long to see the conclusion of the Brazil history, + which, as the interest comes nearer, must rise even above the + last noble volume. Wesley you alone can touch; but will you not + have the hive about you? When I was about twelve years old, I + heard him preach more than once, standing on a chair, in Kelso + churchyard. He was a most venerable figure, but his sermons were + vastly too colloquial for the taste of Saunders. He told many + excellent stories. One I remember, which he said had happened to + him at Edinburgh. "A drunken dragoon," said Wesley, "was + commencing an assertion in military fashion, G—d eternally d—n + me, just as I was passing. I touched the poor man on the + shoulder, and when he turned round fiercely, said calmly, you + mean <i>God bless you</i>." In the mode of telling the story he failed + not to make us sensible how much his patriarchal appearance, and + mild yet bold rebuke, overawed the soldier, who touched his hat, + thanked him, and, I think, came to chapel that evening.</p> +</div> + +<div class="letter"> +<p class="titleletter">TO ROBERT SHORTREED, ESQ., SHERIFF-SUBSTITUTE, ETC., JEDBURGH.</p> + +<p class="date"><span class="smcap">Abbotsford</span>, 13th April, 1819.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Dear Bob</span>,—I am very desirous to procure, and as soon as + possible, Mrs. Shortreed's excellent receipt for <span class="pagenum"><a id="page34" name="page34"></a>(p. 34)</span> making + yeast. The Duke of Buccleuch complains extremely of the sour + yeast at Lisbon as disagreeing with his stomach, and I never + tasted half such good bread as Mrs. Shortreed has baked at home. + I am sure you will be as anxious as I am that the receipt should + be forwarded to his Grace as soon as possible. I remember Mrs. + Shortreed giving a most distinct account of the whole affair. It + should be copied over in a very distinct hand, lest Monsieur + Florence makes blunders.</p> + +<p>I am recovering from my late indisposition, but as weak as water. + To write these lines is a fatigue. I scarce think I can be at the + circuit at all—certainly only for an hour or two. So on this + occasion I will give Mrs. Shortreed's kind hospitality a little + breathing time. I am tired even with writing these few lines. + Yours ever,</p> + +<p class="author">Walter Scott.<a id="footnotetag22" name="footnotetag22"></a><a href="#footnote22" title="Go to footnote 22"><span class="smaller">[22]</span></a></p> +</div> + +<div class="letter"> +<p class="titleletter">TO HIS GRACE THE DUKE OF BUCCLEUCH, ETC., LISBON.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Abbotsford</span>, 15th April, 1819.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">My dear Lord Duke</span>,—How very strange it seems that this should be + the first letter I address to your Grace, and you so long absent + from Scotland, and looking for all the news and nonsense of which + I am in general such a faithful reporter. Alas, I have been + ill—very—very ill—only Dr. Baillie says there is nothing of + consequence about my malady <i>except the pain</i>—a pretty + exception—said pain being intense enough to keep me roaring as + loud as your Grace's <i>ci-devant</i> John of Lorn, and of, generally + speaking, from six to eight hours' incessant duration, only + varied by intervals of deadly sickness. Poor Sophia was alone + with me for some time, and managed a half-distracted pack of + servants with spirit, and sense, and presence of mind, far + <span class="pagenum"><a id="page35" name="page35"></a>(p. 35)</span> beyond her years, never suffering her terror at seeing + me in a state so new to her, and so alarming, to divert her mind + an instant from what was fit and proper to be done. Pardon this + side compliment to your Grace's little Jacobite, to whom you have + always been so kind. If sympathy could have cured me, I should + not have been long ill. Gentle and simple were all equally kind, + and even old Tom Watson crept down from Falshope to see how I was + coming on, and to ejaculate "if anything ailed the Shirra, it + would be sair on the Duke." The only unwelcome resurrection was + that of old ****, whose feud with me (or rather dryness) I had + well hoped was immortal; but he came jinking over the moor with + daughters and ponies, and God knows what, to look after my + precious health. I cannot tolerate that man; it seems to me as if + I hated him for things not only past and present, but for some + future offence, which is as yet in the womb of fate.</p> + +<p>I have had as many remedies sent me for cramp and jaundice as + would set up a quack doctor: three from Mrs. Plummer, each better + than the other—one at least from every gardener in the + neighborhood—besides all sorts of recommendations to go to + Cheltenham, to Harrowgate, to Jericho for aught I know. Now if + there is one thing I detest more than another, it is a + watering-place, unless a very pleasant party be previously + formed, when, as Tony Lumpkin says, "a gentleman may be in a + concatenation." The most extraordinary recipe was that of my + Highland piper, John Bruce, who spent a whole Sunday in selecting + twelve stones from twelve <i>south-running</i> streams, with the + purpose that I should sleep upon them, and be whole. I caused him + to be told that the recipe was infallible, but that it was + absolutely necessary to success that the stones should be wrapt + up in the petticoat of a widow who had never wished to marry + again; upon which the piper renounced all hope of completing the + charm. I had need of a softer couch <span class="pagenum"><a id="page36" name="page36"></a>(p. 36)</span> than Bruce had + destined me, for so general was the tension of the nerves all + over the body, although the pain of the spasms in the stomach did + not suffer the others to be felt, that my whole left leg was + covered with swelling and inflammation, arising from the + unnatural action of the muscles, and I had to be carried about + like a child. My right leg escaped better, the muscles there + having less irritability, owing to its lame state. Your Grace may + imagine the energy of pain in the nobler parts, when cramps in + the extremities, sufficient to produce such effects, were + unnoticed by me during their existence. But enough of so + disagreeable a subject.</p> + +<p>Respecting the portrait, I shall be equally proud and happy to + sit for it, and hope it may be so executed as to be in some + degree worthy of the preferment to which it is destined.<a id="footnotetag23" name="footnotetag23"></a><a href="#footnote23" title="Go to footnote 23"><span class="smaller">[23]</span></a> But + neither my late golden hue (for I was covered with jaundice), nor + my present silver complexion (looking much more like a spectre + than a man), will present any idea of my quondam beef-eating + physiognomy. I must wait till the <i>age of brass</i>, the true + juridical bronze of my profession, shall again appear on my + frontal. I hesitate a little about Raeburn, unless your Grace is + quite determined. He has very much to do; works just now chiefly + for cash, poor fellow, as he can have but a few years to make + money; and has twice already made a very chowder-headed person of + me. I should like much (always with your approbation) to try + Allan, who is a man of real genius, and has made one or two + glorious portraits, though his predilection is to the historical + branch of the art. We did rather a handsome thing for him, + considering that in Edinburgh we are neither very wealthy nor + great amateurs. A hundred persons subscribed ten guineas apiece + to raffle<a id="footnotetag24" name="footnotetag24"></a><a href="#footnote24" title="Go to footnote 24"><span class="smaller">[24]</span></a> for his fine picture <span class="pagenum"><a id="page37" name="page37"></a>(p. 37)</span> of the Circassian + Chief selling Slaves to the Turkish Pacha—a beautiful and highly + poetical picture. There was another small picture added by way of + second prize, and, what is curious enough, the only two peers on + the list, Lord Wemyss and Lord Fife, both got prizes. Allan has + made a sketch which I shall take to town with me when I can go, + in hopes Lord Stafford, or some other picture-buyer, may fancy + it, and order a picture. The subject is the murder of Archbishop + Sharp on Magus Moor, prodigiously well treated. The savage + ferocity of the assassins, crowding one on another to strike at + the old prelate on his knees—contrasted with the old man's + figure—and that of his daughter endeavoring to interpose for his + protection, and withheld by a ruffian of milder mood than his + fellows:—the dogged fanatical severity of Rathillet's + countenance, who remained on <span class="pagenum"><a id="page38" name="page38"></a>(p. 38)</span> horseback, witnessing, with + stern fanaticism, the murder he did not choose to be active in, + lest it should be said that he struck out of private revenge—are + all amazingly well combined in the sketch. I question if the + artist can bring them out with equal spirit in the painting which + he meditates.<a id="footnotetag25" name="footnotetag25"></a><a href="#footnote25" title="Go to footnote 25"><span class="smaller">[25]</span></a> Sketches give a sort of fire to the imagination + of the spectator, who is apt to fancy a great deal more for + himself, than the pencil, in the finished picture, can possibly + present to his eye afterwards.—Constable has offered Allan three + hundred pounds to make sketches for an edition of the Tales of my + Landlord, and other novels of that cycle, and says he will give + him the same sum next year, so, from being pinched enough, this + very deserving artist suddenly finds himself at his ease. He was + long at Odessa with the Duke of Richelieu, and is a very + entertaining person.</p> + +<p>I saw with great pleasure Wilkie's sketch of your Grace, and I + think when I get to town I shall coax him out of a copy, to me + invaluable. I hope, however, when you return, you will sit to + Lawrence. We should have at least one picture of your Grace from + the real good hand. Sooth to speak, I cannot say much for the + juvenile representations at Bowhill and in the library at + Dalkeith. Return, however, with the original features in good + health, and we shall not worry you about portraits. The library + at Bowhill will be a delightful room, and will be some + consolation to me who must, I fear, lose for some time the + comforts of the eating-room, and substitute panada and toast and + water for the bonny haunch and buxom bottle of claret. Truth is, + I must make great restrictions on my creature-comforts, at least + till my stomach recovers its tone and ostrich-like capacity of + digestion. Our spring here is slow, but not unfavorable: the + country looking very well, and my plantings for the season quite + completed. I have planted quite up <span class="pagenum"><a id="page39" name="page39"></a>(p. 39)</span> two little glens, + leading from the Aide-de-Camp's habitation up to the little loch, + and expect the blessings of posterity for the shade and shelter I + shall leave, where, God knows, I found none.</p> + +<p>It is doomed this letter is not to close without a request. I + conclude your Grace has already heard from fifty applicants that + the kirk of Middlebie is vacant, and I come forward as the + fifty-first (always barring prior engagements and better claims) + in behalf of George Thomson, a son of the minister of Melrose, + being the grinder of my boys, and therefore deeply entitled to my + gratitude and my good offices, as far as they can go. He is + nearer Parson Abraham Adams than any living creature I ever + saw—very learned, very religious, very simple, and extremely + absent. His father, till very lately, had but a sort of half + stipend, during the incumbency of a certain notorious Mr. + MacLagan, to whom he acted only as assistant. The poor devil was + brought to the grindstone (having had the want of precaution to + beget a large family), and became the very figure of a fellow who + used to come upon the stage to sing "Let us all be unhappy + together." This poor lad George was his saving angel, not only + educating himself, but taking on him the education of two of his + brothers, and maintaining them out of his own scanty pittance. He + is a sensible lad, and by no means a bad preacher, a stanch + Anti-Gallican, and orthodox in his principles. Should your Grace + find yourself at liberty to give countenance to this very + innocent and deserving creature, I need not say it will add to + the many favors you have conferred on me; but I hope the + parishioners will have also occasion to say, "Weel bobbit, George + of Middlebie." Your Grace's Aide-de-Camp, who knows young Thomson + well, will give you a better idea of him than I can do. He lost a + leg by an accident in his boyhood, which spoiled as bold and + fine-looking a grenadier as ever charged bayonet against a + Frenchman's throat. I think your Grace will <span class="pagenum"><a id="page40" name="page40"></a>(p. 40)</span> not like him + the worse for having a spice of military and loyal spirit about + him. If you knew the poor fellow, your Grace would take uncommon + interest in him, were it but for the odd mixture of sense and + simplicity, and spirit and good morals. Somewhat too much of him.</p> + +<p>I conclude you will go to Mafra, Cintra, or some of these places, + which Baretti describes so delightfully, to avoid the great + heats, when the Palace de las Necessidades must become rather + oppressive. By the bye, though it were only for the credit of the + name, I am happy to learn it has that useful English comfort, a + water-closet. I suppose the armorer of the Liffey has already put + it in complete repair. Your Grace sees the most secret passages + respecting great men cannot be hidden from their friends. There + is but little news here but death in the clan. Harden's sister is + dead—a cruel blow to Lady Die,<a id="footnotetag26" name="footnotetag26"></a><a href="#footnote26" title="Go to footnote 26"><span class="smaller">[26]</span></a> who is upwards of + eighty-five, and accustomed to no other society. Again, Mrs. + Frank Scott, his uncle's widow, is dead, unable to survive the + loss of two fine young men in India, her sons, whose death + closely followed each other. All this is sad work; but it is a + wicked and melancholy world we live in. God bless you, my dear, + dear Lord. Take great care of your health for the sake of all of + us. You are the breath of our nostrils, useful to thousands, and + to many of these thousands indispensable. I will write again very + soon, when I can keep my breast longer to the desk without pain, + for I am not yet without frequent relapses, when they souse me + into scalding water without a moment's delay, where I lie, as my + old <i>grieve</i> Tom Purdie said last night, being called to assist + at the operation, "like a <i>haulded saumon</i>." I write a few lines + to the Aide-de-Camp, but I am afraid of putting this letter + beyond the bounds of Lord Montagu's frank. When I can do anything + for your Grace here, you know I am most <span class="pagenum"><a id="page41" name="page41"></a>(p. 41)</span> pleased and + happy.—Ever respectfully and affectionately your Grace's</p> + +<p class="author">Walter Scott.</p> +</div> + +<div class="letter"> +<p class="titleletter">TO CAPTAIN ADAM FERGUSON, ETC., ETC., ETC.</p> + +<p class="date"><span class="smcap">Abbotsford</span>, April 16, 1819.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">My dear Adam</span>,—Having only been able last night to finish a long + letter to the Chief, I now add a few lines for the Aide-de-Camp. + I have had the pleasure to hear of you regularly from Jack,<a id="footnotetag27" name="footnotetag27"></a><a href="#footnote27" title="Go to footnote 27"><span class="smaller">[27]</span></a> + who is very regular in steering this way when packets arrive; and + I observe with great satisfaction that you think our good Duke's + health is on the mending hand. Climate must operate as an + alterative, and much cannot perhaps be expected from it at first. + Besides, the great heat must be a serious drawback. But I hope + you will try by and by to get away to Cintra, or some of those + sequestered retreats where there are shades and cascades to cool + the air. I have an idea the country there is eminently beautiful. + I am afraid the Duke has not yet been able to visit Torres + Vedras, but <i>you</i> must be meeting with things everywhere to put + you in mind of former scenes. As for the Senhoras, I have little + doubt that the difference betwixt your military hard fare and + Florence's high sauces and jellies will make them think that time + has rather improved an old friend than otherwise. Apropos of + these ticklish subjects. I am a suitor to the Duke, with little + expectation of success (for I know his engagements), for the kirk + of Middlebie to George Thomson, the very Abraham Adams of + Presbytery. If the Duke mentions him to you (not otherwise) pray + lend him a lift. With a kirk and a manse the poor fellow might + get a good farmer's daughter, and beget grenadiers for his + Majesty's service. But as I said before, I dare say all St. + Hubert's black pack are in full cry upon the living, and that he + has little or no chance. It is something, however, to have tabled + him, as better may come of it another day.</p> + +<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="page42" name="page42"></a>(p. 42)</span> All at Huntly Burn well and hearty, and most kind in + their attentions during our late turmoils. Bauby<a id="footnotetag28" name="footnotetag28"></a><a href="#footnote28" title="Go to footnote 28"><span class="smaller">[28]</span></a> came over to + offer her services as sick-nurse, and I have drunk scarce + anything but delicious ginger-beer of Miss Bell's brewing, since + my troubles commenced. They have been, to say the least, + damnable; and I think you would hardly know me. When I crawl out + on Sibyl Grey, I am the very image of Death on the pale + horse—lanthorn-jawed, decayed in flesh, stooping as if I meant + to eat the pony's ears, and unable to go above a footpace. But + although I have had, and must expect, frequent relapses, yet the + attacks are more slight, and I trust I shall mend with the good + weather. Spring sets in very pleasantly, and in a settled + fashion. I have planted a number of shrubs, etc., at Huntly Burn, + and am snodding up the drive of the old farmhouse, enclosing the + Toftfield, and making a good road from the parish road to your + gate. This I tell you to animate you to pick up a few seeds both + of forest trees, shrubs, and vegetables; we will rear them in the + hot-house, and divide honorably. <i>Avis au lecteur.</i> I have been a + good deal entrusted to the care of Sophia, who is an admirable + sick-nurse. Mamma has been called to town by two important + avocations: to get a cook—no joking matter,—and to see Charles, + who was but indifferent, but has recovered. You must have heard + of the death of Joseph Hume, David's only son. Christ! what a + calamity!—just entering life with the fairest prospects—full of + talent, and the heir of an old and considerable family—a fine + career before him: all this he was one day, or rather one + hour—or rather in the course of five minutes—so sudden was the + death—and then—a heap of earth. His disease is unknown; + something about the heart, I believe; but it had no alarming + appearance, nothing worse than a cold and sore throat, when + convulsions came, and death ensued. It is <span class="pagenum"><a id="page43" name="page43"></a>(p. 43)</span> a complete + smash to poor David, who had just begun to hold his head up after + his wife's death. But he bears it stoutly, and goes about his + business as usual. A woeful case. London is now out of the + question with me; I have no prospect of being now able to stand + the journey by sea or land; but the best is, I have no pressing + business there. The Commie<a id="footnotetag29" name="footnotetag29"></a><a href="#footnote29" title="Go to footnote 29"><span class="smaller">[29]</span></a> takes charge of Walter's + matters—cannot, you know, be in better hands; and Lord Melville + talks of gazetting <i>quam primum</i>. I will write a long letter very + soon, but my back, fingers, and eyes ache with these three pages. + All here send love and fraternity. Yours ever most truly,</p> + +<p class="author">Walter Scott.</p> + +<p>P. S.—By the bye, old Kennedy, the tinker, swam for his life at + Jedburgh, and was only, by the sophisticated and timid evidence + of a seceding doctor, who differed from all his brethren, saved + from a well-deserved gibbet. He goes to botanize for fourteen + years. Pray tell this to the Duke, for he was</p> + +<p class="poem10"> +<span class="min33em">"</span>An old soldier of the Duke's,<br> + And the Duke's old soldier."</p> + +<p>Six of his brethren, I am told, were in court, and kith and kin + without end. I am sorry so many of the clan are left. The cause + of quarrel with the murdered man was an old feud between two + gypsy clans, the Kennedies and Irvings, which, about forty years + since, gave rise to a desperate quarrel and battle on Hawick + Green, in which the grandfathers of both Kennedy, and Irving whom + he murdered, were engaged.</p> +</div> + +<p>In the next of these letters there is allusion to a drama, on the +story of The Heart of Mid-Lothian, of which Mr. Terry had transmitted +the MS. to Abbotsford—and which ultimately proved very successful. +Terry had, shortly before this time, become the acting manager of the +Haymarket Theatre.</p> + +<div class="letter"> +<p class="titleletter"><span class="pagenum"><a id="page44" name="page44"></a>(p. 44)</span> TO D. TERRY, ESQ., HAYMARKET, LONDON.</p> + +<p class="date"><span class="smcap">Abbotsford</span>, 18th April, 1819.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Dear Terry</span>,—I am able (though very weak) to answer your kind + inquiries. I have thought of you often, and been on the point of + writing or dictating a letter, but till very lately I could have + had little to tell you of but distress and agony, with constant + relapses into my unhappy malady, so that for weeks I seemed to + lose rather than gain ground, all food nauseating on my stomach, + and my clothes hanging about me like a potato-bogle,<a id="footnotetag30" name="footnotetag30"></a><a href="#footnote30" title="Go to footnote 30"><span class="smaller">[30]</span></a> with + from five or six to ten hours of mortal pain every third day; + latterly the fits have been much milder, and have at last given + way to the hot bath without any use of opiates; an immense point + gained, as they hurt my general health extremely. Conceive my + having taken, in the course of six or seven hours, six grains of + opium, three of hyoscyamus, near 200 drops of laudanum—and all + without any sensible relief of the agony under which I labored. + My stomach is now getting confirmed, and I have great hopes the + bout is over; it has been a dreadful set-to. I am sorry to hear + Mrs. Terry is complaining; you ought not to let her labor, + neither at Abbotsford sketches nor at anything else, but to study + to keep her mind amused as much as possible. As for Walter, he is + a shoot of an <i>Aik</i>,<a id="footnotetag31" name="footnotetag31"></a><a href="#footnote31" title="Go to footnote 31"><span class="smaller">[31]</span></a> and I have no fear of him: I hope he + remembers Abbotsford and his soldier namesake.</p> + +<p>I send the MS.—I wish you had written for it earlier. My + touching, or even thinking of it, was out of the question; my + corrections would have smelled as cruelly of the cramp as the + Bishop of Grenada's homily did of the apoplexy. Indeed I hold + myself inadequate to estimate those criticisms which rest on + stage effect, having been of late very little of a play-going + person. Would to Heaven these sheets could do for you what + <span class="pagenum"><a id="page45" name="page45"></a>(p. 45)</span> Rob Roy has done for Murray; he has absolutely netted + upwards of £3000: to be sure, the man who played the Bailie made + a piece of acting equal to whatever has been seen in the + profession. For my own part, I was actually electrified by the + truth, spirit, and humor which he threw into the part. It was the + living Nicol Jarvie: conceited, pragmatical, cautious, generous, + proud of his connection with Rob Roy, frightened for him at the + same time, and yet extremely desirous to interfere with him as an + adviser: the tone in which he seemed to give him up for a lost + man after having provoked him into some burst of Highland + violence, "Ah Rab! Rab!" was quite inimitable. I do assure you I + never saw a thing better played. It is like it may be his only + part, for no doubt the Patavinity and knowledge of the provincial + character may have aided him much; but still he must be a + wonderful fellow; and the houses he drew were tremendous.</p> + +<p>I am truly glad you are settled in London—"a rolling + stone"—"the proverb is something musty:"<a id="footnotetag32" name="footnotetag32"></a><a href="#footnote32" title="Go to footnote 32"><span class="smaller">[32]</span></a> it is always + difficult to begin a new profession; I could have wished you + quartered nearer us, but we shall always hear of you. The + becoming stage-manager at the Haymarket I look upon as a great + step: well executed, it cannot but lead to something of the same + kind elsewhere. You must be aware of stumbling over a propensity + which easily besets you from the habit of not having your time + fully employed—I mean what the women very expressively call + <i>dawdling</i>. Your motto must be <i>Hoc age</i>. Do instantly whatever + is to be done, and take the hours of reflection or recreation + after business, and never before it. When a regiment is under + march, the rear is often thrown into confusion because the front + do not move steadily and without interruption. It is the same + thing with business. If that which is first in hand is not + instantly, steadily, and regularly despatched, other things + accumulate behind till affairs begin to press all at once, + <span class="pagenum"><a id="page46" name="page46"></a>(p. 46)</span> and no human brain can stand the confusion: pray mind + this, it is one of your few weak points—ask Mrs. Terry else. A + habit of the mind it is which is very apt to beset men of + intellect and talent, especially when their time is not regularly + filled up, but left at their own arrangement. But it is like the + ivy round the oak, and ends by limiting, if it does not destroy, + the power of manly and necessary exertion. I must love a man so + well to whom I offer such a word of advice, that I will not + apologize for it, but expect to hear you are become as regular as + a Dutch clock—hours, quarters, minutes, all marked and + appropriated. This is a great cast in life, and must be played + with all skill and caution.</p> + +<p>We wish much to have a plan of the great bed, that we may hang up + the tester. Mr. Atkinson offered to have it altered or exchanged; + but with the expense of land-carriage and risk of damage, it is + not to be thought of. I enclose a letter to thank him for all his + kindness. I should like to have the invoice when the things are + shipped. I hope they will send them to Leith, and not to Berwick. + The plasterer has broke a pane in the armory. I enclose a sheet + with the size, the black lines being traced within the lead; and + I add a rough drawing of the arms, which are those of my mother. + I should like it replaced as soon as possible, for I will set the + expense against the careless rascal's account.</p> + +<p>I have got a beautiful scarlet paper, inlaid with gold (rather + crimson than scarlet) in a present from India, which will hang + the parlor to a T; but we shall want some articles from town to + enable us to take possession of the parlor—namely, a + <i>carpet</i>—you mentioned a <i>wainscot pattern</i>, which would be + delightful—item, <i>grates</i> for said parlor and armory—a plain + and unexpensive pattern, resembling that in my room (which vents + most admirably), and suited by half-dogs for burning wood. The + sideboard and chairs you have mentioned. I see Mr. Bullock + (George's brother) advertises his <span class="pagenum"><a id="page47" name="page47"></a>(p. 47)</span> museum for sale. I + wonder if a good set of <i>real tilting</i> armor could be got cheap + there. James Ballantyne got me one very handsome bright steel + cuirassier of Queen Elizabeth's time, and two less perfect, for + £20—dog cheap; they make a great figure in the armory. Hangings, + curtains, etc., I believe we shall get as well in Edinburgh as in + London; it is in your joiner and cabinet work that your infinite + superiority lies.</p> + +<p>Write to me if I can do aught about the play—though I fear not: + much will depend on Dumbiedikes, in whom Listen will be strong. + Sophia has been chiefly my nurse, as an indisposition of little + Charles called Charlotte to town. She returned yesterday with + him. All beg kind compliments to you and Mrs. Terry and little + Walter. I remain your very feeble but convalescent to command,</p> + +<p class="author">Walter Scott.</p> + +<p>P. S.—We must not forget the case for the leaves of the table + while out of use; without something of the kind, I am afraid they + will be liable to injury, which is a pity, as they are so very + beautiful.<a id="footnotetag33" name="footnotetag33"></a><a href="#footnote33" title="Go to footnote 33"><span class="smaller">[33]</span></a></p> +</div> + +<p>The accounts of Scott's condition circulated in Edinburgh in the +course of this April were so alarming, that I should not have thought +of accepting his invitation to revisit Abbotsford, unless John +Ballantyne had given me better tidings about the end of the +month.<a id="footnotetag34" name="footnotetag34"></a><a href="#footnote34" title="Go to footnote 34"><span class="smaller">[34]</span></a> He informed <span class="pagenum"><a id="page48" name="page48"></a>(p. 48)</span> me that his "illustrious friend" (for +so both the Ballantynes usually spoke of him) was so much recovered as +to have resumed his usual literary tasks, though with this difference, +that he now, for the first time in his life, found it necessary to +employ the hand of another. I have now before me a letter of the 8th +April, in which Scott says to Constable: "Yesterday I began to +dictate, and did it easily and with comfort. This is a great point, +but I must proceed by little and little; last night I had a slight +return of the enemy, but baffled him;"—and he again writes to the +bookseller on the 11th, "John Ballantyne is here, and returns with +copy, which my increasing strength permits me to hope I may now +furnish regularly."</p> + +<p>The <i>copy</i> (as MS. for the press is technically called) which Scott +was thus dictating, was that of The Bride of Lammermoor, and his +amanuenses were William Laidlaw and John Ballantyne;—of whom he +preferred the latter, when he could be at Abbotsford, on account of +the superior rapidity of his pen; and also because John kept his pen +to the paper without interruption, and, though with many an arch +twinkle in his eyes, and now and then an audible smack of his lips, +had resolution to work on like a well-trained clerk; whereas good +Laidlaw entered with <span class="pagenum"><a id="page49" name="page49"></a>(p. 49)</span> such keen zest into the interest of the +story as it flowed from the author's lips, that he could not suppress +exclamations of surprise and delight—"Gude keep us a'!—the like o' +that!—eh sirs! eh sirs!"—and so forth—which did not promote +despatch. I have often, however, in the sequel, heard both these +secretaries describe the astonishment with which they were equally +affected when Scott began this experiment. The affectionate Laidlaw +beseeching him to stop dictating, when his audible suffering filled +every pause, "Nay, Willie," he answered, "only see that the doors are +fast. I would fain keep all the cry as well as all the wool to +ourselves; but as to giving over work, that can only be when I am in +woollen." John Ballantyne told me, that after the first day he always +took care to have a dozen of pens made before he seated himself +opposite to the sofa on which Scott lay, and that though he often +turned himself on his pillow with a groan of torment, he usually +continued the sentence in the same breath. But when dialogue of +peculiar animation was in progress, spirit seemed to triumph +altogether over matter—he arose from his couch and walked up and down +the room, raising and lowering his voice, and as it were acting the +parts. It was in this fashion that Scott produced the far greater +portion of The Bride of Lammermoor—the whole of the Legend of +Montrose—and almost the whole of Ivanhoe. Yet, when his health was +fairly reëstablished, he disdained to avail himself of the power of +dictation, which he had thus put to the sharpest test, but resumed, +and for many years resolutely adhered to, the old plan of writing +everything with his own hand. When I once, some time afterwards, +expressed my surprise that he did not consult his ease, and spare his +eyesight at all events, by occasionally dictating, he answered, "I +should as soon think of getting into a sedan chair while I can use my +legs."</p> + +<p>On one of the envelopes in which a chapter of The Bride of Lammermoor +reached the printer in the Canongate <span class="pagenum"><a id="page50" name="page50"></a>(p. 50)</span> about this time (May 2, +1819), there is this note in the author's own handwriting:—</p> + +<div class="letter"> +<p><span class="smcap">Dear James</span>,—These matters will need more than your usual + carefulness. Look sharp—double sharp—my trust is constant in + thee:—</p> + +<p class="poem10"> +<span class="min33em">"</span>Tarry woo, tarry woo,<br> + Tarry woo is ill to spin;<br> + Card it weel, card it weel,<br> + Card it weel ere ye begin.<br> + When 'tis carded, row'd, and spun,<br> + Then the work is hafflins done;<br> + But when woven, drest, and clean,<br> + It may be cleading for a queen."</p> + +<p class="date">So be it,—<span class="smcap">W. S.</span></p> +</div> + +<p>But to return: I rode out to Abbotsford with John Ballantyne towards +the end of the spring vacation, and though he had warned me of a sad +change in Scott's appearance, it was far beyond what I had been led to +anticipate. He had lost a great deal of flesh—his clothes hung loose +about him—his countenance was meagre, haggard, and of the deadliest +yellow of the jaundice—and his hair, which a few weeks before had +been but slightly sprinkled with gray, was now almost literally +snow-white. His eye, however, retained its fire unquenched; indeed it +seemed to have gained in brilliancy from the new languor of the other +features; and he received us with all the usual cordiality, and even +with little perceptible diminishment in the sprightliness of his +manner. He sat at the table while we dined, but partook only of some +rice pudding; and after the cloth was drawn, while sipping his toast +and water, pushed round the bottles in his old style, and talked with +easy cheerfulness of the stout battle he had fought, and which he now +seemed to consider as won.</p> + +<p>"One day there was," he said, "when I certainly began to have great +doubts whether the mischief was not <span class="pagenum"><a id="page51" name="page51"></a>(p. 51)</span> getting at my mind—and +I'll tell you how I tried to reassure myself on that score. I was +quite unfit for anything like original composition; but I thought if I +could turn an old German ballad I had been reading into decent rhymes, +I might dismiss my worst apprehensions—and you shall see what came of +the experiment." He then desired his daughter Sophia to fetch the MS. +of The Noble Moringer, as it had been taken down from his dictation, +partly by her and partly by Mr. Laidlaw, during one long and painful +day while he lay in bed. He read it to us as it stood, and seeing that +both Ballantyne and I were much pleased with the verses, he said he +should copy them over,—make them a little "tighter about the +joints,"—and give me them to be printed in the Edinburgh Annual +Register for 1816,—to consult him about which volume had partly been +the object of my visit; and this promise he redeemed before I left +him.</p> + +<p>The reading of this long ballad, however (it consists of forty-three +stanzas),<a id="footnotetag35" name="footnotetag35"></a><a href="#footnote35" title="Go to footnote 35"><span class="smaller">[35]</span></a> seemed to have exhausted him: he retired to his bedroom; +and an hour or two after, when we were about to follow his example, +his family were distressed by the well-known symptoms of another sharp +recurrence of his affliction. A large dose of opium and the hot bath +were immediately put in requisition. His good neighbor, Dr. Scott of +Darnlee, was sent for, and soon attended; and in the course of three +or four hours we learned that he was once more at ease. But I can +never forget the groans which, during that space, his agony extorted +from him. Well knowing the iron strength of his resolution, to find +him confessing its extremity, by cries audible not only all over the +house, but even to a considerable distance from it (for Ballantyne and +I, after he was put into his bath, walked forth to be out of the way, +and heard him distinctly at <span class="pagenum"><a id="page52" name="page52"></a>(p. 52)</span> the bowling-green), it may be +supposed that this was sufficiently alarming, even to my companion; +how much more to me, who had never before listened to that voice, +except in the gentle accents of kindness and merriment.</p> + +<p>I told Ballantyne that I saw this was no time for my visit, and that I +should start for Edinburgh again at an early hour—and begged he would +make my apologies—in the propriety of which he acquiesced. But as I +was dressing, about seven next morning, Scott himself tapped at my +door, and entered, looking better I thought than at my arrival the day +before. "Don't think of going," said he; "I feel hearty this morning, +and if my devil does come back again, it won't be for three days at +any rate. For the present, I want nothing to set me up except a good +trot in the open air, to drive away the accursed vapors of the +laudanum I was obliged to swallow last night. You have never seen +Yarrow, and when I have finished a little job I have with Jocund +Johnny, we shall all take horse and make a day of it." When I said +something about a ride of twenty miles being rather a bold experiment +after such a night, he answered that he had ridden more than forty, a +week before, under similar circumstances, and felt nothing the worse. +He added, that there was an election on foot, in consequence of the +death of Sir John Riddell, of Riddell, Member of Parliament for the +Selkirk district of Burghs, and that the bad health and absence of the +Duke of Buccleuch rendered it quite necessary that he should make +exertions on this occasion. "In short," said he, laughing, "I have an +errand which I shall perform—and as I must pass Newark, you had +better not miss the opportunity of seeing it under so excellent a +cicerone as the old minstrel,</p> + +<p class="poem10"> +<span class="min33em">'</span>Whose withered cheek and tresses grey<br> + Shall yet see many a better day.'"</p> + +<p>About eleven o'clock, accordingly, he was mounted, by the help of Tom +Purdie, upon a stanch, active cob, yclept Sibyl Grey,—exactly such a +creature as is <span class="pagenum"><a id="page53" name="page53"></a>(p. 53)</span> described in Mr. Dinmont's <i>Dumple</i>—while +Ballantyne sprang into the saddle of noble <i>Old Mortality</i>, and we +proceeded to the town of Selkirk, where Scott halted to do business at +the Sheriff-Clerk's, and begged us to move onward at a gentle pace +until he should overtake us. He came up by and by at a canter, and +seemed in high glee with the tidings he had heard about the canvass. +And so we rode by Philiphaugh, Carterhaugh, Bowhill, and Newark, he +pouring out all the way his picturesque anecdotes of former +times—more especially of the fatal field where Montrose was finally +overthrown by Leslie. He described the battle as vividly as if he had +witnessed it; the passing of the Ettrick at daybreak by the +Covenanting General's heavy cuirassiers, many of them old soldiers of +Gustavus Adolphus, and the wild confusion of the Highland host when +exposed to their charge on an extensive <i>haugh</i> as flat as a +bowling-green. He drew us aside at <i>Slain-men's-lee</i>, to observe the +green mound that marks the resting-place of the slaughtered royalists; +and pointing to the apparently precipitous mountain, Minchmoor, over +which Montrose and his few cavaliers escaped, mentioned that, rough as +it seemed, his mother remembered passing it in her early days in a +coach and six, on her way to a ball at Peebles—several footmen +marching on either side of the carriage to prop it up, or drag it +through bogs, as the case might require. He also gave us, with all the +dramatic effect of one of his best chapters, the history of a worthy +family who, inhabiting at the time of the battle a cottage on his own +estate, had treated with particular kindness a young officer of +Leslie's army quartered on them for a night or two before. When +parting from them to join the troops, he took out a purse of gold, and +told the good woman that he had a presentiment he should not see +another sun set, and in that case would wish his money to remain in +her kind hands; but, if he should survive, he had no doubt she would +restore it honestly. The young man <span class="pagenum"><a id="page54" name="page54"></a>(p. 54)</span> returned mortally wounded, +but lingered awhile under her roof, and finally bequeathed to her and +hers his purse and his blessing. "Such," he said, "was the origin of +the respectable lairds of——, now my good neighbors."</p> + +<p>The prime object of this expedition was to talk over the politics of +Selkirk with one of the Duke of Buccleuch's great store-farmers, who, +as the Sheriff had learned, possessed private influence with a +doubtful bailie or deacon among the Souters. I forget the result, if +ever I heard it. But next morning, having, as he assured us, enjoyed a +good night in consequence of this ride, he invited us to accompany him +on a similar errand across Bowden Moor, and up the Valley of the Ayle; +and when we reached a particularly bleak and dreary point of that +journey, he informed us that he perceived in the waste below a wreath +of smoke, which was the appointed signal that a <i>wavering</i> Souter of +some consequence had agreed to give him a personal interview where no +Whiggish eyes were likely to observe them;—and so, leaving us on the +road, he proceeded to thread his way westward, across moor and bog, +until we lost view of him. I think a couple of hours might have passed +before he joined us again, which was, as had been arranged, not far +from the village of Lilliesleaf. In that place, too, he had some +negotiation of the same sort to look after; and when he had finished +it, he rode with us all round the ancient woods of Riddell, but would +not go near the house; I suppose lest any of the afflicted family +might still be there. Many were his lamentations over the catastrophe +which had just befallen them. "They are," he said, "one of the most +venerable races in the south of Scotland—they were here long before +these glens had ever heard the name of Soulis or of Douglas—to say +nothing of Buccleuch: they can show a Pope's bull of the tenth +century, authorizing the then Riddell to marry a relation within the +forbidden degrees. Here they have been for a thousand years at least; +and now all the inheritance <span class="pagenum"><a id="page55" name="page55"></a>(p. 55)</span> is to pass away, merely because +one good worthy gentleman would not be contented to enjoy his horses, +his hounds, and his bottle of claret, like thirty or forty +predecessors, but must needs turn scientific agriculturist, take +almost all his fair estate into his own hand, superintend for himself +perhaps a hundred ploughs, and try every new nostrum that has been +tabled by the quackish <i>improvers</i> of the time. And what makes the +thing ten times more wonderful is, that he kept day-book and ledger, +and all the rest of it, as accurately as if he had been a cheesemonger +in the Grassmarket." Some of the most remarkable circumstances in +Scott's own subsequent life have made me often recall this +conversation—with more wonder than he expressed about the ruin of the +Riddells.</p> + +<p>I remember he told us a world of stories, some tragical, some comical, +about the old lairds of this time-honored lineage; and among others, +that of the seven Bibles and the seven bottles of ale, which he +afterwards inserted in a note to The Bride of Lammermoor.<a id="footnotetag36" name="footnotetag36"></a><a href="#footnote36" title="Go to footnote 36"><span class="smaller">[36]</span></a> He was +also <span class="pagenum"><a id="page56" name="page56"></a>(p. 56)</span> full of anecdotes about a friend of his father's, a +minister of Lilliesleaf, who reigned for two generations the most +popular preacher in Teviotdale; but I forget the orator's name. When +the original of Saunders Fairford congratulated him in his latter days +on the undiminished authority he still maintained—every kirk in the +neighborhood being left empty when it was known he was to mount the +<i>tent</i> at any country sacrament—the shrewd divine answered: "Indeed, +Mr. Walter, I sometimes think it's vera surprising. There's aye a talk +of this or that wonderfully gifted young man frae the college; but +whenever I'm to be at the same <i>occasion</i> with ony o' them, I e'en +mount the white horse in the Revelations, and he dings them a'."</p> + +<p>Thus Scott amused himself and us as we jogged homewards: and it was +the same the following day, when (no election matters pressing) he +rode with us to the western peak of the Eildon hills, that he might +show me the whole panorama of his Teviotdale, and expound the +direction of the various passes by which the ancient forayers made +their way into England, and tell the names and the histories of many a +monastic chapel and baronial peel, now mouldering in glens and dingles +that escape the eye of the traveller on the highways. Among other +objects on which he descanted with particular interest, were the ruins +of the earliest residence of the Kerrs of Cessford, so often opposed +in arms to his own 'chieftains of Branksome, and a desolate little +kirk on the adjoining moor, where the Dukes of Roxburghe are still +buried in the <span class="pagenum"><a id="page57" name="page57"></a>(p. 57)</span> same vault with the hero who fell at Turn-again. +Turning to the northward, he showed us the crags and tower of +Smailholm, and behind it the shattered fragment of Ercildoune—and +repeated some pretty stanzas ascribed to the last of the real +wandering minstrels of this district, by name <i>Burn</i>:—</p> + +<div class="poem10"> +<p><span class="min33em">"</span>Sing Erceldoune, and Cowdenknowes,<br> + Where Homes had ance commanding,<br> + And Drygrange, wi' the milk-white ewes,<br> + 'Twixt Tweed and Leader standing.<br> + The bird that flees through Redpath trees<br> + And Gledswood banks each morrow,<br> + May chaunt and sing—<i>sweet Leader's haughs</i><br> + And <i>Bonny howms of Yarrow</i>.</p> + +<p><span class="min33em">"</span>But Minstrel Burn cannot assuage<br> + His grief while life endureth,<br> + To see the changes of this age<br> + Which fleeting time procureth;<br> + For mony a place stands in hard case,<br> + Where blythe folks kent nae sorrow,<br> + With Homes that dwelt on Leader side,<br> + And Scotts that dwelt on Yarrow."<a id="footnotetag37" name="footnotetag37"></a><a href="#footnote37" title="Go to footnote 37"><span class="smaller">[37]</span></a></p> +</div> + +<p>That night he had again an attack of his cramp, but not so serious as +the former. Next morning he was again at work with Ballantyne at an +early hour; and when I parted from him after breakfast, he spoke +cheerfully of being soon in Edinburgh for the usual business of his +Court. I left him, however, with dark prognostications; and the +circumstances of this little visit to Abbotsford have no doubt dwelt +on my mind the more distinctly, from my having observed and listened +to him throughout under the painful feeling that it might very +probably be my last.</p> + +<p>On the 5th of May he received the intelligence of the death of the +Duke of Buccleuch, which had occurred at Lisbon on the 20th April; and +next morning he wrote as follows to his Grace's brother:—</p> + +<div class="letter"> +<p class="titleletter"><span class="pagenum"><a id="page58" name="page58"></a>(p. 58)</span> TO THE LORD MONTAGU, DITTON PARK.</p> + +<p class="date"><span class="smcap">Abbotsford</span>, 6th May, 1819.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">My dear Lord</span>,—I heard from Lord Melville, by yesterday's post, + the calamitous news which your Lordship's very kind letter this + moment confirmed, had it required confirmation. For this + fortnight past, my hopes have been very faint indeed, and on + Wednesday, when I had occasion to go to Yarrow, and my horse + turned from habit to go up the avenue at Bowhill, I felt deeply + impressed that it was a road I should seldom travel for a long + time at least. To your Lordship—let me add, to myself—this is + an irreparable loss; for such a fund of excellent sense, high + principle, and perfect honor have been rarely combined in the + same individual. To the country the inestimable loss will be soon + felt, even by those who were insensible to his merits, or wished + to detract from them, when he was amongst us. In my opinion he + never recovered from his domestic calamity. He wrote to me, a few + days after that cruel event, a most affectionate and remarkable + letter, explaining his own feelings, and while he begged that I + would come to him, assuring me that I should find him the same he + would be for the future years of his life. He kept his word; but + I could see a grief of that calm and concentrated kind which + claims the hours of solitude and of night for its empire, and + gradually wastes the springs of life.</p> + +<p>Among the thousand painful feelings which this melancholy event + had excited, I have sometimes thought of his distance from home. + Yet this was done with the best intention, and upon the best + advice, and was perhaps the sole chance which remained for + reëstablishment. It has pleased God that it has failed; but the + best means were used under the best direction, and mere mortality + can do no more. I am very anxious about the dear young ladies, + whose lives were so much devoted to their father, and shall be + extremely desirous of knowing how <span class="pagenum"><a id="page59" name="page59"></a>(p. 59)</span> they are. The Duchess + has so much firmness of mind, and Lady M. so much affectionate + prudence, that they will want no support that example and + kindness can afford. To me the world seems a sort of waste + without him. We had many joint objects, constant intercourse, and + unreserved communication, so that through him and by him I took + interest in many things altogether out of my own sphere, and it + seems to me as if the horizon were narrowed and lowered around + me. But God's will be done; it is all that brother or friend can + or dare say.—I have reluctance to mention the trash which is + going on here. Indeed, I think little is altered since I wrote to + your Lordship fully, excepting that last night late, Chisholm<a id="footnotetag38" name="footnotetag38"></a><a href="#footnote38" title="Go to footnote 38"><span class="smaller">[38]</span></a> + arrived at Abbotsford from Lithgow, recalled by the news which + had somehow reached Edinburgh,—as I suspect by some + officiousness of ****. He left Lithgow in such a state that there + is no doubt he will carry that burgh, unless Pringle<a id="footnotetag39" name="footnotetag39"></a><a href="#footnote39" title="Go to footnote 39"><span class="smaller">[39]</span></a> gets + Selkirk. He is gone off this morning to try the possible and + impossible to get the single vote which he wants, or to prevail + on one person to stand neuter. It is possible he may succeed, + though this event, when it becomes generally known, will be + greatly against his efforts. I should care little more about the + matter, were it not for young Walter,<a id="footnotetag40" name="footnotetag40"></a><a href="#footnote40" title="Go to footnote 40"><span class="smaller">[40]</span></a> and for the despite I + feel at the success of speculations which were formed on the + probability of the event which has happened. Two sons of ******* + came here yesterday, and with their father's philosophical spirit + of self-accommodation, established themselves for the night. + Betwixt them and Chisholm's noise, my head and my stomach + suffered so much (under the necessity of drowning feelings which + I could not express), that I had a return of the spasms, and I + felt as if a phantasmagoria was going on around me. Quiet, and + some indulgence <span class="pagenum"><a id="page60" name="page60"></a>(p. 60)</span> of natural and solitary sorrow, have + made me well. To-day I will ride up to Selkirk and see the + magistrates, or the chief of them. It is necessary they should + not think the cause deserted. If it is thought proper to suspend + the works at Bowhill, perhaps the measure may be delayed till the + decision of this matter.</p> + +<p>I am sure, my dear Lord, you will command me in all I can do. I + have only to regret it is so little. But to show that my + gratitude has survived my benefactor, would be the pride and + delight of my life. I never thought it possible that a man could + have loved another so much, where the distance of rank was so + very great. But why recur to things so painful? I pity poor Adam + Ferguson, whose affections were so much engaged by the Duke's + kindness, and who has with his gay temper a generous and feeling + heart. The election we may lose, but not our own credit, and that + of the family—that you may rest assured of. My best respects and + warmest sympathy attend the dear young ladies, and Lady Montagu. + I shall be anxious to know how the Duchess-Dowager does under + this great calamity. The poor boy—what a slippery world is + before him, and how early a dangerous, because a splendid, lot is + presented to him! But he has your personal protection. Believe + me, with a deep participation in your present distress, your + Lordship's most faithfully,</p> + +<p class="author">Walter Scott.</p> +</div> + +<p>Scott drew up for Ballantyne's newspaper of that week the brief +character of Charles, Duke of Buccleuch, which has since been included +in his Prose Miscellanies (vol. iv.); and the following letter +accompanied a copy of it to Ditton Park:—</p> + +<div class="letter"> + +<p class="titleletter">TO THE LORD MONTAGU, ETC., ETC., ETC.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">My dear Lord</span>,—I send you the newspaper article under a different + cover. I have studied so much to suppress <span class="pagenum"><a id="page61" name="page61"></a>(p. 61)</span> my own + feelings, and so to give a just, calm, and temperate view of the + excellent subject of our present sorrow, such as I conceive might + be drawn by one less partially devoted to him, that it has to my + own eye a cold and lifeless resemblance of an original so dear to + me. But I was writing to the public, and to a public less + acquainted with him than a few years' experience would have made + them. Even his own tenantry were but just arrived at the true + estimation of his character. I wrote, therefore, to insure credit + and belief, in a tone greatly under my own feelings. I have + ordered twenty-five copies to be put in a different shape, of + which I will send your Lordship twenty. It has been a painful + task, but I feel it was due from me. I am just favored with your + letter. I beg your Lordship will not write more frequently than + you find quite convenient, for you must have now more than enough + upon you. The arrangement respecting Boughton<a id="footnotetag41" name="footnotetag41"></a><a href="#footnote41" title="Go to footnote 41"><span class="smaller">[41]</span></a> is what I + expected—the lifeless remains will be laid where the living + thoughts had long been. I grieve that I shall not see the last + honors, yet I hardly know how I could have gone through the + scene.</p> + +<p>Nothing in the circumstances could have given me the satisfaction + which I receive from your Lordship's purpose of visiting + Scotland, and bringing down the dear young ladies, who unite so + many and such affecting ties upon the regard and affection of + every friend of the family. It will be a measure of the highest + necessity for the political interest of the family, and your + Lordship will have an opportunity of hearing much information of + importance, which really could not be made the subject of + writing. The extinction of fire on the hearths of this great + house would be putting out a public light and a <span class="pagenum"><a id="page62" name="page62"></a>(p. 62)</span> public + beacon in the time of darkness and storms. Ever your most + faithful</p> + +<p class="author">W. S.</p> +</div> + +<p>On the 11th of May, Scott returned to Edinburgh, and was present next +day at the opening of the Court of Session; when all who saw him were +as much struck as I had been at Abbotsford with the lamentable change +his illness had produced in his appearance. He was unable to persist +in attendance at the Clerks' Table—for several weeks afterwards I +think he seldom if ever attempted it;—and I well remember that, when +the Third Series of the Tales of my Landlord at length came out (which +was on the 10th of June), he was known to be confined to bed, and the +book was received amidst the deep general impression that we should +see no more of that parentage. On the 13th he wrote thus to Captain +Ferguson, who had arrived in London with the remains of the Duke of +Buccleuch:—</p> + +<div class="letter"> +<p class="titleletter">TO CAPTAIN ADAM FERGUSON, ETC., ETC., MONTAGU HOUSE, WHITEHALL.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">My dear Adam</span>,—I am sorry to say I have had another eight days' + visit of my disorder, which has confined me chiefly to my bed. It + is not attended with so much acute pain as in spring, but with + much sickness and weakness. It will perhaps shade off into a mild + chronic complaint—if it returns frequently with the same + violence, I shall break up by degrees, and follow my dear Chief. + I do not mean that there is the least cause for immediate + apprehension, but only that the constitution must be injured at + last, as well by the modes of cure, or rather of relief, as by + the pain. My digestion as well as my appetite are for the present + quite gone—a change from former days of Leith and Newhaven + parties. I thank God I can look at this possibility without much + anxiety, and without a shadow of fear.</p> + +<p>Will you, if your time serves, undertake two little <span class="pagenum"><a id="page63" name="page63"></a>(p. 63)</span> + commissions for me? One respects a kind promise of Lord Montagu + to put George Thomson's name on a list for kirk preferment. I + don't like to trouble him with letters—he must be overwhelmed + with business, and has his dear brother's punctuality in replying + even to those which require none. I would fain have that Scottish + Abraham Adams provided for if possible. My other request is, that + you will, if you can, see Terry, and ask him what is doing about + my dining-room chairs, and especially about the carpet, for I + shall not without them have the use of what Slender calls "mine + own great parlor" this season. I should write to him, but am + really unable. I hope you will soon come down—a sight of you + would do me good at the worst turn I have yet had. The + Baronet<a id="footnotetag42" name="footnotetag42"></a><a href="#footnote42" title="Go to footnote 42"><span class="smaller">[42]</span></a> is very kind, and comes and sits by me. Everybody + likes the Regalia, and I have heard of no one grudging their + <i>hog</i><a id="footnotetag43" name="footnotetag43"></a><a href="#footnote43" title="Go to footnote 43"><span class="smaller">[43]</span></a>—but you must get something better. I have been writing + to the Commie<a id="footnotetag44" name="footnotetag44"></a><a href="#footnote44" title="Go to footnote 44"><span class="smaller">[44]</span></a> about this. He has been inexpressibly kind in + Walter's matter, and the Duke of York has promised an early + commission. When you see our friend, you can talk over this, and + may perhaps save him the trouble of writing particular directions + what further is to be done. Iago's rule, I suppose—"put money in + thy purse." I wish in passing you would ask how the ladies are in + Piccadilly. Yours ever,</p> + +<p class="author">W. Scott.</p> +</div> + +<p>The Bride of Lammermoor, and A Legend of Montrose, would have been +read with indulgence had they needed it; for the painful circumstances +under which they must have been produced were known wherever an +English newspaper made its way; but I believe that, except in numerous +typical errors, which sprung of necessity from the author's inability +to correct any proof <span class="pagenum"><a id="page64" name="page64"></a>(p. 64)</span> sheets, no one ever affected to perceive +in either tale the slightest symptom of his malady. Dugald Dalgetty +was placed by acclamation in the same rank with Bailie Jarvie—a +conception equally new, just, and humorous, and worked out in all the +details, as if it had formed the luxurious entertainment of a chair as +easy as was ever shaken by Rabelais; and though the character of +Montrose himself seemed hardly to have been treated so fully as the +subject merited, the accustomed rapidity of the novelist's execution +would have been enough to account for any such defect. Of Caleb +Balderstone—(the hero of one of the many ludicrous delineations which +he owed to the late Lord Haddington, a man of rare pleasantry, and one +of the best tellers of old Scotch stories that I ever heard)—I cannot +say that the general opinion was then, nor do I believe it ever since +has been, very favorable. It was pronounced at the time, by more than +one critic, a mere caricature; and though Scott himself would never in +after-days admit this censure to be just, he allowed that "he might +have sprinkled rather too much parsley over his chicken." But even +that blemish, for I grant that I think it a serious one, could not +disturb the profound interest and pathos of The Bride of +Lammermoor—to my fancy the most pure and powerful of all the +tragedies that Scott ever penned. The reader will be well pleased, +however, to have, in place of any critical observations on this work, +the following particulars of its composition from the notes which its +printer dictated when stretched on the bed from which he well knew he +was never to rise.</p> + +<p class="quote">"The book" (says James Ballantyne) "was not only written, but + published, before Mr. Scott was able to rise from his bed; and he + assured me, that when it was first put into his hands in a + complete shape, he did not recollect one single incident, + character, or conversation it contained! He did not desire me to + understand, nor did I understand, that his illness had erased + from his memory the original incidents of the story, with which + <span class="pagenum"><a id="page65" name="page65"></a>(p. 65)</span> he had been acquainted from his boyhood. These remained + rooted where they had ever been; or, to speak more explicitly, he + remembered the general facts of the existence of the father and + mother, of the son and daughter, of the rival lovers, of the + compulsory marriage, and the attack made by the bride upon the + hapless bridegroom,<a id="footnotetag45" name="footnotetag45"></a><a href="#footnote45" title="Go to footnote 45"><span class="smaller">[45]</span></a> with the general catastrophe of the + whole. All these things he recollected just as he did before he + took to his bed: but he literally recollected nothing else—not a + single character woven by the romancer, not one of the many + scenes and points of humor, nor anything with which he was + connected as the writer of the work. 'For a long time,' he said, + 'I felt myself very uneasy in the course of my reading, lest I + should be startled by meeting something altogether glaring and + fantastic. However, I recollected that you had been the printer, + and I felt sure that you would not have permitted anything of + this sort to pass.' 'Well,' I said, 'upon the whole, how did you + like it?' 'Why,' he said, 'as a whole, I felt it monstrous gross + and grotesque; but still the worst of it made me laugh, and I + trusted the good-natured public would not be less indulgent.' I + do not think I ever ventured to lead to the discussion of this + singular phenomenon again; but you may depend upon it, that what + I have now said is as distinctly reported as if it had been taken + down in short-hand at the moment; I should not otherwise have + ventured to allude to the matter at all. I believe you will agree + with me in thinking that the history of the human mind contains + nothing more wonderful."</p> + +<p>Soon after Scott reappeared in the Parliament House, he came down one +Saturday to the vaulted chambers below, where the Advocates' Library +was then kept, to <span class="pagenum"><a id="page66" name="page66"></a>(p. 66)</span> attend a meeting of the Faculty, and as the +assembly was breaking up, he asked me to walk home with him, taking +Ballantyne's printing-office in our way. He moved languidly, and said, +if he were to stay in town many days, he must send for Sibyl Grey; but +his conversation was heart-whole; and, in particular, he laughed till, +despite his weakness, the stick was flourishing in his hand, over the +following almost incredible specimen of that most absurd personage the +late Earl of Buchan.</p> + +<p>Hearing one morning shortly before this time, that Scott was actually +<i>in extremis</i>, the Earl proceeded to Castle Street, and found the +knocker tied up. He then descended to the door in the area, and was +there received by honest Peter Mathieson, whose face seemed to confirm +the woeful tidings, for in truth his master was ill enough. Peter told +his Lordship that he had the strictest orders to admit no visitor; but +the Earl would take no denial, pushed the bashful coachman aside, and +elbowed his way upstairs to the door of Scott's bedchamber. He had his +fingers upon the handle before Peter could give warning to Miss Scott; +and when she appeared to remonstrate against such an intrusion, he +patted her on the head like a child, and persisted in his purpose of +entering the sickroom so strenuously, that the young lady found it +necessary to bid Peter see the Earl downstairs again, at whatever +damage to his dignity. Peter accordingly, after trying all his +eloquence in vain, gave the tottering, bustling, old, meddlesome +coxcomb a single shove,—as respectful, doubt not, as a shove can ever +be,—and he accepted that hint, and made a rapid exit. Scott, +meanwhile, had heard the confusion, and at length it was explained to +him; when, fearing that Peter's gripe might have injured Lord Buchan's +feeble person, he desired James Ballantyne, who had been sitting by +his bed, to follow the old man home—make him comprehend, if he could, +that the family were in such bewilderment of alarm, that the ordinary +rules of civility were out of the <span class="pagenum"><a id="page67" name="page67"></a>(p. 67)</span> question—and, in fine, +inquire what had been the object of his Lordship's intended visit. +James proceeded forthwith to the Earl's house in George Street and +found him strutting about his library in a towering indignation. +Ballantyne's elaborate demonstrations of respect, however, by degrees +softened him, and he condescended to explain himself. "I wished," said +he, "to embrace Walter Scott before he died, and inform him that I had +long considered it as a satisfactory circumstance that he and I were +destined to rest together in the same place of sepulture. The +principal thing, however, was to relieve his mind as to the +arrangements of his funeral—to show him a plan which I had prepared +for the procession—and, in a word, to assure him that I took upon +myself the whole conduct of the ceremonial at Dryburgh." He then +exhibited to Ballantyne a formal programme, in which, as may be +supposed, the predominant feature was not Walter Scott, but David, +Earl of Buchan. It had been settled, <i>inter alia</i>, that the said Earl +was to pronounce an eulogium over the grave, after the fashion of +French Academicians in the <i>Père la Chaise</i>.</p> + +<p>And this silliest and vainest of busybodies was the elder brother of +Thomas and Henry Erskine! But the story is well known of his boasting +one day to the late Duchess of Gordon of the extraordinary talents of +his family—when her unscrupulous Grace asked him, very coolly, +whether the wit had not come by the mother, and been all settled on +the younger branches?</p> + +<p>Scott, as his letters to be quoted presently will show, had several +more attacks of his disorder, and some very severe ones, during the +autumn of 1819; nor, indeed, had it quite disappeared until about +Christmas. But from the time of his return to Abbotsford in July, when +he adopted the system of treatment recommended by a skilful physician +(Dr. Dick), who had had large experience in maladies of this kind +during his Indian life, the seizures gradually became less violent, +and his confidence <span class="pagenum"><a id="page68" name="page68"></a>(p. 68)</span> that he was ultimately to baffle the enemy +remained unshaken.<a id="footnotetag46" name="footnotetag46"></a><a href="#footnote46" title="Go to footnote 46"><span class="smaller">[46]</span></a></p> + +<p>As I had no opportunity of seeing him again until he was almost +entirely reëstablished, I shall leave the progress of his restoration +to be collected from his correspondence. But I must not forget to set +down what his daughter Sophia afterwards told me of his conduct upon +one night in June, when he really did despair of himself. He then +called his children about his bed, and took leave of them with solemn +tenderness. After giving them, one by one, such advice as suited their +years and characters, he added: "For myself, my dears, I am +unconscious of ever having done any man an injury, or omitted any fair +opportunity of doing any man a benefit. I well know that no human life +can appear otherwise than weak and filthy in the eyes of God: but I +rely on the merits and intercession of our Redeemer." He then laid his +hand on their heads, and said, "God bless you! Live so that you may +all hope to meet each other in a better place hereafter. And now leave +me, that I may turn my face to the wall." They obeyed him; but he +presently fell into a deep sleep; and when he awoke from it after many +hours, the crisis of extreme danger was felt by himself, and +pronounced by his physician, to have been overcome.</p> + +<h2><span class="pagenum"><a id="page69" name="page69"></a>(p. 69)</span> CHAPTER XLV</h2> + +<p class="resume">GRADUAL REËSTABLISHMENT OF SCOTT'S HEALTH.—IVANHOE IN + PROGRESS.—HIS SON WALTER JOINS THE EIGHTEENTH REGIMENT OF + HUSSARS.—SCOTT'S CORRESPONDENCE WITH HIS SON.—MISCELLANEOUS + LETTERS TO MRS. MACLEAN CLEPHANE, M. W. HARTSTONGE, J. G. + LOCKHART, JOHN BALLANTYNE, JOHN RICHARDSON, MISS EDGEWORTH, LORD + MONTAGU, ETC.—ABBOTSFORD VISITED BY PRINCE LEOPOLD OF + SAXE-COBURG.—DEATH OF MRS. WILLIAM ERSKINE.</p> + +<p class="chapdate">1819</p> + +<p>Before Scott left Edinburgh, on the 12th of July, he had not only +concluded his bargain with Constable for another novel, but, as will +appear from some of his letters, made considerable progress in the +dictation of Ivanhoe.</p> + +<p>That he already felt great confidence on the score of his health may +be inferred from his allowing his son, Walter, about the middle of the +month, to join the 18th regiment of Hussars in which he had, shortly +before, received his commission as Cornet.</p> + +<p>Scott's letters to his son, the first of his family that left the +house, will merit henceforth a good deal of the reader's attention. +Walter was, when he thus quitted Abbotsford to try his chances in the +active world, only in the eighteenth year of his age; and the fashion +of education in Scotland is such, that he had scarcely ever slept a +night under a different roof from his parents, until this separation +occurred. He had been treated from his cradle with all the indulgence +that a man of <span class="pagenum"><a id="page70" name="page70"></a>(p. 70)</span> sense can ever permit himself to show to any of +his children; and for several years he had now been his father's daily +companion in all his out-of-doors occupations and amusements. The +parting was a painful one; but Scott's ambition centred in the heir of +his name, and instead of fruitless pinings and lamentings, he +henceforth made it his constant business to keep up such a frank +correspondence with the young man as might enable himself to exert +over him, when at a distance, the gentle influence of kindness, +experience, and wisdom. The series of his letters to his son is, in my +opinion, by far the most interesting and valuable, as respects the +personal character and temper of the writer. It will easily be +supposed that, as the young officer entered fully into his father's +generous views of what their correspondence ought to be, and detailed +every little incident of his new career with the same easy confidence +as if he had been writing to a friend or elder brother not very widely +differing from himself in standing, the answers abound with opinions +on subjects with which I have no right to occupy or entertain my +readers: but I shall introduce in the prosecution of this work, as +many specimens of Scott's paternal advice as I can hope to render +generally intelligible without indelicate explanations—and more +especially such as may prove serviceable to other young persons when +first embarking under their own pilotage upon the sea of life. Scott's +manly kindness to his boy, whether he is expressing approbation or +censure of his conduct, can require no pointing out; and his practical +wisdom was of that liberal order, based on such comprehensive views of +man and the world, that I am persuaded it will often be found +available to the circumstances of their own various cases, by young +men of whatever station or profession.</p> + +<p>I shall, nevertheless, adhere as usual to the chronological order; and +one or two miscellaneous letters must accordingly precede the first +article of his correspondence <span class="pagenum"><a id="page71" name="page71"></a>(p. 71)</span> with the Cornet. He alludes, +however, to the youth's departure in the following:—</p> + +<div class="letter"> +<p class="titleletter">TO MRS. MACLEAN CLEPHANE OF TORLOISK.</p> + +<p class="date"><span class="smcap">Abbotsford</span>, July 15, 1819.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Dear Mrs. Clephane</span>,—Nothing could give me more pleasure than to + hear you are well, and thinking of looking this way. You will + find all my things in very different order from when you were + here last, and plenty of room for matron and miss, man and maid. + We have no engagements, except to Newton Don about the 20th + August—if we be alive—no unreasonable proviso in so long an + engagement. My health, however, seems in a fair way of being + perfectly restored. It is a joke to talk of any other remedy than + that forceful but most unpleasant one—<i>calomel</i>. I cannot say I + ever felt advantage from anything else; and I am perfectly + satisfied that, used as an alterative, and taken in very small + quantities for a long time, it must correct all the inaccuracies + of the biliary organs. At least it has done so in my case more + radically than I could have believed possible. I have intermitted + the régime for some days, but begin a new course next week for + precaution. Dr. Dick, of the East India Company's service, has + put me on this course of cure,<a id="footnotetag47" name="footnotetag47"></a><a href="#footnote47" title="Go to footnote 47"><span class="smaller">[47]</span></a> and says he never knew it fail + unless when the <span class="pagenum"><a id="page72" name="page72"></a>(p. 72)</span> liver was irreparably injured. I believe + I shall go to Carlsbad next year. If I must go to a + watering-place, I should like one where I might hope to see and + learn something new myself, instead of being hunted down by some + of the confounded lion-catchers who haunt English spas. I have + not the art of being savage to those people, though few are more + annoyed by them. I always think of Snug the Joiner—</p> + +<p class="poem10"> +<span class="min33em">"</span>——If I should as lion <i>come in strife</i><br> + Into such place, 't were pity on my life."</p> + +<p>I have been delayed in answering your kind letter by Walter's + departure from us to join his regiment, the 18th Dragoons. He has + chosen a profession for which he is well suited, being of a calm + but remarkably firm temper—fond of mathematics, engineering, and + all sorts of calculation—clear-headed, and good-natured. When + you add to this a good person and good manners, with great + dexterity in horsemanship and all athletic exercises, and a + strong constitution, one hopes you have the grounds of a good + soldier. My own selfish wish would have been that he should have + followed the law; but he really had no vocation that way, wanting + the acuteness and liveliness of intellect indispensable to making + a figure in that profession. So I am satisfied all is for the + best, only I shall miss my gamekeeper and companion in my rides + and walks. But so it was, is, and must be—the young must part + from the nest, and learn to wing their own way against the storm.</p> + +<p>I beg my best and kindest compliments to Lady Compton. Stooping + to write hurts me, or I would have sent her a few lines. As I + shall be stationary here for all this season, I shall not see + her, perhaps, for long enough. Mrs. Scott and the girls join in + best love, and I am ever, dear Mrs. Clephane, your faithful and + most obedient servant,</p> + +<p class="author">Walter Scott.</p> +</div> + +<p>I have had some hesitation about introducing the next <span class="pagenum"><a id="page73" name="page73"></a>(p. 73)</span> +letter—which refers to the then recent publication of a sort of +mock-tour in Scotland, entitled Peter's Letters to his Kinsfolk. +Nobody but a very young and a very thoughtless person could have +dreamt of putting forth such a book; yet the Epistles of the imaginary +Dr. Morris have been so often denounced as a mere string of libels, +that I think it fair to show how much more leniently Scott judged of +them at the time. Moreover, his letter is a good specimen of the +liberal courtesy with which, on all occasions, he treated the humblest +aspirants in literature. Since I have alluded to Peter's Letters at +all, I may as well take the opportunity of adding that they were not +wholly the work of one hand.<a id="footnotetag48" name="footnotetag48"></a><a href="#footnote48" title="Go to footnote 48"><span class="smaller">[48]</span></a></p> + +<div class="letter"> +<p class="titleletter">TO J. G. LOCKHART, ESQ., CARNBROE HOUSE, HOLLYTOWN.</p> + +<p class="date"><span class="smcap">Abbotsford</span>, July 19, 1819.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">My dear Sir</span>,—<i>Distinguendum est.</i> When I receive a book <i>ex + dono</i> of the author, in the general case I offer my thanks with + all haste before I cut a leaf, lest peradventure I should feel + more awkward in doing so afterwards, when they must not only be + tendered for the well-printed volumes themselves, and the + attention which sent them my way, but moreover for the supposed + pleasure I have received from the contents. But with respect to + the learned Dr. Morris, the case is totally different, and I + formed the immediate resolution not to say a word about that + gentleman's labors without having read them at least twice + over—a pleasant task, which has <span class="pagenum"><a id="page74" name="page74"></a>(p. 74)</span> been interrupted partly + by my being obliged to go down the country, partly by an invasion + of the Southron, in the persons of Sir John Shelley, famous on + the turf, and his lady. I wish Dr. Morris had been of the party, + chiefly for the benefit of a little Newmarket man, called + Cousins, whose whole ideas, similes, illustrations, etc., were + derived from the course and training stable. He was perfectly + good-humored, and I have not laughed more this many a day.</p> + +<p>I think the Doctor has got over his ground admirably;—only the + general turn of the book is perhaps too favorable, both to the + state of our public society, and of individual character:—</p> + +<p class="poem10"> +<span class="min33em">"</span>His fools have their follies so lost in a crowd<br> + Of virtues and feelings, that folly grows proud."<a id="footnotetag49" name="footnotetag49"></a><a href="#footnote49" title="Go to footnote 49"><span class="smaller">[49]</span></a></p> + +<p>But it was, in every point of view, right to take this more + favorable tone, and to throw a Claude Lorraine tint over our + northern landscape. We cannot bear the actual bare truth, either + in conversation, or that which approaches nearest to + conversation, in a work like the Doctor's, published within the + circle to which it refers.</p> + +<p>For the rest, the Doctor has fully maintained his high character + for force of expression, both serious and comic, and for + acuteness of observation—<i>rem acu tetigit</i>—and his scalpel has + not been idle, though his lenient hand has cut sharp and clean, + and poured balm into the wound. What an acquisition it would have + been to our general information to have had such a work written, + I do not say fifty, but even five-and-twenty years ago; and how + much of grave and gay might then have been preserved, as it were, + in amber, which have now mouldered away. When I think that at an + age not much younger than yours I knew Black, Ferguson, + Robertson, Erskine, Adam Smith, John Home, etc., etc., and at + least saw Burns, I can appreciate better than any one the value + of a work which, like this, would have handed them down <span class="pagenum"><a id="page75" name="page75"></a>(p. 75)</span> + to posterity in their living colors. Dr. Morris ought, like + Nourjahad, to revive every half century, to record the fleeting + manners of the age, and the interesting features of those who + will be only known to posterity by their works. If I am very + partial to the Doctor, which I am not inclined to deny, remember + I have been bribed by his kind and delicate account of his visit + to Abbotsford. Like old Cumberland, or like my own gray cat, I + will e'en purr and put up my back, and enjoy his kind flattery, + even when I know it goes beyond my merits.</p> + +<p>I wish you would come and spend a few days here, while this + delightful weather lasts. I am now so well as quite to enjoy the + society of my friends, instead of the woeful pickle in which I + was in spring, when you last favored me. It was, however, <i>dignus + vindice nodus</i>, for no less a deity descended to my aid than the + potent Mercury himself, in the shape of calomel, which I have + been obliged to take daily, though in small quantities, for these + two months past. Notwithstanding the inconveniences of this + remedy, I thrive upon it most marvellously, having recovered both + sleep and appetite; so when you incline to come this way, you + will find me looking pretty <i>bobbishly</i>. Yours very truly,</p> + +<p class="author">Walter Scott.</p> +</div> + +<p>On the same day, Scott wrote as follows to John Ballantyne, who had +started for London, on his route to Paris in quest of articles for +next winter's auction-room—and whose good offices he was anxious to +engage on behalf of the Cornet, in case they should happen to be in +the metropolis at the same time:—</p> + +<div class="letter"> +<p class="titleletter">TO MR. JOHN BALLANTYNE, CARE OF MESSRS. LONGMAN & CO., + LONDON.</p> + +<p class="date"><span class="smcap">Abbotsford</span>, July 19, 1819.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Dear John</span>,—I have only to say, respecting matters here, that + they are all going on quietly. The first volume <span class="pagenum"><a id="page76" name="page76"></a>(p. 76)</span> is very + nearly finished, and the whole will be out in the first or second + week of September. It will be well if you can report yourself in + Britain by that time at farthest, as something must be done on + the back of this same Ivanhoe.</p> + +<p>Walter left us on Wednesday night, and will be in town by the + time this reaches you, looking, I fancy, very like a cow in a + fremd loaning.<a id="footnotetag50" name="footnotetag50"></a><a href="#footnote50" title="Go to footnote 50"><span class="smaller">[50]</span></a> He will be heard of at Miss Dumergue's. Pray + look after him, and help him about his purchases.</p> + +<p>I hope you will be so successful in your foreign journey as to + diddle the Edinburgh folk out of some cash this winter. But don't + forget September, if you wish to partake the advantages thereof.</p> + +<p>I wish you would see what good reprints of old books are come out + this year at Triphook's, and send me a note of them.—Yours very + truly,</p> + +<p class="author">W. Scott.</p> +</div> + +<p>John Ballantyne found the Cornet in London, and did for him what his +father had requested.</p> + +<div class="letter"> +<p class="titleletter">TO MR. JOHN BALLANTYNE.</p> + +<p class="date"><span class="smcap">Abbotsford</span>, July 26, 1819.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Dear John</span>,—I have yours with the news of Walter's rattle-traps, + which are abominably extravagant. But there is no help for it but + submission. The things seem all such as cannot well be wanted. + How the devil they mount them to such a price, the tailors best + know. They say it takes <i>nine</i> tailors to make a man—apparently, + one is sufficient to ruin him. We shall rub through here well + enough, though James is rather glumpy and dumpy—chiefly, I + believe, because his child is unwell. If you can make any more + money for me in London, good and well. I have no spare cash till + Ivanhoe comes forth. Yours truly,</p> + +<p class="author">W. Scott.</p> + +<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="page77" name="page77"></a>(p. 77)</span> P. S.—Enclosed are sundry letters of introduction for + the <i>ci-devant</i> Laird of Gilnockie.</p> +</div> + +<div class="letter"> +<p class="titleletter">TO MISS EDGEWORTH OF EDGEWORTHSTOWN.</p> + +<p class="date"><span class="smcap">Abbotsford</span>, July 21, 1819.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">My dear Miss Edgeworth</span>,—When this shall happen to reach your + hands, it will be accompanied by a second edition of Walter + Scott, a <i>tall</i> copy, as collectors say, and bound in Turkey + leather, garnished with all sorts of fur and frippery—not quite + so well <i>lettered</i>, however, as the old and vamped original + edition. In other and more intelligible phrase, the tall Cornet + of Hussars, whom this will introduce to you, is my eldest son, + who is now just leaving me to join his regiment in Ireland. I + have charged him, and he is himself sufficiently anxious, to + avoid no opportunity of making your acquaintance, as to be known + to the good and the wise is by far the best privilege he can + derive from my connection with literature. I have always felt the + value of having access to persons of talent and genius to be the + best part of a literary man's prerogative, and you will not + wonder, I am sure, that I should be desirous this youngster + should have a share of the same benefit.</p> + +<p>I have had dreadful bad health for many months past, and have + endured more pain than I thought was consistent with life. But + the thread, though frail in some respects, is tough in others; + and here am I with renewed health, and a fair prospect of + regaining my strength, much exhausted by such a train of + suffering.</p> + +<p>I do not know when this will reach you, my son's motions being + uncertain. But, find you where or when it will, it comes, dear + Miss Edgeworth, from the sincere admirer of your genius, and of + the patriotic and excellent manner in which it has always been + exerted. In which character I subscribe myself ever yours truly,</p> + +<p class="author">Walter Scott.</p> +</div> + +<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="page78" name="page78"></a>(p. 78)</span> I believe, at the time when the foregoing letter was written, +Scott and Miss Edgeworth had never met. The next was addressed to a +gentleman whose acquaintance the poet had formed when collecting +materials for his edition of Swift. On that occasion Mr. Hartstonge +was of great service to Scott—and he appears to have paid him soon +afterwards a visit at Abbotsford. Mr. Hartstonge was an amiable and +kind-hearted man, and enthusiastically devoted to literature; but his +own poetical talents were undoubtedly of the sort that finds little +favor either with gods or columns. He seems to have written shortly +before this time to inquire about his old acquaintance's health.</p> + +<div class="letter"> +<p class="titleletter">TO MATTHEW WELD HARTSTONGE, ESQ., MOLESWORTH STREET, + DUBLIN.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Abbotsford</span>, July 21, 1819.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">My dear Sir</span>,—... Fortunately at present my system is pretty + strong. In the mean while my family are beginning to get + forwards. Walter (you remember my wading into Cauldshiels Loch to + save his little frigate from wreck) is now a Cornet of six feet + two inches in your Irish 18th Hussars; the regiment is now at + Cork, and will probably be next removed to Dublin, so you will + see your old friend with a new face; be-furred, be-feathered, and + be-whiskered in the highest military <i>ton</i>. I have desired him to + call upon you, should he get to Dublin on leave, or come there + upon duty. I miss him here very much, for he was my companion, + gamekeeper, etc., etc., and when one loses one's own health and + strength, there are few things so pleasant as to see a son + enjoying both in the vigor of hope and promise. Think of this, my + good friend, and as you have kind affections to make some good + girl happy, settle yourself in life while you are young, and lay + up, by so doing, a stock of domestic happiness, against age or + bodily decay. There are many good things in life, whatever + satirists and misanthropes <span class="pagenum"><a id="page79" name="page79"></a>(p. 79)</span> may say to the contrary; but + probably the best of all, next to a conscience void of offence + (without which, by the bye, they can hardly exist), are the quiet + exercise and enjoyment of the social feelings, in which we are at + once happy ourselves, and the cause of happiness to them who are + dearest to us.</p> + +<p>I have no news to send you from hence. The addition to my house + is completed with battlement and bartisan, but the old cottage + remains hidden among creepers, until I shall have leisure—<i>i. + e.</i>, time and money—to build the rest of my mansion—which I + will not do hastily, as the present is amply sufficient for + accommodation. Adieu, my dear sir; never reckon the degree of my + regard by the regularity of my correspondence, for besides the + vile diseases of laziness and procrastination, which have always + beset me, I have had of late both pain and languor sufficient to + justify my silence. Believe me, however, always most truly yours,</p> + +<p class="author">Walter Scott.</p> +</div> + +<p>The first letter the young Cornet received from his father after +mounting his "rattle-traps" was the following:—</p> + +<div class="letter"> +<p class="titleletter">TO CORNET WALTER SCOTT, 18TH HUSSARS, CORK.</p> + +<p class="date"><span class="smcap">Abbotsford</span>, August 1, 1819.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Dear Walter</span>,—I was glad to find you got safe to the hospitable + quarters of Piccadilly, and were put on the way of achieving your + business well and expeditiously. You would receive a packet of + introductory letters by John Ballantyne, to whom I addressed + them.</p> + +<p>I had a very kind letter two days ago from your Colonel.<a id="footnotetag51" name="footnotetag51"></a><a href="#footnote51" title="Go to footnote 51"><span class="smaller">[51]</span></a> Had + I got it sooner it would have saved some expense in London, but + there is no help for it now. As you are very fully provided with + all these appointments, <span class="pagenum"><a id="page80" name="page80"></a>(p. 80)</span> you must be particular in taking + care of them, otherwise the expense of replacing them will be a + great burden. Colonel Murray seems disposed to show you much + attention. He is, I am told, rather a reserved man, which indeed + is the manner of his family. You will, therefore, be the more + attentive to what he says, as well as to answer all advances he + may make to you with cordiality and frankness; for if you be shy + on the one hand, and he reserved on the other, you cannot have + the benefit of his advice, which I hope and wish you may gain. I + shall be guided by his opinion respecting your allowance: he + stipulates that you shall have only two horses (not to be changed + without his consent), and on no account keep a gig. You know of + old how I detest that mania of driving wheel-barrows up and down, + when a man has a handsome horse, and can ride him. They are both + foolish and expensive things, and, in my opinion, are only fit + for English bagmen—therefore gig it not, I pray you.</p> + +<p>In buying your horses you will be very cautious. I see Colonel + Murray has delicacy about assisting you directly in the + matter—for he says very truly that some gentlemen make a sort of + traffic in horse-flesh—from which his duty and inclination + equally lead him to steer clear. But he will take care that you + don't buy any that are unfit for service, as in the common course + they must be approved by the commandant as <i>chargers</i>. Besides + which, he will probably give you some private hints, of which + avail yourself, as there is every chance of your needing much + advice in this business. Two things I preach on my own + experience: <i>1st</i>, Never to buy an aged horse, however showy. He + must have done work, and, at any rate, will be unserviceable in a + few years. <i>2dly</i>, To buy rather when the horse is something low + in condition, that you may the better see all his points. Six + years is the oldest at which I would purchase. You will run risk + of being jockeyed by knowing gentlemen of your own corps parting + with their <i>experienced</i> chargers <span class="pagenum"><a id="page81" name="page81"></a>(p. 81)</span> to <i>oblige</i> you. Take + care of this. Any good-tempered horse learns the dragoon duty in + wonderfully short time, and you are rider enough not to want one + quite broke in. Look well about you, and out into the country. + Excellent horses are bred all through Munster, and better have a + clever young one than an old regimental brute foundered by + repeated charges and bolts. If you see a brother-officer's horse + that pleases you much, and seems reasonable, look particularly + how he stands on his forelegs, and for that purpose see him in + the stable. If he shifts and shakes a little, have nothing to say + to him. This is the best I can advise, not doubting you will be + handsomely excised after all. The officer who leaves his corps + may be disposing of good horses, and perhaps selling reasonable. + One who continues will not, at least should not, part with a good + horse without some great advantage.</p> + +<p>You will remain at Cork till you have learned your regimental + duty, and then probably be despatched to some outquarter. I need + not say how anxious I am that you should keep up your languages, + mathematics, and other studies. To have lost that which you + already in some degree possess—and that which we don't practise + we soon forget—would be a subject of unceasing regret to you + hereafter. You have good introductions, and don't neglect to + avail yourself of them. Something in this respect your name may + do for you—a fair advantage, if used with discretion and + propriety. By the way, I suspect you did not call on John + Richardson.</p> + +<p>The girls were very dull after you left us; indeed the night you + went away, Anne had hysterics, which lasted some time. Charles + also was down in the mouth, and papa and mamma a little grave and + dejected. I would not have you think yourself of too great + importance neither, for the greatest personages are not always + long missed, and to make a bit of a parody,—</p> + +<p class="poem10"> +<span class="min33em">"</span>Down falls the rain, up gets the sun,<br> + Just as if Walter were not gone."</p> + +<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="page82" name="page82"></a>(p. 82)</span> We comfort ourselves with the hopes that you are to be + happy in the occupation you have chosen, and in your new society. + Let me know if there are any well-informed men among them, though + I don't expect you to find out that for some time. Be civil to + all, till you can by degrees find out who are really best + deserving.</p> + +<p>I enclose a letter from Sophia, which doubtless contains all the + news. St. Boswell's Fair rained miserably, and disappointed the + misses. The weather has since been delightful, and harvest + advances fast. All here goes its old round—the habits of age do + not greatly change, though those of youth do. Mamma has been + quite well, and so have I—but I still take calomel. I was + obliged to drink some claret with Sir A. Don, Sir John Shelley, + and a funny little Newmarket quizzy, called Cousins, whom they + brought here with them the other day, but I was not the worse. I + wish you had Sir J. S. at your elbow when you are buying your + horses—he is a very knowing man on the turf. I like his lady + very much. She is perfectly feminine in her manners, has good + sense, and plays divinely on the harp; besides all which, she + shoots wild boars, and is the boldest horsewoman I ever saw. I + saw her at Paris ride like a lapwing, in the midst of all the + aide-de-camps and suite of the Duke of Wellington.</p> + +<p>Write what your horses come to, etc. Your outfit will be an + expensive matter; but once settled, it will be fairly launching + you into life in the way you wished, and I trust you will see the + necessity of prudence and a gentlemanlike economy, which consists + chiefly in refusing one's self trifling indulgences until we can + easily pay for them. Once more, I beg you to be attentive to + Colonel Murray and to his lady. I hear of a disease among the + moorfowl. I suppose they are dying for grief at your departure.</p> + +<p>Ever, my dear boy, your affectionate father,</p> + +<p class="author">Walter Scott.</p> +</div> + +<div class="letter"> +<p class="titleletter"><span class="pagenum"><a id="page83" name="page83"></a>(p. 83)</span> TO THE SAME.</p> + +<p class="date">7th August, 1819.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Dear Walter</span>,—... I shall be curious to know how you like your + brother-officers, and how you dispose of your time. The drills + and riding-school will, of course, occupy much of your mornings + for some time. I trust, however, you will keep in view drawing, + languages, etc. It is astonishing how far even half an hour a day + regularly bestowed on one object, will carry a man in making + himself master of it. The habit of dawdling away time is easily + acquired, and so is that of putting every moment either to use or + to amusement.</p> + + <p>You will not be hasty in forming intimacies with any of your + brother-officers, until you observe which of them are most + generally respected, and likely to prove most creditable friends. + It is seldom that the people who put themselves hastily forward + to please are those most worthy of being known. At the same time + you will take care to return all civility which is offered, with + readiness and frankness. The Italians have a proverb, which I + hope you have not forgot poor Pierrotti's lessons so far as not + to comprehend, "<i>Volto sciolto e pensieri stretti</i>." There is no + occasion to let any one see what you exactly think of him; and it + is the less prudent, as you will find reason, in all probability, + to change your opinion more than once.</p> + + <p>I shall be glad to hear of your being fitted with a good servant. + Most of the Irish of that class are scapegraces—drink, steal, + and lie like the devil. If you could pick up a canny Scot, it + would be well. Let me know about your mess. To drink hard is none + of your habits; but even drinking what is called a certain + quantity every day, hurts the stomach, and by hereditary descent + yours is delicate. I believe the poor Duke of Buccleuch laid the + foundation of that disease which occasioned his premature death + in the excesses of Villars's regiment; and <span class="pagenum"><a id="page84" name="page84"></a>(p. 84)</span> I am sorry + and ashamed to say, for your warning, that the habit of drinking + wine, so much practised when I was a young man, occasioned, I am + convinced, many of my cruel stomach complaints. You had better + drink a bottle of wine on any particular occasion, than sit and + soak and sipple at an English pint every day.</p> + + <p>All our bipeds are well. Hamlet had an inflammatory attack, and I + began to think he was going mad, after the example of his great + namesake, but Willie Laidlaw bled him, and he has recovered. + Pussy is very well. Mamma, the girls, and Charlie, join in love. + Yours affectionately,</p> + +<p class="author">W. S.</p> + + <p>P. S.—Always mention what letters of mine you have received, and + write to me whatever comes into your head. It is the privilege of + great boys when distant that they cannot tire papas by any length + of detail upon any subject.</p> +</div> + +<div class="letter"> +<p class="titleletter">TO THE SAME.</p> + +<p class="date"><span class="smcap">Abbotsford</span>, 13th August, 1819.</p> + + <p><span class="smcap">My dearest Walter</span>,—I am very much obliged to Colonel Murray for + the trouble he has taken on your behalf. I hope he has received + the letter which I wrote to him a fortnight since under Mr. + Freeling's cover. It enclosed a parcel of letters to you. I took + the liberty of asking his advice what allowance you should have + to assist you. You know pretty well my circumstances and your + own, and that I wish you to be comfortable, but not in any + respect extravagant; and this for your own sake, and not for that + of money, which I never valued very much, perhaps not so much as + I ought to have done. I think by speaking to Colonel Murray you + may get at his opinion, and I have so much trust in your honor + and affection as to confide in your naming your own allowance. + Meantime, lest the horse should starve while the grass grows, I + enclose a cheque upon Messrs. Coutts for £50, to accompt of your + first year's allowance. Your paymaster will give you the money + for it I dare say. <span class="pagenum"><a id="page85" name="page85"></a>(p. 85)</span> You have to endorse the bill, <i>i. + e.</i>, write your name on the back of it.</p> + + <p>All concerned are pleased with your kind tokens of remembrance + from London. Mamma and I like the caricatures very much. I think, + however, scarce any of them shows the fancy and talent of old + Gilray: he became insane, I suppose by racking his brain in + search of extravagant ideas, and was supported in his helpless + condition by the woman who keeps the great print-shop in St. + James's Street, who had the generosity to remember that she had + made thousands by his labor.</p> + + <p>Everything here goes on in the old fashion, and we are all as + well as possible, saving that Charles rode to Lawrence fair + yesterday in a private excursion, and made himself sick with + eating gingerbread, whereby he came to disgrace.</p> + + <p>Sophia has your letter of the 4th, which she received yesterday. + The enclosed will help you to set up shop and to get and pay + whatever is necessary. I wish we had a touch of your hand to make + the parties rise in the morning, at which they show as little + alertness as usual.</p> + + <p>I beg you will keep an account of money received and paid. Buy a + little book ruled for the purpose, for pounds, shillings, and + pence, and keep an account of cash received and expended. The + balance ought to be cash in purse, if the book is regularly kept. + But any very small expenses you can enter as "Sundries, £0: 3: + 6," which saves trouble.</p> + + <p>You will find this most satisfactory and useful. But, indeed, + arithmetic is indispensable to a soldier who means to rise in his + profession. All military movements depend upon calculation of + time, numbers, and distance.</p> + + <p>Dogs all well—cat sick—supposed with eating birds in their + feathers. Sisters, brother, and mamma join in love to the "poor + wounded hussa-a-r;"—I dare say you have heard the song; if not, + we shall send it for the benefit of the mess. Yours + affectionately,</p> + +<p class="author">Walter Scott.</p> + + <p><span class="pagenum"><a id="page86" name="page86"></a>(p. 86)</span> P. S.—Yesterday, <i>the 12th</i>, would, I suppose, produce + some longings after the Peel heights.</p> +</div> + +<p>In the following letter to Mr. Richardson, we see Scott busied about +certain little matters of heraldic importance which had to be settled +before his patent of baronetcy could be properly made out. He also +alludes to two little volumes, which he edited during this autumn—the +Memorials of the Haliburtons, a thin quarto (never published)—and the +poems of Patrick Carey, of which he had given specimens some years +before in the Annual Register.</p> + +<div class="letter"> +<p class="titleletter">TO JOHN RICHARDSON, ESQ., FLUDYER STREET, WESTMINSTER.</p> + +<p class="date"><span class="smcap">Abbotsford</span>, 22d August, 1819.</p> + + <p><span class="smcap">My dear Richardson</span>,—I am sorry Walter did not get to your kind + domicile. But he stayed but about five or six days in London, and + great was his haste, as you may well suppose. He had a world of + trinkums to get, for you know there goes as much to the + man-millinery of a young officer of hussars as to that of an + heiress on her bridal day. His complete equipage, horses not + included, cost about £360, and if you add a couple of blood + horses, it will be £200 more, besides the price of his + commission, for the privilege of getting the hardness of his + skull tried by a brick-bat at the next meeting of Radical + Reformers. I am not much afraid of these folks, however, because + I remember 1793 and 1794, when the same ideas possessed a much + more formidable class of the people, being received by a large + proportion of farmers, shopkeepers, and others, possessed of + substance. A mere mob will always be a fire of loose straw; but + it is melancholy to think of the individual mischief that may be + done. I did not find it quite advisable to take so long a journey + as London this summer. I am quite recovered; but my last attack + was of so dreadful a nature, that I wish to be quite insured + against another—<i>i. e.</i>, as much <span class="pagenum"><a id="page87" name="page87"></a>(p. 87)</span> as one can be insured + against such a circumstance—before leaving home for any length + of time.</p> + + <p>To return to the vanities of this world, from what threatened to + hurry me to the next: I enclose a drawing of my arms, with the + supporters which the heralds here assign me. Our friend Harden + seems to wish I would adopt one of his Mer-maidens, otherwise + they should be both Moors, as on the left side. I have also added + an impression of my seal. You can furnish Sir George Naylor with + as much of my genealogy as will serve the present purpose. I + shall lose no time in connecting myself by a general service with + my grand-uncle, the last Haliburton of Dryburgh Abbey, or + Newmains, as they call it. I spoke to the Lyon-office people in + Edinburgh. I find my entry there will be an easy matter, the + proofs being very pregnant and accessible. I would not stop for a + trifling expense to register my pedigree in England, as far as + you think may be necessary, to show that it is a decent one. My + ancestors were brave and honest men, and I have no reason to be + ashamed of them, though they were neither wealthy nor great.</p> + + <p>As something of an antiquary and genealogist, I should not like + there were any mistakes in this matter, so I send you a small + note of my descent by my father and my paternal grandmother, with + a memorandum of the proofs by which they may be supported, to + which I might add a whole cloud of oral witnesses. I hate the + being suspected of fishing for a pedigree, or bolstering one up + with false statements. How people can bring themselves to this, I + cannot conceive. I send you a copy of the Haliburton MS., of + which I have printed twenty for the satisfaction of a few + friends. You can have any part of them copied in London which + ought to be registered. I should like if Sir George Naylor would + take the trouble of looking at the proofs, which are chiefly + extracts from the public records. I take this opportunity to send + you also a copy of a little amateur-book—Carey's Poems—a + <span class="pagenum"><a id="page88" name="page88"></a>(p. 88)</span> thoroughbred Cavalier, and, I think, no bad versifier. + Kind compliments to Mrs. Richardson. Yours, my dear Richardson, + most truly,</p> + +<p class="author">Walter Scott.</p> +</div> + +<div class="letter"> +<p class="titleletter">TO CORNET W. SCOTT, 18TH HUSSARS, CORK.</p> + +<p class="date"><span class="smcap">Abbotsford</span>, 4th September, 1819.</p> + + <p><span class="smcap">Dear Walter</span>,—Your very acceptable letter of the 26th reached me + to-day. I had begun to be apprehensive that the draft had fallen + into the hands of the Philistines, but the very long calm must + have made the packets slow in their progress, which I suppose was + the occasion of the delay. Respecting the allowance, Colonel + Murray informs me that from £200 to £250, in addition to the pay + of a Cornet, ought to make a young man very comfortable. He adds, + which I am much pleased to hear, that your officers are, many of + them, men of moderate fortune, and disposed to be economical. I + had thought of £200 as what would suit us both, but when I see + the account which you very properly keep, I shall be better able + to determine. It must be considered that any uncommon expense, as + the loss of a horse or the like, may occasion an extra draft over + and above the allowance. I like very much your methodical + arrangement as to expenses; it is rather a tiresome thing at + first to keep an accompt of pounds, shillings, and pence, but it + is highly necessary, and enables one to see how the money + actually goes. It is, besides, a good practical way of keeping up + acquaintance with arithmetic, and you will soon find that the + principles on which all military movements turn are arithmetical, + and that though one may no doubt learn to do them by rote, yet to + <i>understand</i> them, you must have recourse to numbers. Your + adjutant will explain this to you. By the way, as he is a + foreigner, you will have an opportunity to keep up a little of + your French and German. Both are highly necessary to you; the + knowledge of the last, with few other qualifications, made + several officers' fortunes last war.</p> + + <p><span class="pagenum"><a id="page89" name="page89"></a>(p. 89)</span> I observe with pleasure you are making acquaintances + among the gentry, which I hope you will not drop for want of + calling, etc. I trust you have delivered all your + recommendations, for it is an affront to omit doing so, both to + the person who writes them, and those for whom they are designed. + On the other hand, one always holds their head a little better up + in the world when they keep good society. Lord and Lady Melville + are to give you recommendations when you go to Dublin. I was at + Melville Castle for two days, and found them both well. I was + also one day at Langholm Lodge to meet Lord Montagu. Possibly, + among your Irish friends, you may get some shooting. I shall be + glad you avail yourself of any such opportunities, and also that, + when you get your own horses, you hunt in the winter, if you be + within the reach of hounds. Nothing confirms a man in + horsemanship so well as hunting, though I do not recommend it to + beginners, who are apt to learn to ride like grooms. Besides the + exercise, field-sports make a young soldier acquainted with the + country, and habituate him to have a good eye for distance and + for taking up the <i>carte de pays</i> in general, which is essential + to all, but especially to officers of light troops, who are + expected to display both alertness and intelligence in reporting + the nature of the country, being in fact the <i>eyes</i> of the army. + In every point of view, field-sports are preferable to the + indoors amusement of a billiard-table, which is too often the + lounging-place for idle young officers, where there is nothing to + be got but a habit of throwing away time, and an acquaintance + with the very worst society—I mean at public billiard-rooms—for + unquestionably the game itself is a pretty one, when practised + among gentlemen, and not made a constant habit of. But public + billiard-tables are almost always the resort of blacklegs and + sharpers, and all that numerous class whom the French call + <i>chevaliers d'industrie</i>, and we, <i>knights of the whipping-post</i>.</p> + + <p><span class="pagenum"><a id="page90" name="page90"></a>(p. 90)</span> I am glad you go to the anatomical lectures. An + acquaintance with our own very extraordinary frame is a useful + branch of general knowledge, and as you have some turn for + drawing, it will also enable you to judge of the proper mode of + disposing the limbs and muscles of your figures, should you + prosecute the art so far. In fact, there is no branch of study + can come much amiss to a young man, providing he does study, and + very often the precise occupation of the time must be trusted to + taste and opportunity.</p> + + <p>The White Boys made a great noise when I was a boy. But Ireland + (the more is the pity) has never been without White Boys, or + Right Boys, or Defenders, or Peep-of-day Boys, or some wild + association or another for disturbing the peace of the country. + We shall not be many degrees better if the Radical Reformers be + not checked. The Manchester Yeomen behaved very well, upsetting + the most immense crowd ever was seen, and notwithstanding the + lies in the papers, without any unnecessary violence. Mr. Hunt + pretends to have had several blows on his head with sabres, but + has no wound to show for it. I am disposed to wish he had got + such a one as once on a day I could have treated him to. I am apt + to think his politic pate would have broached no more sedition.</p> + + <p>Miss Rutherford and Eliza Russell are now with us. We were also + favored with a visit of the Miss ——s, who are rather empty + canisters, though I dare say very good girls. Anne tired of them + most inhospitably. Mrs. Maclean Clephane and her two unmarried + daughters are now here; being, as we say, pears of another tree. + Your sisters seem very fond of the young ladies, and I am glad of + it, for they will see that a great deal of accomplishment and + information may be completely reconciled with liveliness, fun, + good-humor, and good-breeding.</p> + + <p>All here send love. Dogs and cat are well. I dare say you have + heard from some other correspondent that <span class="pagenum"><a id="page91" name="page91"></a>(p. 91)</span> poor Lady + Wallace died of an inflammation, after two days' illness. + Trout<a id="footnotetag52" name="footnotetag52"></a><a href="#footnote52" title="Go to footnote 52"><span class="smaller">[52]</span></a> has returned here several times, poor fellow, and seems + to look for you; but Henry Scott is very kind to him, and he is a + great favorite.</p> + + <p>As you Hussars smoke, I will give you one of my pipes, but you + must let me know how I can send it safely. It is a very handsome + one, though not my best. I will keep my <i>Meerschaum</i> until I make + my Continental tour, and then you shall have that also. I hope + you will get leave for a few months, and go with me. Yours very + affectionately,</p> + +<p class="author">Walter Scott.</p> +</div> + +<p>About this time, as the succeeding letters will show, Abbotsford had +the honor of a short visit from Prince Leopold of Saxe-Coburg, now +King of the Belgians. Immediately afterwards Scott heard of the death +of Mrs. William Erskine, and repaired to Edinburgh to condole with his +afflicted friend.<a id="footnotetag53" name="footnotetag53"></a><a href="#footnote53" title="Go to footnote 53"><span class="smaller">[53]</span></a> His allusions, meanwhile, to views of buying +more land on Tweedside, are numerous. These speculations are explained +in a most characteristic style to the Cornet; and we see that one of +them was cut short by the tragical death of a <i>bonnet-laird</i> already +introduced to the reader's notice—namely, <i>Lauchie Longlegs</i>, the +admired of Geoffrey Crayon.</p> + +<div class="letter"> +<p class="titleletter">TO CORNET WALTER SCOTT, 18TH HUSSARS, CORK.</p> + +<p class="date"><span class="smcap">Abbotsford</span>, 27th September, 1819.</p> + + <p><span class="smcap">My dear Walter</span>,—Your letter of the 10th gave me the pleasant + assurance that you are well and happy, and attending to your + profession. We have been jogging on here in the old fashion, + somewhat varied by an unexpected visit, on Friday last, from no + less a person than Prince Leopold. I conclude you will have all + the <span class="pagenum"><a id="page92" name="page92"></a>(p. 92)</span> particulars of this important event from the other + members of the family, so I shall only say that when I mentioned + the number of your regiment, the Prince said he had several + friends in the 18th, and should now think he had one more, which + was very polite. By the way, I hear an excellent character of + your officers for regularity and gentlemanlike manners. This + report gives me great pleasure, for to live in bad society will + deprave the best manners, and to live in good will improve the + worst.</p> + + <p>I am trying a sort of bargain with neighbor Nicol Milne at + present. He is very desirous of parting with his estate of + Faldonside, and if he will be contented with a reasonable price, + I am equally desirous to be the purchaser. I conceive it will + come to about £30,000 at least. I will not agree to give a penny + more; and I think that sum is probably £2000 and more above its + actual marketable value. But then it lies extremely convenient + for us, and would, joined to Abbotsford, make a very + gentlemanlike property, worth at least £1800 or £2000 a year. I + can command about £10,000 of my own, and if I be spared life and + health, I should not fear rubbing off the rest of the price, as + Nicol is in no hurry for payment. As you will succeed me in my + landed property, I think it right to communicate my views to you. + I am much moved by the prospect of getting at about £2000 or + £3000 worth of marle, which lies on Milne's side of the loch, but + which can only be drained on my side, so that he can make no use + of it. This would make the lands of Abbotsford worth 40<i>s.</i> an + acre over-head, excepting the sheep farm. I am sensible I might + dispose of my money to more advantage, but probably to none + which, in the long run, would be better for you—certainly to + none which would be productive of so much pleasure to myself. The + woods are thriving, and it would be easy, at a trifling expense, + to restore Faldonside loch, and stock it with fish. In fact, it + would require but a small dam-head. By means of a little + judicious <span class="pagenum"><a id="page93" name="page93"></a>(p. 93)</span> planting, added to what is already there, the + estate might be rendered one of the most beautiful in this part + of Scotland. Such are my present plans, my dear boy, having as + much your future welfare and profit in view as the immediate + gratification of my own wishes.</p> + + <p>I am very sorry to tell you that poor Mrs. William Erskine is no + more. She was sent by the medical people on a tour to the lakes + of Cumberland, and was taken ill at Lowood, on Windermere. + Nature, much exhausted by her previous indisposition, sunk under + four days' illness. Her husband was with her, and two of her + daughters—he is much to be pitied.</p> + + <p>Mr. Rees, the bookseller, told me he had met you in the streets + of Cork, and reported well of the growth of your <i>Schnurr-bart</i>. + I hope you know what that means. Pray write often, as the post + comes so slow. I keep all your letters, and am much pleased with + the frankness of the style. No word of your horses yet? but it is + better not to be impatient, and to wait for good ones. I have + been three times on Newark, and killed six hares each time. The + two young dogs are capital good.</p> + + <p>I must not omit to tell you our old, and, I may add, our kind + neighbor Lauchie, has departed, or, as Tom expresses it, has been + fairly <i>flytten out o' the warld</i>. You know the old quarrel + betwixt his brother and him about the wife: in an ill-fated hour + Jock the brother came down to Lochbreist with a sister from + Edinburgh, who was determined to have her share of the + scolding-match; they attacked poor old Lauchie like mad folks, + and reviled his wife in all sort of evil language. At length his + passion was wrought up to a great pitch, and he answered with + much emotion, that if she were the greatest —— in Edinburgh, it + was not their business, and as he uttered this speech, he fell + down on his back, and lay a dead man before them. There is little + doubt the violence of the agitation had broke a blood-vessel in + the heart or brain. A very few days since he was running <span class="pagenum"><a id="page94" name="page94"></a>(p. 94)</span> + up and down calling for a coffin, and wishing to God he was in + one; to which Swanston,<a id="footnotetag54" name="footnotetag54"></a><a href="#footnote54" title="Go to footnote 54"><span class="smaller">[54]</span></a> who was present, answered, he could + not apply to a better hand, and he would make him one if he had a + mind. He has left a will of his own making, but from some + informality I think it will be set aside. His land cannot come + into the market until his girl comes of age, which, by the way, + makes me more able for the other bargain.... The blackcocks are + very plenty. I put up fourteen cocks and hens in walking up the + Clappercleuch to look at the wood. Do you not wish you had been + on the outside with your gun? Tom has kept us well supplied with + game; he boasts that he shot fifteen times without a miss. I + shall be glad to hear that you do the same on Mr. Newenham's + grounds. Mamma, the girls, and Charles, all join in love and + affection. Believe me ever, dear Walter, your affectionate + father,</p> + +<p class="author">Walter Scott.</p> +</div> + +<div class="letter"> +<p class="titleletter">TO THE LORD MONTAGU, ETC., ETC., ETC.</p> + +<p class="date"><span class="smcap">Abbotsford</span>, 3d October, 1819.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">My dear Lord</span>,—I am honored with your Buxton letter.... <i>Anent</i> + Prince Leopold, I only heard of his approach at eight o'clock in + the morning, and he was to be at Selkirk by eleven. The + magistrates sent to ask me to help them to receive him. It + occurred to me he might be coming to Melrose to see the Abbey, in + which case I could not avoid asking him to Abbotsford, as he must + pass my very door. I mentioned this to Mrs. Scott, who was lying + quietly in bed, and I wish you had heard the scream she gave on + the occasion. "What have we to offer him?"—"Wine and cake," said + I, thinking to make all things easy; but she ejaculated, in a + tone of utter despair, "Cake!! where am I to get cake?" <span class="pagenum"><a id="page95" name="page95"></a>(p. 95)</span> + However, being partly consoled with the recollection that his + visit was a very improbable incident, and curiosity, as usual, + proving too strong for alarm, she set out with me in order not to + miss a peep of the great man. James Skene and his lady were with + us, and we gave our carriages such additional dignity as a pair + of leaders could add, and went to meet him in full puff. The + Prince very civilly told me, that, though he could not see + Melrose on this occasion, he wished to come to Abbotsford for an + hour. New despair on the part of Mrs. Scott, who began to + institute a domiciliary search for cold meat through the whole + city of Selkirk, which produced <i>one shoulder of cold lamb</i>. In + the mean while, his Royal Highness received the civic honors of + the <span class="smcap">BIRSE</span><a id="footnotetag55" name="footnotetag55"></a><a href="#footnote55" title="Go to footnote 55"><span class="smaller">[55]</span></a> very graciously. I had hinted to Bailie Lang,<a id="footnotetag56" name="footnotetag56"></a><a href="#footnote56" title="Go to footnote 56"><span class="smaller">[56]</span></a> + that it ought only to be licked <i>symbolically</i> on the present + occasion; so he flourished it three times before his mouth, but + without touching it with his lips, and the Prince followed his + example as directed. Lang made an excellent speech—sensible, and + feeling, and well delivered. The Prince seemed much surprised at + this great propriety of expression and behavior in a magistrate, + whose people seemed such a rabble, and whose whole band of music + consisted in a drum and fife. He noticed to Bailie Anderson that + Selkirk seemed very populous in proportion to its extent. "On an + occasion like this it seems so," answered the Bailie,—neatly + enough, I thought. I question if any magistrates in the kingdom, + lord mayors and aldermen not excepted, could have behaved with + more decent and quiet good-breeding. Prince Leopold repeatedly + alluded to this during the time he was at Abbotsford. I do not + know how Mrs. Scott ultimately managed; but with broiled salmon, + and blackcock, and partridges, she gave <span class="pagenum"><a id="page96" name="page96"></a>(p. 96)</span> him a very + decent lunch; and I chanced to have some very fine old hock, + which was mighty germane to the matter.</p> + + <p>The Prince seems melancholy, whether naturally or from habit, I + do not pretend to say; but I do not remember thinking him so at + Paris, where I saw him frequently, then a much poorer man than + myself; yet he showed some humor, for, alluding to the crowds + that followed him everywhere, he mentioned some place where he + had gone out to shoot, but was afraid to proceed for fear of + "bagging a boy." He said he really thought of getting some + shooting-place in Scotland, and promised me a longer visit on his + return. If I had had a day's notice to have <i>warned the waters</i>, + we could have met him with a very respectable number of the + gentry; but there was no time for this, and probably he liked it + better as it was. There was only young Clifton who could have + come, and he was shy and cubbish, and would not, though requested + by the Selkirk people. He was perhaps ashamed to march through + Coventry with them. It hung often and sadly on my mind that <i>he</i> + was wanting who could and would have received him like a Prince + indeed; and yet the meeting betwixt them, had they been fated to + meet, would have been a very sad one. I think I have now given + your Lordship a very full, true, and particular account of our + royal visit, unmatched even by that of King Charles at the Castle + of Tillietudlem. That we did not speak of it for more than a week + after it happened, and that that emphatic monosyllable, <i>The + Prince</i>, is not heard amongst us more than ten times a day, is, + on the whole, to the credit of my family's understanding. The + piper is the only one whose brain he seems to have endangered; + for, as the Prince said he preferred him to any he had heard in + the Highlands—(which, by the way, shows his Royal Highness knows + nothing of the matter)—the fellow seems to have become incapable + of his ordinary occupation as a forester, and <span class="pagenum"><a id="page97" name="page97"></a>(p. 97)</span> has cut + stick and stem without remorse to the tune of <i>Phail Phranse</i>, + <i>i. e.</i>, the Prince's Welcome.</p> + + <p>I am just going to the head-court with Donaldson, and go a day + sooner to exhume certain old monuments of the Rutherfords at + Jedburgh. Edgerstone<a id="footnotetag57" name="footnotetag57"></a><a href="#footnote57" title="Go to footnote 57"><span class="smaller">[57]</span></a> is to meet me at Jedburgh for this + research, and then we shall go up with him to dinner. My best + respects attend Lady Montagu. I wish this letter may reach you on + a more lively day than it is written in, for it requires little + to add to its dulness. Tweed is coming down very fast, the first + time this summer. Believe me, my dear Lord, most truly yours,</p> + +<p class="author">Walter Scott.</p> +</div> + +<div class="letter"> +<p class="titleletter">TO W. SCOTT, ESQ., 18TH HUSSARS, CORK.</p> + +<p class="date"><span class="smcap">Abbotsford</span>, 14th October, 1819.</p> + + <p><span class="smcap">Dear Walter</span>,—I had your last letter, and am very glad you find + pleasant society. Mrs. Dundas of Arniston is so good as to send + you some introductions, which you will deliver as soon as + possible. You will be now in some degree accustomed to meet with + strangers, and to form your estimate of their character and + manners. I hope, in the mean time, the French and German are + attended to; please to mention in your next letter what you are + reading, and in what languages. The hours of youth, my dear + Walter, are too precious to be spent all in gayety. We must lay + up in that period when our spirit is active, and our memory + strong, the stores of information which are not only to + facilitate our progress through life, but to amuse and interest + us in our later stage of existence. I very often think what an + unhappy person I should have been, if I had not done something + more or less towards improving my understanding when <span class="pagenum"><a id="page98" name="page98"></a>(p. 98)</span> I + was at your age; and I never reflect, without severe + self-condemnation, on the opportunities of acquiring knowledge + which I either trifled with, or altogether neglected. I hope you + will be wiser than I have been, and experience less of that + self-reproach.</p> + + <p>My last acquainted you with Mrs. Erskine's death, and I grieve to + say we have just received intelligence that our kind neighbor and + good friend Lord Somerville is at the very last gasp. His disease + is a dysentery, and the symptoms, as his brother writes to Mr. + Samuel Somerville, are mortal. He is at Vevay, upon his road, I + suppose, to Italy, where he had purposed spending the winter. His + death, for I understand nothing else can be expected, will be + another severe loss to me; for he was a kind, good friend, and at + my time of day men do not readily take to new associates. I must + own this has been one of the most melancholy years I ever passed. + The poor Duke, who loved me so well—Mrs. Erskine—Lord + Somerville—not to mention others with whom I was less intimate, + make it one year of mourning. I should not forget the Chief + Baron, who, though from ill health we met of late seldom, was + always my dear friend, and indeed very early benefactor. I must + look forwards to seeing in your success and respectability, and + in the affection and active improvement of all of you, those + pleasures which are narrowed by the death of my contemporaries. + Men cannot form new intimacies at my period of life, but must be + happy or otherwise according to the good fortune and good conduct + of those near relatives who rise around them.</p> + + <p>I wish much to know if you are lucky in a servant. Trust him with + as little cash as possible, and keep short accounts. Many a good + servant is spoiled by neglecting this simple precaution. The man + is tempted to some expense of his own, gives way to it, and then + has to make it up by a system of overcharge and peculation; and + thus mischief begins, and the carelessness of the master makes + <span class="pagenum"><a id="page99" name="page99"></a>(p. 99)</span> a rogue out of an honest lad, and cheats himself into + the bargain.</p> + + <p>I have a letter from your uncle Tom, telling me his eldest + daughter is to be forthwith married to a Captain Huxley of his + own regiment. As he has had a full opportunity of being + acquainted with the young gentleman, and approves of the match, I + have to hope that it will be a happy one. I fear there is no + great fortune in the case on either side, which is to be + regretted.</p> + + <p>Of domestic affairs I have little to tell you. The harvest has + been excellent, the weather delightful; but this I must often + have repeated. To-day I was thinning out fir-trees in the + thicket, and the men were quite exhausted with the heat, and I + myself, though only marking the trees, felt the exercise + sufficiently warm. The wood is thriving delightfully. On the 28th + we are to have a dance in honor of your birthday. I wish you + could look in upon us for the day at least—only I am afraid we + could not part with you when it was over, and so you would be in + the guise of Cinderella, when she outstayed her time at the ball, + and all her finery returned into its original base materials. + Talking of balls, the girls would tell you the Melrose hop, where + mamma presided, went off well.</p> + + <p>I expect poor Erskine and his daughter next week, or the week + after. I went into town to see him—and found him bearing his + great loss with his natural gentleness and patience. But he was + sufficiently distressed, as he has great reason to be. I also + expect Lord and Lady Melville here very soon. Sir William Rae + (now Lord Advocate) and his lady came to us on Saturday. On + Sunday Maida walked with us, and in jumping the paling at the + Greentongue park contrived to hang himself up by the hind leg. He + howled at first, but seeing us making towards him he stopped + crying, and waved his tail, by way of signal, it was supposed, + for assistance. He sustained no material injury, though his leg + was strangely <span class="pagenum"><a id="page100" name="page100"></a>(p. 100)</span> twisted into the bars, and he was nearly + hanging by it. He showed great gratitude, in his way, to his + deliverers. This is a long letter, and little in it; but that is + nothing extraordinary. All send best love—and I am ever, dear + Walter, your affectionate father,</p> + +<p class="author">Walter Scott.</p> +</div> + +<div class="letter"> +<p class="titleletter">TO THOMAS SCOTT, ESQ., PAYMASTER, 70th REGIMENT, CANADA.</p> + +<p class="date"><span class="smcap">Abbotsford</span>, 16th October, 1819.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Dear Tom</span>,—I received yesterday your very acceptable letter, + containing the news of Jessie's approaching marriage, in which, + as a match agreeable to her mother and you, and relieving your + minds from some of the anxious prospects which haunt those of + parents, I take the most sincere interest. Before this reaches + you the event will probably have taken place. Meantime, I enclose + a letter to the bride or wife, as the case may happen to be. I + have sent a small token of good-will to ballast my good wishes, + which you will please to value for the young lady, that she may + employ it as most convenient or agreeable to her. A little more + fortune would perhaps have done the young folks no harm; but + Captain Huxley, being such as you describe him, will have every + chance of getting forward in his profession; and the happiest + marriages are often those in which there is, at first, occasion + for prudence and economy. I do certainly feel a little of the + surprise which you hint at, for time flies over our heads one + scarce marks how, and children become marriageable ere we + consider them as out of the nursery. My eldest son, Walter, has + also wedded himself—but it is to a regiment of hussars. He is at + present a cornet in the 18th, and quartered in Cork barracks. He + is capital at most exercises, but particularly as a horseman. I + do not intend he shall remain in the cavalry, however, but shall + get him into the line when he is capable of promotion. Since he + has chosen this profession, I shall be <span class="pagenum"><a id="page101" name="page101"></a>(p. 101)</span> desirous that he + follows it out in good earnest, and that can only be done by + getting into the infantry.</p> + +<p>My late severe illness has prevented my going up to London to + receive the honor which the Prince Regent has announced his + intention to inflict upon me. My present intention is, if I + continue as well as I have been, to go up about Christmas to get + this affair over. My health was restored (I trust permanently) by + the use of calomel, a very severe and painful remedy, especially + in my exhausted state of body, but it has proved a radical one. + By the way, <i>Radical</i> is a word in very bad odor here, being used + to denote a set of blackguards a hundred times more mischievous + and absurd than our old friends in 1794 and 1795. You will learn + enough of the doings of the <i>Radical Reformers</i> from the papers. + In Scotland we are quiet enough, excepting in the manufacturing + districts, and we are in very good hands, as Sir William Rae, our + old commander, is Lord Advocate. Rae has been here two or three + days, and left me yesterday; he is the old man, sensible, + cool-headed, and firm, always thinking of his duty, never of + himself. He inquired kindly after you, and I think will be + disposed to serve you, should an opportunity offer. Poor William + Erskine has lost his excellent wife, after a long and wasting + illness. She died at Lowood on Windermere, he having been + recommended to take her upon a tour about three weeks before her + death. I own I should scarce forgive a physician who should + contrive to give me this addition to family distress. I went to + town last week to see him, and found him, upon the whole, much + better than I expected. I saw my mother on the same occasion, + admirably well indeed. She is greatly better than this time two + years, when she rather quacked herself a little too much. I have + sent your letter to our mother, and will not fail to transmit to + our other friends the agreeable news of your daughter's + settlement. Our cousin, Sir Harry Macdougal, is marrying his + eldest daughter to Sir <span class="pagenum"><a id="page102" name="page102"></a>(p. 102)</span> Thomas Brisbane, a very good + match on both sides. I have been paying a visit on the occasion, + which suspends my closing this letter. I hope to hear very soon + from you. Respecting our silence, I, like a ghost, only waited to + be spoken to, and you may depend on me as a regular + correspondent, when you find time to be one yourself. Charlotte + and the girls join in kind love to Mrs. Scott and all the family. + I should like to know what you mean to do with young Walter, and + whether I can assist you in that matter. Believe me, dear Tom, + ever your affectionate brother,</p> + +<p class="author">W. Scott.</p> +</div> + +<div class="letter"> +<p class="titleletter">TO DANIEL TERRY, ESQ., LONDON.</p> + +<p class="date"><span class="smcap">Abbotsford</span>, November 10, 1819.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">My dear Terry</span>,—I should be very sorry if you thought the + interest I take in you and yours so slight as not to render your + last letter extremely interesting. We have all our various + combats to fight in this best of all possible worlds, and, like + brave fellow-soldiers, ought to assist one another as much as + possible. I have little doubt, that if God spares me till my + little namesake be fit to take up his share of the burden, I may + have interest enough to be of great advantage to him in the + entrance of life. In the present state of your own profession, + you would not willingly, I suppose, choose him to follow it; and, + as it is very seductive to young people of a lively temper and + good taste for the art, you should, I think, consider early how + you mean to dispose of little Walter, with a view, that is, to + the future line of life which you would wish him to adopt. Mrs. + Terry has not the good health which all who know her amiable + disposition and fine accomplishments would anxiously wish her; + yet, with impaired health and the caution which it renders + necessary, we have very frequently instances of the utmost verge + of existence being attained, while robust strength is cut off in + the middle career. So you must be <span class="pagenum"><a id="page103" name="page103"></a>(p. 103)</span> of good heart, and + hope the best in this as in other cases of a like affecting + nature. I go to town on Monday, and will forward under Mr. + Freeling's cover as much of Ivanhoe as is finished in print. It + is completed, but in the hands of a very slow transcriber; when I + can collect it, I will send you the MS., which you will please to + keep secret from every eye. I think this will give a start, if it + be worth taking, of about a month, for the work will be out on + the 20th of December. It is certainly possible to adapt it to the + stage, but the expense of scenery and decorations would be great, + this being a tale of chivalry, not of character. There is a tale + in existence, by dramatizing which, I am certain, a most powerful + effect might be produced: it is called Undine, and I believe has + been translated into French by Mademoiselle Montolieu, and into + English from her version: do read it, and tell me your opinion: + in German the character of Undine is exquisite. The only + objection is, that the catastrophe is unhappy, but this might be + altered. I hope to be in London for ten days the end of next + month; and so good-by for the present, being in great haste, most + truly yours,</p> + +<p class="author">W. Scott.</p> +</div> + +<p>I conclude this chapter with a letter written two or three days before +Scott quitted Abbotsford for the winter session. It is addressed to +his friend Hartstonge, who had taken the opportunity of the renewal of +Scott's correspondence to solicit his opinion and assistance touching +a MS. drama; and the reader will be diverted with the style in which +the amiable tragedian is treated to his <i>quietus</i>:—</p> + +<div class="letter"> +<p class="titleletter">TO MATTHEW WELD HARTSTONGE, ESQ., DUBLIN.</p> + +<p class="date"><span class="smcap">Abbotsford</span>, 11th November, 1819.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">My dear Sir</span>,—I was duly favored with your packet, containing the + play, as well as your very kind letter. I <span class="pagenum"><a id="page104" name="page104"></a>(p. 104)</span> will endeavor + (though extremely unwilling to offer criticism on most occasions) + to meet your confidence with perfect frankness. I do not consider + the Tragedy as likely to make that favorable impression on the + public which I would wish that the performance of a friend should + effect—and I by no means recommend to you to hazard it upon the + boards. In other compositions, the neglect of the world takes + nothing from the merit of the author; but there is something + ludicrous in being <i>affiché</i> as the author of an unsuccessful + play. Besides, you entail on yourself the great and eternal + plague of altering and retrenching to please the humors of + performers, who are, speaking generally, extremely ignorant, and + capricious in proportion. These are not vexations to be + voluntarily undertaken; and the truth is, that in the present day + there is only one reason which seems to me adequate for the + encountering the plague of trying to please a set of conceited + performers and a very motley audience,—I mean the want of money, + from which, fortunately, you are exempted. It is very true that + some day or other a great dramatic genius may arise to strike out + a new path; but I fear till this happens no great effect will be + produced by treading in the old one. The reign of Tragedy seems + to be over, and the very considerable poetical abilities which + have been lately applied to it, have failed to revive it. Should + the public ever be indulged with small theatres adapted to the + hours of the better ranks in life, the dramatic art may recover; + at present it is in abeyance—and I do therefore advise you in + all sincerity to keep the Tragedy (which I return under cover) + safe under your own charge. Pray think of this as one of the most + unpleasant offices of friendship—and be not angry with me for + having been very frank, upon an occasion when frankness may be + more useful than altogether palatable.</p> + + <p>I am much obliged to you for your kind intentions towards my + young Hussar. We have not heard from <span class="pagenum"><a id="page105" name="page105"></a>(p. 105)</span> him for three + weeks. I believe he is making out a meditated visit to Killarney. + I am just leaving the country for Edinburgh, to attend my duty in + the courts; but the badness of the weather in some measure + reconciles me to the unpleasant change. I have the pleasure to + continue the most satisfactory accounts of my health; it is, to + external appearance, as strong as in my strongest days—indeed, + after I took once more to Sancho's favorite occupations of eating + and sleeping, I recovered my losses wonderfully. Very truly + yours,</p> + +<p class="author">Walter Scott.</p> +</div> + +<h2><span class="pagenum"><a id="page106" name="page106"></a>(p. 106)</span> CHAPTER XLVI</h2> + +<p class="resume">POLITICAL ALARMS. — THE RADICALS. — LEVIES OF VOLUNTEERS. — PROJECT + OF THE BUCCLEUCH LEGION. — DEATH OF SCOTT'S MOTHER, HER BROTHER + DR. RUTHERFORD, AND HER SISTER CHRISTIAN. — LETTERS TO LORD + MONTAGU, MR. THOMAS SCOTT, CORNET SCOTT, MR. LAIDLAW, AND LADY + LOUISA STUART. — PUBLICATION OF IVANHOE.</p> + +<p class="chapdate">1819</p> + +<a id="img004" name="img004"></a> +<div class="figcenter p4"> +<img src="images/img004.jpg" width="400" height="513" alt="" title=""> +<p>ANNE RUTHERFORD, MOTHER OF SIR WALTER SCOTT<br> +<i>After the painting at Abbotsford.</i></p> +</div> + +<p>Towards the winter of 1819 there prevailed a spirit of alarming +insubordination among the mining population of Northumberland and the +weavers of the West of Scotland; and Scott was particularly gratified +with finding that his own neighbors at Galashiels had escaped the +contagion. There can be little doubt that this exemption was +principally owing to the personal influence and authority of the Laird +of Abbotsford and Sheriff of the Forest; but the people of Galashiels +were also fortunate in the qualities of their own beneficent +landlords, Mr. Scott of Gala, and Mr. Pringle of Torwoodlee. The +progress of the western <i>Reformers</i> by degrees led even the most +important Whigs in that district to exert themselves in the +organization of volunteer regiments, both mounted and dismounted; and, +when it became generally suspected that Glasgow and Paisley maintained +a dangerous correspondence with the refractory colliers of +Northumberland—Scott, and his friends the Lairds of Torwoodlee and +Gala, determined to avail themselves of the loyalty and spirit of the +men of Ettrick and Teviotdale, and proposed first raising a company +of sharpshooters <span class="pagenum"><a id="page107" name="page107"></a>(p. 107)</span> among their own immediate neighbors, and +afterwards—this plan receiving every encouragement—a legion or +brigade upon a large scale, to be called the Buccleuch Legion. During +November and December, 1819, these matters formed the chief daily care +and occupation of the author of Ivanhoe; and though he was still +obliged to dictate most of the chapters of his novel, we shall see +that, in case it should be necessary for the projected levy of +Foresters to march upon Tynedale, he was prepared to place himself at +their head.</p> + +<p>He had again intended, as soon as he should have finished Ivanhoe, to +proceed to London, and receive his baronetcy; but as that affair had +been crossed at Easter by his own illness, so at Christmas it was +again obliged to be put off in consequence of a heavy series of +domestic afflictions. Within one week Scott lost his excellent mother, +his uncle Dr. Daniel Rutherford, Professor of Botany in the University +of Edinburgh—and their sister, Christian Rutherford, already often +mentioned as one of the dearest and most esteemed of all his friends +and connections.</p> + +<p>The following letters require no further introduction or comment:—</p> + +<div class="letter"> +<p class="titleletter">TO THE LORD MONTAGU, BUXTON.</p> + +<p class="date"><span class="smcap">Abbotsford</span>, 12th November, 1819.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">My dear Lord</span>,—... I wish I had any news to send your Lordship; + but the best is, we are all quiet here. The Galashiels weavers, + both men and masters, have made their political creed known to + me, and have sworn themselves anti-radical. They came in solemn + procession, with their banners, and my own piper at their head, + whom they had borrowed for the nonce. But the Tweed being in + flood, we could only communicate like Wallace and Bruce across + the Carron. However, two deputies came through in the boat, and + made me acquainted with their loyal purposes. The evening was + <span class="pagenum"><a id="page108" name="page108"></a>(p. 108)</span> crowned with two most distinguished actions—the + weavers refusing, in the most peremptory manner, to accept of a + couple of guineas to buy whiskey, and the renowned John of Skye, + piper in ordinary to the Laird of Abbotsford, no less steadily + refusing a very handsome collection, which they offered him for + his minstrelsy. All this sounds very nonsensical, but the people + must be humored and countenanced when they take the right turn, + otherwise they will be sure to take the wrong. The accounts from + the West sometimes make me wish our little Duke five or six years + older, and able to get on horseback. It seems approaching to the + old song—</p> + +<p class="poem10"> +<span class="min33em">"</span>Come fill up our cup, come fill up our can,<br> + Come saddle the horses, and call up our men,<br> + Come open the gates, and let us go free,<br> + And we'll show them the bonnets of bonny Dundee."<a id="footnotetag58" name="footnotetag58"></a><a href="#footnote58" title="Go to footnote 58"><span class="smaller">[58]</span></a></p> + +<p>I am rather too old for that work now, and I cannot look forward + to it with the sort of feeling that resembled pleasure—as I did + in my younger and more healthy days. However, I have got a good + following here, and will endeavor to keep them together till + times mend.</p> + +<p>My respectful compliments attend Lady Montagu, and I am always, + with the greatest regard, your Lordship's very faithful</p> + +<p class="date">Walter Scott.</p> +</div> + +<div class="letter"> +<p class="titleletter">TO CORNET WALTER SCOTT, 18TH HUSSARS.</p> + +<p class="date"><span class="smcap">Edinburgh</span>, 13th November, 1819.</p> + + <p><span class="smcap">Dear Walter</span>,—I am much surprised and rather hurt at not hearing + from you for so long a while. You ought to remember that, however + pleasantly the time may be passing with you, we at home have some + right to expect that a part of it (a very small part will serve + the turn) should be dedicated, were it but for the sake of + propriety, to let us know what you are about. I cannot say I + shall be flattered by finding myself under the necessity of again + complaining of neglect. To write once a <span class="pagenum"><a id="page109" name="page109"></a>(p. 109)</span> week, to one or + other of us, is no great sacrifice, and it is what I earnestly + pray you to do.</p> + + <p>We are to have great doings in Edinburgh this winter. No less + than Prince Gustavus of Sweden is to pass the season here, and do + what Princes call studying. He is but half a Prince either, for + this Northern Star is somewhat shorn of his beams. His father + was, you know, dethroned by Buonaparte, at least by the influence + of his arms, and one of his generals, Bernadotte, made heir of + the Swedish throne in his stead. But this youngster, I suppose, + has his own dreams of royalty, for he is nephew to the Emperor of + Russia (by the mother's side), and that is a likely connection to + be of use to him, should the Swedish nobles get rid of + Bernadotte, as it is said they wish to do. Lord Melville has + recommended the said Prince particularly to my attention, though + I do not see how I can do much for him.</p> + + <p>I have just achieved my grand remove from Abbotsford to + Edinburgh—a motion which you know I do not make with great + satisfaction. We had the Abbotsford hunt last week. The company + was small, as the newspapers say, but select, and we had + excellent sport, killing eight hares. We coursed on Gala's + ground, and he was with us. The dinner went off with its usual + alacrity, but we wanted you and Sally to ride and mark for us.</p> + + <p>I enclose another letter from Mrs. Dundas of Arniston. I am + afraid you have been careless in not delivering those I formerly + forwarded, because in one of them, which Mrs. Dundas got from a + friend, there was enclosed a draft for some money. I beg you will + be particular in delivering any letters entrusted to you, because + though the good-nature of the writers may induce them to write to + be of service to you, yet it is possible that they may, as in + this instance, add things which are otherwise of importance to + their correspondents. It is probable that you may have picked up + among your military friends the idea that the mess of a regiment + is all in all sufficient to <span class="pagenum"><a id="page110" name="page110"></a>(p. 110)</span> itself; but when you see a + little of the world you will be satisfied that none but + pedants—for there is pedantry in all professions—herd + exclusively together, and that those who do so are laughed at in + real good company. This you may take on the authority of one who + has seen more of life and society, in all its various gradations, + from the highest to the lowest, than a whole hussar regimental + mess, and who would be much pleased by knowing that you reap the + benefit of an experience which has raised him from being a person + of small consideration to the honor of being father of an officer + of hussars. I therefore enclose another letter from the same kind + friend, of which I pray you to avail yourself. In fact, those + officers who associate entirely among themselves see and know no + more of the world than their messman, and get conceited and + disagreeable by neglecting the opportunities offered for + enlarging their understanding. Every distinguished soldier whom I + have known, and I have known many, was a man of the world, and + accustomed to general society.</p> + + <p>To sweeten my lecture, I have to inform you that, this being + quarter-day, I have a remittance of £50 to send you whenever you + are pleased to let me know it will be acceptable—for, like a + ghost, I will not speak again till I am spoken to.</p> + + <p>I wish you not to avail yourself of your leave of absence this + winter, because, if my health continues good, I shall endeavor to + go on the Continent next summer, and should be very desirous to + have you with me; therefore, I beg you to look after your French + and German. We had a visit from a very fine fellow indeed at + Abbotsford,—Sir Thomas Brisbane, who long commanded a brigade in + the Peninsula. He is very scientific, but bores no one with it, + being at the same time a well-informed man on all subjects, and + particularly alert in his own profession, and willing to talk + about what he has seen. Sir Harry Hay Macdougal, whose eldest + daughter <span class="pagenum"><a id="page111" name="page111"></a>(p. 111)</span> he is to marry, brought him to Abbotsford on a + sort of wedding visit, as we are cousins according to the old + fashion of country kin; Beardie, of whom Sir Harry has a + beautiful picture, being a son of an Isabel Macdougal, who was, I + fancy, grand-aunt to Sir Harry.</p> + + <p>Once more, my dear Walter, write more frequently, and do not + allow yourself to think that the first neglect in correspondence + I have ever had to complain of has been on your part. I hope you + have received the Meerschaum pipe.—I remain your affectionate + father,</p> + +<p class="date">Walter Scott.</p> +</div> + +<div class="letter"> +<p class="titleletter">TO THE SAME.</p> + +<p class="date"><span class="smcap">Edinburgh</span>, 3d December, 1819.</p> + + <p><span class="smcap">My dear Walter</span>,—I hope your servant proves careful and trusty. + Pray let me know this. At any rate, do not trust him a bit + further than you can help it, for in buying anything you will get + it much cheaper yourself than he will. We are now settled for the + winter; that is, all of them excepting myself, who must soon look + southwards. On Saturday we had a grand visitor, <i>i. e.</i>, the + Crown Prince of Sweden, under the name of Count Itterburg. His + travelling companion or tutor is Baron de Polier, a Swiss of + eminence in literature and rank. They took a long look at King + Charles XII., who, you cannot have forgotten, keeps his post over + the dining-room chimney; and we were all struck with the + resemblance betwixt old Ironhead, as the janissaries called him, + and his descendant. The said descendant is a very fine lad, with + very soft and mild manners, and we passed the day very + pleasantly. They were much diverted with Captain Adam,<a id="footnotetag59" name="footnotetag59"></a><a href="#footnote59" title="Go to footnote 59"><span class="smaller">[59]</span></a> who + outdid his usual outdoings, and, like the Barber of Bagdad, + danced the dance and sung the song of every person he spoke of.</p> + + <p>I am concerned I cannot give a very pleasant account of things + here. Glasgow is in a terrible state. The <span class="pagenum"><a id="page112" name="page112"></a>(p. 112)</span> Radicals had + a plan to seize on 1000 stand of arms, as well as a depôt of + ammunition, which had been sent from Edinburgh Castle for the use + of the volunteers. The Commander-in-Chief, Sir Thomas Bradford, + went to Glasgow in person, and the whole city was occupied with + patrols of horse and foot, to deter them from the meditated + attack on the barracks. The arms were then delivered to the + volunteers, who are said to be 4000 on paper; how many effective + and trustworthy, I know not. But it was a new sight in Scotland + on a Sunday to see all the inhabitants in arms, soldiers + patrolling the streets, and the utmost precaution of military + service exacted and observed in an apparently peaceful city.</p> + + <p>The Old Blue Regiment of volunteers was again summoned together + yesterday. They did not muster very numerous, and looked most of + them a little <i>ancient</i>. However, they are getting recruits fast, + and then the veterans may fall out of the ranks. The + Commander-in-Chief has told the President that he may soon be + obliged to leave the charge of the Castle to these armed + citizens. This looks serious. The President<a id="footnotetag60" name="footnotetag60"></a><a href="#footnote60" title="Go to footnote 60"><span class="smaller">[60]</span></a> made one of the + most eloquent addresses that ever was heard, to the Old Blues. + The Highland Chiefs have offered to raise their clans, and march + them to any point in Scotland where their services shall be + required. To be sure, the Glasgow folks would be a little + surprised at the arrival of Dugald Dhu, "brogues an' brochan an' + a'." I shall, I think, bid Ballantyne send you a copy of his + weekly paper, which often contains things you would like to see, + and will keep you in mind of Old Scotland.</p> + + <p>They are embodying a troop of cavalry in Edinburgh—nice young + men and good horses. They have paid me the compliment to make me + an honorary member of <span class="pagenum"><a id="page113" name="page113"></a>(p. 113)</span> the corps, as my days of active + service have been long over. Pray take care, however, of my + sabre, in case the time comes which must turn out all.</p> + + <p>I have almost settled that, if things look moderately tranquil in + Britain in spring and summer, I will go abroad, and take Charles, + with the purpose of leaving him, for two or three years, at the + famous institution of Fellenborg, near Berne, of which I hear + very highly. Two of Fraser Tytler's sons are there, and he makes + a very favorable report of the whole establishment. I think that + such a residence abroad will not only make him well acquainted + with French and German, as indeed he will hear nothing else, but + also prevent his becoming an Edinburgh <i>petit-maître</i> of fourteen + or fifteen, which he could otherwise scarce avoid. I mentioned to + you that I should be particularly glad to get you leave of + absence, providing it does not interfere with your duty, in order + that you may go with us. If I have cash enough, I will also take + your sister and mamma, and you might return home with them by + Paris, in case I went on to Italy. All this is doubtful, but I + think it is almost certain that Charles and I go, and hope to + have you with us. This will be probably about July next, and I + wish you particularly to keep it in view. If these dark prospects + become darker, which God forbid! neither you nor I will have it + in our power to leave the post to which duty calls us.</p> + + <p>Mamma and the girls are quite well, and so is Master Charles, who + is of course more magnificent, as being the only specimen of + youthhead at home. He has got an old broadsword hanging up at his + bed-head, which, to be the more ready for service, hath no + sheath. To this I understand we are to trust for our defence + against the Radicals. Anne (notwithstanding the assurance) is so + much afraid of the disaffected, that last night, returning with + Sophia from Portobello, where they had been dancing with the + Scotts of Harden, she saw a Radical in <span class="pagenum"><a id="page114" name="page114"></a>(p. 114)</span> every man that + the carriage passed. Sophia is of course wise and philosophical, + and mamma has not yet been able to conceive why we do not catch + and hang the whole of them, untried and unconvicted. Amidst all + their various emotions, they join in best love to you; and I + always am very truly yours,</p> + +<p class="author">W. Scott.</p> + + <p>P. S.—I shall set off for London on the 25th.</p> +</div> + +<div class="letter"> +<p class="titleletter">TO THE SAME.</p> + +<p class="date"><span class="smcap">Edinburgh</span>, 17th December, 1819.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">My dear Walter</span>,—I have a train of most melancholy news to + acquaint you with. On Saturday I saw your grandmother perfectly + well, and on Sunday the girls drank tea with her, when the good + old lady was more than usually in spirits; and, as if she had + wished to impress many things on their memory, told over a number + of her old stories with her usual alertness and vivacity. On + Monday she had an indisposition, which proved to be a paralytic + affection, and on Tuesday she was speechless, and had lost the + power of one side, without any hope of recovery, although she may + linger some days. But what is very remarkable, and no less + shocking, Dr. Rutherford, who attended his sister in perfect + health upon Tuesday, died himself upon the Wednesday morning. He + had breakfasted without intimating the least illness, and was + dressed to go out, and particularly to visit my mother, when he + sunk backwards, and died in his daughter Anne's arms, almost + without a groan. To add to this melancholy list, our poor friend, + Miss Christie, is despaired of. She was much affected by my + mother's fatal indisposition, but does not know as yet of her + brother's death.</p> + + <p>Dr. Rutherford was a very ingenious as well as an excellent man, + more of a gentleman than his profession too often are, for he + could not take the back-stairs mode of rising in it, otherwise he + might have been much more wealthy. He ought to have had the + Chemistry class, as <span class="pagenum"><a id="page115" name="page115"></a>(p. 115)</span> he was one of the best chemists in + Europe;<a id="footnotetag61" name="footnotetag61"></a><a href="#footnote61" title="Go to footnote 61"><span class="smaller">[61]</span></a> but superior interest assigned it to another, who, + though a neat experimentalist, is not to be compared to poor + Daniel for originality of genius. Since you knew him, his health + was broken and his spirits dejected, which may be traced to the + loss of his eldest son on board an East Indiaman, and also, I + think, to a slight paralytic touch which he had some years ago.</p> + + <p>To all this domestic distress I have to add the fearful and + unsettled state of the country. All the regular troops are gone + to Glasgow. The Mid-Lothian Yeomanry and other corps of + volunteers went there on Monday, and about 5000 men occupied the + town. In the mean while, we were under considerable apprehension + here, the Castle being left in the charge of the city volunteers + and a few veterans.</p> + + <p>All our corner, high and low, is loyal. Torwoodlee, Gala, and I, + have offered to raise a corps, to be called the Loyal Foresters, + to act anywhere south of the Forth. If matters get worse, I will + ask leave of absence for you from the Commander-in-Chief, because + your presence will be materially useful to levy men, and you can + only be idle where you are, unless Ireland should be disturbed. + Your old corps of the Selkirkshire Yeomanry have been under + orders, and expect to be sent either to Dumfries or Carlisle. + Berwick is dismantled, and they are removing the stores, cannon, + etc., from one of the strongest places here, for I defy the devil + to pass the bridge at Berwick, if reasonably well kept by 100 + men. But there <span class="pagenum"><a id="page116" name="page116"></a>(p. 116)</span> is a spirit of consternation implied in + many of the orders, which, <i>entre nous</i>, I like worse than what I + see or know of the circumstances which infer real danger. For + myself I am too old to fight, but nobody is too old to die, like + a man of virtue and honor, in defence of the principles he has + always maintained.</p> + + <p>I would have you to keep yourself ready to return here suddenly, + in case the Duke of York should permit your temporary services in + your own country, which, if things grow worse, I will certainly + ask. The fearful thing is the secret and steady silence observed + by the Radicals in all they do. Yet, without anything like + effective arms or useful discipline, without money and without a + commissariat, what can they do, but, according to their favorite + toast, have blood and plunder? Mamma and the girls, as well as + Charles, send kind love. Your affectionate father,</p> + +<p class="author">Walter Scott.</p> +</div> + +<div class="letter"> +<p class="titleletter">TO MR. WILLIAM LAIDLAW, KAESIDE.</p> + +<p class="date"><span class="smcap">Edinburgh</span>, December 20, 1819.</p> + + <p><span class="smcap">My dear Willie</span>,—Distress has been very busy with me since I + wrote to you. I have lost, in the course of one week, my valued + relations, Dr. and Miss Rutherford—happy in this, that neither + knew of the other's dissolution. My dear mother has offered me + deeper subject of affliction, having been struck with the palsy, + and being now in such a state that I scarce hope to see her + again.</p> + + <p>But the strange times compel me, under this pressure of domestic + distress, to attend to public business. I find Mr. Scott of Gala + agrees with me in thinking we should appeal at this crisis to the + good sense and loyalty of the lower orders, and we have resolved + to break the ice, and be the first in the Lowlands, so far as I + have yet heard of, to invite our laborers and those over whom + circumstances and fortune give us influence, to rise with us in + <span class="pagenum"><a id="page117" name="page117"></a>(p. 117)</span> arms, and share our fate. You know, as well as any one, + that I have always spent twice the income of my property in + giving work to my neighbors, and I hope they will not be behind + the Galashiels people, who are very zealous. Gala and I go hand + in hand, and propose to raise at least a company each of men, to + be drilled as sharpshooters or infantry, which will be a lively + and interesting amusement for the young fellows. The dress we + propose to be as simple, and at the same time as serviceable, as + possible;—a jacket and trousers of Galashiels gray cloth, and a + smart bonnet with a small feather, or, to save even that expense, + a sprig of holly. And we will have shooting at the mark, and + prizes, and fun, and a little whiskey, and daily pay when on duty + or drill. I beg of you, dear Willie, to communicate my wish to + all who have received a good turn at my hand, or may expect one, + or may be desirous of doing me one—(for I should be sorry + Darnick and Brigend were beat)—and to all other free and honest + fellows who will take share with me on this occasion. I do not + wish to take any command farther than such as shall entitle me to + go with the corps, for I wish it to be distinctly understood + that, in whatever capacity, <i>I go with them</i>, and take a share in + good or bad as it casts up. I cannot doubt that I will have your + support, and I hope you will use all your enthusiasm in our + behalf. Morrison volunteers as our engineer. Those who I think + should be spoke to are the following, among the higher class:—</p> + + <p>John Usher.<a id="footnotetag62" name="footnotetag62"></a><a href="#footnote62" title="Go to footnote 62"><span class="smaller">[62]</span></a> He should be lieutenant, or his son ensign.</p> + + <p>Sam Somerville.<a id="footnotetag63" name="footnotetag63"></a><a href="#footnote63" title="Go to footnote 63"><span class="smaller">[63]</span></a> I will speak to him—he may be <span class="pagenum"><a id="page118" name="page118"></a>(p. 118)</span> + lieutenant, if Usher declines; but I think, in that case, Usher + should give us his son.</p> + + <p>Young Nicol Milne<a id="footnotetag64" name="footnotetag64"></a><a href="#footnote64" title="Go to footnote 64"><span class="smaller">[64]</span></a> is rather young, but I will offer to his + father to take him in.</p> + + <p>Harper<a id="footnotetag65" name="footnotetag65"></a><a href="#footnote65" title="Go to footnote 65"><span class="smaller">[65]</span></a> is a <i>sine qua non</i>. Tell him I depend on him for the + honor of Darnick. I should propose to him to take a gallant + halbert.</p> + + <p>Adam Ferguson thinks you should be our adjutant. John Ferguson I + propose for captain. He is steady, right bold, and has seen much + fire. The auld captain will help us in one shape or other. For + myself, I know not what they propose to make of me, but it cannot + be anything very active. However, I should like to have a steady + quiet horse, drilled to stand fire well, and if he has these + properties, no matter how stupid, so he does not stumble. In this + case the price of such a horse will be no object.</p> + + <p>These, my dear friend, are your beating orders. I would propose + to raise about sixty men, and not to take old men. John the + Turk<a id="footnotetag66" name="footnotetag66"></a><a href="#footnote66" title="Go to footnote 66"><span class="smaller">[66]</span></a> will be a capital corporal; and I hope in general that + all my young fellows will go with me, leaving the older men to go + through necessary labor. Sound Tom what he would like. I think, + perhaps, he would prefer managing matters at home in your absence + and mine at drill.</p> + + <p>John of Skye is cock-a-hoop upon the occasion, and I suppose has + made fifty blunders about it by this time. You must warn Tom + Jamieson, Gordon Winness, John Swanston (who will carry off all + the prizes at shooting), Davidson, and so forth.</p> + + <p>If you think it necessary, a little handbill might be <span class="pagenum"><a id="page119" name="page119"></a>(p. 119)</span> + circulated. But it may be better to see if Government will accept + our services; and I think, in the situation of the country, when + work is scarce, and we offer pay for their playing themselves, we + should have choice of men. But I would urge no one to do what he + did not like.</p> + + <p>The very precarious state of my poor mother detains me here, and + makes me devolve this troublesome duty upon you. All you have to + do, however, is to sound the men, and mark down those who seem + zealous. They will perhaps have to fight with the pitmen and + colliers of Northumberland for defence of their firesides, for + these literal <i>blackguards</i> are got beyond the management of + their own people. And if such is the case, better keep them from + coming into Scotland, than encounter the mischief they might do + there.</p> + + <p>Yours always most truly,</p> + +<p class="author">Walter Scott.</p> +</div> + +<div class="letter"> +<p class="titleletter">TO THOMAS SCOTT, ESQ., 70th REGIMENT, KINGSTON, CANADA.</p> + +<p class="date"><span class="smcap">Edinburgh</span>, 22d December, 1819.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">My dear Tom</span>,—I wrote you about ten days since, stating that we + were all well here. In that very short space a change so sudden + and so universal has taken place among your friends here, that I + have to communicate to you a most miserable catalogue of losses. + Our dear mother was on Sunday the 12th December in all her usual + strength and alertness of mind. I had seen and conversed with her + on the Saturday preceding, and never saw her better in my life of + late years. My two daughters drank tea with her on Sunday, when + she was uncommonly lively, telling them a number of stories, and + being in rather unusual spirits, probably from the degree of + excitation which sometimes is remarked to precede a paralytic + affection. In the course of Monday she received that fatal + summons, which at first seemed slight; but in the night betwixt + Monday and Tuesday our mother lost the use both of speech and of + one side. Since <span class="pagenum"><a id="page120" name="page120"></a>(p. 120)</span> that time she has lain in bed + constantly, yet so sensible as to see me and express her earnest + blessing on all of us. The power of speech is totally lost; nor + is there any hope, at her advanced age, that the scene can last + long. Probably a few hours will terminate it. At any rate, life + is not to be wished, even for our nearest and dearest, in those + circumstances. But this heavy calamity was only the commencement + of our family losses. Dr. Rutherford, who had seemed perfectly + well, and had visited my mother upon Tuesday the 14th, was + suddenly affected with gout in his stomach, or some disease + equally rapid, on Wednesday the 15th, and, without a moment's + warning or complaint, fell down a dead man, almost without a + single groan. You are aware of his fondness for animals: he was + just stroking his cat after eating his breakfast, as usual, when, + without more warning than a half-uttered exclamation, he sunk on + the ground, and died in the arms of his daughter Anne. Though the + Doctor had no formed complaint, yet I have thought him looking + poorly for some months; and though there was no failure whatever + in intellect, or anything which approached it, yet his memory was + not so good; and I thought he paused during the last time he + attended me, and had difficulty in recollecting the precise terms + of his recipe. Certainly there was a great decay of outward + strength. We were very anxious about the effect this fatal news + was likely to produce on the mind and decayed health of our aunt, + Miss C. Rutherford, and resolved, as her health had been + gradually falling off ever since she returned from Abbotsford, + that she should never learn anything of it until it was + impossible to conceal it longer. But God had so ordered it that + she was never to know the loss she had sustained, and which she + would have felt so deeply. On Friday the 17th December, the + second day after her brother's death, she expired, without a + groan and without suffering, about six in the morning. And so we + lost an excellent and warm-hearted relation, one <span class="pagenum"><a id="page121" name="page121"></a>(p. 121)</span> of the + few women I ever knew whose strength of mental faculties enabled + her, at a mature period of life, to supply the defects of an + imperfect education. It is a most uncommon and afflicting + circumstance, that a brother and two sisters should be taken ill + the same day—that two of them should die, without any rational + possibility of the survivance of the third—and that no one of + the three could be affected by learning the loss of the other. + The Doctor was buried on Monday the 20th, and Miss Rutherford + this day (Wednesday the 22d), in the burial-place adjoining to + and surrounding one of the new Episcopal chapels,<a id="footnotetag67" name="footnotetag67"></a><a href="#footnote67" title="Go to footnote 67"><span class="smaller">[67]</span></a> where + Robert Rutherford<a id="footnotetag68" name="footnotetag68"></a><a href="#footnote68" title="Go to footnote 68"><span class="smaller">[68]</span></a> had purchased a burial-ground of some + extent, and parted with one half to the Russells. It is + surrounded with a very high wall, and all the separate + burial-grounds (five, I think, in number) are separated by + party-walls going down to the depth of twelve feet, so as to + prevent the possibility either of encroachment, or of disturbing + the relics of the dead. I have purchased one half of Miss + Russell's interest in this sad spot, moved by its extreme + seclusion, privacy, and security. When poor Jack was buried in + the Greyfriars' Churchyard, where my father and Anne lie,<a id="footnotetag69" name="footnotetag69"></a><a href="#footnote69" title="Go to footnote 69"><span class="smaller">[69]</span></a> I + thought their graves more encroached upon than I liked to + witness; and in this new place I intend to lay our poor mother + when the scene shall close; so that the brother and the two + sisters, whose fate has been so very closely entwined in death, + may not be divided in the grave,—and this I hope you will + approve of.</p> + + <p><i>Thursday, December 23d.</i>—My mother still lingers this morning, + and as her constitution is so excellent, she may perhaps continue + to exist some time, or till another stroke. It is a great + consolation that she is perfectly easy. All her affairs of every + sort have been very long <span class="pagenum"><a id="page122" name="page122"></a>(p. 122)</span> arranged for this great + change, and with the assistance of Donaldson and Macculloch, you + may depend, when the event takes place, that your interest will + be attended to most pointedly.—I hope our civil tumults here are + like to be ended by the measures of Parliament. I mentioned in my + last that Kinloch of Kinloch was to be tried for sedition. He has + forfeited his bail, and was yesterday laid under outlawry for + non-appearance. Our neighbors in Northumberland are in a + deplorable state; upwards of 50,000 blackguards are ready to rise + between Tyne and Wear.<a id="footnotetag70" name="footnotetag70"></a><a href="#footnote70" title="Go to footnote 70"><span class="smaller">[70]</span></a> On the other hand, the Scottish + frontiers are steady and loyal, and arming fast. Scott of Gala + and I have offered 200 men, all fine strapping young fellows, and + good marksmen, willing to go anywhere with us. We could easily + double the number. So the necessity of the times has made me get + on horseback once more. Our mother has at different times been + perfectly conscious of her situation, and knew every one, though + totally unable to speak. She seemed to take a very affectionate + farewell of me the last time I saw her, which was the day before + yesterday; and as she was much agitated, Dr. Keith advised I + should not see her again, unless she seemed to desire it, which + hitherto she has not done. She sleeps constantly, and will + probably be so removed. Our family sends love to yours. Yours + most affectionately:—</p> + +<p class="author">Walter Scott.</p> +</div> + +<p>Scott's excellent mother died on the 24th December—the day after he +closed the foregoing letter to his brother.</p> + +<p>On the 18th, in the midst of these accumulated afflictions, the +romance of Ivanhoe made its appearance. The date has been torn from +the following letter, but it was evidently written while all these +events were fresh and recent:—</p> + +<div class="letter"> +<p class="titleletter"><span class="pagenum"><a id="page123" name="page123"></a>(p. 123)</span> TO THE LADY LOUISA STUART, DITTON PARK, WINDSOR.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Dear Lady Louisa</span>,—I am favored with your letter from Ditton, and + am glad you found anything to entertain you in Ivanhoe.<a id="footnotetag71" name="footnotetag71"></a><a href="#footnote71" title="Go to footnote 71"><span class="smaller">[71]</span></a> + Novelty is what this giddy-paced time demands imperiously, and I + certainly studied as much as I could to get out of the old beaten + track, leaving those who like to keep the road, which I have + rutted pretty well. I have had a terrible time of it this year, + with the loss of dear friends and near relations; it is almost + fearful to count up my losses, as they make me bankrupt in + society. My brother-in-law; our never-to-be-enough regretted + Duke; Lord Chief Baron, my early, kind, and constant friend, who + took me up when I was a young fellow of little mark or + likelihood; the wife of my intimate friend William Erskine; the + only son of my friend David Hume, a youth of great promise, and + just entering into life, who had grown up under my eye from + childhood; my excellent mother; and, within a few days, her + surviving brother and sister. My mother was the only one of these + whose death was the natural <span class="pagenum"><a id="page124" name="page124"></a>(p. 124)</span> consequence of very + advanced life. And our sorrows are not at an end. A sister of my + mother's, Mrs. Russell of Ashestiel, long deceased, had left + (besides several sons, of whom only one now survives and is in + India) three daughters, who lived with her youngest sister, Miss + Rutherford, and were in the closest habits of intimacy with us. + The eldest of these girls, and a most excellent creature she is, + was in summer so much shocked by the sudden news of the death of + one of the brothers I have mentioned, that she was deprived of + the use of her limbs by an affection either nervous or paralytic. + She was slowly recovering from this afflicting and helpless + situation, when the sudden fate of her aunts and uncle, + particularly of her who had acted as a mother to the family, + brought on a new shock; and though perfectly possessed of her + mind, she has never since been able to utter a word. Her youngest + sister, a girl of one or two and twenty, was so much shocked by + this scene of accumulated distress, that she was taken very ill, + and having suppressed and concealed her disorder, relief came too + late, and she has been taken from us also. She died in the arms + of the elder sister, helpless as I have described her; and to + separate the half dead from the actual corpse was the most + melancholy thing possible. You can hardly conceive, dear Lady + Louisa, the melancholy feeling of seeing the place of last repose + belonging to the devoted family open four times within so short a + space, and to meet the same group of sorrowing friends and + relations on the same sorrowful occasion. Looking back on those + whom I have lost, all well known to me excepting my + brother-in-law, whom I could only judge of by the general report + in his favor, I can scarce conceive a group possessing more real + worth and amiable qualities, not to mention talents and + accomplishments. I have never felt so truly what Johnson says so + well,—</p> + +<p class="poem10"> +<span class="min33em">"</span>Condemn'd to Hope's delusive mine,<br> +<span class="add1em">As on we toil from day to day,</span><br> + <span class="pagenum"><a id="page125" name="page125"></a>(p. 125)</span> By sudden blasts, or slow decline,<br> +<span class="add1em">Our social comforts drop away."</span><a id="footnotetag72" name="footnotetag72"></a><a href="#footnote72" title="Go to footnote 72"><span class="smaller">[72]</span></a></p> + +<p>I am not sure whether it was your Ladyship, or the poor Duchess + of Buccleuch, who met my mother once, and flattered me by being + so much pleased with the good old lady. She had a mind peculiarly + well stored with much acquired information and natural talent, + and as she was very old, and had an excellent memory, she could + draw without the least exaggeration or affectation the most + striking pictures of the past age. If I have been able to do + anything in the way of painting the past times, it is very much + from the studies with which she presented me. She connected a + long period of time with the present generation, for she + remembered, and had often spoken with, a person who perfectly + recollected the battle of Dunbar, and Oliver Cromwell's + subsequent entry into Edinburgh. She preserved her faculties to + the very day before her final illness; for our friends Mr. and + Mrs. Scott of Harden visited her on the Sunday; and, coming to + our house after, were expressing their surprise at the alertness + of her mind, and the pleasure which she had in talking over both + ancient and modern events. She had told them with great accuracy + the real story of the Bride of Lammermuir, and pointed out + wherein it differed from the novel. She had all the names of the + parties, and detailed (for she was a great genealogist) their + connection with existing families. On the subsequent Monday she + was struck with a paralytic affection, suffered little, and that + with the utmost patience; and what was God's reward, and a great + one to her innocent and benevolent life, she never knew that her + brother and sister, the last thirty years younger than herself, + had trodden the dark path before her. She was a strict economist, + which she said enabled her to be liberal; out of her little + income of about £300 a year, she bestowed at least a third in + well-chosen charities, and with the <span class="pagenum"><a id="page126" name="page126"></a>(p. 126)</span> rest lived like a + gentlewoman, and even with hospitality more general than seemed + to suit her age; yet I could never prevail on her to accept of + any assistance. You cannot conceive how affecting it was to me to + see the little preparations of presents which she had assorted + for the New Year—for she was a great observer of the old + fashions of her period—and to think that the kind heart was cold + which delighted in all these acts of kindly affection. I should + apologize, I believe, for troubling your ladyship with these + melancholy details; but you would not thank me for a letter + written with constraint, and my mind is at present very full of + this sad subject, though I scarce know any one to whom I would + venture to say so much. I hear no good news of Lady Anne, though + Lord Montagu writes cautiously. The weather is now turning + milder, and may, I hope, be favorable to her complaint. After my + own family, my thought most frequently turns to these orphans, + whose parents I loved and respected so much.—I am always, dear + Lady Louisa, your very respectful and obliged</p> + +<p class="author">Walter Scott.</p> +</div> + +<p>There is in the library at Abbotsford a fine copy of Baskerville's +folio Bible, two volumes, printed at Cambridge in 1763; and there +appears on the blank leaf, in the trembling handwriting of Scott's +mother, this inscription: "<i>To my dear son, Walter Scott, from his +affectionate mother, Anne Rutherford,—January 1st, 1819.</i>" Under +these words her son has written as follows: "This Bible was the gift +of my grandfather Dr. John Rutherford, to my mother, and presented by +her to me; being, alas, the last gift which I was to receive from that +excellent parent, and, as I verily believe, the thing which she most +loved in the world,—not only in humble veneration of the sacred +contents, but as the dearest pledge of her father's affection to her. +As such she gave it to me; and as such I bequeath it to those who may +<span class="pagenum"><a id="page127" name="page127"></a>(p. 127)</span> represent me—charging them carefully to preserve the same, +in memory of those to whom it has belonged. 1820."</p> + +<hr class="small"> + +<p>If literary success could have either filled Scott's head or hardened +his heart, we should have no such letters as those of December, 1819. +Ivanhoe was received throughout England with a more clamorous delight +than any of the Scotch novels had been. The volumes (three in number) +were now, for the first time, of the post 8vo form, with a finer paper +than hitherto, the press-work much more elegant, and the price +accordingly raised from eight shillings the volume to ten; yet the +copies sold in this original shape were twelve thousand.</p> + +<p>I ought to have mentioned sooner, that the original intention was to +bring out Ivanhoe as the production of a new hand, and that, to assist +this impression, the work was printed in a size and manner unlike the +preceding ones; but Constable, when the day of publication approached, +remonstrated against this experiment, and it was accordingly +abandoned.</p> + +<p>The reader has already been told that Scott dictated the greater part +of this romance. The portion of the MS. which is his own, appears, +however, not only as well and firmly executed as that of any of the +Tales of my Landlord, but distinguished by having still fewer erasures +and interlineations, and also by being in a smaller hand. The fragment +is beautiful to look at—many pages together without one +alteration.<a id="footnotetag73" name="footnotetag73"></a><a href="#footnote73" title="Go to footnote 73"><span class="smaller">[73]</span></a> It is, I suppose, superfluous to add, that in no +instance did Scott rewrite his prose before sending it to the press. +Whatever may have been the case with his poetry, the world uniformly +received the <i>prima cura</i> of the novelist.</p> + +<p>As a work of art, Ivanhoe is perhaps the first of all Scott's +efforts, whether in prose or in verse; nor have <span class="pagenum"><a id="page128" name="page128"></a>(p. 128)</span> the strength +and splendor of his imagination been displayed to higher advantage +than in some of the scenes of this romance. But I believe that no +reader who is capable of thoroughly comprehending the author's Scotch +character and Scotch dialogue will ever place even Ivanhoe, as a work +of genius, on the same level with Waverley, Guy Mannering, or The +Heart of Mid-Lothian.</p> + +<p>There is, to me, something so remarkably characteristic of Scott's +mind and manner in a particular passage of the Introduction, which he +penned ten years afterwards for this work, that I must be pardoned for +extracting it here. He says: "The character of the fair Jewess found +so much favor in the eyes of some fair readers, that the writer was +censured, because, when arranging the fates of the characters of the +drama, he had not assigned the hand of Wilfred to Rebecca, rather than +the less interesting Rowena. But, not to mention that the prejudices +of the age rendered such a union almost impossible, the author may, in +passing, observe that he thinks a character of a highly virtuous and +lofty stamp is degraded rather than exalted by an attempt to reward +virtue with temporal prosperity. Such is not the recompense which +Providence has deemed worthy of suffering merit; and it is a dangerous +and fatal doctrine to teach young persons, the most common readers of +romance, that rectitude of conduct and of principle are either +naturally allied with, or adequately rewarded by, the gratification of +our passions, or attainment of our wishes. In a word, if a virtuous +and self-denied character is dismissed with temporal wealth, +greatness, rank, or the indulgence of such a rashly formed or +ill-assorted passion as that of Rebecca for Ivanhoe, the reader will +be apt to say, verily Virtue has had its reward. But a glance on the +great picture of life will show that the duties of self-denial, and +the sacrifice of passion to principle, are seldom thus remunerated; +and that the internal consciousness of their high-minded discharge of +duty produces on <span class="pagenum"><a id="page129" name="page129"></a>(p. 129)</span> their own reflections a more adequate +recompense, in the form of that peace which the world cannot give or +take away."</p> + +<p>The introduction of the charming Jewess and her father originated, I +find, in a conversation that Scott held with his friend Skene during +the severest season of his bodily sufferings in the early part of this +year. "Mr. Skene," says that gentleman's wife, "sitting by his +bedside, and trying to amuse him as well as he could in the intervals +of pain, happened to get on the subject of the Jews, as he had +observed them when he spent some time in Germany in his youth. Their +situation had naturally made a strong impression; for in those days +they retained their own dress and manners entire, and were treated +with considerable austerity by their Christian neighbors, being still +locked up at night in their own quarter by great gates; and Mr. Skene, +partly in seriousness, but partly from the mere wish to turn his mind +at the moment upon something that might occupy and divert it, +suggested that a group of Jews would be an interesting feature if he +could contrive to bring them into his next novel." Upon the appearance +of Ivanhoe, he reminded Mr. Skene of this conversation, and said, "You +will find this book owes not a little to your German reminiscences." +Mrs. Skene adds: "Dining with us one day, not long before Ivanhoe was +begun, something that was mentioned led him to describe the sudden +death of an advocate of his acquaintance, a Mr. Elphinstone, which +occurred in the <i>Outer-house</i> soon after he was called to the Bar. It +was, he said, no wonder that it had left a vivid impression on his +mind, for it was the first sudden death he ever witnessed; and he now +related it so as to make us all feel as if we had the scene passing +before our eyes. In the death of the Templar in Ivanhoe, I recognized +the very picture—I believe I may safely say the very words."<a id="footnotetag74" name="footnotetag74"></a><a href="#footnote74" title="Go to footnote 74"><span class="smaller">[74]</span></a></p> + +<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="page130" name="page130"></a>(p. 130)</span> By the way, before Ivanhoe made its appearance, I had myself +been formally admitted to the author's secret; but had he favored me +with no such confidence, it would have been impossible for me to doubt +that I had been present some months before at the conversation which +suggested, and indeed supplied all the materials of, one of its most +amusing chapters. I allude to that in which our Saxon terms for +animals in the field, and our Norman equivalents for them as they +appear on the table, and so on, are explained and commented on. All +this Scott owed to the after-dinner talk one day in Castle Street of +his old friend Mr. William Clerk,—who, among other elegant pursuits, +has cultivated the science of philology very deeply.<a id="footnotetag75" name="footnotetag75"></a><a href="#footnote75" title="Go to footnote 75"><span class="smaller">[75]</span></a></p> + +<p>I cannot conclude this chapter without observing that the publication +of Ivanhoe marks the most brilliant epoch in Scott's history as the +literary favorite of his contemporaries. With the novel which he next +put forth, the immediate sale of these works began gradually to +decline; and though, even when that had reached its lowest declension, +it was still far above the most ambitious dreams of any other +novelist, yet the publishers were afraid the announcement of anything +like a falling-off might cast a damp over the spirits of the author. +He was allowed to remain, for several years, under the impression +that whatever novel he threw off commanded at <span class="pagenum"><a id="page131" name="page131"></a>(p. 131)</span> once the old +triumphant sale of ten or twelve thousand, and was afterwards, when +included in the collective edition, to be circulated in that shape +also as widely as Waverley or Ivanhoe. In my opinion, it would have +been very unwise in the booksellers to give Scott any unfavorable +tidings upon such subjects after the commencement of the malady which +proved fatal to him,—for that from the first shook his mind; but I +think they took a false measure of the man when they hesitated to tell +him exactly how the matter stood, throughout 1820 and the three or +four following years, when his intellect was as vigorous as it ever +had been, and his heart as courageous; and I regret their scruples +(among other reasons), because the years now mentioned were the most +costly ones in his life; and for every twelvemonth in which any man +allows himself, or is encouraged by others, to proceed in a course of +unwise expenditure, it becomes proportionably more difficult for him +to pull up when the mistake is at length detected or recognized.</p> + +<h2><span class="pagenum"><a id="page132" name="page132"></a>(p. 132)</span> CHAPTER XLVII</h2> + +<p class="resume">THE VISIONARY. — THE PEEL OF DARNICK. — SCOTT'S SATURDAY EXCURSIONS + TO ABBOTSFORD. — A SUNDAY THERE IN FEBRUARY. — CONSTABLE. — JOHN + BALLANTYNE. — THOMAS PURDIE, ETC. — PRINCE GUSTAVUS + VASA. — PROCLAMATION OF KING GEORGE IV. — PUBLICATION OF THE + MONASTERY.</p> + +<p class="chapdate">1820</p> + +<p>In the course of December, 1819 and January, 1820, Scott drew up three +essays, under the title of The Visionary, upon certain popular +doctrines or delusions, the spread of which at this time filled with +alarm, not only Tories like him, but many persons who had been +distinguished through life for their adherence to political +liberalism. These papers appeared successively in James Ballantyne's +Edinburgh Weekly Journal, and their parentage being obvious, they +excited much attention in Scotland. Scott collected them into a +pamphlet, which had also a large circulation; and I remember his +showing very particular satisfaction when he observed a mason reading +it to his comrades, as they sat at their dinner, by a new house on +Leith Walk. During January, however, his thoughts continued to be +chiefly occupied with the details of the proposed corps of Foresters; +of which, I believe it was at last settled, as far as depended on the +other gentlemen concerned in it, that he should be the Major. He wrote +and spoke on this subject with undiminished zeal, until the whole fell +to the ground in consequence of the Government's ultimately declining +to take on itself any part of the expense; a refusal which <span class="pagenum"><a id="page133" name="page133"></a>(p. 133)</span> +must have been fatal to any such project when the Duke of Buccleuch +was a minor. He felt the disappointment keenly; but, in the mean time, +the hearty alacrity with which his neighbors of all classes gave in +their adhesion had afforded him much pleasure, and, as regarded his +own immediate dependents, served to rivet the bonds of affection and +confidence, which were to the end maintained between him and them. +Darnick had been especially ardent in the cause, and he thenceforth +considered its volunteers as persons whose individual fortunes closely +concerned him. I could fill many a page with the letters which he +wrote at subsequent periods, with the view of promoting the success of +these spirited young fellows in their various departments of industry: +they were proud of their patron, as may be supposed, and he was highly +gratified, as well as amused, when he learned that—while the rest of +the world were talking of "The Great Unknown"—his usual <i>sobriquet</i> +among these villagers was "The Duke of Darnick." Already his +possessions almost encircled this picturesque and thriving hamlet; and +there were few things on which he had more strongly fixed his fancy +than acquiring a sort of symbol of seigniory there, by becoming the +purchaser of a certain then ruinous tower that predominated, with a +few coeval trees, over the farmhouses and cottages of his <i>ducal</i> +vassals. A letter, previously quoted, contains an allusion to this +Peelhouse of Darnick; which is moreover exactly described in the novel +which he had now in hand—The Monastery. The interest Scott seemed to +take in the Peel awakened, however, the pride of its hereditary +proprietor: and when that worthy person, who had made some money by +trade in Edinburgh, resolved on fitting it up for the evening retreat +of his own life, <i>his Grace of Darnick</i> was too happy to waive his +pretensions.</p> + +<p>This was a winter of uncommon severity in Scotland; and the snow lay +so deep and so long as to interrupt very seriously all Scott's +country operations. I find, in <span class="pagenum"><a id="page134" name="page134"></a>(p. 134)</span> his letters to Laidlaw, +various paragraphs expressing the concern he took in the hardships +which his poor neighbors must be suffering. Thus, on the 19th of +January, he says:—</p> + +<div class="letter"> + <p><span class="smcap">Dear Willie</span>,—I write by the post that you may receive the + enclosed, or rather subjoined, cheque for £60, in perfect safety. + This dreadful morning will probably stop Mercer.<a id="footnotetag76" name="footnotetag76"></a><a href="#footnote76" title="Go to footnote 76"><span class="smaller">[76]</span></a> It makes me + shiver in the midst of superfluous comforts to think of the + distress of others. £10 of the £60 I wish you to distribute among + our poorer neighbors, so as may best aid them. I mean not only + the actually indigent, but those who are, in our phrase, <i>ill + aff.</i> I am sure Dr. Scott<a id="footnotetag77" name="footnotetag77"></a><a href="#footnote77" title="Go to footnote 77"><span class="smaller">[77]</span></a> will assist you with his advice in + this labor of love. I think part of the wood-money,<a id="footnotetag78" name="footnotetag78"></a><a href="#footnote78" title="Go to footnote 78"><span class="smaller">[78]</span></a> too, + should be given among the Abbotstown folks if the storm keeps + them off work, as is like. Yours truly,</p> + +<p class="author">Walter Scott.</p> + + <p>Deep, deep snow lying here. How do the goodwife and bairns? The + little bodies will be half-buried in snow-drift.</p> +</div> + +<p>And again, on the 25th, he writes thus:—</p> + +<div class="letter"> + <p><span class="smcap">Dear Willie</span>,—I have yours with the news of the inundation, + which, it seems, has done no damage. I hope <i>Mai</i> will be taken + care of. He should have a bed in the kitchen, and always be + called indoors after it is dark, for all the kind are savage at + night. Please cause Swanston to knock him up a box, and fill it + with straw from time to time. I enclose a cheque for £50 to pay + accounts, etc. Do not let the poor bodies want for a £5, or even + a £10, more or less;—</p> + +<p class="poem10"> + <span class="pagenum"><a id="page135" name="page135"></a>(p. 135)</span> <span class="min33em">"</span>We'll get a blessing wi' the lave,<br> + And never miss 't."<a id="footnotetag79" name="footnotetag79"></a><a href="#footnote79" title="Go to footnote 79"><span class="smaller">[79]</span></a></p> + + <p>Yours,</p> + +<p class="author">W. S.</p> +</div> + +<p>In the course of this month, through the kindness of Mr. Croker, Scott +received from the late Earl Bathurst, then Colonial Secretary of +State, the offer of an appointment in the civil service of the East +India Company for his second son: and this seemed at the time too good +a thing not to be gratefully accepted; though the apparently +increasing prosperity of his fortunes induced him, a few years +afterwards, to indulge his parental feelings by throwing it up. He +thus alludes to this matter in a letter to his good old friend at +Jedburgh:—</p> + +<div class="letter"> +<p class="titleletter">TO ROBERT SHORTREED, ESQ., SHERIFF-SUBSTITUTE OF + ROXBURGHSHIRE, JEDBURGH.</p> + +<p class="date"><span class="smcap">Edinburgh</span>, 19th January, 1820.</p> + + <p><span class="smcap">My dear Sir</span>,—I heartily congratulate you on getting the + appointment for your son William in a manner so very pleasant to + your feelings, and which is, like all Whytbank does, considerate, + friendly, and generous.<a id="footnotetag80" name="footnotetag80"></a><a href="#footnote80" title="Go to footnote 80"><span class="smaller">[80]</span></a> I am not aware that I have any + friends at Calcutta, but if you think letters to Sir John Malcolm + and Lieut.-Colonel Russell would serve my young friend, he shall + have my best commendations to them.</p> + + <p>It is very odd that almost the same thing has happened to me; for + about a week ago I was surprised by a letter, saying that an + unknown friend (who since proves to be Lord Bathurst, whom I + never saw or spoke with) would give my second son a Writer's + situation for India. Charles is two years too young for this + appointment; but I do not think I am at liberty to decline an + offer so <span class="pagenum"><a id="page136" name="page136"></a>(p. 136)</span> advantageous, if it can be so arranged that, + by exchange or otherwise, it can be kept open for him. Ever yours + faithfully,</p> + +<p class="author">Walter Scott.</p> +</div> + +<a id="img005" name="img005"></a> +<div class="figcenter p4"> +<img src="images/img005.jpg" width="400" height="492" alt="" title=""> +<p>SOPHIA SCOTT (MRS. J. G. LOCKHART)<br> +<i>After the painting by William Nicholson</i></p> +</div> + +<p>About the middle of February—it having been ere that time arranged +that I should marry his eldest daughter<a id="footnotetag81" name="footnotetag81"></a><a href="#footnote81" title="Go to footnote 81"><span class="smaller">[81]</span></a> in the course of the +spring—I accompanied him and part of his family on one of those +flying visits to Abbotsford, with which he often indulged himself on a +Saturday during term. Upon such occasions Scott appeared at the usual +hour in Court, but wearing, instead of the official suit of black, his +country morning dress—green jacket and so forth—under the clerk's +gown; a license of which many gentlemen of the long <span class="pagenum"><a id="page137" name="page137"></a>(p. 137)</span> robe +had been accustomed to avail themselves in the days of his youth—it +being then considered as the authentic badge that they were lairds as +well as lawyers—but which, to use the dialect of the place, had +fallen into <i>desuetude</i> before I knew the Parliament House. He was, I +think, one of the two or three, or at most the half dozen, who still +adhered to this privilege of their order; and it has now, in all +likelihood, become quite obsolete, like the ancient custom, a part of +the same system, for all Scotch barristers to appear without gowns or +wigs, and in colored clothes, when upon circuit. At noon, when the +Court broke up, Peter Mathieson was sure to be in attendance in the +Parliament Close, and five minutes after, the gown had been tossed +off, and Scott, rubbing his hands for glee, was under weigh for +Tweedside. On this occasion, he was, of course, in mourning; but I +have thought it worth while to preserve the circumstance of his usual +Saturday's costume. As we proceeded, he talked without reserve of the +novel of The Monastery, of which he had the first volume with him; and +mentioned, what he had probably forgotten when he wrote the +Introduction of 1830, that a good deal of that volume had been +composed before he concluded Ivanhoe. "It was a relief," he said, "to +interlay the scenery most familiar to me with the strange world for +which I had to draw so much on imagination."</p> + +<p>Next morning there appeared at breakfast John Ballantyne, who had at +this time a shooting or hunting box a few miles off, in the vale of +the Leader, and with him Mr. Constable, his guest; and it being a fine +clear day, as soon as Scott had read the Church service and one of +Jeremy Taylor's sermons, we all sallied out, before noon, on a +perambulation of his upland territories; Maida and the rest of the +favorites accompanying our march. At starting we were joined by the +constant henchman, Tom Purdie—and I may save myself the trouble of +any attempt to describe his appearance, for his master has <span class="pagenum"><a id="page138" name="page138"></a>(p. 138)</span> +given us an inimitably true one in introducing a certain personage of +his Redgauntlet: "He was, perhaps, sixty years old; yet his brow was +not much furrowed, and his jet black hair was only grizzled, not +whitened, by the advance of age. All his motions spoke strength +unabated; and, though rather undersized, he had very broad shoulders, +was square-made, thin-flanked, and apparently combined in his frame +muscular strength and activity; the last somewhat impaired, perhaps, +by years, but the first remaining in full vigor. A hard and harsh +countenance; eyes far sunk under projecting eyebrows, which were +grizzled like his hair: a wide mouth, furnished from ear to ear with a +range of unimpaired teeth of uncommon whiteness, and a size and +breadth which might have become the jaws of an ogre, completed this +delightful portrait." Equip this figure in Scott's cast-off green +jacket, white hat and drab trousers; and imagine that years of kind +treatment, comfort, and the honest consequence of a confidential +<i>grieve</i>, had softened away much of the hardness and harshness +originally impressed on the visage by anxious penury and the sinister +habits of a <i>black-fisher</i>,—and the Tom Purdie of 1820 stands before +us.</p> + +<p>We were all delighted to see how completely Scott had recovered his +bodily vigor, and none more so than Constable, who, as he puffed and +panted after him up one ravine and down another, often stopped to wipe +his forehead, and remarked that "it was not every author who should +lead him such a dance." But Purdie's face shone with rapture as he +observed how severely the swag-bellied bookseller's activity was +tasked. Scott exclaiming exultingly, though perhaps for the tenth +time, "This will be a glorious spring for our trees, Tom!"—"You may +say that, Shirra," quoth Tom,—and then lingering a moment for +Constable—"My certy," he added, scratching his head, "and I think it +will be a grand season for <i>our buiks</i> too." But indeed Tom always +talked of <i>our <span class="pagenum"><a id="page139" name="page139"></a>(p. 139)</span> buiks</i> as if they had been as regular products +of the soil as <i>our aits</i> and <i>our birks</i>.<a id="footnotetag82" name="footnotetag82"></a><a href="#footnote82" title="Go to footnote 82"><span class="smaller">[82]</span></a> Having threaded, first +the Haxelcleugh, and then the Rhymer's Glen, we arrived at Huntly +Burn, where the hospitality of the kind <i>Weird-Sisters</i>, as Scott +called the Miss Fergusons, reanimated our exhausted Bibliopoles, and +gave them courage to extend their walk a little further down the same +famous brook. Here there was a small cottage in a very sequestered +situation, by making some little additions to which Scott thought it +might be converted into a suitable summer residence for his daughter +and future son-in-law. The details of that plan were soon settled—it +was agreed on all hands that a sweeter scene of seclusion could not be +fancied. He repeated some verses of Rogers's Wish, which paint the +spot:—</p> + +<p class="poem10"> +<span class="min33em">"Mine be a cot beside the hill—</span> + A bee-hive's hum shall soothe my ear;<br> + A willowy brook that turns a mill,<br> + With many a fall shall linger near:" etc.</p> + +<p>But when he came to the stanza,—</p> + +<p class="poem10"> +<span class="min33em">"</span>And Lucy at her wheel shall sing,<br> + In russet-gown and apron blue,"</p> + +<p class="noindent">he departed from the text, adding,—</p> + +<p class="poem10"> + <span class="pagenum"><a id="page140" name="page140"></a>(p. 140)</span> <span class="min33em">"</span>But if Bluestockings here you bring,<br> + The Great Unknown won't dine with you."</p> + +<p>Johnny Ballantyne, a projector to the core, was particularly zealous +about this embryo establishment. Foreseeing that he should have had +walking enough ere he reached Huntly Burn, his dapper little Newmarket +groom had been ordered to fetch Old Mortality thither, and now, +mounted on his fine hunter, he capered about us, looking pallid and +emaciated as a ghost, but as gay and cheerful as ever, and would fain +have been permitted to ride over hedge and ditch to mark out the +proper line of the future avenue. Scott admonished him that the +country-people, if they saw him at such work, would take the whole +party for heathens; and clapping spurs to his horse, he left us. "The +deil's in the body," quoth Tom Purdie; "he'll be ower every <i>yett</i> +atween this and Turn-again, though it be the Lord's day. I wadna +wonder if he were to be <i>ceeted</i> before the Session." "Be sure, Tam," +cries Constable, "that ye egg on the Dominie to blaw up his father—I +wouldna grudge a hundred miles o' gait to see the ne'er-do-weel on the +stool, and neither, I'll be sworn, would the Sheriff."—"Na, na," +quoth the Sheriff; "we'll let sleeping dogs be, Tam."</p> + +<p>As we walked homeward, Scott, being a little fatigued, laid his left +hand on Tom's shoulder, and leaned heavily for support, chatting to +his "Sunday pony," as he called the affectionate fellow, just as +freely as with the rest of the party, and Tom put in his word shrewdly +and manfully, and grinned and grunted whenever the joke chanced to be +within his apprehension. It was easy to see that his heart swelled +within him from the moment that the Sheriff got his collar in his +gripe.</p> + +<p>There arose a little dispute between them about what tree or trees +ought to be cut down in a hedge-row that we passed, and Scott seemed +somewhat ruffled with finding that some previous hints of his on that +head had not been attended to. When we got into motion again, his +<span class="pagenum"><a id="page141" name="page141"></a>(p. 141)</span> hand was on Constable's shoulder—and Tom dropped a pace or +two to the rear, until we approached a gate, when he jumped forward +and opened it. "Give us a pinch of your snuff, Tom," quoth the +Sheriff. Tom's mull was produced, and the hand resumed its position. I +was much diverted with Tom's behavior when we at length reached +Abbotsford. There were some garden chairs on the green in front of the +cottage porch. Scott sat down on one of them to enjoy the view of his +new tower as it gleamed in the sunset, and Constable and I did the +like. Mr. Purdie remained lounging near us for a few minutes, and then +asked the Sheriff "to speak a word." They withdrew together into the +garden—and Scott presently rejoined us with a particularly comical +expression of face. As soon as Tom was out of sight, he said—"Will ye +guess what he has been saying, now?—Well, this is a great +satisfaction! Tom assures me that he has thought the matter over, and +<i>will take my advice</i> about the thinning of that clump behind Captain +Ferguson's."<a id="footnotetag83" name="footnotetag83"></a><a href="#footnote83" title="Go to footnote 83"><span class="smaller">[83]</span></a></p> + +<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="page142" name="page142"></a>(p. 142)</span> I must not forget that, whoever might be at Abbotsford, Tom +always appeared at his master's elbow on Sunday, when dinner was over, +and drank long life to the Laird and the Lady and all the good +company, in a quaigh of whiskey, or a tumbler of wine, according to +his fancy. I believe Scott has somewhere expressed in print his +satisfaction that, among all the changes of our manners, the ancient +freedom of personal intercourse may still be indulged between a master +and an <i>out-of-doors</i> servant; but in truth he kept by the old fashion +even with domestic servants, to an extent which I have hardly seen +practised by any other gentleman. He conversed with his coachman if he +sat by him, as he often did on the box—with his footman, if he +happened to be in the rumble; and when there was any very young lad in +the household, he held it a point of duty to see that his employments +were so arranged as to leave time for advancing his education, made +him bring his copy-book once a week to the library, and examined him +as to all that he was doing. Indeed he did not confine this humanity +to his own people. Any steady servant of a friend of his was soon +considered as a sort of friend too, and was sure to have a kind little +colloquy to himself at coming and going. With all this, Scott was a +very rigid enforcer of discipline—contrived to make it thoroughly +understood by all about him, that they must do their part by him as he +did his by them; and the result was happy. I never knew any man so +well served as he was—so carefully, so respectfully, and so silently; +and I cannot help doubting if, in any department of human operations, +real kindness ever compromised real dignity.</p> + +<p>In a letter, already quoted, there occurs some mention of the Prince +Gustavus Vasa, who was spending this winter in Edinburgh, and his +Royal Highness's accomplished attendant, the Baron Polier. I met them +frequently in Castle Street, and remember as especially interesting +the first evening that they dined there. The <span class="pagenum"><a id="page143" name="page143"></a>(p. 143)</span> only portrait in +Scott's Edinburgh dining-room was one of Charles XII. of Sweden, and +he was struck, as indeed every one must have been, with the remarkable +resemblance which the exiled Prince's air and features presented to +the hero of his race. Young Gustavus, on his part, hung with keen and +melancholy enthusiasm on Scott's anecdotes of the expedition of +Charles Edward Stewart.—The Prince, accompanied by Scott and myself, +witnessed the ceremonial of the proclamation of King George IV. on the +2d of February at the Cross of Edinburgh, from a window over Mr. +Constable's shop in the High Street; and on that occasion, also, the +air of sadness that mixed in his features with eager curiosity was +very affecting. Scott explained all the details to him, not without +many lamentations over the barbarity of the Auld Reekie bailies, who +had removed the beautiful Gothic Cross itself, for the sake of +widening the thoroughfare. The weather was fine, the sun shone bright; +and the antique tabards of the heralds, the trumpet notes of <i>God save +the King</i>, and the hearty cheerings of the immense uncovered multitude +that filled the noble old street, produced altogether a scene of great +splendor and solemnity. The Royal Exile surveyed it with a flushed +cheek and a watery eye, and Scott, observing his emotion, withdrew +with me to another window, whispering: "Poor lad! poor lad! God help +him." Later in the season, the Prince spent a few days at Abbotsford; +but I have said enough to explain some allusions in the next letter to +Lord Montagu, in which Scott also adverts to several public events of +January and February, 1820,—the assassination of the Duke of Berri, +the death of King George III., the general election which followed the +royal demise, and its more unhappy consequence, the reagitation of the +old disagreement between George IV. and his wife, who, as soon as she +learned his accession to the throne, announced her resolution of +returning from the Continent (where she had been leading for some +<span class="pagenum"><a id="page144" name="page144"></a>(p. 144)</span> years a wandering life), and asserting her rights as Queen. +The Tory gentleman, in whose canvass of the Selkirk boroughs Scott was +now earnestly concerned, was his worthy friend, Mr. Henry Monteith of +Carstairs, who ultimately carried the election.</p> + +<div class="letter"> +<p class="titleletter">TO THE LORD MONTAGU, ETC., DITTON PARK.</p> + +<p class="date"><span class="smcap">Edinburgh</span>, 22d February, 1820.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">My dear Lord</span>,—I have nothing to say, except that Selkirk has + declared decidedly for Monteith, and that his calling and + election seem to be sure. Roxburghshire is right and tight. + Harden will not stir for Berwickshire. In short, within my sphere + of observation, there is nothing which need make you regret your + personal absence; and I hope my dear young namesake and chief + will not find his influence abated while he is unable to head it + himself. It is but little I can do, but it shall always be done + with a good will—and merits no thanks, for I owe much more to + his father's memory than ever I can pay a tittle of. I often + think what he would have said or wished, and, within my limited + sphere, <i>that</i> will always be a rule to me while I have the means + of advancing in any respect the interest of his son;—certainly, + if anything could increase this desire, it would be the banner + being at present in your Lordship's hand. I can do little but + look out ahead, but that is always something. When I look back on + the house of Buccleuch, as I once knew it, it is a sad + retrospect. But we must look forward, and hope for the young + blossom of so goodly a tree. I think your Lordship judged quite + right in carrying Walter in his place to the funeral.<a id="footnotetag84" name="footnotetag84"></a><a href="#footnote84" title="Go to footnote 84"><span class="smaller">[84]</span></a> He will + long remember it, and may survive many occasions of the same + kind, to all human appearance.—Here is a horrid business of the + Duke de Berri. It was first told me yesterday by Count Itterburg + (<i>i. e.</i>, Prince Gustavus <span class="pagenum"><a id="page145" name="page145"></a>(p. 145)</span> of Sweden, son of the + ex-King), who comes to see me very often. No fairy tale could + match the extravagance of such a tale being told to a private + Scotch gentleman by such a narrator, his own grandfather having + perished in the same manner. But our age has been one of complete + revolution, baffling all argument and expectation. As to the King + and Queen, or, to use the abbreviation of an old Jacobite of my + acquaintance, who, not loving to hear them so called at full + length, and yet desirous to have the newspapers read to him, + commanded these words always to be pronounced as the letters K. + and Q.—I say then, as to the K. and the Q., I venture to think, + that whichever strikes the first blow will lose the battle. The + sound, well-judging, and well-principled body of the people will + be much shocked at the stirring such a hateful and disgraceful + question. If the K. urges it unprovoked, the public feeling will + put him in the wrong; if he lets her alone, her own imprudence, + and that of her hot-headed adviser Harry Brougham, will push on + the discussion; and, take a fool's word for it, as Sancho says, + the country will never bear her coming back, foul with the + various kinds of infamy she has been stained with, to force + herself into the throne. On the whole, it is a discussion most + devoutly to be deprecated by those who wish well to the Royal + family.</p> + + <p>Now for a very different subject. I have a report that there is + found on the farm of Melsington, in a bog, the limb of a bronze + figure, full size, with a spur on the heel. This has been + reported to Mr. Riddell, as Commissioner, and to me as Antiquary + in chief, on the estate. I wish your Lordship would permit it to + be sent provisionally to Abbotsford, and also allow me, if it + shall seem really curious, to make search for the rest of the + statue. Clarkson<a id="footnotetag85" name="footnotetag85"></a><a href="#footnote85" title="Go to footnote 85"><span class="smaller">[85]</span></a> has sent me a curious account of it; and + that a Roman statue (for such it seems) of that size <span class="pagenum"><a id="page146" name="page146"></a>(p. 146)</span> + should be found in so wild a place, has something very irritating + to the curiosity. I do not of course desire to have anything more + than the opportunity of examining the relique. It may be the + foundation of a set of bronzes, if stout Lord Walter should turn + to <i>virtu</i>.</p> + + <p>Always, my dear Lord, most truly yours,</p> + +<p class="author">Walter Scott.</p> +</div> + +<p>The novel of The Monastery was published by Messrs. Longman and +Company in the beginning of March. It appeared, not in the post 8vo +form of Ivanhoe, but in three volumes 12mo, like the earlier works of +the series. In fact, a few sheets of The Monastery had been printed +before Scott agreed to let Ivanhoe have "By the Author of Waverley" on +its title-page; and the different shapes of the two books belonged to +the abortive scheme of passing off "Mr. Laurence Templeton" as a +hitherto unheard-of candidate for literary success.</p> + +<h2><span class="pagenum"><a id="page147" name="page147"></a>(p. 147)</span> CHAPTER XLVIII</h2> + +<p class="resume">SCOTT REVISITS LONDON. — HIS PORTRAIT BY LAWRENCE, AND BUST BY + CHANTREY. — ANECDOTES BY ALLAN CUNNINGHAM. — LETTERS TO MRS. SCOTT, + LAIDLAW, ETC. — HIS BARONETCY GAZETTED. — MARRIAGE OF HIS DAUGHTER + SOPHIA. — LETTER TO "THE BARON OF GALASHIELS." — VISIT OF PRINCE + GUSTAVUS VASA AT ABBOTSFORD. — TENDERS OF HONORARY DEGREES FROM + OXFORD AND CAMBRIDGE. — LETTER TO MR. THOMAS SCOTT.</p> + +<p class="chapdate">1820</p> + +<p>At the rising of his Court on the 12th of March, Scott proceeded to +London, for the purpose of receiving his baronetcy, which he had been +prevented from doing in the spring of the preceding year by his own +illness, and again at Christmas by accumulated family afflictions. On +his arrival in town, his son, the Cornet, met him; and they both +established themselves at Miss Dumergue's.</p> + +<p>One of his first visitors was Sir Thomas Lawrence, who informed him +that the King had resolved to adorn the great gallery, then in +progress at Windsor Castle, with portraits by his hand of his +Majesty's most distinguished contemporaries; all the reigning monarchs +of Europe, and their chief ministers and generals, had already sat for +this purpose: on the same walls the King desired to see exhibited +those of his own subjects who had attained the highest honors of +literature and science—and it was his pleasure that this series +should commence with Walter Scott. The portrait was of course begun +immediately, and the head was finished before <span class="pagenum"><a id="page148" name="page148"></a>(p. 148)</span> Scott left +town. Sir Thomas has caught and fixed with admirable skill one of the +loftiest expressions of Scott's countenance at the proudest period of +his life: to the perfect truth of the representation, every one who +ever surprised him in the act of composition at his desk, will bear +witness. The expression, however, was one with which many who had seen +the man often were not familiar; and it was extremely unfortunate that +Sir Thomas filled in the figure from a separate sketch after he had +quitted London. When I first saw the head, I thought nothing could be +better; but there was an evident change for the worse when the picture +appeared in its finished state—for the rest of the person had been +done on a different scale, and this neglect of proportion takes +considerably from the majestic effect which the head itself, and +especially the mighty pile of forehead, had in nature. I hope one day +to see a good engraving of the head alone, as I first saw it floating +on a dark sea of canvas.</p> + +<p>Lawrence told me, several years afterwards, that, in his opinion, the +two greatest men he had painted were the Duke of Wellington and Sir +Walter Scott; "and it was odd," said he, "that they both chose usually +the same hour for sitting—seven in the morning. They were both as +patient sitters as I ever had. Scott, however, was, in my case at +least, a very difficult subject. I had selected what struck me as his +noblest look; but when he was in the chair before me, he talked away +on all sorts of subjects in his usual style, so that it cost me great +pains to bring him back to solemnity, when I had to attend to anything +beyond the outline of a subordinate feature. I soon found that the +surest recipe was to say something that would lead him to recite a bit +of poetry. I used to introduce, by hook or by crook, a few lines of +Campbell or Byron—he was sure to take up the passage where I left it, +or <i>cap</i> it by something better—and then, when he was, as Dryden +says of one of his heroes,—</p> + +<p class="poem10"> + <span class="pagenum"><a id="page149" name="page149"></a>(p. 149)</span> <span class="min33em">'</span>Made up of three parts fire—so full of heaven<br> + It sparkled at his eyes'—</p> + +<p class="noindent">then was my time—and I made the best use I could of it. The hardest +day's work I had with him was once when *****<a id="footnotetag86" name="footnotetag86"></a><a href="#footnote86" title="Go to footnote 86"><span class="smaller">[86]</span></a> accompanied him to +my painting room. ***** was in particularly gay spirits, and nothing +would serve him but keeping both artist and sitter in a perpetual +state of merriment by anecdote upon anecdote about poor Sheridan. The +anecdotes were mostly in themselves black enough—but the style of the +<i>conteur</i> was irresistibly quaint and comical. When Scott came next, +he said he was ashamed of himself for laughing so much as he listened +to them; 'for truly,' quoth he, 'if the tithe was fact, ***** might +have said to Sherry—as Lord Braxfield once said to an eloquent +culprit at the Bar—"Ye 're a vera clever chiel', man, but ye wad be +nane the waur o' a hanging."'"</p> + +<p>It was also during this visit to London that Scott sat to Mr. (now Sir +Francis) Chantrey for that bust which alone preserves for posterity +the cast of expression most fondly remembered by all who ever mingled +in his domestic circle. Chantrey's request that Scott would sit to him +was communicated through Mr. Allan Cunningham, then (as now) employed +as Clerk of the Works in our great Sculptor's establishment. Mr. +Cunningham, in his early days, when gaining his bread as a stonemason +in Nithsdale, made a pilgrimage on foot into Edinburgh, for the sole +purpose of seeing the author of Marmion as he passed along the street. +He was now in possession of a celebrity of his own, and had mentioned +to his patron his purpose of calling on Scott to thank him for some +kind message he had received, through a common friend, on the subject +of those Remains of Nithsdale and Galloway Song, which first made his +poetical talents known to the public. Chantrey embraced this +opportunity of conveying to Scott his own long-cherished <span class="pagenum"><a id="page150" name="page150"></a>(p. 150)</span> +ambition of modelling his head; and Scott at once assented to the +flattering proposal. "It was about nine in the morning," says Mr. +Cunningham, "that I sent in my card to him at Miss Dumergue's in +Piccadilly. It had not been gone a minute, when I heard a quick heavy +step coming, and in he came, holding out both hands, as was his +custom, and saying, as he pressed mine, 'Allan Cunningham, I am glad +to see you.' I said something," continues Mr. C., "about the pleasure +I felt in touching the hand that had charmed me so much. He moved his +hand, and with one of his comic smiles, said, 'Ay—and a big brown +hand it is.' I was a little abashed at first: Scott saw it, and soon +put me at my ease; he had the power—I had almost called it the art, +but art it was not—of winning one's heart and restoring one's +confidence beyond any man I ever met." Then ensued a little +conversation, in which Scott complimented Allan on his ballads, and +urged him to try some work of more consequence, quoting Burns's words, +"for dear auld Scotland's sake;" but being engaged to breakfast in a +distant part of the town, he presently dismissed his visitor, +promising to appear next day at an early hour, and submit himself to +Mr. Chantrey's inspection.</p> + +<a id="img006" name="img006"></a> +<div class="figcenter p4"> +<img src="images/img006.jpg" width="400" height="492" alt="" title=""> +<p>WALTER SCOTT <span class="smcap">IN 1820</span><br> +<i>The Chantrey Bust</i></p> +</div> + +<p>Chantrey's purpose had been the same as Lawrence's—to seize a +poetical phasis of Scott's countenance; and he proceeded to model the +head as looking upwards, gravely and solemnly. The talk that passed, +meantime, had equally amused and gratified both, and fortunately, at +parting, Chantrey requested that Scott would come and breakfast with +him next morning before they recommenced operations in the studio. +Scott accepted the invitation, and when he arrived again in Ecclestone +Street, found two or three acquaintances assembled to meet him,—among +others, his old friend Richard Heber. The breakfast was, as any party +in Sir Francis Chantrey's house is sure to be, a gay and joyous +one, and not having <span class="pagenum"><a id="page151" name="page151"></a>(p. 151)</span> seen Heber in particular for several +years, Scott's spirits were unusually excited by the presence of an +intimate associate of his youthful days. I transcribe what follows +from Mr. Cunningham's Memorandum:—</p> + +<div class="quote"> + <p>"Heber made many inquiries about old friends in Edinburgh, and + old books and old houses, and reminded the other of their early + socialities. 'Ay,' said Mr. Scott, 'I remember we once dined out + together, and sat so late that when we came away the night and + day were so neatly balanced, that we resolved to walk about till + sunrise. The moon was not down, however, and we took advantage of + her Ladyship's lantern, and climbed to the top of Arthur's Seat; + when we came down we had a rare appetite for breakfast.'—'I + remember it well,' said Heber; 'Edinburgh was a wild place in + those days,—it abounded in clubs—convivial clubs.'—'Yes,' + replied Mr. Scott, 'and abounds still; but the conversation is + calmer, and there are no such sallies now as might be heard in + other times. One club, I remember, was infested with two Kemps, + father and son; when the old man had done speaking, the young one + began,—and before he grew weary, the father was refreshed, and + took up the song. John Clerk, during a pause, was called on for a + stave; he immediately struck up, in a psalm-singing tone, and + electrified the club with a verse which sticks like a burr to my + memory,—</p> + +<p class="poem10"> +<span class="min33em">"</span>Now, God Almighty judge James Kemp,<br> +<span class="add1em">And likewise his son John,</span><br> + And hang them over Hell in hemp,<br> +<span class="add1em">And burn them in brimstone."'—</span></p> + + <p>"In the midst of the mirth which this specimen of psalmody + raised, John (commonly called <i>Jack</i>) Fuller, the member for + Surrey, and standing jester of the House of Commons, came in. + Heber, who was well acquainted with the free and joyous character + of that worthy, began to lead him out by relating some festive + anecdotes: Fuller growled approbation, and indulged us with some + of his odd sallies; things which he assured us 'were damned good, + and true too, which was better.' Mr. Scott, who was standing when + Fuller came in, eyed him at first with a look grave and + considerate; but as the stream of conversation <span class="pagenum"><a id="page152" name="page152"></a>(p. 152)</span> flowed, + his keen eye twinkled brighter and brighter; his stature + increased, for he drew himself up, and seemed to take the measure + of the hoary joker, body and soul. An hour or two of social chat + had meanwhile induced Mr. Chantrey to alter his views as to the + bust, and when Mr. Scott left us, he said to me privately, 'This + will never do—I shall never be able to please myself with a + perfectly serene expression. I must try his conversational look, + take him when about to break out into some sly funny old story.' + As Chantrey said this, he took a string, cut off the head of the + bust, put it into its present position, touched the eyes and the + mouth slightly, and wrought such a transformation upon it, that + when Scott came to his third sitting, he smiled and said,—'Ay, + ye're mair like yoursel now!—Why, Mr. Chantrey, no witch of old + ever performed such cantrips with clay as this.'"<a id="footnotetag87" name="footnotetag87"></a><a href="#footnote87" title="Go to footnote 87"><span class="smaller">[87]</span></a></p> +</div> + +<p>These sittings were seven in number; but when Scott revisited London a +year afterwards, he gave Chantrey several more, the bust being by that +time in marble. Allan Cunningham, when he called to bid him farewell, +as he was about to leave town on the present occasion, found him in +court dress, preparing to kiss hands at the Levee, on being gazetted +as Baronet. "He seemed anything but at his ease," says Cunningham, "in +that strange attire; he was like one in armor—the stiff cut of the +coat—the large shining buttons and buckles—the lace ruffles—the +queue—the sword—and the cocked hat, formed a picture at which I +could not forbear smiling. He surveyed himself in the glass for a +moment, and burst into a hearty laugh. 'O Allan,' he said, 'O Allan, +what creatures we must make of ourselves in obedience <span class="pagenum"><a id="page153" name="page153"></a>(p. 153)</span> to +Madam Etiquette! Seest thou not, I say, what a deformed thief this +fashion is? how giddily she turns about all the hot bloods between +fourteen and five-and-thirty?'"<a id="footnotetag88" name="footnotetag88"></a><a href="#footnote88" title="Go to footnote 88"><span class="smaller">[88]</span></a></p> + +<p>Scott's baronetcy was conferred on him, not in consequence of any +Ministerial suggestion, but by the King personally, and of his own +unsolicited motion; and when the poet kissed his hand, he said to him, +"I shall always reflect with pleasure on Sir Walter Scott's having +been the first creation of my reign."</p> + +<p>The Gazette announcing his new dignity was dated March 30, and +published on the 2d of April, 1820; and the Baronet, as soon +afterwards as he could get away from Lawrence, set out on his return +to the North; for he had such respect for the ancient prejudice (a +classical as well as a Scottish one) against marrying in May, that he +was anxious to have the ceremony in which his daughter was concerned +over before that unlucky month should commence.<a id="footnotetag89" name="footnotetag89"></a><a href="#footnote89" title="Go to footnote 89"><span class="smaller">[89]</span></a> It is needless to +say, that during this stay <span class="pagenum"><a id="page154" name="page154"></a>(p. 154)</span> in London he had again +experienced, in its fullest measure, the enthusiasm of all ranks of +his acquaintance; and I shall now transcribe a few paragraphs from +domestic letters, which will show, among other things, how glad he was +when the hour came that restored him to his ordinary course of life.</p> + +<div class="letter"> +<p class="titleletter">TO MRS. SCOTT, 39 CASTLE STREET, EDINBURGH.</p> + +<p class="date"><span class="smcap">Piccadilly</span>, 20th March, 1820.</p> + + <p><span class="smcap">My dear Charlotte</span>,—I have got a delightful plan for the addition + at Abb——, which I think will make it quite complete, and + furnish me with a handsome library, and you with a drawing-room + and better bedroom, with good bedrooms for company, etc. It will + cost me a little hard work to meet the expense, but I have been a + good while idle. I hope to leave this town early next week, and + shall hasten back with great delight to my own household gods.</p> + + <p>I hope this will find you from under Dr. Ross's charge. I expect + to see you quite in beauty when I come down, for I assure you I + have been coaxed by very pretty ladies here, and look for merry + faces at home. My picture comes on, and will be a grand thing, + but the sitting is a great bore. Chantrey's bust is one of the + finest things he ever did. It is quite the fashion to go to see + it—there's for you. Yours, my dearest love, with the most + sincere affection,</p> + +<p class="author">Walter Scott.</p> +</div> + +<div class="letter"> +<p class="titleletter">TO THE SAME.</p> + +<p class="date"><span class="smcap">Piccadilly</span>, March 27.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">My dear Charlotte</span>,—I have the pleasure to say that Lord Sidmouth + has promised to dismiss me in all <span class="pagenum"><a id="page155" name="page155"></a>(p. 155)</span> my honors by the + 30th, so that I can easily be with you by the end of April; and + you and Sophia may easily select the 28th, 29th, or 30th, for the + ceremony. I have been much fêted here, as usual, and had a very + quiet dinner at Mr. Arbuthnot's yesterday with the Duke of + Wellington, where Walter heard the great Lord in all his glory + talk of war and Waterloo. Here is a hellish—yes, literally a + hellish bustle. My head turns round with it. The whole mob of the + Middlesex blackguards pass through Piccadilly twice a day, and + almost drive me mad with their noise and vociferation.<a id="footnotetag90" name="footnotetag90"></a><a href="#footnote90" title="Go to footnote 90"><span class="smaller">[90]</span></a> Pray + do, my dear Charlotte, write soon. You know those at a distance + are always anxious to hear from home. I beg you to say what would + give you pleasure that I could bring from this place, and whether + you want anything from Mrs. Arthur for yourself, Sophia, or Anne; + also what would please little Charles. You know you may stretch a + point on this occasion. Richardson says your honors will be + gazetted on Saturday; certainly very soon, as the King, I + believe, has signed the warrant. When, or how I shall see him, is + not determined, but I suppose I shall have to go to Brighton. My + best love attends the girls, little Charles, and all the + quadrupeds.</p> + + <p>I conclude that the marriage will take place in Castle Street, + and want to know where they go, etc. All this you will have to + settle without my wise head; but I shall be terribly critical—so + see you do all right. I am always, dearest Charlotte, most + affectionately yours,</p> + +<p class="author">Walter Scott.</p> + +<p class="center smaller">(<i>For the Lady Scott of Abbotsford—to be.</i>)</p> +</div> + +<div class="letter"> +<p class="titleletter">TO MR. JAMES BALLANTYNE, PRINTER, ST. JOHN'S STREET, + EDINBURGH.</p> + +<p class="date"><span class="smcap">96 Piccadilly</span>, 28th March.</p> + + <p><span class="smcap">Dear James</span>,—I am much obliged by your attentive letter. + Unquestionably Longman and Co. sell their books <span class="pagenum"><a id="page156" name="page156"></a>(p. 156)</span> at + subscription price, because they have the first of the market, + and only one third of the books; so that, as they say with us, + "let them care that come ahint." This I knew and foresaw, and the + ragings of the booksellers, considerably aggravated by the + displeasure of Constable and his house, are ridiculous enough; + and as to their injuring the work, if it have a principle of + locomotion in it, they cannot stop it—if it has not, they cannot + make it move. I care not a bent twopence about their quarrels; + only I say now, as I always said, that Constable's management is + best, both for himself and the author; and, had we not been + controlled by the narrowness of discount, I would put nothing + past him. I agree with the public in thinking the work not very + interesting; but it was written with as much care as the + others—that is, with no care at all; and,</p> + +<p class="poem10"> + "If it is na weil bobbit, we'll bobb it again."</p> + + <p>On these points I am Atlas. I cannot write much in this bustle of + engagements, with Sir Francis's mob holloing under the windows. I + find that even this light composition demands a certain degree of + silence, and I might as well live in a cotton-mill. Lord Sidmouth + tells me I will obtain leave to quit London by the 30th, which + will be delightful news, for I find I cannot bear late hours and + great society so well as formerly; and yet it is a fine thing to + hear politics talked of by Ministers of State, and war discussed + by the Duke of Wellington.<a id="footnotetag91" name="footnotetag91"></a><a href="#footnote91" title="Go to footnote 91"><span class="smaller">[91]</span></a></p> + + <p><span class="pagenum"><a id="page157" name="page157"></a>(p. 157)</span> My occasions here will require that John or you send me + two notes payable at Coutts's for £300 each, at two and three + months' date. I will write to Constable for one at £350, which + will settle my affairs here—which, with fees and other matters, + come, as you may think, pretty heavy. Let the bills be drawn + payable at Coutts's, and sent without delay. I will receive them + safe if sent under Mr. Freeling's cover. Mention particularly + what you are doing, for now is your time to push miscellaneous + work. Pray take great notice of inaccuracies in the Novels. They + are very, very many—some mine, I dare say—but all such as you + may and ought to correct. If you would call on William Erskine + (who is your well-wisher, and a little mortified he never sees + you), he would point out some of them.</p> + + <p>Do you ever see Lockhart? You should consult him on every doubt + where you would refer to me if present. Yours very truly,</p> + +<p class="author">W. S.</p> + + <p>You say nothing of John, yet I am anxious about him.</p> +</div> + +<div class="letter"> +<p class="titleletter">TO MR. LAIDLAW, KAESIDE, MELROSE.</p> + +<p class="date"><span class="smcap">London</span>, April 2, 1820.</p> + + <p><span class="smcap">Dear Willie</span>,—I had the great pleasure of your letter, which + carries me back to my own braes, which I love so dearly, out of + this place of bustle and politics. When I can see my Master—and + thank him for many acts of favor—I think I will bid adieu to + London forever; for neither the hours nor the society suit me so + well as a few years since. There is too much necessity for + exertion, too much brilliancy and excitation from morning till + night.</p> + + <p>I am glad the sheep are away, though at a loss. I should think + the weather rather too dry for planting, judging by what we have + here. Do not let Tom go on <span class="pagenum"><a id="page158" name="page158"></a>(p. 158)</span> sticking in plants to no + purpose—better put in firs in a rainy week in August. Give my + service to him. I expect to be at Edinburgh in the end of this + month, and to get a week at Abbotsford before the Session sits + down. I think you are right to be in no hurry to let Broomielees. + There seems no complaint of wanting money here just now, so I + hope things will come round.</p> + +<p>Ever yours truly,</p> + +<p class="author">Walter Scott.</p> +</div> + +<div class="letter"> +<p class="titleletter">TO MISS SCOTT, CASTLE STREET, EDINBURGH.</p> + +<p class="date"><span class="smcap">London</span>, April 3, 1820.</p> + + <p><span class="smcap">Dear Sophia</span>,—I have no letter from any one at home excepting + Lockhart, and he only says you are all well; and I trust it is + so. I have seen most of my old friends, who are a little the + worse for the wear, like myself. A five years' march down the + wrong side of the hill tells more than ten on the right side. Our + good friends here are kind as kind can be, and no frumps. They + lecture the Cornet a little, which he takes with becoming + deference and good-humor. There is a certain veil of Flanders + lace floating in the wind for a certain occasion, from a certain + godmother, but that is more than a dead secret.</p> + + <p>We had a very merry day yesterday at Lord Melville's, where we + found Lord Huntly<a id="footnotetag92" name="footnotetag92"></a><a href="#footnote92" title="Go to footnote 92"><span class="smaller">[92]</span></a> and other friends, and had a bumper to the + new Baronet, whose name was Gazetted that evening. Lady Huntly + plays Scotch tunes like a Highland angel. She ran a set of + variations on "Kenmure's on and awa'," which I told her were + enough to raise a whole country-side. I never in my life heard + such fire thrown into that sort of music. I am now laying anchors + to windward, as John Ferguson says, to get Walter's leave + extended. We saw the Duke of York, who was very civil, but wants + altogether the courtesy of the King. I have had a very gracious + message from the King. He is expected up very soon, so I don't go + to <span class="pagenum"><a id="page159" name="page159"></a>(p. 159)</span> Brighton, which is so far good. I fear his health is + not strong. Meanwhile all goes forward for the Coronation. The + expense of the robes for the peers may amount to £400 apiece. All + the ermine is bought up at the most extravagant prices. I hear so + much of it, that I really think, like Beau Tibbs,<a id="footnotetag93" name="footnotetag93"></a><a href="#footnote93" title="Go to footnote 93"><span class="smaller">[93]</span></a> I shall be + tempted to come up and see it, if possible. Indeed, I don't see + why I should not stay here, as I seem to be forgotten at home. + The people here are like to smother me with kindness, so why + should I be in a great hurry to leave them?</p> + + <p>I write, wishing to know what I could bring Anne and you and + mamma down, that would be acceptable; and I shall be much obliged + to you to put me up to that matter. To little Charles also I + promised something, and I wish to know what he would like. I hope + he pays attention to Mr. Thomson, to whom remember my best + compliments. I hope to get something for him soon.</p> + + <p>To-day I go to spend my Sabbath quietly with Joanna Baillie and + John Richardson, at Hampstead. The long Cornet goes with me. I + have kept him amongst the seniors; nevertheless he seems pretty + well amused. He is certainly one of the best-conditioned lads I + ever saw, in point of temper.</p> + + <p>I understand you and Anne have gone through the ceremony of + confirmation. Pray write immediately, and let me know how you are + all going on, and what you would like to have, all of you. You + know how much I would like to please you.</p> + +<p>Yours, most affectionately,</p> + +<p class="author">Walter Scott.</p> +</div> + +<p>While Scott remained in London, the Professorship of Moral Philosophy +in the University of Edinburgh became vacant by the death of Dr. +Thomas Brown; and among others who proposed themselves as candidates +to fill it, was the author of the Isle of Palms. He was opposed +<span class="pagenum"><a id="page160" name="page160"></a>(p. 160)</span> in the Town Council (who are the patrons of most of the +Edinburgh Chairs), on various pretences, but solely, in fact, on party +grounds,—certain humorous political pieces having much exacerbated +the Whigs of the North against him; and I therefore wrote to Scott, +requesting him to animate the Tory Ministers in his behalf. Sir Walter +did so, and Mr. Wilson's canvass was successful.<a id="footnotetag94" name="footnotetag94"></a><a href="#footnote94" title="Go to footnote 94"><span class="smaller">[94]</span></a> The answer to my +communication was in these terms:—</p> + +<div class="letter"> +<p class="titleletter"><span class="pagenum"><a id="page161" name="page161"></a>(p. 161)</span> TO J. G. LOCKHART, ESQ., GREAT KING STREET, EDINBURGH.</p> + +<p class="date"><span class="smcap">London</span>, 30th March, 1820.</p> + + <p><span class="smcap">Dear Lockhart</span>,—I have yours of the Sunday morning, which has + been terribly long of coming. There needed no apology for + mentioning anything in which I could be of service to Wilson; + and, so far as good words and good wishes <i>here</i> can do, I think + he will be successful; <span class="pagenum"><a id="page162" name="page162"></a>(p. 162)</span> but the battle must be fought in + Edinburgh. You are aware that the only point of exception to + Wilson may be, that, with the fire of genius, he has possessed + some of its eccentricities; but, did he ever approach to those of + Henry Brougham, who is the god of Whiggish idolatry? If the high + and rare qualities with which he is invested are to be thrown + aside as useless, because they may be clouded by a few grains of + dust which he can blow aside at pleasure, it is less a punishment + on Mr. Wilson than on the country. I have little doubt he would + consider success in this weighty matter as a pledge for binding + down his acute and powerful mind to more regular labor than + circumstances have hitherto required of him, for indeed, without + doing so, the appointment could in no point of view answer his + purpose. He must stretch to the oar for his own credit, as well + as that of his friends; and if he does so, there can be no doubt + that his efforts will be doubly blessed, in reference both to + himself and to public utility. He must make every friend he can + amongst the Council. Palladio Johnstone should not be omitted. If + my wife canvasses him, she may do some good.<a id="footnotetag95" name="footnotetag95"></a><a href="#footnote95" title="Go to footnote 95"><span class="smaller">[95]</span></a></p> + + <p>You must, of course, recommend to Wilson great temper in his + canvass—for wrath will do no good. After all, he must leave off + sack, purge and live cleanly as a gentleman ought to do; + otherwise people will compare his present ambition to that of Sir + Terry O'Fag, when he wished to become a judge. "Our pleasant + follies are made the whips to scourge us," as Lear says; for + otherwise, what could possibly stand in the way of his + nomination? I trust it will take place, and give him the + <span class="pagenum"><a id="page163" name="page163"></a>(p. 163)</span> consistence and steadiness which are all he wants to + make him the first man of the age.</p> + + <p>I am very angry with Castle Street—not a soul has written me, + save yourself, since I came to London.</p> + +<p>Yours very truly,</p> + +<p class="author">Walter Scott.</p> +</div> + +<p>Sir Walter, accompanied by the Cornet, reached Edinburgh late in +April, and on the 29th of that month he gave me the hand of his +daughter Sophia. The wedding, <i>more Scotico</i>, took place in the +evening; and adhering on all such occasions to ancient modes of +observance with the same punctiliousness which he mentions as +distinguishing his worthy father, he gave a jolly supper afterwards to +all the friends and connections of the young couple.<a id="footnotetag96" name="footnotetag96"></a><a href="#footnote96" title="Go to footnote 96"><span class="smaller">[96]</span></a></p> + +<p>His excursions to Tweedside during Term-time were, with very rare +exceptions, of the sort which I have described in the preceding +chapter; but he departed from his rule about this time in honor of the +Swedish Prince, who had expressed a wish to see Abbotsford before +leaving Scotland, and assembled a number of his friends and neighbors +to meet his Royal Highness. Of the invitations which he distributed on +this occasion, I insert one specimen—that addressed to Mr. Scott of +Gala:—</p> + +<div class="letter"> +<p class="center"><i>To the Baron of Galashiels<br> + The Knight of Abbotsford sends greeting.</i></p> + + <p>Trusty and well-beloved,—Whereas Gustavus, Prince Royal of + Sweden, proposeth to honor our poor house of Abbotsford with his + presence on Thursday next, and to <span class="pagenum"><a id="page164" name="page164"></a>(p. 164)</span> repose himself there + for certain days, We do heartily pray you, out of the love and + kindness which is and shall abide betwixt us, to be aiding to us + at this conjuncture, and to repair to Abbotsford with your lady, + either upon Thursday or Friday, as may best suit your convenience + and pleasure, looking for no denial at your hands. Which loving + countenance we will, with all thankfulness, return to you at your + mansion of Gala. The hour of appearance being five o'clock, we + request you to be then and there present, as you love the honor + of the name; and so advance banners in the name of God and St. + Andrew.</p> + +<p class="author">Walter Scott.</p> + +<p class="noindent">Given at <span class="smcap">Edinburgh</span>,<br> + 20th May, 1820.</p> +</div> + +<p>The visit of Count Itterburg is alluded to in this letter to the +Cornet, who had now rejoined his regiment in Ireland. It appears that +on reaching headquarters he had found a charger <i>hors de combat</i>.</p> + +<div class="letter"> +<p class="titleletter">TO WALTER SCOTT, ESQ., 18TH HUSSARS, CORK.</p> + +<p class="date"><span class="smcap">Castle Street</span>, May 31, 1820.</p> + + <p><span class="smcap">Dear Walter</span>,—I enclose the cheque for the allowance; pray take + care to get good notes in exchange. You had better speak to the + gentleman whom Lord Shannon introduced you to, for, when banks + take a-breaking, it seldom stops with the first who go. I am very + sorry for your loss. You must be economical for a while, and + bring yourself round again, for at this moment I cannot so well + assist as I will do by and by. So do not buy anything but what + you <i>need</i>.</p> + + <p>I was at Abbotsford for three days last week, to receive Count + Itterburg, who seemed very happy while with us, and was much + affected when he took his leave. I am sorry for him—his + situation is a very particular one, and his feelings appear to be + of the kindest order. When he took leave of me, he presented me + with a beautiful <span class="pagenum"><a id="page165" name="page165"></a>(p. 165)</span> seal, with all our new blazonries cut + on a fine amethyst; and what I thought the prettiest part, on one + side of the setting is cut my name, on the other the + Prince's—<i>Gustaf</i>. He is to travel through Ireland, and will + probably be at Cork. You will, of course, ask the Count and Baron + to mess, and offer all civilities in your power, in which, I dare + say, Colonel Murray will readily join. They intend to inquire + after you.</p> + + <p>I have bought the land adjoining to the Burnfoot cottage, so that + we now march with the Duke of Buccleuch all the way round that + course. It cost me £2300—but there is a great deal of valuable + fir planting, which you may remember; fine roosting for the black + game. Still I think it is £200 too dear, but Mr. Laidlaw thinks + it can be made worth the money, and it rounds the property off + very handsomely. You cannot but remember the ground; it lies + under the Eildon, east of the Chargelaw.</p> + + <p>Mamma, Anne, and Charles are all well. Sophia has been + complaining of a return of her old sprain. I told her Lockhart + would return her on our hands as not being sound wind and limb.</p> + + <p>I beg you to look at your French, and have it much at heart that + you should study German. Believe me, always affectionately yours,</p> + +<p class="author">Walter Scott.</p> +</div> + +<p>In May, 1820, Scott received from both the English Universities the +highest compliment which it was in their power to offer him. The +Vice-Chancellors of Oxford and Cambridge communicated to him, in the +same week, their request that he would attend at the approaching +Commemorations, and accept the honorary degree of Doctor in Civil Law. +It was impossible for him to leave Scotland again that season; and on +various subsequent renewals of the same flattering proposition from +either body, he was prevented, by similar circumstances, from +availing himself of their distinguished kindness.</p> + +<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="page166" name="page166"></a>(p. 166)</span> In the course of a few months, Scott's family arrangements +had undergone, as we have seen, considerable alteration. Meanwhile he +continued anxious to be allowed to adopt, as it were, the only son of +his brother Thomas; and the letter, in consequence of which that +promising youth was at last committed to his charge, contains so much +matter likely to interest parents and guardians, that, though long, I +cannot curtail it.</p> + +<div class="letter"> +<p class="titleletter">TO THOMAS SCOTT, ESQ., PAYMASTER 70th REGIMENT.</p> + +<p class="date"><span class="smcap">Abbotsford</span>, 23d July, 1820.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">My dear Tom</span>,—Your letter of May, this day received, made me + truly happy, being the first I have received from you since our + dear mother's death, and the consequent breaches which fate has + made in our family. My own health continues quite firm, at no + greater sacrifice than bidding adieu to our old and faithful + friend John Barleycorn, whose life-blood has become a little too + heavy for my stomach. I wrote to you from London concerning the + very handsome manner in which the King behaved to me in + conferring my <i>petit titre</i>, and also of Sophia's intended + marriage, which took place in the end of April, as we intended. I + got Walter's leave prolonged, that he might be present, and I + assure you, that when he attended the ceremony in full + regimentals, you have scarce seen a handsomer young man. He is + about six feet and an inch, and perfectly well made. Lockhart + seems to be everything I could wish,—and as they have enough to + live easily upon for the present, and good expectations for the + future, life opens well with them. They are to spend their + vacations in a nice little cottage, in a glen belonging to this + property, with a rivulet in front, and a grove of trees on the + east side to keep away the cold wind. It is about two miles + distant from this house, and a very pleasant walk reaches to it + through my plantations, which now occupy several hundred acres. + Thus there will be space enough betwixt the old man of <span class="pagenum"><a id="page167" name="page167"></a>(p. 167)</span> + letters and the young one. Charles's destination to India is + adjourned till he reaches the proper age: it seems he cannot hold + a Writership until he is sixteen years old, and then is admitted + to study for two years at Hertford College.</p> + +<p>After my own sons, my most earnest and anxious wish will be, of + course, for yours,—and with this view I have pondered well what + you say on the subject of your Walter; and whatever line of life + you may design him for, it is scarce possible but that I can be + of considerable use to him. Before fixing, however, on a point so + very important, I would have you consult the nature of the boy + himself. I do not mean by this that you should ask his opinion, + because at so early an age a well bred up child naturally takes + up what is suggested to him by his parents; but I think you + should consider, with as much impartiality as a parent can, his + temper, disposition, and qualities of mind and body. It is not + enough that you think there is an opening for him in one + profession rather than another,—for it were better to sacrifice + the fairest prospects of that kind than to put a boy into a line + of life for which he is not calculated. If my nephew is steady, + cautious, fond of a sedentary life and quiet pursuits, and at the + same time a proficient in arithmetic, and with a disposition + towards the prosecution of its highest branches, he cannot follow + a better line than that of an accountant. It is highly + respectable—and is one in which, with attention and skill, aided + by such opportunities as I may be able to procure for him, he + must ultimately succeed. I say ultimately—because the harvest is + small and the laborers numerous in this as in other branches of + our legal practice; and whoever is to dedicate himself to them, + must look for a long and laborious tract of attention ere he + reaches the reward of his labors. If I live, however, I will do + all I can for him, and see him put under a proper person, taking + his 'prentice fee, etc., upon myself. But if, which may possibly + <span class="pagenum"><a id="page168" name="page168"></a>(p. 168)</span> be the case, the lad has a decided turn for active life + and adventure, is high-spirited, and impatient of long and dry + labor, with some of those feelings not unlikely to result from + having lived all his life in a camp or a barrack, do not deceive + yourself, my dear brother—you will never make him an accountant; + you will never be able to convert such a sword into a + pruning-hook, merely because you think a pruning-hook the better + thing of the two. In this supposed case, your authority and my + recommendation might put him into an accountant's office; but it + would be just to waste the earlier years of his life in idleness, + with all the temptations to dissipation which idleness gives way + to; and what sort of a place a writing-chamber is, you cannot but + remember. So years might wear away, and at last the youth starts + off from his profession, and becomes an adventurer too late in + life, and with the disadvantage, perhaps, of offended friends and + advanced age standing in the way of his future prospects.</p> + +<p>This is what I have judged fittest in my own family, for Walter + would have gone to the Bar had I liked; but I was sensible (with + no small reluctance did I admit the conviction) that I should + only spoil an excellent soldier to make a poor and + undistinguished gownsman. On the same principle I shall send + Charles to India,—not, God knows, with my will, for there is + little chance of my living to see him return; but merely that, + judging by his disposition, I think the voyage of his life might + be otherwise lost in shallows. He has excellent parts, but they + are better calculated for intercourse with the world than for + hard and patient study. Having thus sent one son abroad from my + family, and being about to send off the other in due time, you + will not, I am sure, think that I can mean disregard to your + parental feelings in stating what I can do for your Walter. + Should his temper and character incline for active life, I think + I can promise to get him a cadetship in the East India Company's + service; so soon as he has had the necessary education, I will + be <span class="pagenum"><a id="page169" name="page169"></a>(p. 169)</span> at the expense of his equipment and passage-money; + and when he reaches India, there he is completely provided, + secure of a competence if he lives, and with great chance of a + fortune if he thrives. I am aware this would be a hard pull at + Mrs. Scott's feelings and yours; but recollect, your fortune is + small, and the demands on it numerous, and pagodas and rupees are + no bad things. I can get Walter the first introductions, and if + he behaves himself as becomes your son, and my nephew, I have + friends enough in India, and of the highest class, to insure his + success, even his rapid success—always supposing my + recommendations to be seconded by his own conduct. If, therefore, + the youth has anything of your own spirit, for God's sake do not + condemn him to a drudgery which he will never submit to—and + remember, to sacrifice his fortune to your fondness will be sadly + mistaken affection. As matters stand, unhappily you must be + separated; and considering the advantages of India, the mere + circumstance of distance is completely counterbalanced. Health is + what will naturally occur to Mrs. Scott; but the climate of India + is now well understood, and those who attend to ordinary + precautions live as healthy as in Britain. And so I have said my + say. Most heartily will I do my best in any way you may + ultimately decide for; and as the decision really ought to turn + on the boy's temper and disposition, you must be a better judge + by far than any one else. But if he should resemble his father + and uncle in certain indolent habits, I fear he will make a + better subject for an animating life of enterprise than for the + technical labor of an accountant's desk. There is no occasion, + fortunately, for forming any hasty resolution. When you send him + here, I will do all that is in my power to stand in the place of + a father to him, and you may fully rely on my care and + tenderness. If he should ultimately stay at Edinburgh, as both my + own boys leave me, I am sure I shall have great pleasure in + having the nearest in blood after them with me. Pray <span class="pagenum"><a id="page170" name="page170"></a>(p. 170)</span> + send him as soon as you can, for at his age, and under imperfect + opportunities of education, he must have a good deal to make up. + I wish I could be of the same use to you which I am sure I can be + to your son.</p> + +<p>Of public news I have little to send. The papers will tell you + the issue of the Radical row for the present. The yeomanry + behaved most gallantly. There is in Edinburgh a squadron as fine + as ours was—all young men, and zealous soldiers. They made the + western campaign with the greatest spirit, and had some hard and + fatiguing duty, long night-marches, surprises of the enemy, and + so forth, but no fight, for the whole Radical plot went to the + devil when it came to gun and sword. Scarce any blood was shed, + except in a trifling skirmish at Bonnymuir, near Carron. The + rebels were behind a wall, and fired on ten hussars and as many + yeomen—the latter under command of a son of James Davidson, W. + S. The cavalry cleared the wall, and made them prisoners to a + man. The Commission of Oyer and Terminer is now busy trying them + and others. The Edinburgh young men showed great spirit; all took + arms, and my daughters say (I was in London at the time) that not + a feasible-looking beau was to be had for love or money. Several + were like old Beardie; they would not shave their moustaches till + the Radicals were put down, and returned with most awful + whiskers. Lockhart is one of the cavalry, and a very good + trooper. It is high to hear these young fellows talk of the Raid + of Airdrie, the trot of Kilmarnock, and so on, like so many + moss-troopers.</p> + +<p>The Queen is making an awful bustle, and though by all accounts + her conduct has been most abandoned and beastly, she has got the + whole mob for her partisans, who call her injured innocence, and + what not. She has courage enough to dare the worst, and a most + decided desire to be revenged of <i>him</i>, which, by the way, can + scarce be wondered at. If she had as many followers of <span class="pagenum"><a id="page171" name="page171"></a>(p. 171)</span> + high as of low degree (in proportion), and funds to equip them, I + should not be surprised to see her fat bottom in a pair of + buckskins, and at the head of an army—God mend all. The things + said of her are beyond all usual profligacy. Nobody of any + fashion visits her. I think myself monstrously well clear of + London and its intrigues, when I look round my green fields, and + recollect I have little to do, but to</p> + +<p class="poem10"> + ——"make my grass mow,<br> + And my apple-tree grow."</p> + +<p>I beg my kind love to Mrs. Huxley. I have a very acceptable + letter from her, and I trust to retain the place she promises me + in her remembrance. Sophia will be happy to hear from Uncle Tom, + when Uncle Tom has so much leisure. My best compliments attend + your wife and daughters, not forgetting Major Huxley and Walter. + My dear Tom, it will be a happy moment when circumstances shall + permit us a meeting on this side Jordan, as Tabitha says, to talk + over old stories, and lay new plans. So many things have fallen + out which I had set my heart upon strongly, that I trust this may + happen amongst others.—Believe me, yours very affectionately,</p> + +<p class="author">Walter Scott.<a id="footnotetag97" name="footnotetag97"></a><a href="#footnote97" title="Go to footnote 97"><span class="smaller">[97]</span></a></p> +</div> + +<h2><span class="pagenum"><a id="page172" name="page172"></a>(p. 172)</span> CHAPTER XLIX</h2> + +<p class="resume">AUTUMN AT ABBOTSFORD. — SCOTT'S HOSPITALITY. — VISIT OF SIR HUMPHRY + DAVY, HENRY MACKENZIE, DR. WOLLASTON, AND WILLIAM STEWART + ROSE. — COURSING ON NEWARK HILL. — SALMON-FISHING. — THE FESTIVAL AT + BOLDSIDE. — THE ABBOTSFORD HUNT. — THE KIRN, ETC.</p> + +<p class="chapdate">1820</p> + +<p>About the middle of August, my wife and I went to Abbotsford; and we +remained there for several weeks, during which I became familiarized +to Sir Walter Scott's mode of existence in the country. It was +necessary to observe it, day after day, for a considerable period, +before one could believe that such was, during nearly half the year, +the routine of life with the most productive author of his age. The +humblest person who stayed merely for a short visit, must have +departed with the impression that what he witnessed was an occasional +variety; that Scott's courtesy prompted him to break in upon his +habits when he had a stranger to amuse; but that it was physically +impossible that the man who was writing the Waverley romances at the +rate of nearly twelve volumes in the year, could continue, week after +week, and month after month, to devote all but a hardly perceptible +fraction of his mornings to out-of-doors occupations, and the whole of +his evenings to the entertainment of a constantly varying circle of +guests.</p> + +<p>The hospitality of his afternoons must alone have been enough to +exhaust the energies of almost any man; for his visitors did not +mean, like those of country-houses in <span class="pagenum"><a id="page173" name="page173"></a>(p. 173)</span> general, to enjoy the +landlord's good cheer and amuse each other; but the far greater +proportion arrived from a distance, for the sole sake of the Poet and +Novelist himself, whose person they had never before seen, and whose +voice they might never again have any opportunity of hearing. No other +villa in Europe was ever resorted to from the same motives, and to +anything like the same extent, except Ferney; and Voltaire never +dreamt of being visible to his <i>hunters</i>, except for a brief space of +the day;—few of them even dined with him, and none of them seem to +have slept under his roof. Scott's establishment, on the contrary, +resembled in every particular that of the affluent idler, who, because +he has inherited, or would fain transmit, political influence in some +province, keeps open house—receives as many as he has room for, and +sees their apartments occupied, as soon as they vacate them, by +another troop of the same description. Even on gentlemen guiltless of +inkshed, the exercise of hospitality upon this sort of scale is found +to impose a heavy tax; few of them, nowadays, think of maintaining it +for any large portion of the year: very few indeed below the highest +rank of the nobility—in whose case there is usually a staff of +led-captains, led-chaplains, servile dandies, and semi-professional +talkers and jokers from London, to take the chief part of the burden. +Now, Scott had often in his mouth the pithy verses,—</p> + +<p class="poem10"> +<span class="min33em">"</span>Conversation is but carving:—<br> + Give no more to every guest,<br> + Than he's able to digest;<br> + Give him always of the prime,<br> + And but little at a time;<br> + Carve to all but just enough,<br> + Let them neither starve nor stuff,<br> + <i>And that you may have your due,<br> + Let your neighbors carve for you:</i>"—</p> + +<p class="noindent">and he, in his own familiar circle always, and in other circles where +it was possible, furnished a happy exemplification of these rules and +regulations of the Dean of St. <span class="pagenum"><a id="page174" name="page174"></a>(p. 174)</span> Patrick's. But the same sense +and benevolence which dictated adhesion to them among his old friends +and acquaintance, rendered it necessary to break them when he was +receiving strangers of the class I have described above at Abbotsford: +he felt that their coming was the best homage they could pay to his +celebrity, and that it would have been as uncourteous in him not to +give them their fill of his talk, as it would be in your every-day +lord of manors to make his casual guests welcome indeed to his +venison, but keep his grouse-shooting for his immediate allies and +dependents.</p> + +<p>Every now and then he received some stranger who was not indisposed to +take his part in the <i>carving</i>; and how good-humoredly he surrendered +the lion's share to any one that seemed to covet it—with what perfect +placidity he submitted to be bored even by bores of the first water, +must have excited the admiration of many besides the daily observers +of his proceedings. I have heard a spruce Senior Wrangler lecture him +for half an evening on the niceties of the Greek epigram; I have heard +the poorest of all parliamentary blunderers try to detail to him the +<i>pros</i> and <i>cons</i> of what he called the <i>Truck System</i>; and in either +case the same bland eye watched the lips of the tormentor. But, with +such ludicrous exceptions, Scott was the one object of the Abbotsford +pilgrims; and evening followed evening only to show him exerting, for +their amusement, more of animal spirits, to say nothing of +intellectual vigor, than would have been considered by any other man +in the company as sufficient for the whole expenditure of a week's +existence. Yet this was not the chief marvel; he talked of things that +interested himself, because he knew that by doing so he should give +most pleasure to his guests. But how vast was the range of subjects on +which he could talk with unaffected zeal; and with what admirable +delicacy of instinctive politeness did he select his topic according +to the peculiar history, study, pursuits, or social <span class="pagenum"><a id="page175" name="page175"></a>(p. 175)</span> habits +of the stranger!—How beautifully he varied his style of +letter-writing, according to the character and situation of his +multifarious correspondents, the reader has already been enabled to +judge; but to carry the same system into practice <i>at sight</i>—to +manage utter strangers, of many and widely different classes, in the +same fashion, and with the same effect—called for a quickness of +observation, and fertility of resource, such as no description can +convey the slightest notion of to those who never witnessed the thing +for themselves. And all this was done without approach to the unmanly +trickery of what is called <i>catching the tone</i> of the person one +converses with. Scott took the subject on which he thought such a man +or woman would like best to hear him speak—but not to handle it in +their way, or in any way but what was completely, and most simply his +own;—not to flatter them by embellishing, with the illustration of +his genius, the views and opinions which they were supposed to +entertain,—but to let his genius play out its own variations, for his +own delight and theirs, as freely and easily, and with as endless a +multiplicity of delicious novelties, as ever the magic of Beethoven or +Mozart could fling over the few primitive notes of a village air.</p> + +<p>It is the custom in some, perhaps in many country-houses, to keep a +register of the guests, and I have often regretted that nothing of the +sort was ever attempted at Abbotsford. It would have been a curious +record—especially if so contrived (as I have seen done) that the +names of each day should, by their arrangement on the page, indicate +the exact order in which the company sat at dinner. It would hardly, I +believe, be too much to affirm, that Sir Walter Scott entertained, +under his roof, in the course of the seven or eight brilliant seasons +when his prosperity was at its height, as many persons of distinction +in rank, in politics, in art, in literature, and in science, as the +most princely nobleman of his age <span class="pagenum"><a id="page176" name="page176"></a>(p. 176)</span> ever did in the like space +of time.—I turned over, since I wrote the preceding sentence, Mr. +Lodge's compendium of the British Peerage, and on summing up the +titles which suggested <i>to myself</i> some reminiscence of this kind, I +found them nearly as one out of six.—I fancy it is not beyond the +mark to add, that of the eminent foreigners who visited our island +within this period, a moiety crossed the Channel mainly in consequence +of the interest with which his writings had invested Scotland—and +that the hope of beholding the man under his own roof was the crowning +motive with half that moiety. As for countrymen of his own, like him +ennobled, in the higher sense of that word, by the display of their +intellectual energies, if any one such contemporary can be pointed out +as having crossed the Tweed, and yet not spent a day at Abbotsford, I +shall be surprised.</p> + +<p>It is needless to add, that Sir Walter was familiarly known, long +before the days I am speaking of, to almost all the nobility and +higher gentry of Scotland; and consequently, that there seldom wanted +a fair proportion of them to assist him in doing the honors of his +country. It is still more superfluous to say so respecting the heads +of his own profession at Edinburgh: <i>Sibi et amicis</i>—Abbotsford was +their villa whenever they pleased to resort to it, and few of them +were ever absent from it long. He lived meanwhile in a constant +interchange of easy visits with the gentlemen's families of Teviotdale +and the Forest; so that, mixed up with his superfine admirers of the +Mayfair breed, his staring worshippers from foreign parts, and his +quick-witted coevals of the Parliament House—there was found +generally some hearty homespun laird, with his dame—the young laird, +a bashful bumpkin, perhaps, whose ideas did not soar beyond his gun +and pointer—or perhaps a little pseudo-dandy, for whom the Kelso +race-course and the Jedburgh ball were "Life," and "the World;" and +not forgetting <span class="pagenum"><a id="page177" name="page177"></a>(p. 177)</span> a brace of "Miss Rawbolds,"<a id="footnotetag98" name="footnotetag98"></a><a href="#footnote98" title="Go to footnote 98"><span class="smaller">[98]</span></a> in whom, as +their mamma prognosticated, some of Sir Walter's young Waverleys or +Osbaldistones might peradventure discover a Flora MacIvor or a Die +Vernon. To complete the <i>olla podrida</i>, we must remember that no old +acquaintance, or family connections, however remote their actual +station or style of manners from his own, were forgotten or lost sight +of. He had some, even near relations, who, except when they visited +him, rarely, if ever, found admittance to what the haughty dialect of +the upper world is pleased to designate exclusively as <i>society</i>. +These were welcome guests, let who might be under that roof; and it +was the same with many a worthy citizen of Edinburgh, habitually +moving in the obscurest of circles, who had been in the same class +with Scott at the High School, or his fellow-apprentice when he was +proud of earning threepence a page by the use of his pen. To dwell on +nothing else, it was surely a beautiful perfection of real universal +humanity and politeness, that could enable this great and good man to +blend guests so multifarious in one group, and contrive to make them +all equally happy with him, with themselves, and with each other.</p> + +<p>I remember saying to William Allan one morning as the whole party +mustered before the porch after breakfast, "A faithful sketch of what +you at this moment see would be more interesting a hundred years +hence, than the grandest so-called historical picture that you will +ever exhibit at Somerset House;" and my friend agreed with me so +cordially, that I often wondered afterwards he had not attempted to +realize the suggestion. The subject ought, however, to have been +treated conjointly by him (or Wilkie) and Edwin Landseer. It was a +clear, bright September morning, with a sharpness <span class="pagenum"><a id="page178" name="page178"></a>(p. 178)</span> in the air +that doubled the animating influence of the sunshine, and all was in +readiness for a grand coursing-match on Newark Hill. The only guest +who had chalked out other sport for himself was the stanchest of +anglers, Mr. Rose;—but he, too, was there on his <i>shelty</i>, armed with +his salmon-rod and landing-net, and attended by his humorous squire +Hinves, and Charlie Purdie, a brother of Tom, in those days the most +celebrated fisherman of the district. This little group of Waltonians, +bound for Lord Somerville's preserve, remained lounging about to +witness the start of the main cavalcade. Sir Walter, mounted on Sibyl, +was marshalling the order of procession with a huge hunting-whip; and +among a dozen frolicsome youths and maidens, who seemed disposed to +laugh at all discipline, appeared, each on horseback, each as eager as +the youngest sportsman in the troop, Sir Humphry Davy, Dr. Wollaston, +and the patriarch of Scottish belles-lettres, Henry Mackenzie. The Man +of Feeling, however, was persuaded with some difficulty to resign his +steed for the present to his faithful negro follower, and to join Lady +Scott in the sociable, until we should reach the ground of our +<i>battue</i>. Laidlaw, on a long-tailed wiry Highlander, yclept <i>Hoddin +Grey</i>, which carried him nimbly and stoutly, although his feet almost +touched the ground as he sat, was the adjutant. But the most +picturesque figure was the illustrious inventor of the safety-lamp. He +had come for his favorite sport of angling, and had been practising it +successfully with Rose, his travelling companion, for two or three +days preceding this, but he had not prepared for coursing fields, or +had left Charlie Purdie's troop for Sir Walter's on a sudden thought; +and his fisherman's costume—a brown hat with flexible brims, +surrounded with line upon line, and innumerable fly-hooks—jack-boots +worthy of a Dutch smuggler, and a fustian surtout dabbled with the +blood of salmon, made a fine contrast with the smart jackets, +white-cord breeches, and well-polished jockey-boots <span class="pagenum"><a id="page179" name="page179"></a>(p. 179)</span> of the +less distinguished cavaliers about him. Dr. Wollaston was in black, +and, with his noble serene dignity of countenance, might have passed +for a sporting archbishop.<a id="footnotetag99" name="footnotetag99"></a><a href="#footnote99" title="Go to footnote 99"><span class="smaller">[99]</span></a> Mr. Mackenzie, at this time in the +seventy-sixth year of his age, with a white hat turned up with green, +green spectacles, green jacket, and long brown leathern gaiters +buttoned upon his nether anatomy, wore a dog-whistle round his neck, +and had all over the air of as resolute a devotee as the gay Captain +of Huntly Burn. Tom Purdie and his subalterns had preceded us by a few +hours with all the greyhounds that could be collected at Abbotsford, +Darnick, and Melrose; but the giant Maida had remained as his master's +orderly, and now gambolled about Sibyl Grey, barking for mere joy like +a spaniel puppy.</p> + +<p>The order of march had been all settled, and the sociable was just +getting under weigh, when <i>the Lady Anne</i> broke from the line, +screaming with laughter, and exclaimed, "Papa, papa, I knew you could +never think of going without your pet." Scott looked round, and I +rather think there was a blush as well as a smile upon his face, when +he perceived a little black pig frisking about his pony, and evidently +a self-elected addition to the party of the day. He tried to look +stern, and cracked his whip at the creature, but was in a moment +obliged to join in the general cheers. Poor piggy soon found a strap +round its neck, and was dragged into the background:—Scott, watching +the retreat, repeated with mock pathos the first verse of an old +pastoral song,—</p> + +<p class="poem10"> +<span class="min33em">"</span>What will I do gin my hoggie<a id="footnotetag100" name="footnotetag100"></a><a href="#footnote100" title="Go to footnote 100"><span class="smaller">[100]</span></a> die?<br> +<span class="add1em">My joy, my pride, my hoggie!</span><br> + My only beast, I had nae mae,<br> +<span class="add1em">And wow! but I was vogie!"</span></p> + +<p class="noindent"><span class="pagenum"><a id="page180" name="page180"></a>(p. 180)</span> —the cheers were redoubled—and the squadron moved on.</p> + +<p>This pig had taken—nobody could tell how—a most sentimental +attachment to Scott, and was constantly urging its pretensions to be +admitted a regular member of his <i>tail</i> along with the greyhounds and +terriers; but, indeed, I remember him suffering another summer under +the same sort of pertinacity on the part of an affectionate hen. I +leave the explanation for philosophers—but such were the facts. I +have too much respect for the vulgarly calumniated donkey to name him +in the same category of pets with the pig and the hen; but a year or +two after this time, my wife used to drive a couple of these animals +in a little garden chair, and whenever her father appeared at the door +of our cottage, we were sure to see Hannah More and Lady Morgan (as +Anne Scott had wickedly christened them) trotting from their pasture +to lay their noses over the paling, and, as Washington Irving says of +the old white-haired hedger with the Parisian snuff-box, "to have a +pleasant crack wi' the laird."</p> + +<p>But to return to our <i>chasse</i>. On reaching Newark Castle, we found +Lady Scott, her eldest daughter, and the venerable Mackenzie, all +busily engaged in unpacking a basket that had been placed in their +carriage, and arranging the luncheon it contained upon the mossy rocks +overhanging the bed of the Yarrow. When such of the company as chose +had partaken of this refection, the Man of Feeling resumed his pony, +and all ascended the mountain, duly marshalled at proper distances, so +as to beat in a broad line over the heather, Sir Walter directing the +movement from the right wing—towards Blackandro. Davy, next to whom +I chanced to be riding, <span class="pagenum"><a id="page181" name="page181"></a>(p. 181)</span> laid his whip about the fern like an +experienced hand, but cracked many a joke, too, upon his own +jack-boots, and surveying the long eager battalion of bushrangers, +exclaimed, "Good heavens! is it thus that I visit the scenery of The +Lay of the Last Minstrel?" He then kept muttering to himself, as his +glowing eye (the finest and brightest that I ever saw) ran over the +landscape, some of those beautiful lines from the <i>Conclusion</i> of the +Lay:—</p> + +<p class="poem10"> +<span class="add8em">—— "But still,</span><br> + When summer smiled on sweet Bowhill,<br> + And July's eve, with balmy breath,<br> + Waved the blue-bells on Newark heath,<br> + When throstles sung in Hareheadshaw,<br> + And corn was green on Carterhaugh,<br> + And flourished, broad, Blackandro's oak,<br> + The aged harper's soul awoke," etc.</p> + +<p>Mackenzie, spectacled though he was, saw the first sitting hare, gave +the word to slip the dogs, and spurred after them like a boy. All the +seniors, indeed, did well as long as the course was upwards, but when +puss took down the declivity, they halted and breathed themselves upon +the knoll—cheering gayly, however, the young people, who dashed at +full speed past and below them. Coursing on such a mountain is not +like the same sport over a set of fine English pastures. There were +gulfs to be avoided and bogs enough to be threaded—many a stiff nag +stuck fast—many a bold rider measured his length among the +peat-hags—and another stranger to the ground besides Davy plunged +neck-deep into a treacherous well-head, which, till they were +floundering in it, had borne all the appearance of a piece of delicate +green turf. When Sir Humphry emerged from his involuntary bath, his +habiliments garnished with mud, slime, and mangled water-cresses, Sir +Walter received him with a triumphant <i>encore!</i> But the philosopher +had his revenge, for joining soon afterwards in a brisk gallop, Scott +put Sibyl Grey to a leap beyond her prowess, and <span class="pagenum"><a id="page182" name="page182"></a>(p. 182)</span> lay humbled +in the ditch, while Davy, who was better mounted, cleared it and him +at a bound. Happily there was little damage done—but no one was sorry +that the sociable had been detained at the foot of the hill.</p> + +<p>I have seen Sir Humphry in many places, and in company of many +different descriptions; but never to such advantage as at Abbotsford. +His host and he delighted in each other, and the modesty of their +mutual admiration was a memorable spectacle. Davy was by nature a +poet—and Scott, though anything but a philosopher in the modern sense +of that term, might, I think it very likely, have pursued the study of +physical science with zeal and success, had he happened to fall in +with such an instructor as Sir Humphry would have been to him, in his +early life. Each strove to make the other talk—and they did so in +turn more charmingly than I ever heard either on any other occasion +whatsoever. Scott in his romantic narratives touched a deeper chord of +feeling than usual, when he had such a listener as Davy; and Davy, +when induced to open his views upon any question of scientific +interest in Scott's presence, did so with a degree of clear energetic +eloquence, and with a flow of imagery and illustration, of which +neither his habitual tone of table-talk (least of all in London), nor +any of his prose writings (except, indeed, the posthumous Consolations +of Travel) could suggest an adequate notion. I say his prose +writings—for who that has read his sublime quatrains on the doctrine +of Spinoza can doubt that he might have united, if he had pleased, in +some great didactic poem, the vigorous ratiocination of Dryden and the +moral majesty of Wordsworth? I remember William Laidlaw whispering to +me, one night, when their "rapt talk" had kept the circle round the +fire until long after the usual bedtime of Abbotsford: "Gude preserve +us! this is a very superior occasion! Eh, sirs!" he added, cocking his +eye like a bird, "I wonder if Shakespeare and Bacon ever met to screw +ilk other up?"</p> + +<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="page183" name="page183"></a>(p. 183)</span> Since I have touched on the subject of Sir Walter's autumnal +diversions in these his later years, I may as well notice here two +annual festivals, when sport was made his pretext for assembling his +rural neighbors about him—days eagerly anticipated, and fondly +remembered by many. One was a solemn bout of salmon-fishing for the +neighboring gentry and their families, instituted originally, I +believe, by Lord Somerville, but now, in his absence, conducted and +presided over by the Sheriff. Charles Purdie, already mentioned, had +charge (partly as lessee) of the salmon-fisheries for three or four +miles of the Tweed, including all the water attached to the lands of +Abbotsford, Gala, and Allwyn; and this festival had been established +with a view, besides other considerations, of recompensing him for the +attention he always bestowed on any of the lairds or their visitors +that chose to fish, either from the banks or the boat, within his +jurisdiction. His selection of the day, and other precautions, +generally secured an abundance of sport for the great anniversary; and +then the whole party assembled to regale on the newly caught prey, +boiled, grilled, and roasted in every variety of preparation, beneath +a grand old ash, adjoining Charlie's cottage at Boldside, on the +northern margin of the Tweed, about a mile above Abbotsford. This +banquet took place earlier in the day or later, according to +circumstances; but it often lasted till the harvest moon shone on the +lovely scene and its revellers. These formed groups that would have +done no discredit to Watteau—and a still better hand has painted the +background in the Introduction to The Monastery: "On the opposite bank +of the Tweed might be seen the remains of ancient enclosures, +surrounded by sycamores and ash-trees of considerable size. These had +once formed the crofts or arable ground of a village, now reduced to a +single hut, the abode of a fisherman, who also manages a ferry. The +cottages, even the church which once existed there, have sunk into +vestiges hardly <span class="pagenum"><a id="page184" name="page184"></a>(p. 184)</span> to be traced without visiting the spot, the +inhabitants having gradually withdrawn to the more prosperous town of +Galashiels, which has risen into consideration within two miles of +their neighborhood. Superstitious eld, however, has tenanted the +deserted grove with aërial beings, to supply the want of the mortal +tenants who have deserted it. The ruined and abandoned churchyard of +Boldside has been long believed to be haunted by the Fairies, and the +deep broad current of the Tweed, wheeling in moonlight round the foot +of the steep bank, with the number of trees originally planted for +shelter round the fields of the cottagers, but now presenting the +effect of scattered and detached groves, fill up the idea which one +would form in imagination for a scene that Oberon and Queen Mab might +love to revel in. There are evenings when the spectator might believe, +with Father Chaucer, that the</p> + +<p class="poem10"> + ——'Queen of Faëry,<br> + With harp, and pipe, and symphony,<br> + Were dwelling in the place.'"</p> + +<p>Sometimes the evening closed with a "burning of the water;" and then +the Sheriff, though now not so agile as when he practised that rough +sport in the early times of Ashestiel, was sure to be one of the party +in the boat,—held a torch, or perhaps took the helm,—and seemed to +enjoy the whole thing as heartily as the youngest of his company,—</p> + +<p class="poem10"> +<span class="min33em">"</span>'T is blithe along the midnight tide,<br> + With stalwart arm the boat to guide—<br> + On high the dazzling blaze to rear,<br> + And heedful plunge the barbed spear;<br> + Rock, wood, and scaur, emerging bright,<br> + Fling on the stream their ruddy light,<br> + And from the bank our band appears<br> + Like Genii armed with fiery spears."<a id="footnotetag101" name="footnotetag101"></a><a href="#footnote101" title="Go to footnote 101"><span class="smaller">[101]</span></a></p> + +<p>The other "superior occasion" came later in the season; the 28th of +October, the birthday of Sir Walter's <span class="pagenum"><a id="page185" name="page185"></a>(p. 185)</span> eldest son, was, I +think, that usually selected for <i>the Abbotsford Hunt</i>. This was a +coursing-field on a large scale, including, with as many of the young +gentry as pleased to attend, all Scott's personal favorites among the +yeomen and farmers of the surrounding country. The Sheriff always took +the field, but latterly devolved the command upon his good friend Mr. +John Usher, the ex-laird of Toftfield; and he could not have had a +more skilful or a better-humored lieutenant. The hunt took place +either on the moors above the Cauldshiels Loch, or over some of the +hills on the estate of Gala, and we had commonly, ere we returned, +hares enough to supply the wife of every farmer that attended, with +soup for a week following. The whole then dined at Abbotsford, the +Sheriff in the chair, Adam Ferguson croupier, and Dominie Thomson, of +course, chaplain. George, by the way, was himself an eager partaker in +the preliminary sport; and now he would favor us with a grace, in +Burns's phrase, "as long as my arm," beginning with thanks to the +Almighty, who had given man dominion over the fowls of the air, and +the beasts of the field, and expatiating on this text with so luculent +a commentary, that Scott, who had been fumbling with his spoon long +before he reached his Amen, could not help exclaiming as he sat down, +"Well done, Mr. George! I think we've had everything but the view +holla!" The company, whose onset had been thus deferred, were seldom, +I think, under thirty in number, and sometimes they exceeded forty. +The feast was such as suited the occasion—a baron of beef, roasted, +at the foot of the table, a salted round at the head, while tureens of +hare-soup, hotchpotch, and cocky-leeky, extended down the centre, and +such light articles as geese, turkeys, entire sucking-pigs, a singed +sheep's head, and the unfailing haggis, were set forth by way of side +dishes. Blackcock and moorfowl, bushels of snipe, <i>black puddings</i>, +<i>white puddings</i>, and pyramids of pancakes, formed the second course. +Ale <span class="pagenum"><a id="page186" name="page186"></a>(p. 186)</span> was the favorite beverage during dinner, but there was +plenty of port and sherry for those whose stomachs they suited. The +quaighs of Glenlivet were filled brimful, and tossed off as if they +held water. The wine decanters made a few rounds of the table, but the +hints for hot punch and toddy soon became clamorous. Two or three +bowls were introduced, and placed under the supervision of experienced +manufacturers,—one of these being usually the Ettrick Shepherd,—and +then the business of the evening commenced in good earnest. The faces +shone and glowed like those at Camacho's wedding: the chairman told +his richest stories of old rural life, Lowland or Highland; Ferguson +and humbler heroes fought their peninsular battles o'er again; the +stalwart Dandie Dinmonts lugged out their last winter's snowstorm, the +parish scandal, perhaps, or the dexterous bargain of the +Northumberland <i>tryste</i>; and every man was knocked down for the song +that he sung best, or took most pleasure in singing. +Sheriff-Substitute Shortreed (a cheerful, hearty, little man, with a +sparkling eye and a most infectious laugh) gave us Dick o' the Cow, or +Now Liddesdale has ridden a Raid; his son Thomas (Sir Walter's +assiduous disciple and assistant in Border Heraldry and Genealogy) +shone without a rival in The Douglas Tragedy and The Twa Corbies; a +weather-beaten, stiff-bearded veteran, <i>Captain</i> Ormistoun, as he was +called (though I doubt if his rank was recognized at the +Horse-Guards), had the primitive pastoral of Cowdenknowes in sweet +perfection; Hogg produced The Women Folk, or The Kye comes Hame; and, +in spite of many grinding notes, contrived to make everybody +delighted, whether with the fun or the pathos of his ballad; the +Melrose doctor sang in spirited style some of Moore's masterpieces; a +couple of retired sailors joined in Bould Admiral Duncan upon the High +Sea;—and the gallant croupier crowned the last bowl with Ale, good +Ale, thou art my Darling! Imagine some smart Parisian <i>savant</i>—some +<span class="pagenum"><a id="page187" name="page187"></a>(p. 187)</span> dreamy pedant of Halle or Heidelberg—a brace of stray young +Lords from Oxford or Cambridge, or perhaps their prim college tutors, +planted here and there amidst these rustic wassailers—this being +their first vision of the author of Marmion and Ivanhoe, and he +appearing as heartily at home in the scene as if he had been a +veritable <i>Dandie</i> himself—his face radiant, his laugh gay as +childhood, his chorus always ready. And so it proceeded until some +worthy, who had fifteen or twenty miles to ride home, began to +insinuate that his wife and bairns would be getting sorely anxious +about the fords, and the Dumples and Hoddins were at last heard +neighing at the gate, and it was voted that the hour had come for +<i>doch an dorrach</i>—the stirrup-cup—to wit, a bumper all round of the +unmitigated <i>mountain dew</i>. How they all contrived to get home in +safety, Heaven only knows—but I never heard of any serious accident +except upon one occasion, when James Hogg made a bet at starting that +he would leap over his wall-eyed pony as she stood, and broke his nose +in this experiment of "o'ervaulting ambition." One comely goodwife, +far off among the hills, amused Sir Walter by telling him, the next +time he passed her homestead after one of these jolly doings, what her +husband's first words were when he alighted at his own door: "Ailie, +my woman, I'm ready for my bed, and oh lass (he gallantly added), I +wish I could sleep for a towmont, for there's only ae thing in this +warld worth living for, and that's the Abbotsford Hunt!"</p> + +<p>It may well be supposed that the President of the Boldside Festival +and the Abbotsford Hunt did not omit the good old custom of <i>the +Kirn</i>. Every November, before quitting the country for Edinburgh, he +gave a <i>harvest-home</i>, on the most approved model of former days, to +all the peasantry on his estate, their friends and kindred, and as +many poor neighbors besides as his barn could hold. Here old and +young danced from sunset to <span class="pagenum"><a id="page188" name="page188"></a>(p. 188)</span> sunrise,—John of Skye's bagpipe +being relieved at intervals by the violin of some Wandering +Willie;—and the laird and all his family were present during the +early part of the evening—he and his wife to distribute the contents +of the first tub of whiskey-punch, and his young people to take their +due share in the endless reels and hornpipes of the earthen floor. As +Mr. Morritt has said of him as he appeared at Laird Nippy's kirn of +earlier days, "To witness the cordiality of his reception might have +unbent a misanthrope." He had his private joke for every old wife or +"gausie carle," his arch compliment for the ear of every bonny lass, +and his hand and his blessing for the head of every little <i>Eppie +Daidle</i> from Abbotstown or Broomielees.</p> + +<p>"The notable paradox," he says in one of the most charming of his +essays, "that the residence of a proprietor upon his estate is of as +little consequence as the bodily presence of a stockholder upon +Exchange, has, we believe, been renounced. At least, as in the case of +the Duchess of Suffolk's relationship to her own child, the vulgar +continue to be of opinion that there is some difference in favor of +the next hamlet and village, and even of the vicinage in general, when +the squire spends his rents at the manor-house, instead of cutting a +figure in France or Italy. A celebrated politician used to say he +would willingly bring in one bill to make poaching felony, another to +encourage the breed of foxes, and a third to revive the decayed +amusements of cock-fighting and bullbaiting—that he would make, in +short, any sacrifice to the humors and prejudices of the country +gentlemen, in their most extravagant form, provided only he could +prevail upon them to 'dwell in their own houses, be the patrons of +their own tenantry, and the fathers of their own children.'"<a id="footnotetag102" name="footnotetag102"></a><a href="#footnote102" title="Go to footnote 102"><span class="smaller">[102]</span></a></p> + +<h2><span class="pagenum"><a id="page189" name="page189"></a>(p. 189)</span> CHAPTER L</h2> + +<p class="resume">PUBLICATION OF THE ABBOT. — THE BLAIR-ADAM CLUB. — KELSO, WALTON + HALL, ETC. — BALLANTYNE'S NOVELISTS' LIBRARY. — ACQUITTAL OF QUEEN + CAROLINE. — SERVICE OF THE DUKE OF BUCCLEUCH. — SCOTT ELECTED + PRESIDENT OF THE ROYAL SOCIETY OF EDINBURGH. — THE CELTIC + SOCIETY. — LETTERS TO LORD MONTAGU, CORNET SCOTT, CHARLES SCOTT, + ALLAN CUNNINGHAM, ETC. — KENILWORTH PUBLISHED.</p> + +<p class="chapdate">1820-1821</p> + +<p>In the September of 1820, Longman, in conjunction with Constable, +published The Abbot—the continuation, to a certain extent, of The +Monastery, of which I barely mentioned the appearance under the +preceding March. I had nothing of any consequence to add to the +information which the subsequent Introduction affords us respecting +the composition and fate of the former of these novels. It was +considered as a failure—the first of the series on which any such +sentence was pronounced;—nor have I much to allege in favor of the +White Lady of Avenel, generally criticised as the primary blot—or of +Sir Piercie Shafton, who was loudly, though not quite so generally, +condemned. In either case, considered separately, he seems to have +erred from dwelling (in the German taste) on materials that might have +done very well for a rapid sketch. The phantom, with whom we have +leisure to become familiar, is sure to fail—even the witch of Endor +is contented with a momentary appearance and five syllables of the +shade she evokes. And we may say the same of any grotesque absurdity +in <span class="pagenum"><a id="page190" name="page190"></a>(p. 190)</span> human manners. Scott might have considered with advantage +how lightly and briefly Shakespeare introduces <i>his</i> Euphuism—though +actually the prevalent humor of the hour when he was writing. But +perhaps these errors might have attracted little notice had the +novelist been successful in finding some reconciling medium capable of +giving consistence and harmony to his naturally incongruous materials. +"These," said one of his ablest critics, "are joined—but they refuse +to blend. Nothing can be more poetical in conception, and sometimes in +language, than the fiction of the White Maid of Avenel; but when this +ethereal personage, who rides on the cloud which 'for Araby is +bound'—who is</p> + +<p class="poem10"> +<span class="min33em">'</span>Something between heaven and hell,<br> + Something that neither stood nor fell,'</p> + +<p class="noindent">whose existence is linked by an awful and mysterious destiny to the +fortunes of a decaying family; when such a being as this descends to +clownish pranks, and promotes a frivolous jest about a tailor's +bodkin, the course of our sympathies is rudely arrested, and we feel +as if the author had put upon us the old-fashioned pleasantry of +selling a bargain."<a id="footnotetag103" name="footnotetag103"></a><a href="#footnote103" title="Go to footnote 103"><span class="smaller">[103]</span></a></p> + +<p>The beautiful natural scenery, and the sterling Scotch characters and +manners introduced in The Monastery are, however, sufficient to redeem +even these mistakes; and, indeed, I am inclined to believe that it +will ultimately occupy a securer place than some romances enjoying +hitherto a far higher reputation, in which he makes no use of Scottish +materials.</p> + +<p>Sir Walter himself thought well of The Abbot when he had finished it. +When he sent me a complete copy I found on a slip of paper at the +beginning of volume first, these two lines from Tom Crib's Memorial to +Congress:—</p> + +<p class="poem10"> +<span class="min33em">"</span>Up he rose in a funk, lapped a toothful of brandy,<br> + And <i>to it</i> again!—any odds upon Sandy!"—</p> + +<p class="noindent"><span class="pagenum"><a id="page191" name="page191"></a>(p. 191)</span> and whatever ground he had been supposed to lose in The +Monastery, part at least of it was regained by this tale, and +especially by its most graceful and pathetic portraiture of Mary +Stuart. "The Castle of Lochleven," says the Chief-Commissioner Adam, +"is seen at every turn from the northern side of Blair-Adam. This +castle, renowned and attractive above all the others in my +neighborhood, became an object of much increased attention, and a +theme of constant conversation, after the author of Waverley had, by +his inimitable power of delineating character—by his creative poetic +fancy in representing scenes of varied interest—and by the splendor +of his romantic descriptions, infused a more diversified and a deeper +tone of feeling into the history of Queen Mary's captivity and +escape."</p> + +<p>I have introduced this quotation from a little book privately printed +for the amiable Judge's own family and familiar friends, because Sir +Walter owned to myself at the time, that the idea of The Abbot had +arisen in his mind during a visit to Blair-Adam. In the pages of the +tale itself, indeed, the beautiful localities of that estate are +distinctly mentioned, with an allusion to the virtues and manners that +adorn its mansion, such as must have been intended to satisfy the +possessor (if he could have had any doubts on the subject) as to the +authorship of those novels.</p> + +<p>The Right Honorable William Adam (who must pardon my mentioning him +here as the only man I ever knew that rivalled Sir Walter Scott in +uniform graciousness of <i>bonhomie</i> and gentleness of humor)<a id="footnotetag104" name="footnotetag104"></a><a href="#footnote104" title="Go to footnote 104"><span class="smaller">[104]</span></a> was +appointed, in 1815, to the Presidency of the Court for Jury Trial in +Civil Cases, then instituted in Scotland, and he thenceforth spent a +great part of his time at his paternal seat in Kinross-shire. Here, +about midsummer, 1816, he received a visit from his near relation +William Clerk, Adam Ferguson, his hereditary friend and especial +favorite, and <span class="pagenum"><a id="page192" name="page192"></a>(p. 192)</span> their lifelong intimate, Scott. They remained +with him for two or three days, in the course of which they were all +so much delighted with their host, and he with them, that it was +resolved to reassemble the party, with a few additions, at the same +season of every following year. This was the origin of the Blair-Adam +Club, the regular members of which were in number nine; namely, the +four already named—the Chief-Commissioner's son, Admiral Sir Charles +Adam—his son-in-law, the late Mr. Anstruther Thomson of Charleton, in +Fifeshire—Mr. Thomas Thomson, the Deputy-Register of Scotland—his +brother, the Rev. John Thomson, minister of Duddingston, who, though a +most diligent and affectionate parish priest, has found leisure to +make himself one of the first masters of the British School of +Landscape Painting—and the Right Hon. Sir Samuel Shepherd, who, after +filling with high distinction the office of Attorney-General in +England, became Chief Baron of the Court of Exchequer in Scotland, +shortly after the third anniversary of this brotherhood, into which he +was immediately welcomed with unanimous cordiality. They usually +contrived to meet on a Friday; spent the Saturday in a ride to some +scene of historical interest within an easy distance; enjoyed a quiet +Sunday at home—"duly attending divine worship at the Kirk of Cleish +(not Cleishbotham)"—gave Monday morning to another antiquarian +excursion, and returned to Edinburgh in time for the Courts of +Tuesday. From 1816 to 1831 inclusive, Sir Walter was a constant +attendant at these meetings. He visited in this way Castle Campbell, +Magus Moor, Falkland, Dunfermline, St. Andrews, and many other scenes +of ancient celebrity: to one of those trips we must ascribe his +dramatic sketch of Macduff's Cross—and to that of the dog-days of +1819, we owe the weightier obligation of The Abbot.</p> + +<p>I expect an easy forgiveness for introducing from the <i>liber +rarissimus</i> of Blair-Adam the page that belongs <span class="pagenum"><a id="page193" name="page193"></a>(p. 193)</span> to that +particular meeting—which, though less numerous than usual, is +recorded as having been "most pleasing and delightful." "There were," +writes the President, "only five of us; the Chief Baron, Sir Walter, +Mr. Clerk, Charles Adam, and myself. The weather was sultry, almost +beyond bearing. We did not stir beyond the bounds of the +pleasure-ground, indeed not far from the vicinity of the house; +wandering from one shady place to another, lolling upon the grass, or +sitting upon prostrate trees not yet carried away by the purchaser. +Our conversation was constant, though tranquil; and what might be +expected from Mr. Clerk, who is a superior converser, and whose mind +is stored with knowledge; and from Sir Walter Scott, who has let the +public know what his powers are. Our talk was of all sorts (except of +<i>beeves</i>). Besides a display of their historic knowledge, at once +extensive and correct, they touched frequently on the pleasing +reminiscences of their early days. Shepherd and I could not go back to +those periods; but we could trace our own intimacy and constant +friendship for more than forty years back, when in 1783 we began our +professional pursuits on the Circuit. So that if Scott could describe, +with inconceivable humor, their doings at Mr. Murray's of Simprim, +when emerging from boyhood; when he, and Murray, and Clerk, and Adam +Ferguson, acted plays in the schoolroom (Simprim making the dominie +bear his part)—when Ferguson was prompter, orchestra, and +audience—and as Scott said, representing the whole pit, kicked up an +'O. P.' row by anticipation; and many other such +recollections—Shepherd and I could tell of our Circuit fooleries, as +old Fielding (the son of the great novelist) called them—of the +Circuit songs which Will Fielding made and sung,—and of the grave Sir +William Grant (then a briefless barrister), ycleped by Fielding the +Chevalier Grant, bearing his part in those fooleries, enjoying all our +pranks with great zest, and who talked of them with <span class="pagenum"><a id="page194" name="page194"></a>(p. 194)</span> delight +to his dying day. When the conversation took a graver tone, and turned +upon literary subjects, the Chief-Baron took a great share in it; for +notwithstanding his infirmity of deafness, he is a most pleasing and +agreeable converser, and readily picks up what is passing; and having +a classical mind and classical information, gives a pleasing, +gentlemanly, and well-informed tone to general conversation.—Before I +bring these recollections of our social and cheerful doings to a +close, let me observe, that there was a characteristic feature +attending them, which it would be injustice to the individuals who +composed our parties not to mention. The whole set of us were addicted +to take a full share of conversation, and to discuss every subject +that occurred with sufficient keenness. The topics were multifarious, +and the opinions of course various; but during the whole time of our +intercourse, for so many years, four days at a time, and always +together, except when we were asleep, there never was the least +tendency, on any occasion, to any unruly debate, nor to anything that +deviated from the pure delight of social intercourse."</p> + +<p>The Chief-Commissioner adds the following particulars in his +appendix:—</p> + +<div class="quote"> + <p>"Our return from Blair-Adam (after the first meeting of the Club) + was very early on a Tuesday morning, that we might reach the + Courts by nine o'clock. An occurrence took place near the Hawes' + Inn, which left little doubt upon my mind that Sir Walter Scott + was the author of Waverley, of Guy Mannering, and of The + Antiquary, his only novels then published. The morning was + prodigiously fine, and the sea as smooth as glass. Sir Walter and + I were standing on the beach, enjoying the prospect; the other + gentlemen were not come from the boat. The porpoises were rising + in great numbers, when Sir Walter said to me, 'Look at them, how + they are showing themselves; what fine fellows they are! I have + the greatest respect for them: I would as soon kill a man as a + phoca.' I could not conceive that the same idea could occur to + two men respecting this animal, and set down that it could + <span class="pagenum"><a id="page195" name="page195"></a>(p. 195)</span> only be Sir Walter Scott who made the phoca have the + better of the battle with the Antiquary's nephew, Captain + M'Intyre.<a id="footnotetag105" name="footnotetag105"></a><a href="#footnote105" title="Go to footnote 105"><span class="smaller">[105]</span></a></p> + + <p>"Soon after, another occurrence quite confirmed me as to the + authorship of the novels. On that visit to Blair-Adam, in course + of conversation, I mentioned an anecdote about Wilkie, the author + of The Epigoniad, who was but a formal poet, but whose + conversation was most amusing, and full of fancy. Having heard + much of him in my family, where he had been very intimate, I + went, when quite a lad, to St. Andrews, where he was a Professor, + for the purpose of visiting him. I had scarcely let him know who + I was, when he said, 'Mr. William, were you ever in this place + before?' I said, no. 'Then, sir, you must go and look at Regulus' + Tower,—no doubt you will have something of an eye of an + architect about you;—walk up to it at an angle, advance and + recede until you get to see it at its proper distance, and come + back and tell me whether you ever saw anything so beautiful in + building: till I saw that tower and studied it, I thought the + beauty of architecture had consisted in curly-wurlies, but now I + find it consists in symmetry and proportion.' In the following + winter Rob Roy was published, and there I read that the Cathedral + of Glasgow was 'a respectable Gothic structure, without any + <i>curly-wurlies</i>.'</p> + + <p>"But what confirmed, and was certainly meant to disclose to me + the author (and that in a very elegant manner), was the mention + of the Kiery Craigs—a picturesque piece of scenery in the + grounds of Blair-Adam—as being in the vicinity of Kelty Bridge, + the <i>howf</i> of Auchtermuchty, the Kinross carrier.—It was only an + intimate friend of the family, in the habit of coming to + Blair-Adam, who could know anything of the Kiery Craigs or its + name; and both the scenery and the name had attractions for Sir + Walter.</p> + + <p>"At our first meeting after the publication of The Abbot, when + the party was assembled on the top of the rock, the Chief-Baron + Shepherd, looking Sir Walter full in the face, and stamping his + staff on the ground, said, 'Now, Sir Walter, I think we be upon + the top of the Kiery <i>Craggs</i>.' Sir Walter preserved profound + silence; but there was a conscious looking down, and a + considerable elongation of his upper lip."</p> +</div> + +<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="page196" name="page196"></a>(p. 196)</span> Since I have obtained permission to quote from this private +volume, I may as well mention that I was partly moved to ask that +favor, by the author's own confession that his "Blair-Adam, from 1733 +to 1834," originated in a suggestion of Scott's. "It was," says the +Judge, "on a fine Sunday, lying on the grassy summit of Bennarty, +above its craggy brow, that Sir Walter said, looking first at the flat +expanse of Kinross-shire (on the south side of the Ochils), and then +at the space which Blair-Adam fills between the hill of Drumglow (the +highest of the Cleish hills) and the valley of Lochore, 'What an +extraordinary thing it is, that here to the north so little appears to +have been done, when there are so many proprietors to work upon it; +and to the south, here is a district of country entirely made by the +efforts of one family, in three generations, and one of them amongst +us in the full enjoyment of what has been done by his two predecessors +and himself. Blair-Adam, as I have always heard, had a wild, uncomely, +and unhospitable appearance, before its improvements were begun. It +would be most curious to record in writing its original state, and +trace its gradual progress to its present condition.'" Upon this +suggestion, enforced by the approbation of the other members present, +the President of the Blair-Adam Club commenced arranging the materials +for what constitutes a most instructive as well as entertaining +history of the agricultural and arboricultural progress of his +domains, in the course of a hundred years, under his grandfather, his +father (the celebrated architect), and himself. And Sir Walter had +only suggested to his friend of Kinross-shire what he was resolved to +put into practice with regard to his own improvements on Tweedside; +for he begun at precisely the same period to keep a regular Journal of +all his rural transactions, under the title of Sylva Abbotsfordiensis.</p> + +<p>For reasons, as we have seen, connected with the affairs of the +Ballantynes, Messrs. Longman published <span class="pagenum"><a id="page197" name="page197"></a>(p. 197)</span> the first edition of +The Monastery; and similar circumstances induced Sir Walter to +associate this house with that of Constable in the succeeding novel. +Constable disliked its title, and would fain have had The Nunnery +instead: but Scott stuck to his Abbot. The bookseller grumbled a +little, but was soothed by the author's reception of his request that +Queen Elizabeth might be brought into the field in his next romance, +as a companion to the Mary Stuart of The Abbot.<a id="footnotetag106" name="footnotetag106"></a><a href="#footnote106" title="Go to footnote 106"><span class="smaller">[106]</span></a> Scott would not +indeed indulge him with the choice of the particular period of +Elizabeth's reign, indicated in the proposed title of The Armada; but +expressed his willingness to take up his own old favorite, the legend +of Meikle's ballad. He wished to call the novel, like the ballad, +Cumnor-Hall, but in further deference to Constable's wishes, +substituted Kenilworth. John Ballantyne objected to this title, and +told Constable the result would be "something worthy of the kennel;" +but Constable had all reason to be satisfied with the child of his +christening. His partner, Mr. Cadell, says: "His vanity boiled over so +much at this time, on having his suggestion gone into, that when in +his high moods, he used to stalk up and down his room, and exclaim, +'By G—, I am all but the author of the Waverley Novels!'" Constable's +bibliographical knowledge, however, it is but fair to say, was really +of most essential service to Scott upon many of these occasions; and +his letter (now before me) proposing the subject of The Armada, +furnished the Novelist with such a catalogue of materials for the +illustration of the period as may, probably enough, have called forth +some very energetic expression of thankfulness.</p> + +<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="page198" name="page198"></a>(p. 198)</span> Scott's kindness secured for John Ballantyne the usual +interest in the profits of Kenilworth, the last of his great works in +which this friend was to have any concern. I have already mentioned +the obvious drooping of his health and strength; and a document, to be +introduced presently, will show that John himself had occasional +glimpses, at least, of his danger, before the close of 1819. +Nevertheless, his spirits continued, at the time of which I am now +treating, to be in general as high as ever;—nay, it was now, after +his maladies had taken a very serious shape, and it was hardly +possible to look on him without anticipating a speedy termination of +his career, that the gay hopeful spirit of the shattered and trembling +invalid led him to plunge into a new stream of costly indulgence. It +was an amiable point in his character that he had always retained a +tender fondness for his native place. He had now taken up the ambition +of rivalling his illustrious friend, in some sort, by providing +himself with a summer retirement amidst the scenery of his boyhood; +and it need not be doubted, at the same time, that in erecting a villa +at Kelso, he anticipated and calculated on substantial advantages from +its vicinity to Abbotsford.</p> + +<p>One fine day of this autumn I accompanied Sir Walter to inspect the +progress of this edifice, which was to have the title of Walton Hall. +John had purchased two or three old houses of two stories in height, +with notched gables and thatched roofs, near the end of the long +original street of Kelso, and not far from the gateway of the Duke of +Roxburghe's magnificent park, with their small gardens and paddocks +running down to the margin of the Tweed. He had already fitted up +convenient bachelor's lodgings in one of the primitive tenements, and +converted the others into a goodly range of stabling, and was now +watching the completion of his new <i>corps de logis</i> behind, which +included a handsome entrance-hall, or saloon, destined to have old +Piscator's bust, on a <span class="pagenum"><a id="page199" name="page199"></a>(p. 199)</span> stand, in the centre, and to be +embellished all round with emblems of his sport. Behind this were +spacious rooms overlooking the little <i>pleasance</i>, which was to be +laid out somewhat in the Italian style, with ornamental steps, a +fountain and <i>jet d'eau</i>, and a broad terrace hanging over the river, +and commanding an extensive view of perhaps the most beautiful +landscape in Scotland. In these new dominions John received us with +pride and hilarity; and we then walked with him over this pretty town, +lounged away an hour among the ruins of the Abbey, and closed our +perambulation with <i>the Garden</i>, where Scott had spent some of the +happiest of his early summers, and where he pointed out with sorrowful +eyes the site of the Platanus under which he first read Percy's +Reliques. Returning to John's villa, we dined gayly, <i>al fresco</i>, by +the side of his fountain; and after not a few bumpers to the +prosperity of Walton Hall, he mounted Old Mortality, and escorted us +for several miles on our ride homewards. It was this day that, +overflowing with kindly zeal, Scott revived one of the long-forgotten +projects of their early connection in business, and offered his +services as editor of a Novelists' Library, to be printed and +published for the sole benefit of his host. The offer was eagerly +embraced, and when, two or three mornings afterwards John returned Sir +Walter's visit, he had put into his hands the MS. of that admirable +life of Fielding, which was followed at brief intervals, as the +arrangements of the projected work required, by others of Smollett, +Richardson, Defoe, Sterne, Johnson, Goldsmith, Le Sage, Horace +Walpole, Cumberland, Mrs. Radcliffe, Charles Johnstone, Clara Reeve, +Charlotte Smith, and Robert Bage. The publication of the first volume +of Ballantyne's Novelists' Library did not take place, however, until +February, 1821; and the series was closed soon after the proprietor's +death in the ensuing summer. In spite of the charming prefaces, in +which Scott combines all the graces of his easy narrative with +<span class="pagenum"><a id="page200" name="page200"></a>(p. 200)</span> a perpetual stream of deep and gentle wisdom in commenting on +the tempers and fortunes of his best predecessors in novel literature, +and also with expositions of his own critical views, which prove how +profoundly he had investigated the principles and practice of those +masters before he struck out a new path for himself—in spite of these +delightful and valuable essays, the publication was not prosperous. +Constable, after Ballantyne's death, would willingly have resumed the +scheme. But Scott had by that time convinced himself that it was in +vain to expect much success for a collection so bulky and +miscellaneous, and which must of necessity include a large proportion +of matter, condemned by the purity, whether real or affected, of +modern taste. He could hardly have failed to perceive, on reflection, +that his own novels, already constituting an extensive library of +fiction, in which no purist could pretend to discover danger for the +morals of youth, had in fact superseded the works of less strait-laced +days in the only permanently and solidly profitable market for books +of this order. He at all events declined Constable's proposition for +renewing and extending this attempt. What he did, was done +gratuitously for John Ballantyne's sake; and I have dwelt on it thus +long, because, as the reader will perceive by and by, it was so done +during (with one exception) the very busiest period of Scott's +literary life.</p> + +<p>Shortly before Scott wrote the following letters, he had placed his +second son (at this time in his fifteenth year) under the care of the +Reverend John Williams, who had been my intimate friend and companion +at Oxford, with a view of preparing him for that University.<a id="footnotetag107" name="footnotetag107"></a><a href="#footnote107" title="Go to footnote 107"><span class="smaller">[107]</span></a> +<span class="pagenum"><a id="page201" name="page201"></a>(p. 201)</span> Mr. Williams was then Vicar of Lampeter, in Cardiganshire, +and the high satisfaction with which his care of Charles Scott +inspired Sir Walter, induced several other Scotch gentlemen of +distinction by and by to send their sons also to his Welsh parsonage; +the result of which northern connections was important to the fortunes +of one of the most accurate and extensive scholars and most skilful +teachers of the present time.</p> + +<div class="letter"> +<p class="titleletter">TO WALTER SCOTT, ESQ., 18TH HUSSARS, CORK.</p> + +<p class="date"><span class="smcap">Edinburgh</span>, 14th November, 1820.</p> + + <p><span class="smcap">My dear Walter</span>,—I send you a cheque on Coutts for your quarter's + allowance. I hope you manage your cash like a person of + discretion—above all, avoid the card-tables of ancient dowagers. + Always remember that my fortune, however much my efforts may + increase it, and although I am improving it for your benefit, not + for any that can accrue in my own time,—yet never can be more + than a decent independence, and therefore will make a poor figure + unless managed with good sense, moderation, and prudence—which + are habits easily acquired in youth, while habitual extravagance + is a fault very difficult to be afterwards corrected.</p> + + <p>We came to town yesterday, and bade adieu to Abbotsford for the + season. Fife,<a id="footnotetag108" name="footnotetag108"></a><a href="#footnote108" title="Go to footnote 108"><span class="smaller">[108]</span></a> to mamma's great surprise and scandal, chose + to stay at Abbotsford with Mai, and plainly denied to follow the + carriage—so our canine establishment in Castle Street is reduced + to little Ury.<a id="footnotetag109" name="footnotetag109"></a><a href="#footnote109" title="Go to footnote 109"><span class="smaller">[109]</span></a> We spent two days at Arniston, on the + road,—and on coming here, found Sophia as nicely and orderly + settled in her house as if she had been a married woman these + five years. I believe she is very happy—perhaps unusually so, + for her wishes are moderate, and all seem anxious to please her. + She is preparing in due time for <span class="pagenum"><a id="page202" name="page202"></a>(p. 202)</span> the arrival of a + little stranger, who will make you an uncle, and me (God help + me!) a grandpapa.</p> + + <p>The Round Towers you mention are very curious, and seem to have + been built, as the Irish hackney-coachman said of the Martello + one at the Black Rock, "to puzzle posterity." There are two of + them in Scotland—both excellent pieces of architecture; one at + Brechin, built quite close to the old church, so as to appear + united with it, but in fact it is quite detached from the church, + and sways from it in a high wind, when it vibrates like a + lighthouse. The other is at Abernethy in Perthshire—said to have + been the capital city of the Picts. I am glad to see you observe + objects of interest and curiosity, because otherwise a man may + travel over the universe without acquiring any more knowledge + than his horse does.</p> + + <p>We had our hunt, and our jollification after it, on last + Wednesday. It went off in great style, although I felt a little + sorry at having neither Charles nor you in the field. By the way, + Charles seems most admirably settled. I had a most sensible + letter on the subject from Mr. Williams, who appears to have + taken great pains, and to have formed a very just conception both + of his merits and foibles. When I have an opportunity, I will + hand you his letter; for it will entertain you, it is so correct + a picture of Monsieur Charles.</p> + + <p>Dominie Thomson has gone to a Mrs. Dennistoun, of Colgrain, to + drill her youngsters. I am afraid he will find a change; but I + hope to have a nook open to him by and by—as a sort of retreat + or harbor on his lee. Adieu, my dear—always believe me your + affectionate father,</p> + +<p class="author">Walter Scott.</p> +</div> + +<div class="letter"> +<p class="titleletter">TO MR. CHARLES SCOTT.</p> + +<p class="center smaller"><i>Care of the Rev. John Williams, Lampeter.</i></p> + +<p class="date"><span class="smcap">Edinburgh</span>, 14th November, 1820.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">My dear Boy Charles</span>,—Your letters made us all very happy, and I + trust you are now comfortably settled <span class="pagenum"><a id="page203" name="page203"></a>(p. 203)</span> and plying your + task hard. Mr. Williams will probably ground you more perfectly + in the grammar of the classical languages than has hitherto been + done, and this you will at first find but dry work. But there are + many indispensable reasons why you must bestow the utmost + attention upon it. A perfect knowledge of the classical languages + has been fixed upon, and not without good reason, as the mark of + a well-educated young man; and though people may have scrambled + into distinction without it, it is always with the greatest + difficulty, just like climbing over a wall, instead of giving + your ticket at the door. Perhaps you may think another proof of a + youth's talents might have been adopted; but what good will arise + from your thinking so, if the general practice of society has + fixed on this particular branch of knowledge as the criterion? + Wheat or barley were as good grain, I suppose, as <i>sesamum</i>; but + it was only to <i>sesamum</i> that the talisman gave way, and the rock + opened; and it is equally certain that, if you are not a + well-founded grammatical scholar in Greek and Latin, you will in + vain present other qualifications to distinction. Besides, the + study of grammar, from its very asperities, is calculated to + teach youth that patient labor which is necessary to the useful + exertion of the understanding upon every other branch of + knowledge; and your great deficiency is want of steadiness and of + resolute application to the dry as well as the interesting parts + of your learning. But exerting yourself, as I have no doubt you + will do, under the direction of so learned a man and so excellent + a teacher as Mr. Williams, and being without the temptations to + idleness which occurred at home, I have every reason to believe + that to your natural quickness you will presently add such a + <i>habit</i> of application and steadiness, as will make you a + respected member of society, perhaps a distinguished one. It is + very probable that the whole success of your future life may + depend on the manner in which you employ <i>the next two years</i>; + and I am therefore <span class="pagenum"><a id="page204" name="page204"></a>(p. 204)</span> most anxious you should fully avail + yourself of the opportunities now afforded you.</p> + + <p>You must not be too much disconcerted with the apparent dryness + of your immediate studies. Language is the great mark by which + man is distinguished from the beasts, and a strict acquaintance + with the manner in which it is composed becomes, as you follow it + a little way, one of the most curious and interesting exercises + of the intellect.</p> + + <p>We had our grand hunt on Wednesday last, a fine day, and plenty + of sport. We hunted all over Huntly wood, and so on to Halidon + and Prieston—saw twelve hares, and killed six, having very hard + runs, and tiring three packs of grews completely. In absence of + Walter and you, Stenhouse the horse-couper led the field, and + rode as if he had been a piece of his horse, sweltering like a + wild-drake all through Marriage-Moss, at a motion betwixt + swimming and riding. One unlucky accident befell;—Queen Mab, who + was bestrode by Captain Adam, lifted up her heels against Mr. + Craig of Galashiels,<a id="footnotetag110" name="footnotetag110"></a><a href="#footnote110" title="Go to footnote 110"><span class="smaller">[110]</span></a> whose leg she greeted with a thump like + a pistol-shot, while by the same movement she very nearly sent + the noble Captain over her ears. Mr. Craig was helped from horse, + but would not permit his boot to be drawn off, protesting he + would faint if he saw the bone of his leg sticking through the + stocking. Some thought he was reluctant to exhibit his legs in + their primitive and unclothed simplicity, in respect they have an + unhappy resemblance to a pair of tongs. As for the Captain, he + declared that if the accident had happened <i>in action</i>, the + surgeon and drum-boys would have had off, not his <i>boot</i> only, + but his <i>leg to boot</i>, before he could have uttered a + remonstrance. At length Gala and I prevailed to have the boot + drawn, and to my great joy I found the damage was not serious, + though the pain must have been severe.</p> + + <p><span class="pagenum"><a id="page205" name="page205"></a>(p. 205)</span> On Saturday we left Abbotsford, and dined and spent + Sunday at Arniston, where we had many inquiries after you from + Robert Dundas, who was so kind to you last year.</p> + + <p>I must conclude for the present, requesting your earnest pursuit + of such branches of study as Mr. Williams recommends. In a short + time, as you begin to comprehend the subjects you are learning, + you will find the path turn smoother, and that which at present + seems wrapped up in an inextricable labyrinth of thorns and + briers, will at once become easy and attractive.—Always, dear + Charlie, your affectionate father,</p> + +<p class="author">W. S.</p> +</div> + +<p>On the same day Scott wrote as follows to the manly and amiable author +of Sir Marmaduke Maxwell, who had shortly before sent the MS. of that +romantic drama to Abbotsford for his inspection:—</p> + +<div class="letter"> +<p class="titleletter">TO MR. ALLAN CUNNINGHAM.</p> + +<p class="center smaller"><i>Care of F. Chantrey, Esq., R. A., London.</i></p> + +<p class="date"><span class="smcap">Edinburgh</span>, 14th November, 1820.</p> + + <p><span class="smcap">My dear Allan</span>,—I have been meditating a long letter to you for + many weeks past; but company, and rural business, and rural + sports, are very unfavorable to writing letters. I have now a + double reason for writing, for I have to thank you for sending me + in safety a beautiful specimen of our English Michael's talents + in the cast of my venerable friend Mr. Watt: it is a most + striking resemblance, with all that living character which we are + apt to think life itself alone can exhibit. I hope Mr. Chantrey + does not permit his distinguished skill either to remain + unexercised, or to be lavished exclusively on subjects of little + interest. I would like to see him engaged on some subject of + importance completely adapted to the purpose of his chisel, and + demanding its highest powers. Pray remember me to him most + kindly.</p> + + <p>I have perused twice your curious and interesting <span class="pagenum"><a id="page206" name="page206"></a>(p. 206)</span> + manuscript. Many parts of the poetry are eminently beautiful, + though I fear the great length of the piece, and some obscurity + of the plot, would render it unfit for dramatic representation. + There is also a fine tone of supernatural impulse spread over the + whole action, which I think a common audience would not be likely + to adopt or comprehend—though I own that to me it has a very + powerful effect. Speaking of dramatic composition in general, I + think it is almost essential (though the rule be most difficult + in practice) that the plot, or business of the piece, should + advance with every line that is spoken. The fact is, the drama is + addressed chiefly to the eyes, and as much as can be, by any + possibility, represented on the stage, should neither be told nor + described. Of the miscellaneous part of a large audience, many do + not understand, nay, many cannot hear, either narrative or + description, but are solely intent upon the action exhibited. It + is, I conceive, for this reason that very bad plays, written by + performers themselves, often contrive to get through, and not + without applause; while others, immeasurably superior in point of + poetical merit, fail, merely because the author is not + sufficiently possessed of the trick of the scene, or enough aware + of the importance of a maxim pronounced by no less a performer + than Punch himself—(at least he was the last authority from whom + I heard it),—<i>Push on, keep moving!</i><a id="footnotetag111" name="footnotetag111"></a><a href="#footnote111" title="Go to footnote 111"><span class="smaller">[111]</span></a> Now, in your very + ingenious dramatic effort, the interest not only stands still, + but sometimes retrogrades. It contains, notwithstanding, many + passages of eminent beauty,—many specimens of most interesting + dialogue; and, on the whole, if it is not fitted for the modern + stage, I am not sure that its very imperfections do not render it + more fit for the closet, for we certainly do not always read with + the greatest pleasure those plays which act best.</p> + + <p>If, however, you should at any time wish to become <span class="pagenum"><a id="page207" name="page207"></a>(p. 207)</span> a + candidate for dramatic laurels, I would advise you, in the first + place, to consult some professional person of judgment and taste. + I should regard friend Terry as an excellent Mentor, and I + believe he would concur with me in recommending that at least one + third of the drama be retrenched, that the plot should be + rendered simpler, and the motives more obvious, and I think the + powerful language and many of the situations might then have + their full effect upon the audience. I am uncertain if I have + made myself sufficiently understood; but I would say, for + example, that it is ill explained by what means Comyn and his + gang, who land as shipwrecked men, become at once possessed of + the old lord's domains, merely by killing and taking possession. + I am aware of what you mean—namely, that being attached to the + then rulers, he is supported in his ill-acquired power by their + authority. But this is imperfectly brought out, and escaped me at + the first reading. The superstitious motives, also, which induced + the shepherds to delay their vengeance, are not likely to be + intelligible to the generality of the hearers. It would seem more + probable that the young Baron should have led his faithful + vassals to avenge the death of his parents; and it has escaped me + what prevents him from taking this direct and natural course. + Besides it is, I believe, a rule (and it seems a good one) that + one single interest, to which every other is subordinate, should + occupy the whole play,—each separate object having just the + effect of a mill-dam, sluicing off a certain portion of the + sympathy, which should move on with increasing force and rapidity + to the catastrophe. Now, in your work, there are several divided + points of interest; there is the murder of the old Baron—the + escape of his wife—that of his son—the loss of his bride—the + villainous artifices of Comyn to possess himself of her + person—and, finally, the fall of Comyn, and acceleration of the + vengeance due to his crimes. I am sure your own excellent sense, + which I admire as <span class="pagenum"><a id="page208" name="page208"></a>(p. 208)</span> much as I do your genius, will give + me credit for my frankness in these matters; I only know, that I + do not know many persons on whose performances I would venture to + offer so much criticism.</p> + + <p>I will return the manuscript under Mr. Freeling's Post-Office + cover, and I hope it will reach you safe.—Adieu, my leal and + esteemed friend—yours truly,</p> + +<p class="author">Walter Scott.</p> +</div> + +<p>Shortly afterwards, Mr. Cunningham, thanking his critic, said he had +not yet received back his MS.; but that he hoped the delay had been +occasioned by Sir Walter's communication of it to some friend of +theatrical experience. He also mentioned his having undertaken a +collection of The Songs of Scotland, with notes. The answer was in +these terms:—</p> + +<div class="letter"> +<p class="titleletter">TO MR. ALLAN CUNNINGHAM.</p> + + <p><span class="smcap">My dear Allan</span>,—It was as you supposed—I detained your + manuscript to read it over with Terry. The plot appears to Terry, + as to me, ill-combined, which is a great defect in a drama, + though less perceptible in the closet than on the stage. Still, + if the mind can be kept upon one unbroken course of interest, the + effect even in perusal is more gratifying. I have always + considered this as the great secret in dramatic poetry, and + conceive it one of the most difficult exercises of the invention + possible, to conduct a story through five acts, developing it + gradually in every scene, so as to keep up the attention, yet + never till the very conclusion permitting the nature of the + catastrophe to become visible,—and all the while to accompany + this by the necessary delineation of character and beauty of + language. I am glad, however, that you mean to preserve in some + permanent form your very curious drama, which, if not altogether + fitted for the stage, cannot be read without very much and very + deep interest.</p> + + <p><span class="pagenum"><a id="page209" name="page209"></a>(p. 209)</span> I am glad you are about Scottish song. No man—not + Robert Burns himself—has contributed more beautiful effusions to + enrich it. Here and there I would pluck a flower from your Posy + to give what remains an effect of greater simplicity; but + luxuriance can only be the fault of genius, and many of your + songs are, I think, unmatched. I would instance, It's Hame and + it's Hame, which my daughter Mrs. Lockhart sings with such + uncommon effect. You cannot do anything either in the way of + original composition, or collection, or criticism, that will not + be highly acceptable to all who are worth pleasing in the + Scottish public—and I pray you to proceed with it.</p> + + <p>Remember me kindly to Chantrey. I am happy my effigy is to go + with that of Wordsworth,<a id="footnotetag112" name="footnotetag112"></a><a href="#footnote112" title="Go to footnote 112"><span class="smaller">[112]</span></a> for (differing from him in very + many points of taste) I do not know a man more to be venerated + for uprightness of heart and loftiness of genius. Why he will + sometimes choose to crawl upon all fours, when God has given him + so noble a countenance to lift to heaven, I am as little able to + account for, as for his quarrelling (as you tell me) with the + wrinkles which time and meditation have stamped his brow withal.</p> + + <p>I am obliged to conclude hastily, having long letters to + write—God wot upon very different subjects. I pray my kind + respects to Mrs. Chantrey.—Believe me, dear Allan, very truly + yours, etc.,</p> + +<p class="author">Walter Scott.</p> +</div> + +<p>The following letter touches on the dropping of the Bill which had +been introduced by Government for the purpose of degrading the consort +of George the Fourth; the riotous rejoicings of the Edinburgh mob on +that occasion; and Scott's acquiescence in the request of the +<span class="pagenum"><a id="page210" name="page210"></a>(p. 210)</span> guardians of the young Duke of Buccleuch, that he should act +as chancellor of the jury about to <i>serve</i> his grace <i>heir</i> (as the +law phrase goes) to the Scottish estates of his family.</p> + +<div class="letter"> +<p class="titleletter">TO THE LORD MONTAGU.</p> + +<p class="date"><span class="smcap">Edinburgh</span>, 30th November, 1820.</p> + + <p><span class="smcap">My dear Lord</span>,—I had your letter some time since, and have now to + congratulate you on your two months' spell of labor-in-vain duty + being at length at an end. The old sign of the Labor-in-vain + Tavern was a fellow attempting to scrub a black-a-moor white; but + the present difficulty seems to lie in showing that one <i>is</i> + black. Truly, I congratulate the country on the issue; for, since + the days of Queen Dollalolla<a id="footnotetag113" name="footnotetag113"></a><a href="#footnote113" title="Go to footnote 113"><span class="smaller">[113]</span></a> and the <i>Rumti-iddity</i> chorus + in Tom Thumb, never was there so jolly a representative of + royalty. A good ballad might be made, by way of parody, on Gay's + Jonathan Wild,—</p> + +<p class="poem10"> +<span class="min33em">"</span>Her Majesty's trial has set us at ease,<br> + And every wife round me may kiss if she please."</p> + + <p>We had the Marquis of Bute and Francis Jeffrey, very brilliant in + George Street, and I think one grocer besides. I was hard + threatened by letter, but I caused my servant to say in the + quarter where I thought the threatening came from, that I should + suffer my windows to be broken like a Christian, but if anything + else was attempted, I should become as great a heathen as the Dey + of Algiers. We were passed over, but many houses were terribly + <i>Cossaqué</i>, as was the phrase in Paris in 1814 and 1815. The next + night, being, like true Scotsmen, <span class="pagenum"><a id="page211" name="page211"></a>(p. 211)</span> wise behind the hand, + the bailies had a sufficient force sufficiently arranged, and put + down every attempt to riot. If the same precautions had been + taken before, the town would have been saved some disgrace, and + the loss of at least £1000 worth of property.—Hay Donaldson<a id="footnotetag114" name="footnotetag114"></a><a href="#footnote114" title="Go to footnote 114"><span class="smaller">[114]</span></a> + is getting stout again, and up to the throat in business; there + is no getting a word out of him that does not smell of parchment + and special service. He asked me, as it is to be a mere <i>law</i> + service, to act as chancellor on the Duke's inquest, which + honorable office I will of course undertake with great + willingness, and discharge—I mean the <i>hospitable</i> part of + it—to the best of my power. I think you are right to avoid a + more extended service, as £1000 certainly would not clear the + expense, as you would have to dine at least four counties, and as + sweetly sing, with Duke Wharton on Chevy Chase,</p> + +<p class="poem10"> +<span class="add8em">"Pity it were</span><br> +<span class="add1em">So much good wine to spill,</span><br> + As these bold freeholders would drink,<br> +<span class="add1em">Before they had their fill."</span></p> + + <p>I hope we shall all live to see our young baron take his own + chair, and feast the land in his own way. Ever your Lordship's + most truly faithful</p> + +<p class="author">Walter Scott.</p> + + <p>P. S.—In the illumination row, young Romilly was knocked down + and robbed by the mob, just while he was in the act of declaiming + on the impropriety of having constables and volunteers to + interfere with the harmless mirth of the people.</p> +</div> + +<div class="letter"> +<p class="titleletter">TO MR. CHARLES SCOTT.</p> + +<p class="center smaller"><i>Care of the Rev. John Williams, Lampeter.</i></p> + +<p class="date"><span class="smcap">Edinburgh</span>, 19th December, 1820.</p> + + <p><span class="smcap">My dear Charles</span>,—We begin to be afraid that, in improving your + head, you have lost the use of your <span class="pagenum"><a id="page212" name="page212"></a>(p. 212)</span> fingers, or got so + deep into the Greek and Latin grammar, that you have forgotten + how to express yourself in your own language. To ease our anxious + minds in these important doubts, we beg you will write as soon as + possible, and give us a full account of your proceedings, as I do + not approve of long intervals of silence, or think that you need + to stand very rigorously upon the exchange of letters, especially + as mine are so much the longest.</p> + + <p>I rely upon it that you are now working hard in the classical + mine, getting out the rubbish as fast as you can, and preparing + yourself to collect the ore. I cannot too much impress upon your + mind that <i>labor</i> is the condition which God has imposed on us in + every station of life—there is nothing worth having, that can be + had without it, from the bread which the peasant wins with the + sweat of his brow, to the sports by which the rich man must get + rid of his ennui. The only difference betwixt them is, that the + poor man labors to get a dinner to his appetite, the rich man to + get an appetite to his dinner. As for knowledge, it can no more + be planted in the human mind without labor, than a field of wheat + can be produced without the previous use of the plough. There is + indeed this great difference, that chance or circumstances may so + cause it that another shall reap what the farmer sows; but no man + can be deprived, whether by accident or misfortune, of the fruits + of his own studies; and the liberal and extended acquisitions of + knowledge which he makes are all for his own use. Labor, my dear + boy, therefore, and improve the time. In youth our steps are + light, and our minds are ductile, and knowledge is easily laid + up; but if we neglect our spring, our summers will be useless and + contemptible, our harvest will be chaff, and the winter of our + old age unrespected and desolate.</p> + + <p>It is now Christmas-tide, and it comes sadly round to me as + reminding me of your excellent grandmother, who was taken from us + last year at this time. Do you, my <span class="pagenum"><a id="page213" name="page213"></a>(p. 213)</span> dear Charles, pay + attention to the wishes of your parents while they are with you, + that you may have no self-reproach when you think of them at a + future period.</p> + + <p>You hear the Welsh spoken much about you, and if you can pick it + up without interfering with more important labors, it will be + worth while. I suppose you can easily get a grammar and + dictionary. It is, you know, the language spoken by the Britons + before the invasion of the Anglo-Saxons, who brought in the + principal ingredients of our present language, called from thence + English. It was afterwards, however, much mingled with Norman + French, the language of William the Conqueror and his followers; + so if you can pick up a little of the Cambro-British speech, it + will qualify you hereafter to be a good philologist, should your + genius turn towards languages. Pray, have you yet learned who + Howel Dha was?—Glendower you are well acquainted with by reading + Shakespeare. The wild mysterious barbaric grandeur with which he + has invested that chieftain has often struck me as very fine. I + wish we had some more of him.</p> + + <p>We are all well here, and I hope to get to Abbotsford for a few + days—they cannot be many—in the ensuing vacation, when I trust + to see the planting has got well forward. All are well here, and + Mr. Cadell<a id="footnotetag115" name="footnotetag115"></a><a href="#footnote115" title="Go to footnote 115"><span class="smaller">[115]</span></a> is come back, and gives a pleasant account of + your journey. Let me hear from you very soon, and tell me if you + expect any <i>skating</i>, and whether there is any ice in Wales. I + presume there will be a merry Christmas, and beg my best wishes + on the subject to Mr. Williams, his sister, and family. The + Lockharts dine with us, and the Scotts of Harden, James + Scott<a id="footnotetag116" name="footnotetag116"></a><a href="#footnote116" title="Go to footnote 116"><span class="smaller">[116]</span></a> with his pipes, and I hope Captain Adam. We will + remember your health in a <span class="pagenum"><a id="page214" name="page214"></a>(p. 214)</span> glass of claret just about + <i>six</i> o'clock at night; so that you will know exactly (allowing + for variation of time) what we are doing at the same moment.</p> + + <p>But I think I have written quite enough to a young Welshman, who + has forgot all his Scots kith, kin, and allies. Mamma and Anne + send many loves. Walter came like a shadow, and so + departed—after about ten days' stay. The effect was quite + dramatic, for the door was flung open as we were about to go down + to dinner, and Turner announced <i>Captain Scott</i>. We could not + conceive who was meant, when in walked Walter as large as life. + He is positively a new edition of the Irish giant.—I beg my kind + respects to Mr. Williams. At his leisure I should be happy to + have a line from him.—I am, my dear little boy, always your + affectionate father,</p> + +<p class="author">Walter Scott.</p> +</div> + +<p>The next letter contains a brief allusion to an affair, which in the +life of any other man of letters would have deserved to be considered +as of some consequence. The late Sir James Hall of Dunglass resigned, +in November, 1820, the Presidency of the Royal Society of Edinburgh; +and the Fellows, though they had on all former occasions selected a +man of science to fill that post, paid Sir Walter the compliment of +unanimously requesting him to be Sir James's successor in it. He felt +and expressed a natural hesitation about accepting this honor—which +at first sight seemed like invading the proper department of another +order of scholars. But when it was urged upon him that the Society is +really a double one,—embracing a section for literature as well as +one of science,—and that it was only due to the former to let it +occasionally supply the chief of the whole body,—Scott acquiesced in +the flattering proposal; and his gentle skill was found effective, so +long as he held the Chair, in maintaining and strengthening the tone +of good feeling and good manners which can alone render the meetings +of such <span class="pagenum"><a id="page215" name="page215"></a>(p. 215)</span> a Society either agreeable or useful. The new +President himself soon began to take a lively interest in many of +their discussions—those at least which pointed to any discovery of +practical use;—and he by and by added some eminent men of science, +with whom his acquaintance had hitherto been slight, to the list of +his most valued friends: I may mention in particular Doctor, now Sir +David, Brewster.</p> + +<p>Sir Walter also alludes to an institution of a far different +description,—that called "The Celtic Society of Edinburgh;" a club +established mainly for the patronage of ancient Highland manners and +customs, especially the use of "the Garb of Old Gaul"—though part of +their funds have always been applied to the really important object of +extending education in the wilder districts of the north. At their +annual meetings Scott was, as may be supposed, a regular attendant. He +appeared, as in duty bound, in the costume of the Fraternity, and was +usually followed by "John of Skye," in a still more complete, or +rather incomplete, style of equipment.</p> + +<div class="letter"> +<p class="titleletter">TO THE LORD MONTAGU, DITTON PARK.</p> + +<p class="date"><span class="smcap">Edinburgh</span>, 17th January, 1821.</p> + + <p><span class="smcap">My dear Lord</span>,—We had a tight day of it on Monday last, both dry + and wet. The dry part was as dry as may be, consisting in + rehearsing the whole lands of the Buccleuch estate for five + mortal hours, although Donaldson had kindly selected a clerk + whose tongue went over baronies, lordships, and regalities, at as + high a rate of top speed as ever Eclipse displayed in clearing + the course at Newmarket. The evening went off very + well—considering that while looking forward with the natural + feelings of hope and expectation on behalf of our young friend, + most of us who were present could not help casting looks of sad + remembrance on the days we had seen. However, we did very well, + and I kept the chair till eleven, when we had coffee, and + departed, "no very <span class="pagenum"><a id="page216" name="page216"></a>(p. 216)</span> fou, but gaily yet."<a id="footnotetag117" name="footnotetag117"></a><a href="#footnote117" title="Go to footnote 117"><span class="smaller">[117]</span></a> Besides + the law gentlemen, and immediate agents of the family, I picked + up on my own account Tom Ogilvie,<a id="footnotetag118" name="footnotetag118"></a><a href="#footnote118" title="Go to footnote 118"><span class="smaller">[118]</span></a> Sir Harry Hay Macdougal, + Harden and his son, Gala, and Captain John Ferguson, whom I asked + as from myself, stating that the party was to be quite private. I + suppose there was no harm in this, and it helped us well on. I + believe your nephew and my young chief enters life with as + favorable auspices as could well attend him, for to few youths + can attach so many good wishes, and <i>none</i> can look back to more + estimable examples both in his father and grandfather. I think he + will succeed to the warm and social affections of his relatives, + which, if they sometimes occasion pain to those who possess them, + contain also the purest sources of happiness as well as of + virtue.</p> + + <p>Our late Pitt meeting amounted to about 800, a most tremendous + multitude. I had charge of a separate room, containing a + detachment of about 250, and gained a headache of two days, by + roaring to them for five or six hours almost incessantly. The + Foxites had also a very numerous meeting,—500 at least, but sad + scamps. We had a most formidable band of young men, almost all + <span class="pagenum"><a id="page217" name="page217"></a>(p. 217)</span> born gentlemen and zealous proselytes. We shall now + begin to look anxiously to London for news. I suppose they will + go by the ears in the House of Commons: but I trust Ministers + will have a great majority. If not, they should go out, and let + the others make the best of it with their acquitted Queen, who + will be a ticklish card in their hand, for she is by nature + <i>intrigante</i> more ways than one. The loss of Canning is a serious + disadvantage; many of our friends have good talents and good + taste; but I think he alone has that higher order of parts which + we call genius. I wish he had had more prudence to guide it. He + has been a most unlucky politician. Adieu. Best love to all at + Ditton, and great respect withal. My best compliments attend my + young chief, now seated, to use an Oriental phrase, upon the + <i>Musnud</i>. I am almost knocked up with public meetings, for the + triple Hecate was a joke to my plurality of offices this week. On + Friday I had my Pittite stewardship;—on Monday my + chancellorship;—yesterday my presidentship of the Royal Society; + for I had a meeting of that learned body at my house last night, + where mulled wine and punch were manufactured and consumed + according to the latest philosophical discoveries. Besides all + this, I have before my eyes the terrors of a certain Highland + Association, who dine bonneted and <i>kilted</i> in the old fashion + (all save myself, of course), and armed to the teeth. This is + rather severe service; but men who wear broadswords, dirks, and + pistols, are not to be neglected in these days; and the Gael are + very loyal lads, so it is as well to keep up an influence with + them. Once more, my dear Lord, farewell, and believe me always + most truly yours,</p> + +<p class="author">Walter Scott.</p> +</div> + +<p>In the course of the riotous week commemorated in the preceding +letter, appeared Kenilworth, in three volumes post 8vo, like Ivanhoe, +which form was adhered to with all the subsequent novels of the +series. Kenilworth was <span class="pagenum"><a id="page218" name="page218"></a>(p. 218)</span> one of the most successful of them all +at the time of publication; and it continues, and, I doubt not, will +ever continue to be placed in the very highest rank of prose +fiction.<a id="footnotetag119" name="footnotetag119"></a><a href="#footnote119" title="Go to footnote 119"><span class="smaller">[119]</span></a> The rich variety of character, and scenery, and incident +in this novel, has never indeed been surpassed; nor, with the one +exception of The Bride of Lammermoor, has Scott bequeathed us a deeper +and more affecting tragedy than that of Amy Robsart.</p> + +<h2><span class="pagenum"><a id="page219" name="page219"></a>(p. 219)</span> CHAPTER LI</h2> + +<p class="resume">VISIT TO LONDON. — PROJECT OF THE ROYAL SOCIETY OF LITERATURE. — AFFAIRS +OF THE 18TH HUSSARS. — MARRIAGE OF CAPTAIN ADAM FERGUSON. — LETTERS TO +LORD SIDMOUTH, LORD MONTAGU, ALLAN CUNNINGHAM, MRS. LOCKHART, AND +CORNET SCOTT.</p> + +<p class="chapdate">1821</p> + +<p>Before the end of January, 1821, Scott went to London at the request +of the other Clerks of Session, that he might watch over the progress +of an Act of Parliament, designed to relieve them from a considerable +part of their drudgery, in attesting recorded deeds by signature;—and +his stay was prolonged until near the beginning of the Summer term of +his Court. His letters while in London are mostly to his own family, +and on strictly domestic topics; but I shall extract a few of them, +chiefly (for reasons which I have already sufficiently intimated) +those addressed to his son the Cornet. I need not trespass on the +reader's attention by any attempt to explain in detail the matters to +which these letters refer. It will be seen that Sir Walter had heard +some rumors of irregularity in the interior of the 18th Hussars; and +that the consequent interference of the then Commander of the Forces +in Ireland, the late Sir David Baird, had been received in anything +but a spirit of humility. The reports that reached Scott proved to +have been most absurdly exaggerated; but nevertheless his observations +on them seem well worth quoting. It so happened that the 18th was one +of several regiments about to be reduced at this time; and as soon as +that event took place, Cornet <span class="pagenum"><a id="page220" name="page220"></a>(p. 220)</span> Scott was sent to travel in +Germany, with a view to his improvement in the science of his +profession. He afterwards spent a brief period, for the same purpose, +in the Royal Military College of Sandhurst; and erelong he obtained a +commission as lieutenant in the 15th or King's Hussars, in which +distinguished corps his father lived to see him Major.</p> + +<p>It will also be seen, that during this visit to London Sir Walter was +released from considerable anxiety on account of his daughter Sophia, +whom he had left in a weak state of health at Edinburgh, by the +intelligence of her safe accouchement of a boy,—John Hugh Lockhart, +the "Hugh Littlejohn" of the Tales of a Grandfather. The approaching +marriage of Captain, now Sir Adam Ferguson, to which some jocular +allusions occur, may be classed with these objects of family interest; +and that event was the source of unmixed satisfaction to Scott, as it +did not interrupt his enjoyment of his old friend's society in the +country; for the Captain, though he then pitched a tent for himself, +did so at a very short distance from Huntly Burn. I believe the +ensuing extracts will need no further commentary.</p> + +<div class="letter"> +<p class="titleletter">TO MRS. LOCKHART, GREAT KING STREET, EDINBURGH.</p> + +<p class="date"><span class="smcap">Ditton Park</span>, February 18, 1821.</p> + + <p><span class="smcap">My dearest Sophia</span>,—I received as much pleasure, and was relieved + from as much anxiety, as ever I felt in my life, by Lockhart's + kind note, which acquainted me with the happy period that has + been put to your suffering, and, as I hope and trust, to the + complaints which occasioned it. You are now, my dearest girl, + beginning a new course of pleasures, anxieties, and duties, and + the best I can wish for you is, that your little boy may prove + the same dutiful and affectionate child which you have always + been to me, and that God may give him a sound and healthy mind, + with a good constitution of body—the greatest blessings which + this earth can bestow. Pray <span class="pagenum"><a id="page221" name="page221"></a>(p. 221)</span> be extremely careful of + yourself for some time. Young women are apt to injure their + health by thinking themselves well too soon. I beg you to be + cautious in this respect.</p> + + <p>The news of the young stranger's arrival was most joyfully + received here, and his health and yours toasted in a bumper. Lady + Anne is quite well, and Isabella also; and Lady Charlotte, who + has rejoined them, is a most beautiful creature indeed. This + place is all light and splendor, compared to London, where I was + forced to use candles till ten o'clock at least. I have a gay + time of it. To-morrow I return to town, and dine with old + Sotheby; on Tuesday with the Duke of Wellington; Wednesday with + Croker, and so on. Love to L., the Captain, and the Violet, and + give your bantling a kiss extraordinary for Grandpapa. I hope + Mungo<a id="footnotetag120" name="footnotetag120"></a><a href="#footnote120" title="Go to footnote 120"><span class="smaller">[120]</span></a> approves of the child, for that is a serious point. + There are no dogs in the hotel where I lodge, but a tolerably + conversible cat, who eats a mess of cream with me in the morning. + The little chief and his brother have come over from Eton to see + me, so I must break off.—I am, my dear love, most affectionately + yours,</p> + +<p class="author">Walter Scott.</p> +</div> + +<div class="letter"> +<p class="titleletter">TO WALTER SCOTT, ESQ., PORTOBELLO BARRACKS, DUBLIN.</p> + +<p class="date"><span class="smcap">Waterloo Hotel</span>, Jermyn Street,<br> + February 19, 1821.</p> + + <p><span class="smcap">My dear Walter</span>,—I have just received your letter. I send you a + draft for £50, which you must make go as far as you can.</p> + + <p>There is what I have no doubt is a very idle report here, of your + paying rather marked attention to one young lady in particular. I + beg you would do nothing that can justify such a rumor, as it + would excite my <i>highest displeasure</i> should you either entangle + yourself or any other person. I am, and have always been, quite + <span class="pagenum"><a id="page222" name="page222"></a>(p. 222)</span> frank with you, and beg you will be equally so with me. + One should, in justice to the young women they live with, be very + cautious not to give the least countenance to such rumors. They + are not easily avoided, but are always highly prejudicial to the + parties concerned; and what begins in folly ends in serious + misery—<i>avis au lecteur.</i></p> + + <p>Believe me, dear Cornet, your affectionate father,</p> + +<p class="author">Walter Scott.</p> + + <p>P. S.—I wish you could pick me up the Irish lilt of a tune to + "Patrick Fleming." The song begins,—</p> + +<p class="poem10"> +<span class="min33em">"</span>Patrick Fleming was a gallant soldier,<br> + He carried his musket over his shoulder.<br> + When I cock my pistol, when I draw my raper,<br> + I make them stand in awe of me, for I am a taker.<br> +<span class="add17em">Falala," etc.</span></p> + + <p>From another verse in the same song, it seems the hero was in + such a predicament as your own:—</p> + +<p class="poem10"> +<span class="min33em">"</span>If you be Peter Fleming, as I suppose you be, sir,<br> + We are three pedlars walking on so free, sir.<br> + We are three pedlars a-walking on to Dublin,<br> + With nothing in our pockets to pay for our lodging.<br> +<span class="add17em">Falala," etc.</span></p> +</div> + +<div class="letter"> +<p class="titleletter">TO WALTER SCOTT, ESQ., 18TH HUSSARS, CAPPOQUIN.</p> + +<p class="date"><span class="smcap">London</span>, 17th March, 1821.</p> + + <p><span class="smcap">My dear Commandant of Cappoquin</span>,—Wishing you joy of your new + government, these are to inform you that I am still in London. + The late aspersion on your regiment induced me to protract my + stay here, with a view to see the Duke of York on your behalf, + which I did yesterday. His Royal Highness expressed himself most + obligingly disposed, and promised to consider what could best be + done to forward your military education. I told him frankly, that + in giving you to the King's service I had done all that was in my + power to show our attachment to his Majesty and the country which + had been so kind to me, and that it was my utmost ambition + <span class="pagenum"><a id="page223" name="page223"></a>(p. 223)</span> that you should render yourself capable of serving them + both well. He said he would give the affair his particular + consideration, and see whether he could put you on the + establishment at Sandhurst, without any violent infringement on + the rules; and hinted that he would make an exception to the rule + of seniority of standing and priority of application in your + favor when an opportunity occurs.</p> + + <p>From H. R. H.'s very kind expressions, I have little doubt you + will have more than justice done you in the patronage necessary + to facilitate your course through life; but it must be by your + own exertions, my dearest boy, that you must render yourself + qualified to avail yourself of the opportunities which you may + have offered to you. Work, therefore, as hard as you can, and do + not be discontented for want of assistance of masters, etc., + because the knowledge which we acquire by our own unaided + efforts, is much more tenaciously retained by the memory, while + the exertion necessary to gain it strengthens the understanding. + At the same time, I would inquire whether there may not be some + Catholic priest, or Protestant clergyman, or scholar of any + description, who, for love or money, would give you a little + assistance occasionally. Such persons are to be found almost + everywhere; not professed teachers, but capable of smoothing the + road to a willing student. Let me earnestly recommend in your + reading to keep fast to particular hours, and suffer no one thing + to encroach on the other.</p> + + <p>Charles's last letter was uncommonly steady, and prepared me for + one from Mr. Williams, in which he expresses satisfaction with + his attention, and with his progress in learning, in a much + stronger degree than formerly. This is truly comfortable, and may + relieve me from the necessity of sending the poor boy to India.</p> + + <p>All in Edinburgh are quite well, and no fears exist, saving those + of little Catherine<a id="footnotetag121" name="footnotetag121"></a><a href="#footnote121" title="Go to footnote 121"><span class="smaller">[121]</span></a> for the baby, lest the <span class="pagenum"><a id="page224" name="page224"></a>(p. 224)</span> fairies + take it away before the christening. I will send some books to + you from hence, if I can find means to transmit them. I should + like you to read with care the campaigns of Buonaparte, which + have been written in French with much science.<a id="footnotetag122" name="footnotetag122"></a><a href="#footnote122" title="Go to footnote 122"><span class="smaller">[122]</span></a></p> + + <p>I hope, indeed I am sure, I need not remind you to be very + attentive to your duty. You have but a small charge, but it is a + charge, and rashness or carelessness may lead to discredit in the + commandant of Cappoquin, as well as in a field-marshal. In the + exercise of your duty, be tender of the lower classes; and as you + are strong, be merciful. In this you will do your master good + service, for show me the manners of the man, and I will judge + those of the master.</p> + + <p>In your present situation, it may be interesting to you to know + that the bill for Catholic Emancipation will pass the Commons + without doubt, and very probably the Peers also, unless the + Spiritual Lords make a great rally. Nobody here cares much about + it, and if it does not pass this year, it will the next, without + doubt.</p> + + <p>Among other improvements, I wish you would amend your hand. It is + a deplorable scratch, and far the worst of the family. Charles + writes a firm good hand in comparison.</p> + + <p>You may address your next to Abbotsford, where I long to be, + being heartily tired of fine company and fine living, from dukes + and duchesses, down to turbot and plovers' eggs. It is very well + for a while, but to be kept at it makes one feel like a poodle + dog compelled to stand forever on his hind legs.—Most + affectionately yours,</p> + +<p class="author">Walter Scott.</p> +</div> + +<p>During this visit to London, Sir Walter appears to have been consulted +by several persons in authority as to the project of a Society of +Literature, for which the <span class="pagenum"><a id="page225" name="page225"></a>(p. 225)</span> King's patronage had been +solicited, and which was established soon afterwards—though on a +scale less extensive than had been proposed at the outset. He +expressed his views on this subject in writing at considerable length +to his friend the Hon. John Villiers (afterwards Earl of +Clarendon);<a id="footnotetag123" name="footnotetag123"></a><a href="#footnote123" title="Go to footnote 123"><span class="smaller">[123]</span></a> but of that letter, described to me as a most +admirable one, I have as yet failed to recover a copy. I have little +doubt that both the letter in question, and the following, addressed, +soon after his arrival at Abbotsford, to the then Secretary of State +for the Home Department, were placed in the hands of the King; but it +seems probable, that whatever his Majesty may have thought of Scott's +representations, he considered himself as already, in some measure, +pledged to countenance the projected academy.</p> + +<div class="letter"> +<p class="titleletter">TO THE RIGHT HON. THE LORD VISCOUNT SIDMOUTH, ETC., + ETC., ETC., WHITEHALL.</p> + +<p class="date"><span class="smcap">Abbotsford</span>, April 20, 1821.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">My dear Lord</span>,—Owing to my retreat to this place, I was only + honored with your Lordship's letter yesterday. Whatever use can + be made of my letter to stop the very ill-contrived project to + which it relates, will answer the purpose for which it was + written. I do not well remember the terms in which my + remonstrance to Mr. Villiers was couched, for it was positively + written betwixt sleeping and waking; but your Lordship will best + judge how far the contents may be proper for his Majesty's eye; + and if the sentiments appear a little in dishabille, there is the + true apology that they were never intended to go to Court. From + more than twenty years' intercourse with the literary world, + during which I have been more or less acquainted with every + distinguished writer of my day, and, at the same time, an + accurate student of the habits and tastes of the reading public, + I am enabled to say, with a feeling next to certainty, that + <span class="pagenum"><a id="page226" name="page226"></a>(p. 226)</span> the plan can only end in something very unpleasant. At + all events, his Majesty should get out of it; it is nonsense to + say or suppose that any steps have been taken which, in such a + matter, can or ought to be considered as irrevocable. The fact + is, that nobody knows as yet how far the matter has gone beyond + the <i>projet</i> of some well-meaning but misjudging persons, and the + whole thing is asleep and forgotten so far as the public is + concerned. The Spanish proverb says, "God help me from my + friends, and I will keep myself from my enemies;" and there is + much sense in it; for the zeal of misjudging adherents often + contrives, as in the present case, to turn to matter of reproach + the noblest feelings on the part of a sovereign.</p> + + <p>Let men of letters fight their own way with the public, and let + his Majesty, according as his own excellent taste and liberality + dictate, honor with his patronage, expressed in the manner fitted + to their studies and habits, those who are able to distinguish + themselves, and alleviate by his bounty the distresses of such + as, with acknowledged merit, may yet have been unfortunate in + procuring independence. The immediate and direct favor of the + Sovereign is worth the patronage of ten thousand societies. But + your Lordship knows how to set all this in a better light than I + can, and I would not wish the cause of letters in better hands.</p> + + <p>I am now in a scene changed as completely as possible from those + in which I had the great pleasure of meeting your Lordship + lately, riding through the moors on a pony, instead of traversing + the streets in a carriage, and drinking whiskey-toddy with mine + honest neighbors, instead of Champagne and Burgundy. I have + gained, however, in point of exact political information; for I + find we know upon Tweedside with much greater accuracy what is + done and intended in the Cabinet, than ever I could learn when + living with the Ministers five days in the week. Mine honest + Teviotdale friends, whom I left <span class="pagenum"><a id="page227" name="page227"></a>(p. 227)</span> in a high Queen-fever, + are now beginning to be somewhat ashamed of themselves, and to + make as great advances towards retracting their opinion as they + are ever known to do, which amounts to this: "God judge me, Sir + W——, the King's no been so dooms far wrong after a' in yon + Queen's job like;" which, being interpreted, signifies, "We will + fight for the King to the death." I do not know how it was in + other places; but I never saw so sudden and violent a delusion + possess the minds of men in my life, even those of sensible, + steady, well-intentioned fellows, that would fight knee-deep + against the Radicals. It is well over, thank God.</p> + + <p>My best compliments attend the ladies. I ever am, my dear Lord, + your truly obliged and faithful humble servant,</p> + +<p class="author">Walter Scott.</p> +</div> + +<p>I have thought it right to insert the preceding letter, because it +indicates with sufficient distinctness what Scott's opinions always +were as to a subject on which, from his experience and position, he +must have reflected very seriously. In how far the results of the +establishment of the Royal Society of Literature have tended to +confirm or to weaken the weight of his authority on these matters, I +do not presume to have formed any judgment. He received, about the +same time, a volume of poetry by Allan Cunningham, which included the +drama of Sir Marmaduke Maxwell; and I am happy to quote his letter of +acknowledgment to that high-spirited and independent author in the +same page with the foregoing monition to the dispensers of patronage.</p> + +<div class="letter"> +<p class="titleletter">TO MR. ALLAN CUNNINGHAM, ECCLESTONE STREET, PIMLICO.</p> + +<p class="date"><span class="smcap">Abbotsford</span>, 27th April.</p> + + <p><span class="smcap">Dear Allan</span>,—Accept my kind thanks for your little modest volume, + received two days since. I was acquainted with most of the + pieces, and yet I perused them all with renewed pleasure, and + especially my old <span class="pagenum"><a id="page228" name="page228"></a>(p. 228)</span> friend Sir Marmaduke with his new + face, and by the assistance of an April sun, which is at length, + after many a rough blast, beginning to smile on us. The drama + has, in my conception, more poetical conception and poetical + expression in it, than most of our modern compositions. Perhaps, + indeed, it occasionally sins even in the richness of poetical + expression; for the language of passion, though bold and + figurative, is brief and concise at the same time. But what + would, in acting, be a more serious objection, is the complicated + nature of the plot, which is very obscure. I hope you will make + another dramatic attempt; and, in that case, I would strongly + recommend that you should previously make a model or skeleton of + your incidents, dividing them regularly into scenes and acts, so + as to insure the dependence of one circumstance upon another, and + the simplicity and union of your whole story. The common class of + readers, and more especially of spectators, are thick-skulled + enough, and can hardly comprehend what they see and hear, unless + they are hemmed in, and guided to the sense at every turn.</p> + + <p>The unities of time and place have always appeared to me + fopperies, as far as they require close observance of the French + rules. Still, the nearer you can come to them, it is always, no + doubt, the better, because your action will be more probable. But + the unity of action—I mean that continuity which unites every + scene with the other, and makes the catastrophe the natural and + probable result of all that has gone before—seems to me a + critical rule which cannot safely be dispensed with. Without such + a regular deduction of incidents, men's attention becomes + distracted, and the most beautiful language, if at all listened + to, creates no interest, and is out of place. I would give, as an + example, the suddenly entertained and as suddenly abandoned + jealousy of Sir Marmaduke (p. 85), as a useless excrescence in + the action of the drama.</p> + + <p><span class="pagenum"><a id="page229" name="page229"></a>(p. 229)</span> I am very much unaccustomed to offer criticism, and when + I do so, it is because I believe in my soul that I am endeavoring + to pluck away the weeds which hide flowers well worthy of + cultivation. In your case, the richness of your language, and + fertility of your imagination, are the snares against which I + would warn you. If the one had been poor, and the other costive, + I would never have made remarks which could never do good, while + they only gave pain. Did you ever read Savage's beautiful poem of + The Wanderer? If not, do so, and you will see the fault which, I + think, attaches to Lord Maxwell—a want of distinct precision and + intelligibility about the story, which counteracts, especially + with ordinary readers, the effect of beautiful and forcible + diction, poetical imagery, and animated description.</p> + + <p>All this freedom you will excuse, I know, on the part of one who + has the truest respect for the manly independence of character + which rests for its support on honest industry, instead of + indulging the foolish fastidiousness formerly supposed to be + essential to the poetical temperament, and which has induced some + men of real talents to become coxcombs—some to become sots—some + to plunge themselves into want—others into the equal miseries of + dependence, merely because, forsooth, they were men of genius, + and wise above the ordinary, and, I say, the manly duties of + human life.</p> + +<p class="poem10"> + "I'd rather be a kitten, and cry, Mew!"<a id="footnotetag124" name="footnotetag124"></a><a href="#footnote124" title="Go to footnote 124"><span class="smaller">[124]</span></a></p> + + <p class="noindent">than write the best poetry in the world on condition of laying + aside common sense in the ordinary transactions and business of + the world; and therefore, dear Allan, I wish much the better to + the Muse whom you meet by the fireside in your hours of leisure + when you have played your part manfully through a day of labor. I + should like to see her making those hours also a little + profitable. Perhaps something of the dramatic romance, if you + could <span class="pagenum"><a id="page230" name="page230"></a>(p. 230)</span> hit on a good subject, and combine the scenes + well, might answer. A beautiful thing with appropriate music, + scenes, etc., might be woven out of the Mermaid of Galloway.</p> + + <p>When there is any chance of Mr. Chantrey coming this way, I hope + you will let me know; and if you come with him, so much the + better. I like him as much for his manners as for his genius.</p> + +<p class="poem10"> +<span class="min33em">"</span>He is a man without a clagg;<br> + His heart is frank without a flaw."</p> + + <p>This is a horrible long letter for so vile a correspondent as I + am. Once more, my best thanks for the little volume, and believe + me yours truly,</p> + +<p class="author">Walter Scott.</p> +</div> + +<p>I now return to Sir Walter's correspondence with the Cornet at +Cappoquin.</p> + +<div class="letter"> +<p class="titleletter">TO WALTER SCOTT, ESQ., 18TH HUSSARS.</p> + +<p class="date"><span class="smcap">Abbotsford</span>, April 21, 1821.</p> + + <p><span class="smcap">My dear Walter</span>,—...A democrat in any situation is but a silly + sort of fellow, but a democratical soldier is worse than an + ordinary traitor by ten thousand degrees, as he forgets his + military honor, and is faithless to the master whose bread he + eats. Three distinguished heroes of this class have arisen in my + time—Lord Edward Fitzgerald, Colonel Despard, and Captain + Thistlewood—and, with the contempt and abhorrence of all men, + they died the death of infamy and guilt. If a man of honor is + unhappy enough to entertain opinions inconsistent with the + service in which he finds himself, it is his duty at once to + resign his commission; in acting otherwise, he disgraces himself + forever.... The reports are very strange, also, with respect to + the private conduct of certain officers.... Gentlemen maintain + their characters even in following their most licentious + pleasures, otherwise they resemble the very scavengers in + <span class="pagenum"><a id="page231" name="page231"></a>(p. 231)</span> the streets.... I had written you a long letter on + other subjects, but these circumstances have altered my plans, as + well as given me great uneasiness on account of the effects which + the society you have been keeping may have had on your + principles, both political and moral. Be very frank with me on + this subject. I have a title to expect perfect sincerity, having + always treated you with openness on my part.</p> + + <p>Pray write immediately, and at length.—I remain your + affectionate father,</p> + +<p class="author">Walter Scott.</p> +</div> + +<div class="letter"> +<p class="titleletter">TO THE SAME.</p> + +<p class="date"><span class="smcap">Abbotsford</span>, April 28, 1821.</p> + + <p><span class="smcap">Dear Walter</span>,—... The great point in the mean while is to + acquire such preliminary information as may render you qualified + to profit by Sandhurst when you get thither. Amongst my + acquaintance, the men of greatest information have been those who + seemed but indifferently situated for the acquisition of it, but + who exerted themselves in proportion to the infrequency of their + opportunities.</p> + + <p>The noble Captain Ferguson was married on Monday last. I was + present at the bridal, and I assure you the like hath not been + seen since the days of Lesmahago. Like his prototype, the Captain + advanced in a jaunty military step, with a kind of leer on his + face that seemed to quiz the whole affair. You should write to + your brother sportsman and soldier, and wish the veteran joy of + his entrance into the band of Benedicts. Odd enough that I should + christen a grandchild and attend the wedding of a contemporary + within two days of each other. I have sent John of Skye with Tom, + and all the rabblement which they can collect, to play the pipes, + shout, and fire guns below the Captain's windows this morning; + and I am just going over to hover about on my pony, and witness + their reception. The happy pair returned to Huntly Burn on + Saturday; but yesterday being Sunday, <span class="pagenum"><a id="page232" name="page232"></a>(p. 232)</span> we permitted them + to enjoy their pillows in quiet. This morning they must not + expect to get off so well. Pray write soon, and give me the + history of your still-huntings, etc.—Ever yours affectionately,</p> + +<p class="author">W. Scott.</p> +</div> + +<div class="letter"> +<p class="titleletter">TO CHARLES SCOTT, ESQ.</p> + +<p class="center smaller"><i>Care of the Rev. Mr. Williams, Lampeter.</i></p> + +<p class="date"><span class="smcap">Abbotsford</span>, 9th May, 1821.</p> + + <p><span class="smcap">My dear Charles</span>,—I am glad to find, by your letter just + received, that you are reading Tacitus with some relish. His + style is rather quaint and enigmatical, which makes it difficult + to the student; but then his pages are filled with such admirable + apothegms and maxims of political wisdom, as infer the deepest + knowledge of human nature; and it is particularly necessary that + any one who may have views as a public speaker should be master + of his works, as there is neither ancient nor modern who affords + such a selection of admirable quotations. You should exercise + yourself frequently in trying to make translations of the + passages which most strike you, trying to invest the sense of + Tacitus in as good English as you can. This will answer the + double purpose of making yourself familiar with the Latin author, + and giving you the command of your own language, which no person + will ever have who does not study English composition in early + life.... I conclude somewhat abruptly, having trees to cut, and + saucy Tom watching me like a Calmuck with the axe in his hand.</p> + +<p>Yours affectionately,</p> + +<p class="author">W. Scott.</p> +</div> + +<div class="letter"> +<p class="titleletter">TO WALTER SCOTT, ESQ., 18TH HUSSARS, CAPPOQUIN.</p> + +<p class="date"><span class="smcap">Abbotsford</span>, 10th May, 1821.</p> + + <p><span class="smcap">Dear Walter</span>,—I wrote yesterday, but I am induced immediately to + answer your letter, because I think you expect from it an effect + upon my mind different from <span class="pagenum"><a id="page233" name="page233"></a>(p. 233)</span> what it produces. A man may + be violent and outrageous in his liquor, but wine seldom makes a + gentleman a blackguard, or instigates a loyal man to utter + sedition. Wine unveils the passions and throws away restraint, + but it does not create habits or opinions which did not + previously exist in the mind. Besides, what sort of defence is + this of intemperance? I suppose if a private commits riot, or is + disobedient in his cups, his officers do not admit whiskey to be + an excuse. I have seen enough of that sort of society where + habitual indulgence drowned at last every distinction between + what is worthy and unworthy,—and I have seen young men with the + fairest prospects, turn out degraded miserable outcasts before + their life was half spent, merely from soaking and sotting, and + the bad habits these naturally lead to. You tell me *** and *** + frequent good society, and are well received in it; and I am very + glad to hear this is the case. But such stories as these will + soon occasion their seclusion from the <i>best</i> company. There may + remain, indeed, a large enough circle, where ladies, who are + either desirous to fill their rooms or to marry their daughters, + will continue to receive any young man in a showy uniform, + however irregular in private life; but if these cannot be called + <i>bad</i> company, they are certainly anything but <i>very good</i>, and + the facility of access makes the <i>entrée</i> of little consequence.</p> + + <p>I mentioned in my last that you were to continue in the 18th + until the regiment went to India, and that I trusted you would + get the step within the twelve months that the corps yet remains + in Europe, which will make your exchange easier. But it is of far + more importance that you learn to command yourself, than that you + should be raised higher in commanding others. It gives me pain to + write to you in terms of censure, but <i>my duty</i> must be done, + else I cannot expect you to do <i>yours</i>. All here are well, and + send love.—I am your affectionate father,</p> + +<p class="author">Walter Scott.</p> +</div> + +<div class="letter"> +<p class="titleletter"><span class="pagenum"><a id="page234" name="page234"></a>(p. 234)</span> TO THE SAME.</p> + +<p class="date"><span class="smcap">Edinburgh</span>, 15th May, 1821.</p> + + <p><span class="smcap">Dear Walter</span>,—I have your letter of May 6th, to which it is + unnecessary to reply very particularly. I would only insinuate to + you that the <i>lawyers</i> and <i>gossips</i> of Edinburgh, whom your + military politeness handsomely classes together in writing to a + lawyer, know and care as little about the 18th as they do about + the 19th, 20th, or 21st, or any other regimental number which + does not happen for the time to be at Piershill, or in the + Castle. Do not fall into the error and pedantry of young military + men, who, living much together, are apt to think themselves and + their actions the subject of much talk and rumor among the public + at large.—I will transcribe Fielding's account of such a person, + whom he met with on his voyage to Lisbon, which will give two or + three hours' excellent amusement when you choose to peruse it:—</p> + + <p class="subquote">"In his conversation it is true there was something military + enough, as it consisted chiefly of oaths, and of the great + actions and wise sayings of Jack, Will, and Tom of <i>ours</i>, a + phrase eternally in his mouth, and he seemed to conclude that it + conveyed to all the officers such a degree of public notoriety + and importance that it entitled him, like the head of a + profession, or a first minister, to be the subject of + conversation amongst those who had not the least personal + acquaintance with him."</p> + +<p>Avoid this silly narrowness of mind, my dear boy, which only makes men +be looked on in the world with ridicule and contempt. Lawyer and +gossip as I may be, I suppose you will allow I have seen something of +life in most of its varieties; as much at least as if I had been, like +you, eighteen months in a cavalry regiment, or, like Beau Jackson in +Roderick Random, had cruised for half a year in the chops of the +Channel. Now, I have never remarked any one, be he soldier, or divine, +or lawyer, that was exclusively attached to the narrow habits +<span class="pagenum"><a id="page235" name="page235"></a>(p. 235)</span> of his own profession, but what such person became a great +twaddle in good society, besides, what is of much more importance, +becoming narrow-minded, and ignorant of all general information.</p> + +<p>That this letter may not be unacceptable in all its parts, I enclose +your allowance without stopping anything for the hackney. Take notice, +however, my dear Walter, that this is to last you till midsummer.—We +came from Abbotsford yesterday, and left all well, excepting that Mr. +Laidlaw lost his youngest child, an infant, very unexpectedly. We +found Sophia, Lockhart, and their child in good health, and all send +love.</p> + +<p>I remain your affectionate father,</p> + +<p class="author">Walter Scott.</p> +</div> + +<div class="letter"> +<p class="titleletter">TO WALTER SCOTT, ESQ., 18TH HUSSARS.</p> + +<p class="date"><span class="smcap">Edinburgh</span>, 26th May, 1821.</p> + + <p><span class="smcap">My Dear Walter</span>,—I see you are of the mind of the irritable + prophet Jonah, who persisted in maintaining "he did well to be + angry," even when disputing with Omnipotence. I am aware that Sir + David is considered as a severe and ill-tempered man; and I + remember a story that, when report came to Europe that Tippoo's + prisoners (of whom Baird was one) were chained together two and + two, his mother said, "God pity the poor lad that's chained to + <i>our Davie</i>." But though it may be very true that he may have + acted towards you with caprice and severity, yet you are always + to remember,—1st, That in becoming a soldier you have subjected + yourself to the caprice and severity of superior officers, and + have no comfort except in contemplating the prospect of + commanding others in your turn. In the mean while, you have in + most cases no remedy so useful as patience and submission. But, + <i>2dly</i>, As you seem disposed to admit that you yourselves have + been partly to blame, I submit to you, that in turning the + magnifying end of the telescope on Sir D.'s faults, and the + diminishing one on your own, <span class="pagenum"><a id="page236" name="page236"></a>(p. 236)</span> you take the least useful + mode of considering the matter. By studying <i>his</i> errors, you can + acquire no knowledge that will be useful to you till you become + Commander-in-Chief in Ireland,—whereas, by reflecting on <i>your + own</i>, Cornet Scott and his companions may reap some immediate + moral advantage. Your fine of a dozen of claret, upon any one who + shall introduce females into your mess in future, reminds me of + the rule of a country club, that whoever "behaved ungenteel" + should be fined in a pot of porter. Seriously, I think there was + bad taste in the style of the forfeiture.</p> + + <p>I am well pleased with your map, which is very businesslike. + There was a great battle fought between the English and native + Irish near the Blackwater, in which the former were defeated, and + Bagenal the Knight-Marshal killed. Is there any remembrance of + this upon the spot? There is a clergyman in Lismore, Mr. John + Graham—originally, that is by descent, a Borderer. He lately + sent me a manuscript which I intend to publish, and I wrote to + him enclosing a cheque on Coutts. I wish you could ascertain if + he received my letter safe. You can call upon him with my + compliments. You need only say I was desirous to know if he had + received a letter from me lately. The manuscript was written by a + certain Mr. Gwynne, a Welsh loyalist in the great Civil War, and + afterwards an officer in the guards of Charles II. This will be + an object for a ride to you.<a id="footnotetag125" name="footnotetag125"></a><a href="#footnote125" title="Go to footnote 125"><span class="smaller">[125]</span></a></p> + + <p>I presided last night at the dinner of the Celtic Society, "all + plaided and plumed in their tartan array," and such jumping, + skipping, and screaming you never saw. Chief-Baron Shepherd dined + with us, and was very much pleased with the extreme enthusiasm of + the <span class="pagenum"><a id="page237" name="page237"></a>(p. 237)</span> Gael when liberated from the thraldom of breeches. + You were voted a member by acclamation, which will cost me a + tartan dress for your long limbs when you come here. If the King + takes Scotland in coming or going to Ireland (as has been talked + of), I expect to get you leave to come over.—I remain your + affectionate father,</p> + +<p class="author">Walter Scott.</p> + + <p>P. S.—I beg you will not take it into your wise noddle that I + will act either hastily or unadvisedly in your matters. I have + been more successful in life than most people, and know well how + much success depends, first upon desert, and then on knowledge of + the <i>carte de pays</i>.</p> +</div> + +<p>The following letter begins with an allusion to a visit which Captain +Ferguson, his bride, and his youngest sister, Miss Margaret Ferguson, +had been paying at Ditton Park:—</p> + +<div class="letter"> +<p class="titleletter">TO THE LORD MONTAGU, ETC., ETC.</p> + +<p class="date"><span class="smcap">Edinburgh</span>, 21st May, 1821.</p> + + <p><span class="smcap">My dear Lord</span>,—I was much diverted with the account of Adam and + Eve's visit to Ditton, which, with its surrounding moat, might + make no bad emblem of Eden, but for the absence of snakes and + fiends. He is a very singular fellow; for, with all his humor and + knowledge of the world, he by nature is a remarkably shy and + modest man, and more afraid of the possibility of intrusion than + would occur to any one who only sees him in the full stream of + society. His sister Margaret is extremely like him in the turn of + thought and of humor, and he has two others who are as great + curiosities in their way. The eldest is a complete old maid, with + all the gravity and shyness of the character, but not a grain of + its bad humor or spleen; on the contrary, she is one of the + kindest and most motherly creatures in the world. The second, + Mary, was in her day a very pretty girl; <span class="pagenum"><a id="page238" name="page238"></a>(p. 238)</span> but her person + became deformed, and she has the sharpness of features with which + that circumstance is sometimes attended. She rises very early in + the morning, and roams over all my wild land in the neighborhood, + wearing the most complicated pile of handkerchiefs of different + colors on her head, and a stick double her own height in her + hand, attended by two dogs, whose powers of yelping are truly + terrific. With such garb and accompaniments, she has very nearly + established the character in the neighborhood of being <i>something + no canny</i>—and the urchins of Melrose and Darnick are frightened + from gathering hazel-nuts and cutting wands in my cleugh, by the + fear of meeting <i>the daft lady</i>. With all this quizzicality, I do + not believe there ever existed a family with so much mutual + affection and such an overflow of benevolence to all around them, + from men and women down to hedge-sparrows and lame ass-colts, + more than one of which they have taken under their direct and + special protection.</p> + + <p>I am sorry there should be occasion for caution in the case of + little Duke Walter, but it is most lucky that the necessity is + early and closely attended to. How many actual valetudinarians + have outlived all their robust contemporaries, and attained the + utmost verge of human life, without ever having enjoyed what is + usually called high health. This is taking the very worst view of + the case, and supposing the constitution habitually delicate. But + how often has the strongest and best confirmed health succeeded + to a delicate childhood—and such, I trust, will be the Duke's + case. I cannot help thinking that this temporary recess from Eton + may be made subservient to Walter's improvement in general + literature, and particularly in historical knowledge. The habit + of reading useful, and at the same time entertaining books of + history, is often acquired during the retirement which delicate + health in convalescence imposes on us. I remember we touched on + this point at Ditton; and I think again, <span class="pagenum"><a id="page239" name="page239"></a>(p. 239)</span> that though + classical learning be the <i>Shibboleth</i> by which we judge, + generally speaking, of the proficiency of the youthful scholar, + yet, when this has been too exclusively and pedantically + impressed on his mind as the one thing needful, he very often + finds he has entirely a new course of study to commence, just at + the time when life is opening all its busy or gay scenes before + him, and when study of any kind becomes irksome.</p> + + <p>For this species of instruction I do not so much approve of tasks + and set hours for serious reading, as of the plan of endeavoring + to give a taste for history to the youths themselves, and + suffering them to gratify it in their own way, and at their own + time. For this reason I would not be very scrupulous what books + they began with, or whether they began at the middle or end. The + knowledge which we acquire of free will and by spontaneous + exertion, is like food eaten with appetite—it digests well, and + benefits the system ten times more than the double cramming of an + alderman. If a boy's attention can be drawn in conversation to + any interesting point of history, and the book is pointed out to + him where he will find the particulars conveyed in a lively + manner, he reads the passage with so much pleasure that he very + naturally recurs to the book at the first unoccupied moment, to + try if he cannot pick more amusement out of it; and when once a + lad gets the spirit of information, he goes on himself with + little trouble but that of selecting for him the best and most + agreeable books. I think Walter has naturally some turn for + history and historical anecdote, and would be disposed to read as + much as could be wished in that most useful line of + knowledge;—for in the eminent situation he is destined to by his + birth, acquaintance with the history and institutions of his + country, and her relative position with respect to others, is a + <i>sine qua non</i> to his discharging its duties with propriety. All + this is extremely like prosing, so I will harp on that string no + longer.</p> + + <p><span class="pagenum"><a id="page240" name="page240"></a>(p. 240)</span> Kind compliments to all at Ditton; you say nothing of + your own rheumatism. I am here for the session, unless the wind + should blow me south to see the coronation, and I think 800 miles + rather a long journey to see a show.</p> + +<p>I am always, my dear Lord,</p> + +<p>Yours very affectionately,</p> + +<p class="author">Walter Scott.</p> +</div> + +<h2><span class="pagenum"><a id="page241" name="page241"></a>(p. 241)</span> CHAPTER LII</h2> + +<p class="resume">ILLNESS AND DEATH OF JOHN BALLANTYNE. — EXTRACT FROM HIS + POCKETBOOK. — LETTERS FROM BLAIR-ADAM. — CASTLE-CAMPBELL. — SIR + SAMUEL SHEPHERD. — "BAILIE MACKAY," ETC. — CORONATION OF GEORGE + IV. — CORRESPONDENCE WITH JAMES HOGG AND LORD SIDMOUTH. — LETTER ON + THE CORONATION. — ANECDOTES. — ALLAN CUNNINGHAM'S + MEMORANDA. — COMPLETION OF CHANTREY'S BUST</p> + +<p class="chapdate">1821</p> + +<p>On the 4th of June, Scott, being then on one of his short Sessional +visits to Abbotsford, received the painful intelligence that his +friend John Ballantyne's maladies had begun to assume an aspect of +serious and even immediate danger. The elder brother made the +communication in these terms:—</p> + +<div class="letter"> +<p class="titleletter">TO SIR WALTER SCOTT, BART., OF ABBOTSFORD, MELROSE.</p> + +<p class="date"><span class="smcap">Edinburgh</span>, Sunday, 3d June, 1821.</p> + + <p><span class="smcap">Dear Sir</span>,—I have this morning had a most heart-breaking letter + from poor John, from which the following is an extract. You will + judge how it has affected me, who, with all his peculiarities of + temper, love him very much. He says,—</p> + + <p>"A spitting of blood has commenced, and you may guess the + situation into which I am plunged. We are all accustomed to + consider death as certainly inevitable; but his obvious approach + is assuredly the most detestable and abhorrent feeling to which + human nature can be subject."</p> + + <p>This is truly doleful. There is something in it more absolutely + bitter to my heart than what I have otherwise suffered. I look + back to my mother's peaceful rest, and to my infant's <span class="pagenum"><a id="page242" name="page242"></a>(p. 242)</span> + blessedness—if life be not the extinguishable worthless spark + which I cannot think it—but here, cut off in the very middle of + life, with good means and strong powers of enjoying it, and + nothing but reluctance and repining at the close—I say the truth + when I say that I would joyfully part with my right arm to avert + the approaching result. Pardon this, dear sir; my heart and soul + are heavy within me.</p> + + <p class="lspaced1">...........................</p> + +<p>With the deepest respect and gratitude,</p> +<p class="author">J. B.</p> +</div> + +<p>At the date of this letter, the invalid was in Roxburghshire; but he +came to Edinburgh a day or two afterwards, and died there on the 16th +of the same month. I accompanied Sir Walter when one of their last +interviews took place, and John's deathbed was a thing not to be +forgotten. We sat by him for perhaps an hour, and I think half that +space was occupied with his predictions of a speedy end, and details +of his last will, which he had just been executing, and which lay on +his coverlid; the other half being given, five minutes or so at a +time, to questions and remarks, which intimated that the hope of life +was still flickering before him—nay, that his interest in all its +concerns remained eager. The proof sheets of a volume of his +Novelists' Library lay also by his pillow; and he passed from them to +his will, and then back to them, as by jerks and starts the unwonted +veil of gloom closed upon his imagination, or was withdrawn again. He +had, as he said, left his great friend and patron £2000 towards the +completion of the new library at Abbotsford,—and the spirit of the +auctioneer virtuoso flashed up as he began to describe what would, he +thought, be the best style and arrangement of the bookshelves. He was +interrupted by an agony of asthma, which left him with hardly any +signs of life; and ultimately he did expire in a fit of the same kind. +Scott was visibly and profoundly shaken by this scene and its sequel. +As we stood together a few days afterwards, <span class="pagenum"><a id="page243" name="page243"></a>(p. 243)</span> while they were +smoothing the turf over John's remains in the Canongate Churchyard, +the heavens, which had been dark and slaty, cleared up suddenly, and +the midsummer sun shone forth in his strength. Scott, ever awake to +the "skiey influences," cast his eye along the overhanging line of the +Calton Hill, with its gleaming walls and towers, and then turning to +the grave again, "I feel," he whispered in my ear, "I feel as if there +would be less sunshine for me from this day forth."</p> + +<p>As we walked homewards, Scott told me, among other favorable traits of +his friend, one little story which I must not omit. He remarked one +day to a poor student of divinity attending his auction, that he +looked as if he were in bad health. The young man assented with a +sigh. "Come," said Ballantyne, "I think I ken the secret of a sort of +draft that would relieve you—particularly," he added, handing him a +cheque for £5 or £10—"particularly, my dear, if taken upon an empty +stomach."</p> + +<p>John died in his elder brother's house in St. John Street; a +circumstance which it gives me pleasure to record, as it confirms the +impression of their affectionate feelings towards each other at this +time, which the reader must have derived from James's letter to Scott +last quoted. Their confidence and cordiality had undergone +considerable interruption in the latter part of John's life; but the +close was in all respects fraternal.</p> + +<p>A year and a half before John's exit,—namely, on the last day of +1819,—he happened to lay his hand on an old pocketbook, which roused +his reflections, and he filled two or three of its pages with a brief +summary of the most active part of his life, which I think it due to +his character, as well as Sir Walter Scott's, to transcribe in this +place.</p> + +<div class="quote"> + <p>"31st Dec., 1819. In moving a bed from the fireplace to-day + upstairs, I found an old memorandum-book, which enables <span class="pagenum"><a id="page244" name="page244"></a>(p. 244)</span> + me to trace the following recollections of <i>this day</i>, the last + of the year.</p> + + <p>"1801. A shopkeeper in Kelso; at this period my difficulties had + not begun in business; was well, happy, and 27 years old; new + then in a connection which afterwards gave me great pain, but can + never be forgotten.</p> + + <p>"1802. 28 old: In Kelso as before—could scarcely be + happier—hunted, shot, kept ****'s company, and neglected + business, the fruits whereof I soon found.</p> + + <p>"1803. 29: Still fortunate, and happy from same cause. James in + Edinburgh thriving as a printer. When I was ennuied at home, + visited him. Business neglected every way.</p> + + <p>"1804. 30: Material change; getting into difficulties; all wrong, + and changes in every way approaching.</p> + + <p>"1805. 31: All consummated; health miserable all summer and **** + designated in an erased mem., <i>the scoundrel</i>. I yet recollect + the cause—can I ever forget it? My furniture, goods, etc., sold + at Kelso, previous to my going to Edinburgh to become my + brother's clerk; whither I <i>did</i> go, for which God be praised + eternally, on Friday, 3d January, 1806, on £200 a year. My + effects at Kelso, with labor, paid my debts, and left me + penniless.</p> + + <p>"From this period till 1808. 34: I continued in this + situation—then the scheme of a bookselling concern in Hanover + Street was adopted, which I was to manage; it was £300 a year, + and one fourth of the profits besides.</p> + + <p>"1809. 35: Already the business in Hanover Street getting into + difficulty, from our ignorance of its nature, and most + extravagant and foolish advances from its funds to the printing + concern. I ought to have resisted this, but I was thoughtless, + although not young, or rather reckless, and lived on as long as I + could make ends meet.</p> + + <p>"1810. 36: Bills increasing—the destructive system of + accommodations adopted.</p> + + <p>"1811. 37: Bills increased to a most fearful degree. Sir Wm. + Forbes and Co. shut their account. No bank would discount with + us, and everything leading to irretrievable failure.</p> + + <p>"1812. 38: The first partner stepped in, at a crisis so + tremendous, that it shakes my soul to think of it. By the most + consummate wisdom, and resolution, and unheard-of exertions, + <span class="pagenum"><a id="page245" name="page245"></a>(p. 245)</span> he put things in a train that finally (so early as + 1817) paid even himself (who ultimately became the sole creditor + of the house) <i>in full</i>, with a balance of a thousand pounds.</p> + + <p>"1813. 39: In business as a literary auctioneer in Prince's + Street; from which period to the present I have got gradually + forward, both in that line and as third of a partner of the works + of the Author of Waverley, so that I am now, at 45, worth about + (I owe £2000) £5000, with, however, alas, many changes—my strong + constitution much broken; my father and mother dead, and James + estranged—the chief enjoyment and glory of my life being the + possession of the friendship and confidence of the greatest of + men."</p> +</div> + +<p>In communicating John's death to the Cornet, Sir Walter says: "I have +had a very great loss in poor John Ballantyne, who is gone, after a +long illness. He persisted to the very last in endeavoring to take +exercise, in which he was often imprudent, and was up and dressed the +very morning before his death. In his will the grateful creature has +left me a legacy of £2000, life-rented, however, by his wife; and the +rest of his little fortune goes betwixt his two brothers. I shall miss +him very much, both in business, and as an easy and lively companion, +who was eternally active and obliging in whatever I had to do."</p> + +<p>I am sorry to take leave of John Ballantyne with the remark, that his +last will was a document of the same class with too many of his +<i>states</i> and <i>calendars</i>. So far from having £2000 to bequeath to Sir +Walter, he died as he had lived, ignorant of the situation of his +affairs, and deep in debt.<a id="footnotetag126" name="footnotetag126"></a><a href="#footnote126" title="Go to footnote 126"><span class="smaller">[126]</span></a></p> + +<p>The two following letters, written at Blair-Adam, <span class="pagenum"><a id="page246" name="page246"></a>(p. 246)</span> where the +Club were, as usual, assembled for the dog-days, have been selected +from among several which Scott at this time addressed to his friends +in the South, with the view of promoting Mr. Mackay's success in his +<i>début</i> on the London boards as Bailie Jarvie.</p> + +<div class="letter"> +<p class="titleletter">TO MISS JOANNA BAILLIE, HAMPSTEAD.</p> + + <p>The immediate motive of my writing to you, my dearest friend, is + to make Mrs. Agnes and you aware that a Scots performer, called + Mackay, is going up to London to play Bailie Nicol Jarvie for a + single night at Covent Garden, and to beg you of all dear loves + to go and see him; for, taking him in that single character, I am + not sure I ever saw anything in my life possessing so much truth + and comic effect at the same time: he is completely the personage + of the drama, the purse-proud consequential magistrate, humane + and irritable in the same moment, and the true Scotsman in every + turn of thought and action; his variety of feelings towards Rob + Roy, whom he likes, and fears, and despises, and admires, and + pities all at once, is exceedingly well expressed. In short, I + never saw a part better sustained, certainly; I pray you to + collect a party of Scotch friends to see it. I have written to + Sotheby to the same purpose, but I doubt whether the exhibition + will prove as satisfactory to those who do not know the original + from which the resemblance is taken. I observe the English demand + (as is natural) broad caricature in the depicting of national + peculiarities: they did so as to the Irish till Jack Johnstone + taught them better, and at first I should fear Mackay's reality + will seem less ludicrous than Liston's humorous extravagances. So + let it not be said that a dramatic genius of Scotland wanted the + countenance and protection of Joanna Baillie: the Doctor and Mrs. + Baillie will be much diverted if they go also, but somebody said + to me that they were out of town. The man, I am told, is + perfectly respectable in his life and habits, and consequently + <span class="pagenum"><a id="page247" name="page247"></a>(p. 247)</span> deserves encouragement every way. There is a great + difference betwixt his <i>bailie</i> and all his other performances: + one would think the part made for him, and him for the part—and + yet I may do the poor fellow injustice, and what we here consider + as a falling off may arise from our identifying Mackay so + completely with the worthy Glasgow magistrate, that recollections + of Nicol Jarvie intrude upon us at every corner, and mar the + personification of any other part which he may represent for the + time.</p> + + <p>I am here for a couple of days with our Chief-Commissioner, late + Willie Adam, and we had yesterday a delightful stroll to + Castle-Campbell, the Rumbling Brig, Cauldron Linns, etc. The + scenes are most romantic, and I know not by what fatality it has + been, that living within a step of them, I never visited any of + them before. We had Sir Samuel Shepherd with us, a most + delightful person, but with too much English fidgetiness about + him for crags and precipices,—perpetually afraid that rocks + would give way under his weight which had over-brow'd the torrent + for ages, and that good well-rooted trees, moored so as to resist + ten thousand tempests, would fall because he grasped one of their + branches; he must certainly be a firm believer in the simile of + the lover of your native land, who complains,—</p> + +<p class="poem10"> +<span class="min33em">"</span>I leant my back unto an aik,<br> + I thought it was a trusty tree,<br> + But first it bow'd and then it brake," etc., etc., etc.<a id="footnotetag127" name="footnotetag127"></a><a href="#footnote127" title="Go to footnote 127"><span class="smaller">[127]</span></a></p> + + <p>Certes these Southrons lack much the habits of the wood and + wilderness,—for here is a man of taste and genius, a fine + scholar and a most interesting companion, haunted with fears that + would be entertained by no shopkeeper from the Luckenbooths or + the Saut Market. A sort of <i>Cockneyism</i> of one kind or another + pervades their men of professional habits, whereas every + Scotchman, <span class="pagenum"><a id="page248" name="page248"></a>(p. 248)</span> with very few exceptions, holds country + exercises of all kinds to be part of his nature, and is ready to + become a traveller, or even a soldier on the slightest possible + notice. The habits of the moorfowl shooting, salmon-fishing, and + so forth, may keep this much up among the gentry, a name which + our pride and pedigree extend so much wider than in England; and + it is worth notice that these amusements, being cheap and + tolerably easy come at by all the petty dunniewassals, have a + more general influence on the national character than + fox-hunting, which is confined to those who can mount and keep a + horse worth at least 100 guineas. But still this hardly explains + the general and wide difference betwixt the countries in this + particular. Happen how it will, the advantage is much in favor of + Scotland: it is true that it contributes to prevent our producing + such very accomplished lawyers, divines, or artisans<a id="footnotetag128" name="footnotetag128"></a><a href="#footnote128" title="Go to footnote 128"><span class="smaller">[128]</span></a> as when + the whole mind is bent with undivided attention upon attaining + one branch of knowledge,—but it gives a strong and muscular + character to the people in general, and saves men from all sorts + of causeless fears and flutterings of the heart, which give quite + as much misery as if there were real cause for entertaining + apprehension. This is not furiously to the purpose of my letter, + which, after recommending Monsieur Mackay, was to tell you that + we are all well and happy. Sophia is getting stout and pretty, + and is one of the wisest and most important little mammas that + can be seen anywhere. Her bower is <i>bigged in gude green wood</i>, + and we went last Saturday <span class="pagenum"><a id="page249" name="page249"></a>(p. 249)</span> in a body to enjoy it, and to + consult about furniture; and we have got the road stopt which led + up the hill, so it is now quite solitary and approached through a + grove of trees, actual well-grown trees, not Lilliputian forests + like those of Abbotsford. The season is dreadfully backward. Our + ashes and oaks are not yet in leaf, and will not be, I think, in + anything like full foliage this year, such is the rigor of the + east winds.—Always, my dear and much respected friend, most + affectionately yours,</p> + +<p class="author">W. Scott.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">Blair-Adam</span>, 11 June, 1821,<br> + In full sight of Lochleven.</p> + + <p>P. S.—Pray read, or have read to you by Mrs. Agnes, The Annals + of the Parish. Mr. Galt wrote the worst tragedies ever seen, and + has now written a most excellent novel, if it can be called so.</p> +</div> + +<div class="letter"> +<p class="titleletter">TO THE LORD MONTAGU, ETC., ETC., LONDON.</p> + +<p class="date"><span class="smcap">Blair-Adam</span>, June 11, 1821.</p> + + <p><span class="smcap">My dear Lord</span>,—There is a man going up from Edinburgh to play one + night at Covent Garden, whom, as having the very unusual power of + presenting on the stage a complete Scotsman, I am very desirous + you should see. He plays Bailie Nicol Jarvie in Rob Roy, but with + a degree of national truth and understanding, which makes the + part equal to anything I have ever seen on the stage, and I have + seen all the best comedians for these forty years. I wish much, + if you continue in town till he comes up, that you would get into + some private box and take a look of him. Sincerely, it is a real + treat—the English will not enjoy it, for it is not broad enough, + or sufficiently caricatured for their apprehensions, but to a + Scotsman it is inimitable, and you have the Glasgow Bailie before + you, with all his bustling conceit and importance, his real + benevolence, and his irritable habits. He will want in London a + fellow who, in the character of the Highland turnkey, held the + backhand <span class="pagenum"><a id="page250" name="page250"></a>(p. 250)</span> to him admirably well. I know how difficult it + is for folks of condition to get to the theatre, but this is + worth an exertion,—and, besides, the poor man (who I understand + is very respectable in private life) will be, to use an admirable + simile (by which one of your father's farmers persuaded the Duke + to go to hear his son, a probationer in divinity, preach his + first sermon in the town of Ayr), <i>like a cow in a fremd + loaning</i>, and glad of Scots countenance.</p> + + <p>I am glad the Duke's cold is better—his stomach will not be put + to those trials which ours underwent in our youth, when deep + drinking was the fashion. I hope he will always be aware, + however, that his is not a strong one.</p> + + <p>Campbell's Lives of the Admirals is an admirable book, and I + would advise your Lordship e'en to redeem your pledge to the Duke + on some rainy day. You do not run the risk from the perusal which + my poor mother apprehended. She always alleged it sent her eldest + son to the navy, and did not see with indifference any of her + younger olive branches engaged with Campbell except myself, who + stood in no danger of the cockpit or quarterdeck. I would not + swear for Lord John though. Your Lordship's tutor was just such a + well-meaning person as mine, who used to take from me old Lindsay + of Pitscottie, and set me down to get by heart Rollin's infernal + list of the Shepherd Kings, whose hard names could have done no + good to any one on earth, unless he had wished to raise the + devil, and lacked language to conjure with.—Always, my dear + Lord, most truly yours,</p> + +<p class="author">Walter Scott.</p> +</div> + +<p>The coronation of George IV., preparations for which were (as has been +seen) in active progress by March, 1820, had been deferred, in +consequence of the unhappy affair of the Queen's Trial. The 19th of +July, 1821, was now announced for this solemnity, and Sir Walter +<span class="pagenum"><a id="page251" name="page251"></a>(p. 251)</span> resolved to be among the spectators. It occurred to him that +if the Ettrick Shepherd were to accompany him, and produce some +memorial of the scene likely to catch the popular ear in Scotland, +good service might thus be done to the cause of loyalty. But this was +not his only consideration. Hogg had married a handsome and most +estimable young woman, a good deal above his own original rank in +life, the year before; and expecting with her a dowry of £1000, he had +forthwith revived the grand ambition of an earlier day, and become a +candidate for an extensive farm on the Buccleuch estate, at a short +distance from Altrive Lake. Various friends, supposing his worldly +circumstances to be much improved, had supported his application, and +Lord Montagu had received it in a manner for which the Shepherd's +letters to Scott express much gratitude. Misfortune pursued the +Shepherd—the unforeseen bankruptcy of his wife's father interrupted +the stocking of the sheep-walk; and the arable part of the new +possession was sadly mismanaged by himself. Scott hoped that a visit +to London, and a coronation poem, or pamphlet, might end in some +pension or post that would relieve these difficulties, and he wrote to +Hogg, urging him to come to Edinburgh, and embark with him for the +great city. Not doubting that this proposal would be eagerly accepted, +he, when writing to Lord Sidmouth, to ask a place for himself in the +Hall and Abbey of Westminster, mentioned that Hogg was to be his +companion, and begged suitable accommodation for him also. Lord +Sidmouth, being overwhelmed with business connected with the +approaching pageant, answered by the pen of the Under-Secretary of +State, Mr. Hobhouse, that Sir Walter's wishes, both as to himself and +the Shepherd, should be gratified, <i>provided</i> they would both dine +with him the day after the coronation, in Richmond Park, "where," says +the letter before me, "his Lordship will invite the Duke of York and a +few other Jacobites to meet you." All this being made <span class="pagenum"><a id="page252" name="page252"></a>(p. 252)</span> known +to the tenant of Mount-Benger, he wrote to Scott, as he says, "with +the tear in his eye," to signify, that if he went to London he must +miss attending the great annual Border fair, held on St. Boswell's +Green, in Roxburghshire, on the 18th of every July; and that his +absence from that meeting so soon after entering upon business as a +store-farmer, would be considered by his new compeers as highly +imprudent and discreditable. "In short," James concludes, "the thing +is impossible. But as there is no man in his Majesty's dominions +admires his great talents for government, and the energy and dignity +of his administration, so much as I do, I will write something at +home, and endeavor to give it you before you start." The Shepherd +probably expected that these pretty compliments would reach the royal +ear; but however that may have been, his own Muse turned a deaf ear to +him—at least I never heard of anything that he wrote on this +occasion.</p> + +<p>Scott embarked without him, on board a new steamship called The City +of Edinburgh, which, as he suggested to the master, ought rather to +have been christened The New Reekie. This vessel was that described +and lauded in the following letter:—</p> + +<div class="letter"> +<p class="titleletter">TO THE LORD MONTAGU, ETC., ETC.</p> + +<p class="date"><span class="smcap">Edinburgh</span>, July 1, 1821.</p> + + <p><span class="smcap">My dear Lord</span>,—I write just now to thank you for your letter. I + have been on board the steamship, and am so delighted with it, + that I think I shall put myself aboard for the coronation. It + runs at nine knots an hour (<i>me ipso teste</i>) against wind and + tide, with a deck as long as a frigate's to walk upon, and to + sleep on also, if you like, as I have always preferred a cloak + and a mattress to these crowded cabins. This reconciles the speed + and certainty of the mail-coach with the ease and convenience of + being on shipboard. So I really think I will run up to see the + grandee show, and run down again. I scorn <span class="pagenum"><a id="page253" name="page253"></a>(p. 253)</span> to mention + economy, though the expense is not one fifth, and that is + something in hard times, especially to me, who, to choose, would + always rather travel in a public conveyance, than with my + domestic's good company in a po-chay.</p> + + <p>But now comes the news of news. I have been instigating the great + Caledonian Boar, James Hogg, to undertake a similar trip—with + the view of turning an honest penny, to help out his stocking, by + writing some sort of Shepherd's Letters, or the like, to put the + honest Scots bodies up to this whole affair. I am trying with + Lord Sidmouth to get him a place among the newspaper gentry to + see the ceremony. It is seriously worth while to get such a + popular view of the whole as he will probably hit off.</p> + + <p>I have another view for this poor fellow. You have heard of the + Royal Literary Society, and how they propose to distribute solid + pudding, <i>alias</i> pensions, to men of genius. It is, I think, a + very problematical matter, whether it will do the good which is + intended; but if they do mean to select worthy objects of + encouragement, I really know nobody that has a better or an equal + claim to poor Hogg. Our friend Villiers takes a great charge of + this matter, and good-naturedly forgave my stating to him a + number of objections to the first concoction, which was to have + been something resembling the French Academy. It has now been + much modified. Perhaps there may be some means fallen upon, with + your Lordship's assistance, of placing Hogg under Mr. Villiers's + view. I would have done so myself, but only I have battled the + point against the whole establishment so keenly, that it would be + too bad to bring forward a protégé of my own to take advantage of + it. They intended at one time to give pensions of about £100 a + year to thirty persons. I know not where they could find half a + dozen with such pretensions as the Shepherd's.</p> + + <p>There will be risk of his being lost in London, or kidnapped + <span class="pagenum"><a id="page254" name="page254"></a>(p. 254)</span> by some of those ladies who open literary <i>menageries</i> + for the reception of <i>lions</i>. I should like to see him at a rout + of blue-stockings. I intend to recommend him to the protection of + John Murray the bookseller; and I hope he will come equipped with + plaid, kent, and colley.<a id="footnotetag129" name="footnotetag129"></a><a href="#footnote129" title="Go to footnote 129"><span class="smaller">[129]</span></a></p> + + <p>I wish to heaven Lord Melville would either keep the Admiralty, + or in Hogg's phrase,—</p> + +<p class="poem10"> +<span class="add2em">"O I would eagerly press him</span><br> + The keys of the <i>east</i> to require,"—</p> + + <p class="noindent">for truly the Board of Control is the Corn Chest for Scotland, + where we poor gentry must send our younger sons, as we send our + black cattle to the south.—Ever most truly yours,</p> + +<p class="author">Walter Scott.</p> +</div> + +<p>From London, on the day after the coronation, Sir Walter addressed a +letter descriptive of the ceremonial to his friend James Ballantyne, +who published it in his newspaper. It has been since reprinted—but +not in any collection of Scott's own writings; and I therefore insert +it here. It will probably possess considerable interest for the +student of English history and manners in future times; for the +coronation of George the Fourth's successor was conducted on a vastly +inferior scale of splendor and expense—and the precedent of +curtailment in any such matters is now seldom neglected.</p> + +<div class="letter"> +<p class="titleletter">TO THE EDITOR OF THE EDINBURGH WEEKLY JOURNAL.</p> + +<p class="date"><span class="smcap">London</span>, July 20, 1821.</p> + + <p><span class="smcap">Sir</span>,—I refer you to the daily papers for the details of the + great National Solemnity which we witnessed yesterday, and will + hold my promise absolved by sending a few general remarks upon + what I saw with surprise amounting to astonishment, and which I + shall never forget. It is, indeed, impossible <span class="pagenum"><a id="page255" name="page255"></a>(p. 255)</span> to + conceive a ceremony more august and imposing in all its parts, + and more calculated to make the deepest impression both on the + eye and on the feelings. The most minute attention must have been + bestowed to arrange all the subordinate parts in harmony with the + rest; so that, amongst so much antiquated ceremonial, imposing + singular dresses, duties, and characters, upon persons accustomed + to move in the ordinary routine of society, nothing occurred + either awkward or ludicrous which could mar the general effect of + the solemnity. Considering that it is but one step from the + sublime to the ridiculous, I own I consider it as surprising that + the whole ceremonial of the day should have passed away without + the slightest circumstance which could derange the general tone + of solemn feeling which was suited to the occasion.</p> + + <p>You must have heard a full account of the only disagreeable event + of the day. I mean the attempt of the misguided lady, who has + lately furnished so many topics of discussion, to intrude herself + upon a ceremonial, where, not being in her proper place, to be + present in any other must have been voluntary degradation. That + matter is a fire of straw which has now burnt to the very embers, + and those who try to blow it into life again will only blacken + their hands and noses, like mischievous children dabbling among + the ashes of a bonfire. It seems singular, that being determined + to be present at all hazards, this unfortunate personage should + not have procured a Peer's ticket, which, I presume, would have + insured her admittance. I willingly pass to pleasanter matters.</p> + + <p>The effect of the scene in the Abbey was beyond measure + magnificent. Imagine long galleries stretched among the aisles of + that venerable and august pile—those which rise above the altar + pealing back their echoes to a full and magnificent choir of + music—those which occupied the sides filled even to crowding + with all that Britain has of beautiful and distinguished, and the + cross-gallery most appropriately occupied by the Westminster + schoolboys, in their white surplices, many of whom might on that + day receive impressions never to be lost during the rest of their + lives. Imagine this, I say, and then add the spectacle upon the + floor,—the altar surrounded by the Fathers of the Church, the + King encircled by the Nobility of the land and the Counsellors of + his throne, and by warriors wearing the <span class="pagenum"><a id="page256" name="page256"></a>(p. 256)</span> honored marks + of distinction bought by many a glorious danger;—add to this the + rich spectacle of the aisles crowded with waving plumage, and + coronets, and caps of honor, and the sun, which brightened and + saddened as if on purpose, now beaming in full lustre on the rich + and varied assemblage, and now darting a solitary ray, which + catched, as it passed, the glittering folds of a banner, or the + edge of a group of battle-axes or partizans, and then rested full + on some fair form, "the cynosure of neighboring eyes," whose + circlet of diamonds glistened under its influence. Imagine all + this, and then tell me if I have made my journey of four hundred + miles to little purpose. I do not love your <i>cui bono</i> men, and + therefore I will not be pleased if you ask me in the damping tone + of sullen philosophy, what good all this has done the spectators. + If we restrict life to its real animal wants and necessities, we + shall indeed be satisfied with "food, clothes, and fire;" but + Divine Providence, who widened our sources of enjoyment beyond + those of the animal creation, never meant that we should bound + our wishes within such narrow limits; and I shrewdly suspect that + those <i>non est tanti</i> gentlefolks only depreciate the natural and + unaffected pleasure which men like me receive from sights of + splendor and sounds of harmony, either because they would seem + wiser than their simple neighbors at the expense of being less + happy, or because the mere pleasure of the sight and sound is + connected with associations of a deeper kind, to which they are + unwilling to yield themselves.</p> + + <p>Leaving these gentlemen to enjoy their own wisdom, I still more + pity those, if there be any, who (being unable to detect a peg on + which to hang a laugh) sneer coldly at this solemn festival, and + are rather disposed to dwell on the expense which attends it, + than on the generous feelings which it ought to awaken. The + expense, so far as it is national, has gone directly and + instantly to the encouragement of the British manufacturer and + mechanic; and so far as it is personal to the persons of rank + attendant upon the Coronation, it operates as a tax upon wealth + and consideration for the benefit of poverty and industry; a tax + willingly paid by the one class, and not the less acceptable to + the other because it adds a happy holiday to the monotony of a + life of labor.</p> + + <p>But there were better things to reward my pilgrimage than + <span class="pagenum"><a id="page257" name="page257"></a>(p. 257)</span> the mere pleasures of the eye and ear; for it was + impossible, without the deepest veneration, to behold the + voluntary and solemn interchange of vows betwixt the King and his + assembled People, whilst he, on the one hand, called God Almighty + to witness his resolution to maintain their laws and privileges, + whilst they called, at the same moment, on the Divine Being, to + bear witness that they accepted him for their liege Sovereign, + and pledged to him their love and their duty. I cannot describe + to you the effect produced by the solemn, yet strange mixture of + the words of Scripture, with the shouts and acclamations of the + assembled multitude, as they answered to the voice of the + Prelate, who demanded of them whether they acknowledged as their + Monarch the Prince who claimed the sovereignty in their presence. + It was peculiarly delightful to see the King receive from the + royal brethren, but in particular from the Duke of York, the + fraternal kiss in which they acknowledged their sovereign. There + was an honest tenderness, an affectionate and sincere reverence + in the embrace interchanged betwixt the Duke of York and his + Majesty, that approached almost to a caress, and impressed all + present with the electrical conviction, that the nearest to the + throne in blood was the nearest also in affection. I never heard + plaudits given more from the heart than those that were thundered + upon the royal brethren when they were thus pressed to each + other's bosoms,—it was an emotion of natural kindness, which, + bursting out amidst ceremonial grandeur, found an answer in every + British bosom. The King seemed much affected at this and one or + two other parts of the ceremonial, even so much so as to excite + some alarm among those who saw him as nearly as I did. He + completely recovered himself, however, and bore (generally + speaking) the fatigue of the day very well. I learn from one near + his person, that he roused himself with great energy, even when + most oppressed with heat and fatigue, when any of the more + interesting parts of the ceremony were to be performed, or when + anything occurred which excited his personal and immediate + attention. When presiding at the banquet, amid the long line of + his Nobles, he looked "every inch a King;" and nothing could + exceed the grace with which he accepted and returned the various + acts of homage rendered to him in the course of that long day.</p> + + <p><span class="pagenum"><a id="page258" name="page258"></a>(p. 258)</span> It was also a very gratifying spectacle to those who + think like me, to behold the Duke of Devonshire and most of the + distinguished Whig nobility assembled round the throne on this + occasion; giving an open testimony that the differences of + political opinions are only skin-deep wounds, which assume at + times an angry appearance, but have no real effect on the + wholesome constitution of the country.</p> + + <p>If you ask me to distinguish who bore him best, and appeared most + to sustain the character we annex to the assistants in such a + solemnity, I have no hesitation to name Lord Londonderry, who, in + the magnificent robes of the Garter, with the cap and high plume + of the order, walked alone, and by his fine face and majestic + person formed an adequate representative of the order of Edward + III., the costume of which was worn by his Lordship only. The + Duke of Wellington, with all his laurels, moved and looked + deserving the baton, which was never grasped by so worthy a hand. + The Marquis of Anglesea showed the most exquisite grace in + managing his horse, notwithstanding the want of his limb, which + he left at Waterloo. I never saw so fine a bridle-hand in my + life, and I am rather a judge of "noble horsemanship." Lord + Howard's horse was worse bitted than those of the two former + noblemen, but not so much so as to derange the ceremony of + retiring back out of the Hall.</p> + + <p>The Champion was performed (as of right) by young Dymocke, a + fine-looking youth, but bearing, perhaps, a little too much the + appearance of a maiden-knight to be the challenger of the world + in a King's behalf. He threw down his gauntlet, however, with + becoming manhood, and showed as much horsemanship as the crowd of + knights and squires around him would permit to be exhibited. His + armor was in good taste, but his shield was out of all propriety, + being a round <i>rondache</i>, or Highland target, a defensive weapon + which it would have been impossible to use on horseback, instead + of being a three-corner'd, or <i>heater-shield</i>, which in time of + the tilt was suspended round the neck. Pardon this antiquarian + scruple, which, you may believe, occurred to few but myself. On + the whole, this striking part of the exhibition somewhat + disappointed me, for I would have had the Champion less + embarrassed by his assistants, and at liberty to put his horse on + the <i>grand pas</i>. And <span class="pagenum"><a id="page259" name="page259"></a>(p. 259)</span> yet the young Lord of Scrivelsbaye + looked and behaved extremely well.</p> + + <p>Returning to the subject of costume, I could not but admire what + I had previously been disposed much to criticise,—I mean the + fancy dress of the Privy-Councillors, which was of white and blue + satin, with trunk-hose and mantles, after the fashion of Queen + Elizabeth's time. Separately, so gay a garb had an odd effect on + the persons of elderly or ill-made men; but when the whole was + thrown into one general body, all these discrepancies + disappeared, and you no more observed the particular manner or + appearance of an individual, than you do that of a soldier in the + battalion which marches past you. The whole was so completely + harmonized in actual coloring, as well as in association, with + the general mass of gay and gorgeous and antique dress which + floated before the eye, that it was next to impossible to attend + to the effect of individual figures. Yet a Scotsman will detect a + Scotsman amongst the most crowded assemblage, and I must say that + the Lord Justice-Clerk of Scotland<a id="footnotetag130" name="footnotetag130"></a><a href="#footnote130" title="Go to footnote 130"><span class="smaller">[130]</span></a> showed to as great + advantage in his robes of Privy-Councillor, as any by whom that + splendid dress was worn on this great occasion. The common + Court-dress used by the Privy-Councillors at the last coronation + must have had a poor effect in comparison of the present, which + formed a gradation in the scale of gorgeous ornament, from the + unwieldy splendor of the heralds, who glowed like huge masses of + cloth of gold and silver, to the more chastened robes and ermine + of the Peers. I must not forget the effect produced by the Peers + placing their coronets on their heads, which was really august.</p> + + <p>The box assigned to the foreign Ambassadors presented a most + brilliant effect, and was perfectly in a blaze with diamonds. + When the sunshine lighted on Prince Esterhazy, in particular, he + glimmered like a galaxy. I cannot learn positively if he had on + that renowned coat which has visited all the courts of Europe + save ours, and is said to be worth £100,000, or some such trifle, + and which costs the Prince £100 or two every time he puts it on, + as he is sure to lose pearls to that amount. This was a hussar + dress, but splendid in the last degree; perhaps too fine for good + taste—at least it would have appeared so anywhere else. Beside + the Prince sat a <span class="pagenum"><a id="page260" name="page260"></a>(p. 260)</span> good-humored lass, who seemed all eyes + and ears (his daughter-in-law, I believe), who wore as many + diamonds as if they had been Bristol stones. An honest Persian + was also a remarkable figure, from the dogged and imperturbable + gravity with which he looked on the whole scene, without ever + moving a limb or a muscle during the space of four hours. Like + Sir Wilful Witwoud, I cannot find that your Persian is orthodox; + for if he scorned everything else, there was a Mahometan paradise + extended on his right hand along the seats which were occupied by + the peeresses and their daughters, which the Prophet himself + might have looked on with emotion. I have seldom seen so many + elegant and beautiful girls as sat mingled among the noble + matronage of the land; and the waving plumage of feathers, which + made the universal head-dress, had the most appropriate effect in + setting off their charms.</p> + + <p>I must not omit that the foreigners, who are apt to consider us + as a nation <i>en frac</i>, and without the usual ceremonials of dress + and distinction, were utterly astonished and delighted to see the + revival of feudal dresses and feudal grandeur when the occasion + demanded it, and that in a degree of splendor which they averred + they had never seen paralleled in Europe.</p> + + <p>The duties of service at the Banquet, and of attendance in + general, were performed by pages drest very elegantly in Henri + Quatre coats of scarlet, with gold lace, blue sashes, white silk + hose, and white rosettes. There were also marshal's-men for + keeping order, who wore a similar dress, but of blue, and having + white sashes. Both departments were filled up almost entirely by + young gentlemen, many of them of the very first condition, who + took these menial characters to gain admission to the show. When + I saw many of my young acquaintance thus attending upon their + fathers and kinsmen, the Peers, Knights, and so forth, I could + not help thinking of Crabbe's lines, with a little alteration:—</p> + +<p class="poem10"> +'T was schooling pride to see the menial wait,<br> + Smile on his father, and receive his plate.</p> + + <p>It must be owned, however, that they proved but indifferent + valets, and were very apt, like the clown in the pantomime, to + eat the cheer they should have handed to their masters, and to + play other <i>tours de page</i>, which reminded me of the caution of + our proverb "not to man yourself with your kin." The Peers, + <span class="pagenum"><a id="page261" name="page261"></a>(p. 261)</span> for example, had only a cold collation, while the + Aldermen of London feasted on venison and turtle; and similar + errors necessarily befell others in the confusion of the evening. + But these slight mistakes, which indeed were not known till + afterwards, had not the slightest effect on the general grandeur + of the scene.</p> + + <p>I did not see the procession between the Abbey and Hall. In the + morning a few voices called <i>Queen! Queen!</i> as Lord Londonderry + passed, and even when the Sovereign appeared. But these were only + signals for the loud and reiterated acclamations in which these + tones of discontent were completely drowned. In the return, no + one dissonant voice intimated the least dissent from the shouts + of gratulation which poured from every quarter; and certainly + never Monarch received a more general welcome from his assembled + subjects.</p> + + <p>You will have from others full accounts of the variety of + entertainments provided for John Bull in the Parks, the River, in + the Theatres, and elsewhere. Nothing was to be seen or heard but + sounds of pleasure and festivity; and whoever saw the scene at + any one spot, was convinced that the whole population was + assembled there, while others found a similar concourse of + revellers in every different point. It is computed that about + <i>five hundred thousand people</i> shared in the Festival in one way + or another; and you may imagine the excellent disposition by + which the people were animated, when I tell you, that, excepting + a few windows broken by a small bodyguard of ragamuffins, who + were in immediate attendance on the Great Lady in the morning, + not the slightest political violence occurred to disturb the + general harmony—and that the assembled populace seemed to be + universally actuated by the spirit of the day—loyalty, namely, + and good-humor. Nothing occurred to damp those happy + dispositions; the weather was most propitious, and the + arrangements so perfect, that no accident of any kind is reported + as having taken place.—And so concluded the coronation of <span class="smcap">George + IV.</span>, whom <span class="smcap">God</span> long preserve. Those who witnessed it have seen a + scene calculated to raise the country in their opinion, and to + throw into the shade all scenes of similar magnificence, from the + Field of the Cloth of Gold down to the present day. I remain, + your obedient servant,</p> + +<p class="author">An Eye-Witness.</p> +</div> + +<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="page262" name="page262"></a>(p. 262)</span> At the close of this brilliant scene, Scott received a mark +of homage to his genius which delighted him not less than Laird +Nippy's reverence for the <i>Sheriff's Knoll</i>, and the Sheffield +cutler's dear acquisition of his signature on a visiting ticket. +Missing his carriage, he had to return home on foot from Westminster, +after the banquet—that is to say, between two or three o'clock in the +morning;—when he and a young gentleman his companion found themselves +locked in the crowd, somewhere near Whitehall, and the bustle and +tumult were such that his friend was afraid some accident might happen +to the lame limb. A space for the dignitaries was kept clear at that +point by the Scots Greys. Sir Walter addressed a sergeant of this +celebrated regiment, begging to be allowed to pass by him into the +open ground in the middle of the street. The man answered shortly, +that his orders were strict—that the thing was impossible. While he +was endeavoring to persuade the sergeant to relent, some new wave of +turbulence approached from behind, and his young companion exclaimed +in a loud voice, "Take care, Sir Walter Scott, take care!" The +stalwart dragoon, on hearing the name, said, "What! Sir Walter Scott? +He shall get through anyhow!" He then addressed the soldiers near him: +"Make room, men, for Sir Walter Scott, our illustrious countryman!" +The men answered, "Sir Walter Scott!—God bless him!"—and he was in a +moment within the guarded line of safety.</p> + +<p>I shall now take another extract from the <i>memoranda</i> with which I +have been favored by my friend Allan Cunningham. After the particulars +formerly quoted about Scott's sitting to Chantrey in the spring of +1820, he proceeds as follows:—</p> + +<div class="quote"> + <p>"I saw Sir Walter again, when he attended the coronation, in + 1821. In the mean time his bust had been wrought in marble, and + the sculptor desired to take the advantage of his visit to + communicate such touches of expression or lineament <span class="pagenum"><a id="page263" name="page263"></a>(p. 263)</span> as + the new material rendered necessary. This was done with a + happiness of eye and hand almost magical: for five hours did the + poet sit, or stand, or walk, while Chantrey's chisel was passed + again and again over the marble, adding something at every touch.</p> + + <p>"'Well, Allan,' he said, when he saw me at this last sitting, + 'were you at the coronation? it was a splendid sight.'—'No, Sir + Walter,' I answered, 'places were dear and ill to get: I am told + it was a magnificent scene: but having seen the procession of + King Crispin at Dumfries, I was satisfied.' I said this with a + smile: Scott took it as I meant it, and laughed heartily. 'That's + not a bit better than Hogg,' he said. 'He stood balancing the + matter whether to go to the coronation or the fair of Saint + Boswell—and the fair carried it.'</p> + + <p>"During this conversation, Mr. Bolton the engineer came in. + Something like a cold acknowledgment passed between the poet and + him. On his passing into an inner room, Scott said, 'I am afraid + Mr. Bolton has not forgot a little passage that once took place + between us. We met in a public company, and in reply to the + remark of some one, he said, "That's like the old saying,—in + every quarter of the world you will find a Scot, a rat, and a + Newcastle grindstone." This touched my Scotch spirit, and I said, + "Mr. Bolton, you should have added—<i>and a Brummagem button</i>." + There was a laugh at this, and Mr. Bolton replied, "We make + something better in Birmingham than buttons—we make + steam-engines, sir."</p> + + <p>"'I like Bolton,' thus continued Sir Walter; 'he is a brave + man,—and who can dislike the brave? He showed this on a + remarkable occasion. He had engaged to coin for some foreign + prince a large quantity of gold. This was found out by some + desperadoes, who resolved to rob the premises, and as a + preliminary step tried to bribe the porter. The porter was an + honest fellow,—he told Bolton that he was offered a hundred + pounds to be blind and deaf next night. "Take the money," was the + answer, "and I shall protect the place." Midnight came—the gates + opened as if by magic—the interior doors, secured with patent + locks, opened as of their own accord—and three men with dark + lanterns entered and went straight to the gold. Bolton had + prepared some flax steeped in turpentine—he dropt fire upon it, + a sudden light filled all the place, and with <span class="pagenum"><a id="page264" name="page264"></a>(p. 264)</span> his + assistants, he rushed forward on the robbers,—the leader saw in + a moment he was betrayed, turned on the porter, and shooting him + dead, burst through all obstruction, and with an ingot of gold in + his hand, scaled the wall and escaped.'</p> + + <p>"'That is quite a romance in robbing,' I said;—and I had nearly + said more, for the cavern scene and death of Meg Merrilies rose + in my mind;—perhaps the mind of Sir Walter was taking the + direction of the Solway too, for he said, 'How long have you been + from Nithsdale?'—'A dozen years.' 'Then you will remember it + well. I was a visitor there in my youth; my brother was at + Closeburn school, and there I found Creehope Linn, a scene ever + present to my fancy. It is at once fearful and beautiful. The + stream jumps down from the moorlands, saws its way into the + freestone rock of a hundred feet deep, and, in escaping to the + plain, performs a thousand vagaries. In one part it has actually + shaped out a little chapel,—the peasants call it the Sutors' + Chair. There are sculptures on the sides of the linn too, not + such as Mr. Chantrey casts, but etchings scraped in with a knife + perhaps, or a harrow-tooth.'—'Did you ever hear,' said Sir + Walter, 'of Patrick Maxwell, who, taken prisoner by the King's + troops, escaped from them on his way to Edinburgh, by flinging + himself into that dreadful linn on Moffat water, called the + Douglasses' Beef-tub?'—'Frequently,' I answered; 'the country + abounds with anecdotes of those days: the popular feeling + sympathizes with the poor Jacobites, and has recorded its + sentiments in many a tale and many a verse.'—'The Ettrick + Shepherd has collected not a few of those things,' said Scott, + 'and I suppose many snatches of song may yet be found.'—<i>C.</i> 'I + have gathered many such things myself, Sir Walter, and as I still + propose to make a collection of all Scottish songs of poetic + merit, I shall work up many of my stray verses and curious + anecdotes in the notes.'—<i>S.</i> 'I am glad that you are about such + a thing; any help which I can give you, you may command; ask me + any questions, no matter how many, I shall answer them if I can. + Don't be timid in your selection; our ancestors fought boldly, + spoke boldly, and sang boldly too. I can help you to an old + characteristic ditty not yet in print:—</p> + +<p class="poem10"> +<span class="min33em">"</span>There dwalt a man into the wast,<br> +<span class="add1em">And O gin he was cruel,</span><br> + <span class="pagenum"><a id="page265" name="page265"></a>(p. 265)</span> For on his bridal night at e'en<br> +<span class="add1em">He gat up and grat for gruel.</span></p> + +<p class="poem10"> +<span class="min33em">"</span>They brought to him a gude sheep's head,<br> +<span class="add1em">A bason, and a towel;</span><br> + Gar take thae whim-whams far frae me,<br> +<span class="add1em">I winna want my gruel."'</span></p> + + <p>"<i>C.</i>—'I never heard that verse before: the hero seems related + to the bridegroom of Nithsdale,—</p> + +<p class="poem10"> +<span class="min33em">"</span>The bridegroom grat as the sun gade down,<br> + The bridegroom grat as the sun gade down;<br> + To ony man I'll gie a hunder marks sae free,<br> + This night that will bed wi' a bride for me."'</p> + + <p>"<i>S.</i>—'A cowardly loon enough. I know of many crumbs and + fragments of verse which will be useful to your work; the Border + was once peopled with poets, for every one that could fight could + make ballads, some of them of great power and pathos. Some such + people as the minstrels were living less than a century + ago.'—<i>C.</i> 'I knew a man, the last of a race of district + tale-tellers, who used to boast of the golden days of his youth, + and say, that the world, with all its knowledge, was grown + sixpence a day worse for him.'—<i>S.</i> 'How was that? how did he + make his living?—by telling tales, or singing ballads?'—<i>C.</i> + 'By both: he had a devout tale for the old, and a merry song for + the young; he was a sort of beggar.'—<i>S.</i> 'Out upon thee, + Allan—dost thou call that begging? Why, man, we make our bread + by story-telling, and honest bread it is.'"</p> +</div> + +<p>I ought not to close this extract without observing that Sir F. +Chantrey presented the original bust, of which Mr. Cunningham speaks, +to Sir Walter himself; by whose remotest descendants it will +undoubtedly be held in additional honor on that account. The poet had +the further gratification of learning that three copies were executed +in marble before the original quitted the studio: One for Windsor +Castle—a second for Apsley House—and a third for the friendly +sculptor's own private collection. The casts of this bust have since +been multiplied beyond perhaps any example whatever.</p> + +<p><span class="pagenum"><a id="page266" name="page266"></a>(p. 266)</span> Sir Walter returned to Scotland in company with his friend +William Stewart Rose; and they took the way by Stratford-upon-Avon, +where, on the wall of the room in which Shakespeare is supposed to +have been born, the autograph of these pilgrims may still, I believe, +be traced.</p> + +<h2><span class="pagenum"><a id="page267" name="page267"></a>(p. 267)</span> CHAPTER LIII</h2> + +<p class="resume">PUBLICATION OF MR. ADOLPHUS'S LETTERS ON THE AUTHORSHIP OF WAVERLEY</p> + +<p class="chapdate">1821</p> + +<p>During Scott's visit to London in July, 1821, there appeared a work +which was read with eager curiosity and delight by the public—with +much private diversion besides by his friends—and which he himself +must have gone through with a very odd mixture of emotions. I allude +to the volume entitled "Letters to Richard Heber, Esq., containing +critical remarks on the series of novels beginning with Waverley, and +an attempt to ascertain their author;" which was soon known to have +been penned by Mr. John Leycester Adolphus, a distinguished alumnus of +the University then represented in Parliament by Sir Walter's early +friend Heber.<a id="footnotetag131" name="footnotetag131"></a><a href="#footnote131" title="Go to footnote 131"><span class="smaller">[131]</span></a> Previously to the publication of these letters, the +opinion that Scott was the author of Waverley had indeed become well +settled in the English, to say nothing of the Scottish mind; a great +variety of circumstances, external as well as internal, had by degrees +coöperated to its general establishment: yet there were not wanting +persons who still <span class="pagenum"><a id="page268" name="page268"></a>(p. 268)</span> dissented, or at least affected to dissent +from it. It was reserved for the enthusiastic industry, and admirable +ingenuity of this juvenile academic, to set the question at rest by an +accumulation of critical evidence which no sophistry could evade, and +yet produced in a style of such high-bred delicacy, that it was +impossible for the hitherto "veiled prophet" to take the slightest +offence with the hand that had forever abolished his disguise. The +only sceptical scruple that survived this exposition was extinguished +in due time by Scott's avowal of the <i>sole and unassisted</i> authorship +of his novels; and now Mr. Adolphus's Letters have shared the fate of +other elaborate arguments, the thesis of which has ceased to be +controverted. Hereafter, I am persuaded, his volume will be revived +for its own sake;—but, in the mean time, regarding it merely as +forming, by its original effect, an epoch in Scott's history, I think +it my duty to mark my sense of its importance in that point of view, +by transcribing the writer's own summary of its</p> + +<div class="quote"> +<p class="center">CONTENTS.</p> + + <p>"<span class="smcap">Letter I.</span>—Introduction — General reasons for believing the + novels to have been written by the author of Marmion.</p> + + <p>"<span class="smcap">Letter II.</span>—Resemblance between the novelist and poet in their + tastes, studies, and habits of life, as illustrated by their + works — Both Scotchmen — Habitual residents in + Edinburgh — Poets — Antiquaries — German and Spanish scholars — Equal + in classical attainment — Deeply read in British + history — Lawyers — Fond of field sports — Of dogs — Acquainted with + most manly exercises — Lovers of military subjects — The novelist + apparently not a soldier.</p> + + <p>"<span class="smcap">Letter III.</span>—The novelist is, like the poet, a man of good + society — His stories never betray forgetfulness of honorable + principles, or ignorance of good manners — Spirited pictures of + gentlemanly character — Colonel Mannering — Judicious treatment of + elevated historical personages — The novelist quotes and praises + most contemporary poets, except the author of Marmion — Instances + in which the poet has appeared to <span class="pagenum"><a id="page269" name="page269"></a>(p. 269)</span> slight his own + unacknowledged, but afterwards avowed productions.</p> + + <p>"<span class="smcap">Letter IV.</span>—Comparison of the works themselves — All + distinguished by good morals and good sense — The latter + particularly shown in the management of character — Prose + style — Its general features — Plainness and facility — Grave + banter — Manner of telling a short + story — Negligence — Scotticisms — Great propriety and correctness + occasionally, and sometimes unusual sweetness.</p> + + <p>"<span class="smcap">Letter V.</span>—Dialogue in the novels and poems — Neat colloquial + turns in the former, such as cannot be expected in romantic + poetry — Happy adaptation of dialogue to character, whether merely + natural, or artificially modified, as by profession, local + habits, etc. — Faults of dialogue, as connected with character of + speakers — Quaintness of language and thought — Bookish air in + conversation — Historical personages alluding to their own + celebrated acts and sayings — Unsuccessful attempts at broad + vulgarity — Beauties of composition peculiar to the + dialogue — Terseness and spirit — These qualities well displayed in + quarrels; but not in scenes of polished raillery — Eloquence.</p> + + <p>"<span class="smcap">Letter VI.</span>—The poetry of the author of Marmion generally + characterized — His habits of composition and turn of mind as a + poet, compared with those of the novelist — Their descriptions + simply conceived and composed, without abstruse and far-fetched + circumstances or refined comments — Great advantage derived by + both from accidental combinations of images, and the association + of objects in the mind with persons, events, etc. — Distinctness + and liveliness of effect in narrative and description — Narrative + usually picturesque or dramatic, or both — Distinctness, etc., of + effect, produced in various ways — Striking pictures of + individuals — Their persons, dress, etc. — Descriptions sometimes + too obviously picturesque — Subjects for painters — Effects of + light frequently noticed and finely described — Both writers excel + in grand and complicated scenes — Among detached and occasional + ornaments, the similes particularly noticed — Their frequency and + beauty — Similes and metaphors sometimes quaint, and pursued too + far.</p> + + <p>"<span class="smcap">Letter VII.</span>—Stories of the two writers compared — These are + generally connected with true history, and have their <span class="pagenum"><a id="page270" name="page270"></a>(p. 270)</span> + scene laid in a real place — Local peculiarities diligently + attended to — Instances in which the novelist and poet have + celebrated the same places — they frequently describe these as + seen by a traveller (the hero or some other principal personage) + for the first time — Dramatic mode of relating + story — Soliloquies — Some scenes degenerate into + melodrame — Lyrical pieces introduced sometimes too + theatrically — Comparative unimportance of heroes — Various causes + of this fault — Heroes rejected by ladies, and marrying others + whom they had before slighted — Personal struggle between a + civilized and a barbarous hero — Characters resembling each + other — Female portraits in general — Fathers and + daughters — Characters in Paul's Letters — Wycliffe and + Risingham — Glossin and Hatteraick — Other characters + compared — Long periods of time abruptly passed over — Surprises, + unexpected discoveries, etc. — These sometimes too forced and + artificial — Frequent recourse to the marvellous — Dreams well + described — Living persons mistaken for spectres — Deaths of + Burley, Risingham, and Rashleigh.</p> + + <p>"<span class="smcap">Letter VIII.</span>—Comparison of particular + passages — Descriptions — Miscellaneous thoughts — Instances in + which the two writers have resorted to the same sources of + information, and borrowed the same incidents, etc. — Same authors + quoted by both — The poet, like the novelist, fond of mentioning + his contemporaries, whether as private friends or as men publicly + distinguished — Author of Marmion never notices the Author of + Waverley (see Letter III.) — Both delight in frequently + introducing an antiquated or fantastic dialect — Peculiarities of + expression common to both writers — Conclusion."</p> +</div> + +<p>I wish I had space for extracting copious specimens of the felicity +with which Mr. Adolphus works out these various points of his problem. +As it is, I must be contented with a narrow selection—and I shall +take two or three of the passages which seem to me to connect +themselves most naturally with the main purpose of my own compilation.</p> + +<div class="quote"> + <p>"A thorough knowledge and statesmanlike understanding of the + domestic history and politics of Britain at various and distant + <span class="pagenum"><a id="page271" name="page271"></a>(p. 271)</span> periods; a familiar acquaintance with the manners and + prevailing spirit of former generations, and with the characters + and habits of their most distinguished men, are of themselves no + cheap or common attainments; and it is rare indeed to find them + united with a strong original genius, and great brilliancy of + imagination. We know, however, that the towering poet of Flodden + Field is also the diligent editor of Swift and Dryden, of Lord + Somers's Tracts, and of Sir Ralph Sadler's State Papers; that in + these and other parts of his literary career he has necessarily + plunged deep into the study of British history, biography, and + antiquities, and that the talent and activity which he brought to + these researches have been warmly seconded by the zeal and + liberality of those who possessed the amplest and rarest sources + of information. 'The Muse found him,' as he himself said long + ago, 'engaged in the pursuit of historical and traditional + antiquities, and the excursions which he has made in her company + have been of a nature which increases his attachment to his + original study.' Are we then to suppose that another writer has + combined the same powers of fancy with the same spirit of + investigation, the same perseverance, and the same good fortune? + and shall we not rather believe, that the labor employed in the + illustration of Dryden has helped to fertilize the invention + which produced Montrose and Old Mortality?...</p> + + <p>"However it may militate against the supposition of his being a + poet, I cannot suppress my opinion, that our novelist is a 'man + of law.' He deals out the peculiar terms and phrases of that + science (as practised in Scotland) with a freedom and confidence + beyond the reach of any uninitiated person. If ever, in the + progress of his narrative, a legal topic presents itself (which + very frequently happens), he neither declines the subject, nor + timidly slurs it over, but enters as largely and formally into + all its technicalities, as if the case were actually 'before the + fifteen.' The manners, humors, and professional <i>bavardage</i> of + lawyers, are sketched with all the ease and familiarity which + result from habitual observation. In fact, the subject of law, + which is a stumbling-block to others, is to the present writer a + spot of repose; upon this theme he lounges and gossips, he is + <i>discinctus et soleatus</i>, and, at times, almost forgets that when + an author finds himself at home and perfectly <span class="pagenum"><a id="page272" name="page272"></a>(p. 272)</span> at ease, + he is in great danger of falling asleep.—If, then, my inferences + are correct, the unknown writer who was just now proved to be an + excellent poet, must also be pronounced a follower of the law: + the combination is so unusual, at least on this side of the + Tweed, that, as Juvenal says on a different occasion—</p> + +<p class="poem10"> +<span class="add8em">... 'bimembri</span><br> + Hoc monstrum puero, vel mirandis sub aratro<br> + Piscibus inventis, et fœtæ comparo mulsæ.'</p> + + <p>Nature has indeed presented us with one such prodigy in the + author of Marmion; and it is probable, that in the author of + Waverley, we only see the same specimen under a different aspect; + for, however sportive the goddess may be, she has too much wit + and invention to wear out a frolic by many repetitions....</p> + + <p>"A striking characteristic of both writers is their ardent love + of rural sports, and all manly and robust exercises.—But the + importance given to the canine race in these works ought to be + noted as a characteristic feature by itself. I have seen some + drawings by a Swiss artist, who was called the Raphael of cats; + and either of the writers before us might, by a similar phrase, + be called the Wilkie of dogs. Is it necessary to justify such a + compliment by examples? Call Yarrow, or Lufra, or poor Fangs, + Colonel Mannering's Plato, Henry Morton's Elphin, or Hobbie + Elliot's Kilbuck, or Wolfe of Avenel Castle:—see Fitz-James's + hounds returning from the pursuit of the lost stag—</p> + +<p class="poem10"> +<span class="min33em">'</span>Back limped with slow and crippled pace<br> + The sulky leaders of the chase'—</p> + + <p class="noindent">or swimming after the boat which carries their Master—</p> + +<p class="poem10"> +<span class="min33em">'</span>With heads erect and whimpering cry<br> + The hounds behind their passage ply.'</p> + + <p>See Captain Clutterbuck's dog <i>quizzing</i> him when he missed a + bird, or the scene of 'mutual explanation and remonstrance' + between 'the venerable patriarchs old Pepper and Mustard,' and + Henry Bertram's rough terrier Wasp. If these instances are not + sufficient, turn to the English bloodhound assailing the young + Buccleuch,—</p> + +<p class="poem10"> +<span class="min33em">'</span>And hark! and hark! the deep-mouthed bark<br> +<span class="add2em">Comes nigher still and nigher;</span><br> + <span class="pagenum"><a id="page273" name="page273"></a>(p. 273)</span> Bursts on the path a dark blood-hound,<br> + His tawny muzzle tracked the ground,<br> +<span class="add2em">And his red eye shot fire.</span><br> + Soon as the wildered child saw he,<br> + He flew at him right furiouslie....<br> + I ween you would have seen with joy<br> + The bearing of the gallant boy....<br> + So fierce he struck, the dog, afraid,<br> + At cautious distance hoarsely bayed,<br> +<span class="add2em">But still in act to spring.'</span></p> + + <p>Or Lord Ronald's deerhounds, in the haunted forest of + Glenfinlas,—</p> + +<p class="poem10"> +<span class="min33em">'</span>Within an hour return'd each hound;<br> +<span class="add1em">In rush'd the rousers of the deer;</span><br> + They howl'd in melancholy sound,<br> +<span class="add1em">Then closely couch beside the seer....</span><br> + Sudden the hounds erect their ears,<br> +<span class="add1em">And sudden cease their moaning howl;</span><br> + Close press'd to Moy, they mark their fears<br> +<span class="add1em">By shivering limbs and stifled growl.</span><br> + Untouch'd the harp began to ring,<br> +<span class="add1em">As softly, slowly, oped the door,' etc.</span></p> + + <p>Or look at Cedric the Saxon, in his antique hall, attended by his + greyhounds and slowhounds, and the terriers which 'waited with + impatience the arrival of the supper; but, with the sagacious + knowledge of physiognomy peculiar to their race, forbore to + intrude upon the moody silence of their master.' To complete the + picture, 'One grisly old wolf-dog alone, with the liberty of an + indulged favorite, had planted himself close by the chair of + state, and occasionally ventured to solicit notice by putting his + large hairy head upon his master's knee, or pushing his nose into + his hand. Even he was repelled by the stern command, "Down, + Balder, down! I am not in the humor for foolery."'</p> + + <p>"Another animated sketch occurs in the way of simile:—'The + interview between Ratcliffe and Sharpitlaw had an aspect + different from all these. They sate for five minutes silent, on + opposite sides of a small table, and looked fixedly at each + other, with a sharp, knowing, and alert cast of countenance, not + unmingled with an inclination to laugh, and resembled, more than + anything else, two dogs, who, preparing for a game at romps, are + seen to crouch down, and remain in that <span class="pagenum"><a id="page274" name="page274"></a>(p. 274)</span> posture for a + little time, watching each other's movements, and waiting which + shall begin the game.'</p> + + <p>"Let me point out a still more amusing study of canine life: + 'While the Antiquary was in full declamation, Juno, who held him + in awe, according to the remarkable instinct by which dogs + instantly discover those who like or dislike them, had peeped + several times into the room, and, encountering nothing very + forbidding in his aspect, had at length presumed to introduce her + full person, and finally, becoming bold by impunity, she actually + ate up Mr. Oldbuck's toast, as, looking first at one, then at + another of his audience, he repeated with self-complacence,—</p> + +<p class="poem10"> + "'Weave the warp, and weave the woof.'—</p> + + <p>You remember the passage in the Fatal Sisters, which, by the way, + is not so fine as in the original—But, hey-day! my toast has + vanished! I see which way—Ah, thou type of womankind, no wonder + they take offence at thy generic appellation!"—(So saying, he + shook his fist at Juno, who scoured out of the parlor.)'</p> + + <p>"In short, throughout these works, wherever it is possible for a + dog to contribute in any way to the effect of a scene, we find + there the very dog that was required, in his proper place and + attitude. In Branksome Hall, when the feast was over,—</p> + +<p class="poem10"> +<span class="min33em">'</span>The stag-hounds, weary with the chase,<br> +<span class="add1em">Lay stretched upon the rushy floor,</span><br> + And urged, in dreams, the forest race<br> +<span class="add1em">From Teviot-stone to Eskdale-moor.'</span></p> + + <p>The gentle Margaret, when she steals secretly from the castle,</p> + +<p class="poem10"> +<span class="min33em">'</span>Pats the shaggy blood-hound<br> + As he rouses him up from his lair.'</p> + + <p>When Waverley visits the Baron of Bradwardine, in his concealment + at Janet Gellatley's, Ban and Buscar play their parts in every + point with perfect discretion; and in the joyous company that + assembles at Little Veolan, on the Baron's enlargement, these + honest animals are found 'stuffed to the throat with food, in the + liberality of Macwheeble's joy,' and 'snoring on the floor.' In + the perilous adventure of Henry Bertram, at Portanferry gaol, the + action would lose half its interest, without the by-play of + little Wasp. At the funeral ceremony <span class="pagenum"><a id="page275" name="page275"></a>(p. 275)</span> of Duncraggan (in + The Lady of the Lake), a principal mourner is</p> + +<p class="poem10"> + ——'Stumah, who, the bier beside,<br> + His master's corpse with wonder eyed;<br> + Poor Stumah! whom his least halloo<br> + Could send like lightning o'er the dew.'</p> + + <p>Ellen Douglas smiled (or did not smile)</p> + +<p class="poem10"> + ——'to see the stately drake,<br> + Lead forth his fleet upon the lake,<br> + While her vexed spaniel from the beach,<br> + Bayed at the prize beyond his reach.'</p> + + <p>"I will close this growing catalogue of examples with one of the + most elegant descriptions that ever sprang from a poet's fancy:—</p> + +<p class="poem10"> +<span class="min33em">'</span>Delightful praise! like summer rose,<br> + That brighter in the dew-drop glows,<br> + The bashful maiden's cheek appeared,<br> + For Douglas spoke, and Malcolm heard.<br> + The flush of shame-faced joy to hide,<br> + The hounds, the hawk, her cares divide;<br> + The loved caresses of the maid<br> + The dogs with crouch and whimper paid;<br> + And, at her whistle, on her hand,<br> + The falcon took his favorite stand,<br> + Closed his dark wing, relaxed his eye,<br> + Nor, though unhooded, sought to fly.'<br> +<span class="lspaced1">............</span> + + <p>"Their passion for martial subjects, and their success in + treating them, form a conspicuous point of resemblance between + the novelist and poet. No writer has appeared in our age (and few + have ever existed) who could vie with the author of Marmion in + describing battles and marches, and all the terrible grandeur of + war, except the author of Waverley. Nor is there any man of + original genius and powerful inventive talent as conversant with + the military character, and as well schooled in tactics, as the + author of Waverley, except the author of Marmion. Both seem to + exult in camps, and to warm at the approach of a soldier. In + every warlike scene that awes and agitates, or dazzles and + inspires, the poet triumphs; but where any effect is to be + produced by dwelling on the minutiæ of military habits and + discipline, or exhibiting the blended hues of individual humor + and professional peculiarity, as they present <span class="pagenum"><a id="page276" name="page276"></a>(p. 276)</span> + themselves in the mess-room or the guard-room, every advantage is + on the side of the novelist. I might illustrate this position by + tracing all the gradations of character marked out in the novels, + from the Baron of Bradwardine to Tom Halliday: but the examples + are too well known to require enumeration, and too generally + admired to stand in need of panegyric. Both writers, then, must + have bestowed a greater attention on military subjects, and have + mixed more frequently in the society of soldiers, than is usual + with persons not educated to the profession of arms.</p> + + <p>"It may be asked, why we should take for granted that the writer + of these novels is not himself a member of the military + profession? The conjecture is a little improbable if we have been + right in concluding that the minuteness and multiplicity of our + author's legal details are the fruit of his own study and + practice, although the same person may certainly, at different + periods of life, put on the helmet and the wig, the gorget and + the band; attend courts and lie in trenches; head a charge and + lead a cause. I cannot help suspecting, however (it is with the + greatest diffidence I venture the remark), that in those warlike + recitals which so strongly interest the great body of readers, an + army critic would discover several particulars that savor more of + the amateur than of the practised campaigner. It is not from any + technical improprieties (if such exist) that I derive this + observation, but, on the contrary, from a too great minuteness + and over-curious diligence, at times perceptible in the military + details; which, amidst a seeming fluency and familiarity, betray, + I think, here and there, the lurking vestiges of labor and + contrivance, like the marks of pickaxes in an artificial grotto. + The accounts of operations in the field, if not more + circumstantial than a professional author would have made them, + are occasionally circumstantial on points which such an author + would have thought it idle to dwell upon. A writer who derived + his knowledge of war from experience would, no doubt, like the + Author of Waverley, delight in shaping out imaginary + manœuvres, or in filling up the traditional outline of those + martial enterprises and conflicts, which have found a place in + history; perhaps, too, he would dwell on these parts of his + narrative a little longer than was strictly necessary; but in + describing (for example) the advance of a party of soldiers, + <span class="pagenum"><a id="page277" name="page277"></a>(p. 277)</span> threatened by an ambuscade, he would scarcely think it + worth while to relate at large that the captain 're-formed his + line of march, commanded his soldiers to unsling their firelocks + and fix their bayonets, and formed an advanced and rear-guard, + each consisting of a non-commissioned officer and two privates, + who received strict orders to keep an alert look-out:' or that + when the enemy appeared, 'he ordered the rear-guard to join the + centre, and both to close up to the advance, doubling his files, + so as to occupy with his column the whole practicable part of the + road,' etc. Again, in representing a defeated corps retiring and + pressed by the enemy, he would probably never think of recording + (as our novelist does in his incomparable narrative of the + engagement at Drumclog) that the commanding officer gave such + directions as these: 'Let Allan form the regiment, and do you two + retreat up the hill in two bodies, each halting alternately as + the other falls back. I'll keep the rogues in check with the + rear-guard, making a stand and facing from time to time.' I do + not offer these observations for the purpose of depreciating a + series of military pictures, which have never been surpassed in + richness, animation, and distinctness; I will own, too, that such + details as I have pointed out are the fittest that could be + selected for the generality of novel-readers; I merely contend, + that a writer practically acquainted with war would either have + passed over these circumstances as too common to require + particular mention, or if he had thought it necessary to enlarge + upon these, would have dwelt with proportionate minuteness on + incidents of a less ordinary kind, which the recollections of a + soldier would have readily supplied, and his imagination would + have rested on with complacency. He would, in short, have left as + little undone for the military, as the present author has for the + legal part of his narratives. But the most ingenious writer who + attempts to discourse with technical familiarity on arts or + pursuits with which he is not habitually conversant, will too + surely fall into a superfluous particularity on common and + trivial points, proportioned to his deficiency in those nicer + details which imply practical knowledge....</p> + +<p class="poem10"> + "'The prince of darkness is a gentleman.'<a id="footnotetag132" name="footnotetag132"></a><a href="#footnote132" title="Go to footnote 132"><span class="smaller">[132]</span></a></p> + + <p>"Another point of resemblance between the author of Waverley + <span class="pagenum"><a id="page278" name="page278"></a>(p. 278)</span> and him of Flodden Field is, that both are + unquestionably men of good society. Of the anonymous writer I + infer this from his works; of the poet it is unnecessary to + deduce such a character from his writings, because they are not + anonymous. I am the more inclined to dwell upon this merit in the + novelist, on account of its rarity; for among the whole multitude + of authors, well or ill educated, who devote themselves to poetry + or to narrative or dramatic fiction, how few there are who give + any proof in their works, of the refined taste, the instinctive + sense of propriety, the clear spirit of honor, nay, of the + familiar acquaintance with conventional forms of good-breeding, + which are essential to the character of a gentleman! Even of the + small number who, in a certain degree, possess these + qualifications, how rarely do we find one who can so conduct his + fable, and so order his dialogue throughout, that nothing shall + be found either repugnant to honorable feelings, or inconsistent + with polished manners! How constantly, even in the best works of + fiction, are we disgusted with such offences against all generous + principle, as the reading of letters by those for whom they were + not intended; taking advantage of accidents to overhear private + conversation; revealing what in honor should have remained + secret; plotting against men as enemies, and at the same time + making use of their services; dishonest practices on the passions + or sensibilities of women by their admirers; falsehoods, not + always indirect; and an endless variety of low artifices, which + appear to be thought quite legitimate if carried on through + subordinate agents. And all these knaveries are assigned to + characters which the reader is expected to honor with his + sympathy, or at least to receive into favor before the story + concludes.</p> + + <p>"The sins against propriety in manners are as frequent and as + glaring. I do not speak of the hoyden vivacity, harlot + tenderness, and dancing-school affability, with which vulgar + novel-writers always deck out their countesses and + <i>principessas</i>, chevaliers, dukes, and marquises; but it would be + easy to produce, from authors of a better class, abundant + instances of bookish and laborious pleasantry, of pert and + insipid gossip or mere slang, the wrecks, perhaps, of an obsolete + fashionable dialect, set down as the brilliant conversation of a + witty and elegant society; incredible outrages on the common + decorum <span class="pagenum"><a id="page279" name="page279"></a>(p. 279)</span> of life, represented as traits of eccentric + humor; familiar raillery pushed to downright rudeness; + affectation or ill-breeding over-colored so as to become + insupportable insolence; extravagant rants on the most delicate + topics indulged in before all the world; expressions freely + interchanged between gentlemen, which, by the customs of that + class, are neither used nor tolerated; and quarrels carried on + most bombastically and abusively, even to mortal defiance, + without a thought bestowed upon the numbers, sex, nerves, or + discretion of the bystanders.</p> + + <p>"You will perceive, that in recapitulating the offences of other + writers, I have pronounced an indirect eulogium on the Author of + Waverley. No man, I think, has a clearer view of what is just and + honorable in principle and conduct, or possesses in a higher + degree that elegant taste, and that chivalrous generosity of + feeling, which, united with exact judgment, give an author the + power of comprehending and expressing, not merely the right and + fit, but the graceful and exalted in human action. As an + illustration of these remarks, a somewhat homely one perhaps, let + me call to your recollection the incident, so wild and + extravagant in itself, of Sir Piercie Shafton's elopement with + the miller's daughter. In the address and feeling with which the + author has displayed the high-minded delicacy of Queen + Elizabeth's courtier to the unguarded village nymph, in his brief + reflections arising out of this part of the narrative, and indeed + in his whole conception and management of the adventure, I do not + know whether the moralist or the gentleman is most to be admired: + it is impossible to praise too warmly either the sound taste, or + the virtuous sentiment which have imparted so much grace and + interest to such a hazardous episode.</p> + + <p>"It may, I think, be generally affirmed, on a review of all the + six-and-thirty volumes, in which this author has related the + adventures of some twenty or more heroes and heroines (without + counting second-rate personages), that there is not an unhandsome + action or degrading sentiment recorded of any person who is + recommended to the full esteem of the reader. To be blameless on + this head is one of the strongest proofs a writer can give of + honorable principles implanted by education and refreshed by good + society.</p> + + <p>"The correctness in morals is scarcely more remarkable <span class="pagenum"><a id="page280" name="page280"></a>(p. 280)</span> + than the refinement and propriety in manners, by which these + novels are distinguished. Where the character of a gentleman is + introduced, we generally find it supported without affectation or + constraint, and often with so much truth, animation, and dignity, + that we forget ourselves into a longing to behold and converse + with the accomplished creature of imagination. It is true that + the volatile and elegant man of wit and pleasure, and the + gracefully fantastic <i>petite-maîtresse</i>, are a species of + character scarcely ever attempted, and even the few sketches we + meet with in this style are not worthy of so great a master. But + the aristocratic country gentleman, the ancient lady of quality, + the gallant cavalier, the punctilious young soldier, and the + jocund veteran, whose high mind is mellowed, not subdued by + years, are drawn with matchless vigor, grace, and refinement. + There is, in all these creations, a spirit of gentility, not + merely of that negative kind which avoids giving offence, but of + a strong, commanding, and pervading quality, blending unimpaired + with the richest humor and wildest eccentricity, and + communicating an interest and an air of originality to characters + which, without it, would be wearisome and insipid, or would fade + into commonplace. In Waverley, for example, if it were not for + this powerful charm, the severe but warm-hearted Major Melville + and the generous Colonel Talbot would become mere ordinary + machines for carrying on the plot, and Sir Everard, the hero of + an episode that might be coveted by Mackenzie, would encounter + the frowns of every impatient reader, for unprofitably retarding + the story at its outset.</p> + + <p>"But without dwelling on minor instances, I will refer you at + once to the character of Colonel Mannering, as one of the most + striking representations I am acquainted with, of a gentleman in + feelings and in manners, in habits, taste, predilections; nay, if + the expression may be ventured, a gentleman even in prejudices, + passions, and caprices. Had it been less than all I have + described; had any refinement, any nicety of touch, been wanting, + the whole portrait must have been coarse, common, and repulsive, + hardly distinguishable from the moody father and domineering + chieftain of every hackneyed romance-writer. But it was no vulgar + hand that drew the lineaments of Colonel Mannering: no ordinary + mind could have conceived that exquisite combination of sternness + and sensibility, injurious <span class="pagenum"><a id="page281" name="page281"></a>(p. 281)</span> haughtiness and chivalrous + courtesy; the promptitude, decision, and imperious spirit of a + military disciplinarian; the romantic caprices of an untamable + enthusiast; generosity impatient of limit or impediment; pride + scourged but not subdued by remorse; and a cherished + philosophical severity, maintaining ineffectual conflicts with + native tenderness and constitutional irritability. Supposing that + it had entered into the thoughts of an inferior writer to + describe a temper of mind at once impetuous, kind, arrogant, + affectionate, stern, sensitive, deliberate, fanciful; supposing + even that he had had the skill to combine these different + qualities harmoniously and naturally,—yet how could he have + attained the Shakespearean felicity of those delicate and + unambitious touches, by which this author shapes and chisels out + individual character from general nature, and imparts a distinct + personality to the creature of his invention? Such are (for + example) the slight tinge of superstition, contracted by the + romantic young Astrologer in his adventure at Ellangowan, not + wholly effaced in maturer life, and extending itself by contagion + to the mind of his daughter," etc., etc.</p> +</div> + +<p>It would have gratified Mr. Adolphus could he have known when he +penned these pages a circumstance which the reperusal of them brings +to my memory. When Guy Mannering was first published, the Ettrick +Shepherd said to Professor Wilson, "I have done wi' doubts now. +Colonel Mannering is just Walter Scott, painted by himself." This was +repeated to James Ballantyne, and he again mentioned it to Scott—who +smiled in approbation of the Shepherd's shrewdness, and often +afterwards, when the printer expressed an opinion in which he could +not concur, would cut him short with, "James—James—you'll find that +Colonel Mannering has laid down the law on this point."—I resume my +extract:—</p> + +<div class="quote"> + <p>"All the productions I am acquainted with, both of the poet and + of the prose writer, recommend themselves by a native piety and + goodness, not generally predominant in modern works of + imagination; and which, where they do appear, are too often + disfigured by eccentricity, pretension, or bad taste. In + <span class="pagenum"><a id="page282" name="page282"></a>(p. 282)</span> the works before us there is a constant tendency to + promote the desire of excellence in ourselves, and the love of it + in our neighbors, by making us think honorably of our general + nature. Whatever kindly or charitable affection, whatever + principle of manly and honest ambition exists within us, is + roused and stimulated by the perusal of these writings; our + passions are won to the cause of justice, purity, and + self-denial; and the old, indissoluble ties that bind us to + country, kindred, and birthplace, appear to strengthen as we + read, and brace themselves more firmly about the heart and + imagination. Both writers, although peculiarly happy in their + conception of all chivalrous and romantic excellencies, are still + more distinguished by their deep and true feeling and expressive + delineation of the graces and virtues proper to domestic life. + The gallant, elevated, and punctilious character which a + Frenchman contemplates in speaking of '<i>un honnête homme</i>,' is + singularly combined, in these authors, with the genial, homely + good qualities that win from a Caledonian the exclamation of + 'honest man!' But the crown of their merits, as virtuous and + moral writers, is the manly and exemplary spirit with which, upon + all seasonable occasions, they pay honor and homage to religion, + ascribing to it its just preëminence among the causes of human + happiness, and dwelling on it as the only certain source of pure + and elevated thoughts, and upright, benevolent, and magnanimous + actions.</p> + + <p>"This, then, is common to the books of both writers,—that they + furnish a direct and distinguished contrast to the atrabilious + gloom of some modern works of genius, and the wanton, but not + artless levity of others. They yield a memorable, I trust an + immortal, accession to the evidences of a truth not always + fashionable in literature, that the mind of man may put forth all + its bold luxuriance of original thought, strong feeling, and + vivid imagination, without being loosed from any sacred and + social bond, or pruned of any legitimate affection; and that the + Muse is indeed a 'heavenly goddess,' and not a graceless, lawless + runagate,</p> + +<p class="center"> +'ἀφρητωρ, +ἀθἑμιστος, +ἀνἑστιος.'</p> + + <p>"Good sense, the sure foundation of excellence in all the arts, + is another leading characteristic of these productions. <span class="pagenum"><a id="page283" name="page283"></a>(p. 283)</span> + Assuming the author of Waverley and the author of Marmion to be + the same person, it would be difficult in our times to find a + second equally free from affectation, prejudice, and every other + distortion or depravity of judgment, whether arising from + ignorance, weakness, or corruption of morals. It is astonishing + that so voluminous and successful a writer should so seldom be + betrayed into any of those 'fantastic tricks' which, in such a + man, make 'the angels weep,' and (<i>è converso</i>) the critics + laugh. He adopts no fashionable cant, colloquial, philosophical, + or literary; he takes no delight in being unintelligible; he does + not amuse himself by throwing out those fine sentimental and + metaphysical threads which float upon the air, and tease and + tickle the passengers, but present no palpable substance to their + grasp; he aims at no beauties that 'scorn the eye of vulgar + light;' he is no dealer in paradoxes; no affecter of new + doctrines in taste or morals; he has no eccentric sympathies or + antipathies; no maudlin philanthropy, or impertinent cynicism; no + nondescript hobby-horse; and with all his matchless energy and + originality of mind, he is content to admire popular books, and + enjoy popular pleasures; to cherish those opinions which + experience has sanctioned; to reverence those institutions which + antiquity has hallowed; and to enjoy, admire, cherish, and + reverence all these with the same plainness, simplicity, and + sincerity as our ancestors did of old.</p> + + <p class="lspaced1">............................</p> + + <p>"I cannot help dwelling for a moment on the great similarity of + manner apparent in the female portraits of the two writers. The + pictures of their heroines are executed with a peculiar fineness, + delicacy, and minuteness of touch, and with a care at times + almost amounting to timidity, so that they generally appear more + highly finished, but less boldly and strikingly thrown out, than + the figures with which they are surrounded. Their elegance and + purity are always admirable, and are happily combined, in most + instances, with unaffected ease and natural spirit. Strong + practical sense is their most prevailing characteristic, + unaccompanied by any repulsive air of selfishness, pedantry, or + unfeminine harshness. Few writers have ever evinced, in so strong + a degree as the authors of Marmion and Waverley, that manly + regard, and dignified but enthusiastic devotion, which may be + expressed by the term loyalty <span class="pagenum"><a id="page284" name="page284"></a>(p. 284)</span> to the fair sex, the + honorable attribute of chivalrous and romantic ages. If they + touch on the faults of womankind, their satire is playful, not + contemptuous; and their acquaintance with female manners, graces, + and foibles, is apparently drawn, not from libertine experience, + but from the guileless familiarity of domestic life.</p> + + <p>"Of all human ties and connections there is none so frequently + brought in view, or adorned with so many touches of the most + affecting eloquence by both these writers, as the pure and tender + relation of father and daughter. Douglas and Ellen in The Lady of + the Lake will immediately occur to you as a distinguished + example. Their mutual affection and solicitude; their pride in + each other's excellencies; the parent's regret of the obscurity + to which fate has doomed his child; and the daughter's + self-devotion to her father's welfare and safety, constitute the + highest interest of the poem, and that which is most uniformly + sustained; nor does this or any other romance of the same author + contain a finer stroke of passion than the overboiling of + Douglas's wrath, when, mixed as a stranger with the crowd at + Stirling, he sees his daughter's favorite Lufra chastised by the + royal huntsman.</p> + + <p>"In Rokeby, the filial attachment and duteous anxieties of + Matilda form the leading feature of her character, and the chief + source of her distresses. The intercourse between King Arthur and + his daughter Gyneth, in The Bridal of Triermain, is neither long, + nor altogether amicable; but the monarch's feelings on first + beholding that beautiful 'slip of wilderness,' and his manner of + receiving her before the queen and court, are too forcibly and + naturally described to be omitted in this enumeration.</p> + + <p>"Of all the novels, there are at most but two or three in which a + fond father and affectionate daughter may not be pointed out + among the principal characters, and in which the main interest of + many scenes does not arise out of that paternal and filial + relation. What a beautiful display of natural feeling, under + every turn of circumstances that can render the situations of + child and parent agonizing or delightful, runs through the + history of David Deans and his two daughters! How affecting is + the tale of Leicester's unhappy Countess, after we have seen her + forsaken father consuming away with <span class="pagenum"><a id="page285" name="page285"></a>(p. 285)</span> moody sorrow in his + joyless manor-house! How exquisite are the grouping and contrast + of Isaac, the kind but sordid Jew, and his heroic Rebecca, of the + buckram Baron of Bradwardine and the sensitive Rose, the reserved + but ardent Mannering, and the flighty coquette Julia! In The + Antiquary, and Bride of Lammermoor, anxiety is raised to the most + painful height by the spectacle of father and daughter exposed + together to imminent and frightful peril. The heroines in Rob Roy + and The Black Dwarf are duteous and devoted daughters, the one of + an unfortunate, the other of an unworthy parent. In the whole + story of Kenilworth there is nothing that more strongly indicates + a master-hand than the paternal carefulness and apprehensions of + the churl Foster; and among the most striking scenes in A Legend + of Montrose is that in which Sir Duncan Campbell is attracted by + an obscure yearning of the heart toward his unknown child, the + supposed orphan of Darlinvarach."</p> +</div> + +<p>I must not attempt to follow out Mr. Adolphus in his most ingenious +tracings of petty coincidences in thought, and, above all, in +expression, between the poet of Marmion and the novelist of Waverley. +His apology for the minuteness of his detail in that part of his work +is, however, too graceful to be omitted: "It cannot, I think, appear +frivolous or irrelevant, in the inquiry we are pursuing, to dwell on +these minute coincidences. Unimportant indeed they are if looked upon +as subjects of direct criticism; but considered with reference to our +present purpose, they resemble those light substances which, floating +on the trackless sea, discover the true setting of some mighty +current: they are the buoyant driftwood which betrays the hidden +communication of two great poetic oceans."</p> + +<p>I conclude with re-quoting a fragment from one of the quaint tracts of +Sir Thomas Urquhart. The following is the epigraph of Mr. Adolphus's +5th Letter:—</p> + +<p class="quote">"O with how great liveliness did he represent the conditions of + all manner of men! From the overweening monarch to the <span class="pagenum"><a id="page286" name="page286"></a>(p. 286)</span> + peevish swaine, through all intermediate degrees of the + superficial courtier or proud warrior, dissembling churchman, + doting old man, cozening lawyer, lying traveler, covetous + merchant, rude seaman, pedantick scolar, the amorous shepheard, + envious artisan, vain-glorious master, and tricky servant;——He + had all the jeers, squibs, flouts, buls, quips, taunts, whims, + jests, clinches, gybes, mokes, jerks, with all the several kinds + of equivocations and other sophistical captions, that could + properly be adapted to the person by whose representation he + intended to inveagle the company into a fit of mirth!"</p> + +<p>I have it not in my power to produce the letter in which Scott +conveyed to Heber his opinion of this work. I know, however, that it +ended with a request that he should present Mr. Adolphus with his +thanks for the handsome terms in which his poetical efforts had been +spoken of throughout, and request him, in the name of the <i>author of +Marmion</i>, not to revisit Scotland without reserving a day for +Abbotsford; and the <i>Eidolon</i> of the author of <i>Waverley</i> was made, a +few months afterwards, to speak as follows in the Introduction to The +Fortunes of Nigel: "These letters to the member for the University of +Oxford show the wit, genius, and delicacy of the author, which I +heartily wish to see engaged on a subject of more importance; and +show, besides, that the preservation of my character of <i>incognito</i> +has engaged early talent in the discussion of a curious question of +evidence. But a cause, however ingeniously pleaded, is not therefore +gained. You may remember the neatly wrought chain of circumstantial +evidence, so artificially brought forward to prove Sir Philip +Francis's title to the Letters of Junius, seemed at first +irrefragable; yet the influence of the reasoning has passed away, and +Junius, in the general opinion, is as much unknown as ever. But on +this subject I will not be soothed or provoked into saying one word +more. To say who I am not, would be one step towards saying who I am; +and as I desire not, any more than a certain Justice of Peace +mentioned <span class="pagenum"><a id="page287" name="page287"></a>(p. 287)</span> by Shenstone, the noise or report such things make +in the world, I shall continue to be silent on a subject which, in my +opinion, is very undeserving the noise that has been made about it, +and still more unworthy of the serious employment of such ingenuity as +has been displayed by the young letter-writer."</p> + +<h2><span class="pagenum"><a id="page288" name="page288"></a>(p. 288)</span> CHAPTER LIV</h2> + +<p class="resume">NEW BUILDINGS AT ABBOTSFORD. — CHIEFSWOOD. — WILLIAM ERSKINE. — LETTER TO +COUNTESS PURGSTALL. — PROGRESS OF THE PIRATE. — FRANCK'S NORTHERN +MEMOIR, AND NOTES OF LORD FOUNTAINHALL, PUBLISHED. — PRIVATE LETTERS IN +THE REIGN OF JAMES I. — COMMENCEMENT OF THE FORTUNES OF NIGEL. — SECOND +SALE OF COPYRIGHTS. — CONTRACT FOR "FOUR WORKS OF FICTION." — ENORMOUS +PROFITS OF THE NOVELIST, AND EXTRAVAGANT PROJECTS OF CONSTABLE. — THE +PIRATE PUBLISHED. — LORD BYRON'S CAIN, DEDICATED TO SCOTT. — AFFAIR OF +THE BEACON NEWSPAPER.</p> + +<p class="chapdate">1821</p> + +<a id="img007" name="img007"></a> +<div class="figcenter p4"> +<img src="images/img007.jpg" width="400" height="570" alt="" title=""> +<p>CHIEFSWOOD<br> +<i>After the drawing by J. M. W. Turner</i></p> +</div> + +<p>When Sir Walter returned from London, he brought with him the detailed +plans of Mr. Atkinson for the completion of his house at Abbotsford; +which, however, did not extend to the gateway or the beautiful screen +between the court and the garden—for these graceful parts of the +general design were conceptions of his own, reduced to shape by the +skill of the Messrs. Smith of Darnick. It would not, indeed, be easy +for me to apportion rightly the constituent members of the whole +edifice;—throughout there were numberless consultations with Mr. +Blore, Mr. Terry, and Mr. Skene, as well as with Mr. Atkinson—and the +actual builders placed considerable inventive talents, as well as +admirable workmanship, at the service of their friendly employer. +Every preparation was now made by them, and the foundations might +have been set about without farther delay; but he was <span class="pagenum"><a id="page289" name="page289"></a>(p. 289)</span> very +reluctant to authorize the demolition of the rustic porch of the old +cottage, with its luxuriant overgrowth of roses and jessamines; and, +in short, could not make up his mind to sign the death-warrant of this +favorite bower until winter had robbed it of its beauties. He then +made an excursion from Edinburgh, on purpose to be present at its +downfall—saved as many of the creepers as seemed likely to survive +removal, and planted them with his own hands about a somewhat similar +porch, erected expressly for their reception, at his daughter Sophia's +little cottage of Chiefswood.</p> + +<p>There my wife and I spent this summer and autumn of 1821—the first of +several seasons, which will ever dwell on my memory as the happiest of +my life. We were near enough Abbotsford to partake as often as we +liked of its brilliant society; yet could do so without being exposed +to the worry and exhaustion of spirit which the daily reception of +newcomers entailed upon all the family except Sir Walter himself. But, +in truth, even he was not always proof against the annoyances +connected with such a style of open-house-keeping. Even his temper +sunk sometimes under the solemn applauses of learned dulness, the +vapid raptures of painted and periwigged dowagers, the horse-leech +avidity with which underbred foreigners urged their questions, and the +pompous simpers of condescending magnates. When sore beset at home in +this way, he would every now and then discover that he had some very +particular business to attend to on an outlying part of his estate, +and craving the indulgence of his guests overnight, appear at the +cabin in the glen before its inhabitants were astir in the morning. +The clatter of Sibyl Grey's hoofs, the yelping of Mustard and Spice, +and his own joyous shout of <i>reveillée</i> under our windows, were the +signal that he had burst his toils, and meant for that day to "take +his ease in his inn." On descending, he was to be found seated with +all his dogs and ours about him, under a spreading <span class="pagenum"><a id="page290" name="page290"></a>(p. 290)</span> ash that +overshadowed half the bank between the cottage and the brook, pointing +the edge of his woodman's axe for himself, and listening to Tom +Purdie's lecture touching the plantation that most needed thinning. +After breakfast, he would take possession of a dressing-room upstairs, +and write a chapter of The Pirate; and then, having made up and +despatched his packet for Mr. Ballantyne, away to join Purdie wherever +the foresters were at work—and sometimes to labor among them as +strenuously as John Swanston himself—until it was time either to +rejoin his own party at Abbotsford, or the quiet circle of the +cottage.—When his guests were few and friendly, he often made them +come over and meet him at Chiefswood in a body towards evening;<a id="footnotetag133" name="footnotetag133"></a><a href="#footnote133" title="Go to footnote 133"><span class="smaller">[133]</span></a> +and surely he never appeared to more amiable advantage than when +helping his young people with their little arrangements upon such +occasions. He was ready with all sorts of devices to supply the wants +of a narrow establishment; he used to delight particularly in sinking +the wine in a well under the <i>brae</i> ere he went out, and hauling up +the basket just before dinner was announced—this primitive process +being, he said, what he had always practised when a young housekeeper; +and in his opinion far superior in its results to any application of +ice; and, in the same spirit, whenever the weather was sufficiently +genial, he voted for dining out of doors altogether, which at once +got rid of the inconvenience of very small <span class="pagenum"><a id="page291" name="page291"></a>(p. 291)</span> rooms, and made it +natural and easy for the gentlemen to help the ladies, so that the +paucity of servants went for nothing. Mr. Rose used to amuse himself +with likening the scene and the party to the closing act of one of +those little French dramas, where "Monsieur le Comte" and "Madame la +Comtesse" appear feasting at a village bridal under the trees; but in +truth, our "M. le Comte" was only trying to live over again for a few +simple hours his own old life of Lasswade.</p> + +<p>When circumstances permitted, he usually spent one evening at least in +the week at our little cottage; and almost as frequently he did the +like with the Fergusons, to whose table he could bring chance +visitors, when he pleased, with equal freedom as to his daughter's. +Indeed it seemed to be much a matter of chance, any fine day when +there had been no alarming invasion of the Southron, whether the three +families (which, in fact, made but one) should dine at Abbotsford, +Huntly Burn, or at Chiefswood; and at none of them was the party +considered quite complete, unless it included also Mr. Laidlaw. Death +has laid a heavy hand upon that circle—as happy a circle I believe as +ever met. Bright eyes now closed in dust, gay voices forever silenced, +seem to haunt me as I write. With three exceptions, they are all gone. +Even since the last of these volumes<a id="footnotetag134" name="footnotetag134"></a><a href="#footnote134" title="Go to footnote 134"><span class="smaller">[134]</span></a> was finished, she whom I may +now sadly record as, next to Sir Walter himself, the chief ornament +and delight at all those simple meetings—she to whose love I owed my +own place in them—Scott's eldest daughter, the one of all his +children who in countenance, mind, and manners, most resembled +himself, and who indeed was as like him in all things as a gentle +innocent woman can ever be to a great man deeply tried and skilled in +the struggles and perplexities of active life—she, too, is no more. +And in the very hour that saw her laid in her grave, the only +<span class="pagenum"><a id="page292" name="page292"></a>(p. 292)</span> other female survivor, her dearest friend Margaret Ferguson, +breathed her last also.—But enough—and more than I intended—I must +resume the story of Abbotsford.</p> + +<p>During several weeks of that delightful summer, Scott had under his +roof Mr. William Erskine and two of his daughters; this being, I +believe, their first visit to Tweedside since the death of Mrs. +Erskine in September, 1819. He had probably made a point of having his +friend with him at this particular time, because he was desirous of +having the benefit of his advice and corrections from day to day as he +advanced in the composition of The Pirate—with the localities of +which romance the Sheriff of Orkney and Zetland was of course +thoroughly familiar. At all events, the constant and eager delight +with which Erskine watched the progress of the tale has left a deep +impression on my memory; and indeed I heard so many of its chapters +first read from the MS. by him, that I can never open the book now +without thinking I hear his voice. Sir Walter used to give him at +breakfast the pages he had written that morning; and very commonly, +while he was again at work in his study, Erskine would walk over to +Chiefswood, that he might have the pleasure of reading them aloud to +my wife and me under our favorite tree, before the packet had to be +sealed up for the printer, or rather for the transcriber in Edinburgh. +I cannot paint the delight and the pride with which he acquitted +himself on such occasions. The little artifice of his manner was +merely superficial, and was wholly forgotten as tender affection and +admiration, fresh as the impulses of childhood, glistened in his eye, +and trembled in his voice.</p> + +<p>This reminds me that I have not yet attempted any sketch of the person +and manners of Scott's most intimate friend. Their case was no +contradiction to the old saying, that the most attached comrades are +often very unlike each other in character and temperament. The +<span class="pagenum"><a id="page293" name="page293"></a>(p. 293)</span> mere physical contrast was as strong as could well be, and +this is not unworthy of notice here; for Erskine was, I think, the +only man in whose society Scott took great pleasure, during the more +vigorous part of his life, that had neither constitution nor +inclination for any of the rough bodily exercises in which he himself +delighted. The Counsellor (as Scott always called him) was a little +man of feeble make, who seemed unhappy when his pony got beyond a +footpace, and had never, I should suppose, addicted himself to any +out-of-doors sport whatever. He would, I fancy, have as soon thought +of slaying his own mutton as of handling a fowling-piece: he used to +shudder when he saw a party equipped for coursing, as if murder were +in the wind; but the cool meditative angler was in his eyes the +abomination of abominations. His small elegant features, hectic cheek, +and soft hazel eyes, were the index of the quick sensitive gentle +spirit within. He had the warm heart of a woman, her generous +enthusiasm, and some of her weaknesses. A beautiful landscape, or a +fine strain of music, would send the tears rolling down his cheek; and +though capable, I have no doubt, of exhibiting, had his duty called +him to do so, the highest spirit of a hero or a martyr, he had very +little command over his nerves amidst circumstances such as men of +ordinary mould (to say nothing of iron fabrics like Scott's) regard +with indifference. He would dismount to lead his horse down what his +friend hardly perceived to be a descent at all; grew pale at a +precipice; and, unlike the White Lady of Avenel, would go a long way +round for a bridge.</p> + +<p>Erskine had as yet been rather unfortunate in his professional career, +and thought a sheriffship by no means the kind of advancement due to +his merits, and which his connections might naturally have secured for +him. These circumstances had at the time when I first observed him +tinged his demeanor; he had come to intermingle a certain wayward +snappishness now and then <span class="pagenum"><a id="page294" name="page294"></a>(p. 294)</span> with his forensic exhibitions, and +in private seemed inclined (though altogether incapable of abandoning +the Tory party) to say bitter things of people in high places; but +with these exceptions, never was benevolence towards all the human +race more lively and overflowing than his evidently was, even when he +considered himself as one who had reason to complain of his luck in +the world. Now, however, these little asperities had disappeared; one +great real grief had cast its shadow over him, and submissive to the +chastisement of heaven, he had no longer any thoughts for the petty +misusage of mankind. Scott's apprehension was, that his ambition was +extinguished with his resentment; and he was now using every endeavor, +in connection with their common friend the Lord Advocate Rae, to +procure for Erskine that long-coveted seat on the bench, about which +the subdued widower himself had ceased to occupy his mind. By and by +these views were realized to Scott's high satisfaction, and for a +brief season with the happiest effect on Erskine's own spirits;—but I +shall not anticipate the sequel.</p> + +<p>Meanwhile he shrunk from the collisions of general society in +Edinburgh, and lived almost exclusively in his own little circle of +intimates. His conversation, though somewhat precise and finical on +the first impression, was rich in knowledge. His literary ambition, +active and aspiring at the outset, had long before this time merged in +his profound veneration for Scott; but he still read a great deal, and +did so as much I believe with a view to assisting Scott by hints and +suggestions, as for his own amusement. He had much of his friend's +tact in extracting the picturesque from old, and, generally speaking, +dull books; and in bringing out his stores he often showed a great +deal of quaint humor and sly wit.</p> + +<p>Scott, on his side, respected, trusted, and loved him, much as an +affectionate husband does the wife who gave him her heart in youth, +and thinks his thoughts rather <span class="pagenum"><a id="page295" name="page295"></a>(p. 295)</span> than her own in the evening of +life; he soothed, cheered, and sustained Erskine habitually. I do not +believe a more entire and perfect confidence ever subsisted than +theirs was and always had been in each other; and to one who had duly +observed the creeping jealousies of human nature, it might perhaps +seem doubtful on which side the balance of real nobility of heart and +character, as displayed in their connection at the time of which I am +speaking, ought to be cast.</p> + +<p>Among the common friends of their young days, of whom they both +delighted to speak—and always spoke with warm and equal +affection—was the sister of their friend Cranstoun, the confidant of +Scott's first unfortunate love, whom neither had now seen for a period +of more than twenty years. This lady had undergone domestic +afflictions more than sufficient to have crushed almost any spirit but +her own. Her husband, the Count Purgstall, had died some years before +this time, leaving her an only son, a youth of the most amiable +disposition, and possessing abilities which, had he lived to develop +them, must have secured for him a high station in the annals of +genius. This hope of her eyes, the last heir of an illustrious +lineage, followed his father to the tomb in the nineteenth year of his +age. The desolate Countess was urged by her family in Scotland to +return, after this bereavement, to her native country; but she had +vowed to her son on his deathbed, that one day her dust should be +mingled with his; and no argument could induce her to depart from the +resolution of remaining in solitary Styria. By her desire, a valued +friend of the house of Purgstall, who had been born and bred up on +their estates, the celebrated Orientalist, Joseph von Hammer, compiled +a little memoir of The Two Last Counts of Purgstall, which he put +forth, in January, 1821, under the title of Denkmahl, or Monument; and +of this work the Countess sent a copy to Sir Walter (with whom her +correspondence had been during several years suspended), <span class="pagenum"><a id="page296" name="page296"></a>(p. 296)</span> by +the hands of her eldest brother, Mr. Henry Cranstoun, who had been +visiting her in Styria, and who at this time occupied a villa within a +few miles of Abbotsford. Scott's letter of acknowledgment never +reached her; and indeed I doubt if it was ever despatched. He appears +to have meditated a set of consolatory verses for its conclusion, and +the Muse not answering his call at the moment, I suspect he had +allowed the sheet, which I now transcribe, to fall aside and be lost +sight of among his multifarious masses of MS.</p> + +<div class="letter"> +<p class="titleletter">TO THE COUNTESS PURGSTALL, ETC., ETC.</p> + + <p><span class="smcap">My dear and much-valued Friend</span>,—You cannot imagine how much I + was interested and affected by receiving your token of your kind + recollection, after the interval of so many years. Your brother + Henry breakfasted with me yesterday, and gave me the letter and + the book, which served me as a matter of much melancholy + reflection for many hours.</p> + + <p>Hardly anything makes the mind recoil so much upon itself, as the + being suddenly and strongly recalled to times long past, and that + by the voice of one whom we have so much loved and respected. Do + not think I have ever forgotten you, or the many happy days I + passed in Frederick Street, in society which fate has separated + so far, and for so many years.</p> + + <p>The little volume was particularly acceptable to me, as it + acquainted me with many circumstances, of which distance and + imperfect communication had either left me entirely ignorant, or + had transmitted only inaccurate information.</p> + + <p>Alas, my dear friend, what can the utmost efforts of friendship + offer you, beyond the sympathy which, however sincere, must sound + like an empty compliment in the ear of affliction? God knows with + what willingness I would undertake anything which might afford + you the melancholy consolation of knowing how much your old + <span class="pagenum"><a id="page297" name="page297"></a>(p. 297)</span> and early friend interests himself in the sad event + which has so deeply wounded your peace of mind. The verses, + therefore, which conclude this letter, must not be weighed + according to their intrinsic value, for the more inadequate they + are to express the feelings they would fain convey, the more they + show the author's anxious wish to do what may be grateful to you.</p> + + <p>In truth, I have long given up poetry. I have had my day with the + public; and being no great believer in poetical immortality, I + was very well pleased to rise a winner, without continuing the + game till I was beggared of any credit I had acquired. Besides, I + felt the prudence of giving way before the more forcible and + powerful genius of Byron. If I were either greedy, or jealous of + poetical fame—and both are strangers to my nature—I might + comfort myself with the thought, that I would hesitate to strip + myself to the contest so fearlessly as Byron does; or to command + the wonder and terror of the public, by exhibiting, in my own + person, the sublime attitude of the dying gladiator. But with the + old frankness of twenty years since, I will fairly own, that this + same delicacy of mine may arise more from conscious want of vigor + and inferiority, than from a delicate dislike to the nature of + the conflict. At any rate, there is a time for everything, and + without swearing oaths to it, I think my time for poetry has gone + by.</p> + + <p>My health suffered horridly last year, I think from over-labor + and excitation; and though it is now apparently restored to its + usual tone, yet during the long and painful disorder (spasms in + the stomach) and the frightful process of cure, by a prolonged + use of calomel, I learned that my frame was made of flesh, and + not of iron—a conviction which I will long keep in remembrance, + and avoid any occupation so laborious and agitating as poetry + must be, to be worth anything.</p> + + <p>In this humor I often think of passing a few weeks on the + Continent—a summer vacation if I can—and of <span class="pagenum"><a id="page298" name="page298"></a>(p. 298)</span> course my + attraction to Gratz would be very strong. I fear this is the only + chance of our meeting in this world—we, who once saw each other + daily! for I understand from George and Henry that there is + little chance of your coming here. And when I look around me, and + consider how many changes you would see in feature, form, and + fashion, amongst all you knew and loved; and how much, no sudden + squall, or violent tempest, but the slow and gradual progress of + life's long voyage, has severed all the gallant fellowships whom + you left spreading their sails to the morning breeze, I really am + not sure that you would have much pleasure.</p> + + <p>The gay and wild romance of life is over with all of us. The + real, dull, and stern history of humanity has made a far greater + progress over our heads; and age, dark and unlovely, has laid his + crutch over the stoutest fellow's shoulders. One thing your old + society may boast, that they have all run their course with + honor, and almost all with distinction; and the brother suppers + of Frederick Street have certainly made a very considerable + figure in the world, as was to be expected from her talents under + whose auspices they were assembled.</p> + + <p>One of the most pleasant sights which you would see in Scotland, + as it now stands, would be your brother George in possession of + the most beautiful and romantic place in Clydesdale—Corehouse. I + have promised often to go out with him, and assist him with my + deep experience as a planter and landscape gardener. I promise + you my oaks will outlast my laurels; and I pique myself more upon + my compositions for manure than on any other compositions + whatsoever to which I was ever accessary. But so much does + business of one sort or other engage us both, that we never have + been able to fix a time which suited us both; and with the utmost + wish to make out the party, perhaps we never may.</p> + + <p>This is a melancholy letter, but it is chiefly so from the sad + tone of yours—who have had such real disasters <span class="pagenum"><a id="page299" name="page299"></a>(p. 299)</span> to + lament—while mine is only the humorous sadness, which a + retrospect on human life is sure to produce on the most + prosperous. For my own course of life, I have only to be ashamed + of its prosperity, and afraid of its termination; for I have + little reason, arguing on the doctrine of chances, to hope that + the same good fortune will attend me forever. I have had an + affectionate and promising family, many friends, few unfriends, + and, I think, no enemies—and more of fame and fortune than mere + literature ever procured for a man before.</p> + + <p>I dwell among my own people, and have many whose happiness is + dependent on me, and which I study to the best of my power. I + trust my temper, which you know is by nature good and easy, has + not been spoiled by flattery or prosperity; and therefore I have + escaped entirely that irritability of disposition which I think + is planted, like the slave in the poet's chariot, to prevent his + enjoying his triumph.</p> + + <p>Should things, therefore, change with me—and in these times, or + indeed in any times, such change is to be apprehended—I trust I + shall be able to surrender these adventitious advantages, as I + would my upper dress, as something extremely comfortable, but + which I can make shift to do without.<a id="footnotetag135" name="footnotetag135"></a><a href="#footnote135" title="Go to footnote 135"><span class="smaller">[135]</span></a>...</p> +</div> + +<p>As I may have no occasion hereafter to allude to the early friend with +whose sorrows Scott thus sympathized amidst the meridian splendors of +his own worldly career, I may take this opportunity of mentioning, +that Captain Basil Hall's conjecture, of her having been the original +of Diana Vernon, appeared to myself from the first chimerical; and +that I have since heard those who knew her <span class="pagenum"><a id="page300" name="page300"></a>(p. 300)</span> best in the days +of her intercourse with Sir Walter, express the same opinion in the +most decided manner. But to return.</p> + +<p>While The Pirate was advancing under Mr. Erskine's eye, Scott had even +more than the usual allowance of minor literary operations on hand. He +edited a reprint of a curious old book, called Franck's Northern +Memoir, and the Contemplative Angler; and he also prepared for the +press a volume published soon after, under the title of "Chronological +Notes on Scottish Affairs, 1680 to 1701, from the Diary of Lord +Fountainhall." The professional writings of that celebrated old lawyer +had been much in his hands from his early years, on account of the +incidental light which they throw on the events of a most memorable +period in Scottish history: and he seems to have contemplated some +more considerable selection from his remains, but to have dropped +these intentions, on being given to understand that they might +interfere with those of Lord Fountainhall's accomplished +representative, the present Sir Thomas Dick Lauder, Baronet. It is, +however, to be regretted that Sir Thomas's promise of a Life of his +eminent ancestor has not yet been redeemed.</p> + +<p>In August appeared the volume of the Novelists' Library containing +Scott's Life of Smollett; and it being now ascertained that John +Ballantyne had died a debtor, the editor offered to proceed with this +series of prefaces, on the footing that the whole profits of the work +should go to his widow. Mr. Constable, whose health was now beginning +to break, had gone southwards in quest of more genial air, and was at +Hastings when he heard of this proposition. He immediately wrote to +me, entreating me to represent to Sir Walter that the undertaking, +having been coldly received at first, was unlikely to grow in favor if +continued on the same plan—that in his opinion the bulk of the +volumes, and the small type of their text, had been unwisely chosen, +for a work of mere <span class="pagenum"><a id="page301" name="page301"></a>(p. 301)</span> entertainment, and could only be suitable +for one of reference; that Ballantyne's Novelists' Library, therefore, +ought to be stopped at once, and another in a lighter shape, to range +with the late collected edition of the first series of the Waverley +Romances, announced with his own name as publisher, and Scott's as +editor. He proposed at the same time to commence the issue of a Select +Library of English Poetry, with prefaces and a few notes by the same +hand; and calculating that each of these collections should extend to +twenty-five volumes, and that the publication of both might be +concluded within two years—"the writing of the prefaces, etc., +forming perhaps an occasional relief from more important labors"!—the +bookseller offered to pay their editor in all the sum of £6000: a +small portion of which sum, as he hinted, would undoubtedly be more +than Mrs. John Ballantyne could ever hope to derive from the +prosecution of her husband's last publishing adventure. Various causes +combined to prevent the realization of these magnificent projects. +Scott now, as at the beginning of his career of speculation, had views +about what a collection of English Poetry should be, in which even +Constable could not, on consideration, be made to concur; and I have +already explained the coldness with which he regarded further attempts +upon our Elder Novelists. The Ballantyne Library crept on to the tenth +volume, and was then dropped abruptly; and the double negotiation with +Constable was never renewed.</p> + +<p>Lady Louisa Stuart had not, I fancy, read Scott's Lives of the +Novelists until, some years after this time, they were collected into +two little piratical duodecimos by a Parisian bookseller; and on her +then expressing her admiration of them, together with her astonishment +that the speculation of which they formed a part should have attracted +little notice of any sort, he answered as follows: "I am delighted +they afford any entertainment, for they are rather flimsily written, +being done merely <span class="pagenum"><a id="page302" name="page302"></a>(p. 302)</span> to oblige a friend: they were yoked to a +great, ill-conditioned, lubberly, double-columned book, which they +were as useful to tug along as a set of fleas would be to draw a +mail-coach. It is very difficult to answer your Ladyship's curious +question concerning change of taste; but whether in young or old, it +takes place insensibly without the parties being aware of it.<a id="footnotetag136" name="footnotetag136"></a><a href="#footnote136" title="Go to footnote 136"><span class="smaller">[136]</span></a> A +grand-aunt of my own, Mrs. Keith of Ravelston,—who was a person of +some condition, being a daughter of Sir John Swinton of +Swinton,—lived with unabated vigor of intellect to a very advanced +age. She was very fond of reading, and enjoyed it to the last of her +long life. One day she asked me, when we happened to be alone +together, whether I had ever seen Mrs. Behn's novels?—I confessed the +charge.—Whether I could get her a sight of them?—I said, with some +hesitation, I believed I could; but that I did not think she would +like either the manners, or the language, which approached too near +that of Charles II.'s time to be quite proper reading. 'Nevertheless,' +said the good old lady, 'I remember them being so much admired, and +being so much interested in them myself, that I wish to look at them +again.' To hear was to obey. So I sent Mrs. Aphra Behn, curiously +sealed up, with 'private and confidential' on the packet, to my gay +old grand-aunt. The next time I saw her afterwards, she gave me back +Aphra, properly wrapped up, with nearly these words: 'Take back your +bonny Mrs. Behn; and, if you will take my advice, put her in the +fire, for I found it impossible to get through the very <span class="pagenum"><a id="page303" name="page303"></a>(p. 303)</span> first +novel. But is it not,' she said, 'a very odd thing that I, an old +woman of eighty and upwards, sitting alone, feel myself ashamed to +read a book which, sixty years ago, I have heard read aloud for the +amusement of large circles, consisting of the first and most +creditable society in London?' This, of course, was owing to the +gradual improvement of the national taste and delicacy. The change +that brings into and throws out of fashion particular styles of +composition, is something of the same kind. It does not signify what +the greater or less merit of the book is;—the reader, as Tony Lumpkin +says, must be in a concatenation accordingly—the fashion, or the +general taste, must have prepared him to be pleased, or put him on his +guard against it. It is much like dress. If Clarissa should appear +before a modern party in her lace ruffles and head-dress, or Lovelace +in his wig, however genteelly powdered, I am afraid they would make no +conquests; the fashion which makes conquests of us in other respects, +is very powerful in literary composition, and adds to the effect of +some works, while in others it forms their sole merit."</p> + +<p>Among other miscellaneous work of this autumn, Scott amused some +leisure hours with writing a series of Private Letters, supposed to +have been discovered in the repositories of a Noble English Family, +and giving a picture of manners in town and country during the early +part of the reign of James I. These letters were printed as fast as he +penned them, in a handsome quarto form, and he furnished the margin +with a running commentary of notes, drawn up in the character of a +disappointed chaplain, a keen Whig, or rather Radical, overflowing on +all occasions with spleen against Monarchy and Aristocracy. When the +printing had reached the 72d page, however, he was told candidly by +Erskine, by James Ballantyne, and also by myself, that, however clever +his imitation of the epistolary style of the period in question, he +was throwing away in these letters the materials of as <span class="pagenum"><a id="page304" name="page304"></a>(p. 304)</span> good a +romance as he had ever penned; and a few days afterwards he said to +me—patting Sibyl's neck till she danced under him,—"You were all +quite right: if the letters had passed for genuine they would have +found favor only with a few musty antiquaries, and if the joke were +detected, there was not story enough to carry it off. I shall burn the +sheets, and give you Bonny King Jamie and all his tail in the old +shape, as soon as I can get Captain Goffe within view of the gallows."</p> + +<p>Such was the origin of The Fortunes of Nigel. As one set of the +uncompleted Letters has been preserved, I shall here insert a specimen +of them, in which the reader will easily recognize the germ of more +than one scene of the novel.<a id="footnotetag137" name="footnotetag137"></a><a href="#footnote137" title="Go to footnote 137"><span class="smaller">[137]</span></a></p> + +<div class="letter"> +<p class="titleletter">JENKIN HARMAN TO THE LORD ——.</p> + +<p><span class="smcap">My Lord</span>,—Towching this new mishappe of Sir Thomas, whereof your + Lordshippe makes querie of me, I wolde hartilie that I could, + truth and my bounden dutie alweys firste satisfied, make suche + answer as were fullie pleasaunte to me to write, or unto your + Lordshippe to reade. But what remedy? young men will have + stirring bloodes; and the courtier-like gallants of the time will + be gamesome and dangerous, as they have beene in dayes past. I + think your Lordshippe is so wise as to caste one eye backe to + your own more juvenile time, whilest you looke forward with the + other upon this mischaunce, which, upon my lyfe, will be founde + to be no otherwise harmful <span class="pagenum"><a id="page305" name="page305"></a>(p. 305)</span> to Sir Thomas than as it + shews him an hastie Hotspur of the day, suddenlie checking at + whatsoever may seem to smirche his honour. As I am a trew man, + and your Lordship's poore kinsman and bounden servant, I think + ther lives not a gentleman more trew to his friende than Sir + Thomas; and although ye be but brothers uterine, yet so dearly + doth he holde your favour, that his father, were the gode knight + alyve, should not have more swaye with him than shalle your + Lordship; and, also, it is no kindly part to sow discord betwene + brethrene; for, as the holy Psalmist saythe, "<i>Ecce quam bonum et + quam jucundum habitare fratres</i>," etc. And moreover, it needes + not to tell your Lordshippe that Sir Thomas is suddene in his + anger; and it was but on Wednesday last that he said to me, with + moche distemperature,—Master Jenkin, I be tolde that ye meddle + and make betwene me and my Lorde my brother; wherfore, take this + for feyr warninge, that when I shall fynde you so dooyng, I will + incontinent put my dager to the hilte in you:—and this was + spoken with all earnestness of visage and actioun, grasping of + his poinard's handle, as one who wolde presentlie make his words + good. Surely, my Lord, it is not fair carriage toward you pore + kinsman if anie out of your house make such reports of me, and of + that which I have written to you in sympleness of herte, and in + obedience to your commandemente, which is my law on this matter. + Truely, my Lord, I wolde this was well looked to, otherweys my + rewarde for trew service might be to handsell with my herte's + blode the steel of a Milan poignado. Natheless, I will procede + with my mater, fal back fal edge, trustyng all utterly in the + singleness of my integretie, and in your Lordshippe's + discretioun.</p> + + <p>My Lorde, the braule which hath befallen chaunced this waye, and + not otherwise. It hap'd that one Raines, the master of the + ordinarie where his honour Sir Thomas eteth well nie dailie (when + he is not in attendance at courte, wherein he is perchance more + slacke than were wise), shoulde assemble some of the beste who + haunte his house, havyng diet ther for money. The purpose, as + shewn forthe, was to tast a new piece of choice wyne, and ther + Sir Thomas must nedes be, or the purpos holdes not, and the + Alicant becometh Bastard. Wel, my Lord, dice ther wer and music, + lustie helthes and dizzie braines,—some saye fair ladyes also, + of which I know nought, save that suche <span class="pagenum"><a id="page306" name="page306"></a>(p. 306)</span> cockatrices + hatch wher such cockes of the game do haunt. Alweys ther was + revel and wassail enow and to spare. Now it chaunced, that whilst + one Dutton, of Graie's-Inn, an Essex man, held the dice, Sir + Thomas fillethe a fulle carouse to the helth of the fair Ladie + Elizabeth. Trulie, my Lord, I cannot blame his devotioun to so + fair a saint, though I may wish the chapel for his adoration had + been better chosen, and the companie more suitable; <i>sed respice + finem</i>. The pledge being given, and alle men on foote, aye, and + some on knee, to drink the same, young Philip Darcy, a near + kinsman of my Lorde's, or so callyng himself, takes on him to + check at the helthe, askyng Sir Thomas if he were willinge to + drink the same in a Venetian glasse? the mening of whiche hard + sentence your Lordshippe shal esilie construe. Whereupon Sir + Thomas, your Lordshippe's brother, somewhat shrewishly demanded + whether that were his game or his earnest; to which demaunde the + uther answers recklessly as he that wolde not be brow-beaten, + that Sir Thomas might take it for game or ernest as him listed. + Whereupon your Lordshippe's brother, throwing down withal the + woodcocke's bill, with which, as the fashioun goes, he was + picking his teeth, answered redily, he cared not that for his + game or ernest, for that neither were worth a bean. A small + matter this to make such a storie, for presentlie young Darcie up + with the wine-pot in which they had assaid the freshe hogshede, + and heveth it at Sir Thomas, which vessel missing of the mark it + was aym'd at, encountreth the hede of Master Dutton, when the + outside of the flaggon did that which peradventure the inside had + accomplish'd somewhat later in the evening, and stretcheth him on + the flore; and then the crie arose, and you might see twenty + swords oute at once, and none rightly knowing wherfor. And the + groomes and valets, who waited in the street and in the kitchen, + and who, as seldom failes, had been as besy with the beer as + their masters with the wine, presentlie fell at odds, and betoke + themselves to their weapones; so ther was bouncing of bucklers, + and bandying of blades, instede of clattering of quart pottles, + and chiming of harpis and fiddles. At length comes the wache, + and, as oft happens in the like affraies, alle men join ageynst + them, and they are beten bak: An honest man, David Booth, + constable of the night, and a chandler by trade, is sorely hurt. + The crie <span class="pagenum"><a id="page307" name="page307"></a>(p. 307)</span> rises of Prentices, prentices, Clubs, clubs, + for word went that the court-gallants and the Graie's-Inn men had + murther'd a citizen; all mene take the street, and the whole ward + is uppe, none well knowing why. Menewhile our gallants had the + lucke and sense to disperse their company, some getting them into + the Temple, the gates wherof were presentlie shut to prevent + pursuite I warrant, and some taking boat as they might; water + thus saving whom wyne hath endaunger'd. The Alderman of the ward, + worthy Master Danvelt, with Master Deputy, and others of repute, + bestow'd themselves not a litel to compose the tumult, and so al + past over for the evening.</p> + + <p>My Lord, this is the hole of the mater, so far as my earnest and + anxious serch had therein, as well for the sake of my + blode-relation to your honourable house, as frome affectioun to + my kinsman Sir Thomas, and especiallie in humble obedience to + your regarded commandes. As for other offence given by Sir + Thomas, whereof idle bruites are current, as that he should have + call'd Master Darcie a codshead or an woodcocke, I can lerne of + no such termes, nor any nere to them, only that when he said he + cared not for his game or ernest, he flung down the woodcock's + bill, to which it may be there was sticking a part of the head, + though my informant saithe otherwise; and he stode so close by + Sir Thomas, that he herde the quart-pot whissel as it flew + betwixt there too hedes. Of damage done among the better sort, + there is not muche; some cuts and thrusts ther wer, that had + their sequents in blood and woundes, but none dedlie. Of the + rascal sort, one fellowe is kill'd, and sundrie hurt. Hob Hilton, + your brother's grome, for life a maymed man, having a slash over + the right hande, for faulte of a gauntlet.—Marry he has been a + brave knave and a sturdie: and if it pleses your goode + Lordshippe, I fynd he wolde gladlie be preferr'd when tym is + fitting, to the office of bedle. He hath a burlie frame, and + scare-babe visage; he shall do wel enoughe in such charge, though + lackyng the use of four fingers.<a id="footnotetag138" name="footnotetag138"></a><a href="#footnote138" title="Go to footnote 138"><span class="smaller">[138]</span></a> The hurtyng of the + constabel is a worse matter; as also the anger that is between + <span class="pagenum"><a id="page308" name="page308"></a>(p. 308)</span> the courtiers and Graie's-Inn men; so that yf close + hede be not given, I doubt me we shall here of more <i>Gesto + Graiorum</i>. Thei will not be persuaded but that the quarrel + betwixt Sir Thomas and young Darcie was simulate; and that Master + Button's hurte wes wilful; whereas, on my lyfe, it will not be + founde so.</p> + + <p>The counseyl hath taen the matter up, and I here H. M. spoke many + things gravely and solidly, and as one who taketh to hert such + unhappie chaunces, both against brauling and drinking. Sir + Thomas, with others, hath put in plegge to be forthcoming; and so + strictly taken up was the unhappie mater of the Scots Lord,<a id="footnotetag139" name="footnotetag139"></a><a href="#footnote139" title="Go to footnote 139"><span class="smaller">[139]</span></a> + that if Booth shulde die, which God forefend, there might be a + fereful reckoning: For one cityzen sayeth, I trust falslie, he + saw Sir Thomas draw back his hand, having in it a drawn sword, + just as the constabel felle. It seems but too constant, that thei + were within but short space of ech other when his unhappy chaunce + befel. My Lord, it is not for me to saie what course your + Lordshippe should steer in this storm, onlie that the Lord + Chansellour's gode worde wil, as resen is, do yeoman's service. + Schulde it come to fine or imprisonment, as is to be fered, why + should not your Lordshippe cast the weyght into the balance for + that restraint which goode Sir Thomas must nedes bear himself, + rather than for such penalty as must nedes pinche the purses of + his frendes. Your Lordship always knoweth best; but surely the + yonge knyght hath but litel reson to expect that you shulde + further engage yourself in such bondes as might be necessary to + bring this fine unto the Chequer. Nether have wise men helde it + unfit that heated bloode be coold by sequestration for a space + from temptation. There is dout, moreover, whether he may not hold + himself bounden, according to the forme of faythe which such + gallants and stirring spirits profess, to have further meeting + with Master Philip Darcie, or this same Dutton, or with bothe, on + this rare dependence of an woodcocke's hede, and a quart-pot; + certeynly, methoughte, the last tym we met, and when he bare + himself towards me, as I have premonish'd your Lordshippe, that + he was fitter for quiet residence under safe keeping, than for a + free walk amongst peceful men.</p> + + <p><span class="pagenum"><a id="page309" name="page309"></a>(p. 309)</span> And thus, my Lord, ye have the whole mater before you; + trew ye shall find it,—my dutie demands it,—unpleasing, I + cannot amende it: But I truste neither more evil <i>in esse</i> nor + <i>in posse</i>, than I have set forth as above. From one who is ever + your Lordshippe's most bounden to command, etc.—J. H.</p> +</div> + +<p>I think it must have been about the middle of October that he dropped +the scheme of this fictitious correspondence. I well remember the +morning that he began The Fortunes of Nigel. The day being destined +for Newark Hill, I went over to Abbotsford before breakfast, and found +Mr. Terry (who had been staying there for some time) walking about +with his friend's master-mason (John Smith), of whose proceedings he +took a fatherly charge, as he might well do, since the plan of the +building had been in a considerable measure the work of his own taste. +While Terry and I were chatting, Scott came out, bare-headed, with a +bunch of MS. in his hand, and said, "Well, lads, I've laid the keel of +a new lugger this morning—here it is—be off to the waterside, and +let me hear how you like it." Terry took the papers, and walking up +and down by the river, read to me the first chapter of Nigel. He +expressed great delight with the animated opening, and especially with +the contrast between its thorough stir of London life, and a chapter +about Norna of the Fitful-head, in the third volume of The Pirate, +which had been given to him in a similar manner the morning before. I +could see that (according to the Sheriff's phrase) <i>he smelt roast +meat</i>; here there was every prospect of a fine field for the art of +<i>Terryfication</i>. The actor, when our host met us returning from the +haugh, did not fail to express his opinion that the new novel would be +of this quality. Sir Walter, as he took the MS. from his hand, eyed +him with a gay smile, in which genuine benevolence mingled with mock +exultation, and then throwing himself into an attitude of comical +dignity, he rolled out, in the tones of John Kemble, one of the +loftiest bursts of Ben Jonson's Mammon:—</p> + +<p class="poem10"> + <span class="pagenum"><a id="page310" name="page310"></a>(p. 310)</span> <span class="min33em">"</span>Come on, sir. Now you set your foot on shore<br> + In <i>Novo orbe</i>—<br> + ——————Pertinax, my Surly,<a id="footnotetag140" name="footnotetag140"></a><a href="#footnote140" title="Go to footnote 140"><span class="smaller">[140]</span></a><br> + Again I say to thee aloud, Be rich,<br> + This day thou shalt have ingots."</p> + +<p>This was another period of "refreshing the machine." Early in +November, I find Sir Walter writing thus to Constable's partner, Mr. +Cadell: "I want two books, Malcolm's London Redivivus, or some such +name, and Derham's Artificial Clock-maker." [The reader of Nigel will +understand these requests.] "All good luck to you, commercially and +otherwise. I am grown a shabby letter-writer, for my eyes are not so +young as they were, and I grudge everything that does not go to +press." Such a feeling must often have been present with him; yet I +can find no period when he grudged writing a letter that might by +possibility be of use to any of his family or friends, and I must +quote one of the many which about this very time reached his second +son.</p> + +<div class="letter"> +<p class="titleletter">TO MR. CHARLES SCOTT.</p> + +<p class="center smaller"><i>Care of the Rev. Mr. Williams, Lampeter.</i></p> +<p class="date">21st November, 1821.</p> + + <p><span class="smcap">My Dear Charles</span>,—I had the pleasure of your letter two days + since, being the first symptom of your being alive and well which + I have had <i>directly</i> since you left Abbotsford. I beg you will + be more frequent in your communications, which must always be + desirable when you are at such a distance. I am very glad to hear + you are attending closely to make up lost time. Sport is a good + thing both for health and pastime; but you must never allow it to + interfere with serious study. You have, my dear boy, your own + fortune to make, with better assistance of every kind than I had + when the world first <span class="pagenum"><a id="page311" name="page311"></a>(p. 311)</span> opened on me; and I assure you + that had I not given some attention to learning (I have often + regretted that, from want of opportunity, indifferent health, and + some indolence, I did not do all I might have done), my own + situation, and the advantages which I may be able to procure for + you, would have been very much bounded. Consider, therefore, + study as the principal object. Many men have read and written + their way to independence and fame; but no man ever gained it by + exclusive attention to exercises or to pleasures of any sort. You + do not say anything of your friend Mr. Surtees,<a id="footnotetag141" name="footnotetag141"></a><a href="#footnote141" title="Go to footnote 141"><span class="smaller">[141]</span></a> who I hope + is well. We all remember him with much affection, and should be + sorry to think we were forgotten.</p> + + <p>Our Abbotsford Hunt went off extremely well. We killed seven + hares, I think, and our dogs behaved very well. A large party + dined, and we sat down about twenty-five at table. Every + gentleman present sung a song, <i>tant bien que mal</i>, excepting + Walter, Lockhart, and I myself. I believe I should add the + melancholy Jaques, Mr. Waugh, who, on this occasion, however, was + not melancholy.<a id="footnotetag142" name="footnotetag142"></a><a href="#footnote142" title="Go to footnote 142"><span class="smaller">[142]</span></a> In short, we had a very merry and sociable + party.</p> + + <p>There is, I think, no news here. The hedger, Captain + Davidson,<a id="footnotetag143" name="footnotetag143"></a><a href="#footnote143" title="Go to footnote 143"><span class="smaller">[143]</span></a> has had a bad accident, and injured his leg much + by the fall of a large stone. I am very anxious about him as a + faithful and honest servant. Every one else at Abbotsford, horses + and dogs included, are in great preservation.</p> + + <p><span class="pagenum"><a id="page312" name="page312"></a>(p. 312)</span> You ask me about reading history. You are quite right to + read Clarendon—his style is a little long-winded; but, on the + other hand, his characters may match those of the ancient + historians, and one thinks they would know the very men if you + were to meet them in society. Few English writers have the same + precision, either in describing the actors in great scenes, or + the deeds which they performed. He was, you are aware, himself + deeply engaged in the scenes which he depicts, and therefore + colors them with the individual feeling, and sometimes, + doubtless, with the partiality of a partisan. Yet I think he is, + on the whole, a fair writer; for though he always endeavors to + excuse King Charles, yet he points out his mistakes and errors, + which certainly are neither few nor of slight consequence. Some + of his history regards the country in which you are now a + resident; and you will find that much of the fate of that Great + Civil War turned on the successful resistance made by the city of + Gloucester, and the relief of that place by the Earl of Essex, by + means of the trained bands of London,—a sort of force resembling + our local militia or volunteers. They are the subject of ridicule + in all the plays and poems of the time; yet the sort of practice + of arms which they had acquired, enabled them to withstand the + charge of Prince Rupert and his gallant cavalry, who were then + foiled for the first time. Read, my dear Charles, read, and read + that which is useful. Man only differs from birds and beasts, + because he has the means of availing himself of the knowledge + acquired by his predecessors. The swallow builds the same nest + which its father and mother built; and the sparrow does not + improve by the experience of its parents. The son of the learned + pig, if it had one, would be a mere brute, fit only to make bacon + of. It is not so with the human race. Our ancestors lodged in + caves and wigwams, where we construct palaces for the rich, and + comfortable dwellings for the poor; and why is this—but because + <span class="pagenum"><a id="page313" name="page313"></a>(p. 313)</span> our eye is enabled to look back upon the past, to + improve upon our ancestors' improvements, and to avoid their + errors? This can only be done by studying history, and comparing + it with passing events. God has given you a strong memory, and + the power of understanding that which you give your mind to with + attention—but all the advantage to be derived from these + qualities must depend on your own determination to avail yourself + of them, and improve them to the uttermost. That you should do + so, will be the greatest satisfaction I can receive in my + advanced life, and when my thoughts must be entirely turned on + the success of my children. Write to me more frequently, and + mention your studies particularly, and I will on my side be a + good correspondent.</p> + + <p>I beg my compliments to Mr. and Mrs. Williams. I have left no + room to sign myself your affectionate father,</p> + +<p class="author">W. S.</p> +</div> + +<p>To return to business and Messrs. Constable.—Sir Walter concluded, +before he went to town in November, another negotiation of importance +with this house. They agreed to give for the remaining copyright of +the four novels published between December, 1819, and January, +1821—to wit, Ivanhoe, The Monastery, The Abbot, and Kenilworth—the +sum of five thousand guineas. The stipulation about not revealing the +author's name, under a penalty of £2000, was repeated. By these four +novels, the fruits of scarcely more than twelve months' labor, he had +already cleared at least £10,000 before this bargain was completed. +They, like their predecessors, were now issued in a collective shape, +under the title of "Historical Romances, by the Author of Waverley."</p> + +<p>I cannot pretend to guess what the actual state of Scott's pecuniary +affairs was at the time when John Ballantyne's death relieved them +from one great source of complication and difficulty. But I have said +enough to satisfy every reader, that when he began the second, +<span class="pagenum"><a id="page314" name="page314"></a>(p. 314)</span> and far the larger division of his building at Abbotsford, he +must have contemplated the utmost sum it could cost him as a mere +trifle in relation to the resources at his command. He must have +reckoned on clearing £30,000 at least in the course of a couple of +years by the novels written within such a period. The publisher of his +Tales, who best knew how they were produced, and what they brought of +gross profit, and who must have had the strongest interest in keeping +the author's name untarnished by any risk or reputation of failure, +would willingly, as we have seen, have given him £6000 more within a +space of two years for works of a less serious sort, likely to be +despatched at leisure hours, without at all interfering with the main +manufacture. But alas, even this was not all. Messrs. Constable had +such faith in the prospective fertility of his imagination, that they +were by this time quite ready to sign bargains and grant bills for +novels and romances to be produced hereafter, but of which the +subjects and the names were alike unknown to them and to the man from +whose pen they were to proceed.<a id="footnotetag144" name="footnotetag144"></a><a href="#footnote144" title="Go to footnote 144"><span class="smaller">[144]</span></a> A forgotten satirist well says,—</p> + +<p class="poem10"> +<span class="min33em">"</span>The active principle within<br> + Works on some brains the effect of gin;"</p> + +<p class="noindent">but in his case, every external influence combined to stir the flame, +and swell the intoxication of restless exuberant energy. His allies +knew, indeed, what he did not, that the sale of his novels was rather +less than it had been in the days of Ivanhoe; and hints had sometimes +been dropped to him that it might be well to try the effect of a +pause. But he always thought—and James Ballantyne had decidedly the +same opinion—that his best things were those which he threw off the +most easily and swiftly; and it was no wonder that his booksellers, +seeing <span class="pagenum"><a id="page315" name="page315"></a>(p. 315)</span> how immeasurably even his worst excelled in +popularity, as in merit, any other person's best, should have shrunk +from the experiment of a decisive damper. On the contrary, they might +be excused for from time to time flattering themselves that if the +books sold at a less rate, this might be counterpoised by still +greater rapidity of production. They could not make up their minds to +cast the peerless vessel adrift; and, in short, after every little +whisper of prudential misgiving, echoed the unfailing burden of +Ballantyne's song—to push on, hoisting more and more sail as the wind +lulled.</p> + +<p>He was as eager to do as they could be to suggest—and this I well +knew at the time. I had, however, no notion, until all his +correspondence lay before me, of the extent to which he had permitted +himself thus early to build on the chances of life, health, and +continued popularity. Before The Fortunes of Nigel issued from the +press, Scott had exchanged instruments, and received his bookseller's +bills, for no less than four "works of fiction"—not one of them +otherwise described in the deeds of agreement—to be produced in +unbroken succession, each of them to fill at least three volumes, but +with proper saving clauses as to increase of copy-money, in case any +of them should run to four. And within two years all this anticipation +had been wiped off by Peveril of the Peak, Quentin Durward, St. +Ronan's Well, and Redgauntlet; and the new castle was by that time +complete, and overflowing with all its splendor; but by that time the +end also was approaching!</p> + +<p>The splendid romance of The Pirate was published in the beginning of +December, 1821; and the wild freshness of its atmosphere, the +beautiful contrast of Minna and Brenda, and the exquisitely drawn +character of Captain Cleveland, found the reception which they +deserved. The work was analyzed with remarkable care in the Quarterly +Review, by a critic second to few, either in the manly heartiness of +his sympathy with the felicities <span class="pagenum"><a id="page316" name="page316"></a>(p. 316)</span> of genius, or in the honest +acuteness of his censure in cases of negligence and confusion. This +was the second of a series of articles in that Journal, conceived and +executed in a tone widely different from those given to Waverley, Guy +Mannering, and The Antiquary. I fancy Mr. Gifford had become convinced +that he had made a grievous mistake in this matter, before he +acquiesced in Scott's proposal about "quartering the child" in +January, 1816; and if he was fortunate in finding a contributor able +and willing to treat the rest of Father Jedediah's progeny with +excellent skill, and in a spirit more accordant with the just and +general sentiments of the public, we must also recognize a pleasing +and honorable trait of character in the frankness with which the +recluse and often despotic editor now delegated the pen to Mr. Senior.</p> + +<p>On the 13th December, Sir Walter received a copy of Cain, as yet +unpublished, from Lord Byron's bookseller, who had been instructed to +ask whether he had any objection to having the "Mystery" dedicated to +him. He replied in these words:—</p> + +<div class="letter"> +<p class="titleletter">TO JOHN MURRAY, ESQ., ALBEMARLE STREET, LONDON.</p> + +<p class="date"><span class="smcap">Edinburgh</span>, 17th December, 1821.</p> + + <p><span class="smcap">My dear Sir</span>,—I accept with feelings of great obligation the + flattering proposal of Lord Byron to prefix my name to the very + grand and tremendous drama of Cain. I may be partial to it, and + you will allow I have cause; but I do not know that his Muse has + ever taken so lofty a flight amid her former soarings. He has + certainly matched Milton on his own ground. Some part of the + language is bold, and may shock one class of readers, whose tone + will be adopted by others out of affectation or envy. But then + they must condemn the Paradise Lost, if they have a mind to be + consistent. The fiendlike reasoning and bold blasphemy of the + fiend and of his pupil lead exactly to the point which was to + <span class="pagenum"><a id="page317" name="page317"></a>(p. 317)</span> be expected—the commission of the first murder, and + the ruin and despair of the perpetrator.</p> + + <p>I do not see how any one can accuse the author himself of + Manichæism. The devil takes the language of that sect, doubtless; + because, not being able to deny the existence of the Good + Principle, he endeavors to exalt himself—the Evil Principle—to + a seeming equality with the Good; but such arguments, in the + mouth of such a being, can only be used to deceive and to betray. + Lord Byron might have made this more evident, by placing in the + mouth of Adam, or of some good and protecting spirit, the reasons + which render the existence of moral evil consistent with the + general benevolence of the Deity. The great key to the mystery + is, perhaps, the imperfection of our own faculties, which see and + feel strongly the partial evils which press upon us, but know too + little of the general system of the universe, to be aware how the + existence of these is to be reconciled with the benevolence of + the great Creator.—Ever yours truly,</p> + +<p class="author">Walter Scott.</p> +</div> + +<p>In some preceding narratives of Sir Walter Scott's Life, I find the +principal feature for 1821 to be an affair of which I have as yet said +nothing; and which, notwithstanding the examples I have before me, I +must be excused for treating on a scale commensurate with his real +share and interest therein. I allude to an unfortunate newspaper, by +name The Beacon, which began to be published in Edinburgh in January, +1821, and was abruptly discontinued in the August of the same year. It +originated in the alarm with which the Edinburgh Tories contemplated +the progress of Radical doctrines during the agitation of the Queen's +business in 1820—and the want of any adequate counteraction on the +part of the Ministerial newspapers in the north. James Ballantyne had +on that occasion swerved from his banner—and by so doing given not a +little offence to Scott. He <span class="pagenum"><a id="page318" name="page318"></a>(p. 318)</span> approved, therefore, of the +project of a new Weekly Journal, to be conducted by some steadier +hand;<a id="footnotetag145" name="footnotetag145"></a><a href="#footnote145" title="Go to footnote 145"><span class="smaller">[145]</span></a> and when it was proposed to raise the requisite capital for +the speculation by private subscription, expressed his willingness to +contribute whatever sum should be named by other gentlemen of his +standing. This was accepted of course; but every part of the advice +with which the only man in the whole conclave that understood a jot +about such things coupled his tender of alliance, was departed from in +practice. No experienced and responsible editor of the sort he pointed +out as indispensable was secured; the violence of disaffected spleen +was encountered by a vein of satire which seemed more fierce than +frolicsome; the Law Officers of the Crown, whom he had most +strenuously cautioned against any participation in the concern, were +rash enough to commit themselves in it; the subscribers, like true +Scotchmen, in place of paying down their money, and thinking no more +of that part of the matter, chose to put their names to a bond of +security on which the sum-total was to be advanced by bankers; and +thus, by their own over-caution as to a few pounds, laid the +foundation for a long train of humiliating distresses and disgraces; +and finally, when the rude drollery of the young hot bloods to whom +they had entrusted the editorship of their paper, produced its natural +consequences, and the ferment of Whig indignation began to boil over +upon the dignified patrons of what was denounced as a systematic +scheme of calumny and defamation—these seniors shrunk from the +dilemma as rashly as they had plunged into it, and instead of +compelling the juvenile allies to adopt a more prudent course, and +gradually give the journal a tone worthy of open approbation, they, +at the first blush of personal difficulty, <span class="pagenum"><a id="page319" name="page319"></a>(p. 319)</span> left their +instruments in the lurch, and, without even consulting Scott, ordered +the Beacon to be extinguished at an hour's notice.</p> + +<p>A more pitiable mass of blunder and imbecility was never heaped +together than the whole of this affair exhibited; and from a very +early period Scott was so disgusted with it, that he never even saw +the newspaper, of which Whigs and Radicals believed, or affected to +believe, that the conduct and management were in some degree at least +under his dictation. The results were lamentable: the Beacon was made +the subject of Parliamentary discussion, from which the then heads of +Scotch Toryism did not escape in any very consolatory plight; but +above all, the Beacon bequeathed its rancor and rashness, though not +its ability, to a Glasgow paper of similar form and pretensions, +entitled The Sentinel. By that organ the personal quarrels of the +Beacon were taken up and pursued with relentless industry; and +finally, the Glasgow editors disagreeing, some moment of angry +confusion betrayed a box of MSS., by which the late Sir Alexander +Boswell of Auchinleck was revealed as the writer of certain truculent +enough pasquinades. A leading Edinburgh Whig, who had been pilloried +in one or more of these, challenged Boswell—and the Baronet fell in +as miserable a quarrel as ever cost the blood of a high-spirited +gentleman.<a id="footnotetag146" name="footnotetag146"></a><a href="#footnote146" title="Go to footnote 146"><span class="smaller">[146]</span></a></p> + +<p>This tragedy occurred in the early part of 1822; and <span class="pagenum"><a id="page320" name="page320"></a>(p. 320)</span> soon +afterwards followed those debates on the whole business in the House +of Commons, for which, if any reader feels curiosity about them, I +refer him to the Parliamentary Histories of the time. A single extract +from one of Scott's letters to a member of the then Government in +London will be sufficient for my purpose; and abundantly confirm what +I have said as to his personal part in the affairs of the Beacon:—</p> + +<div class="letter"> +<p class="titleletter">TO J. W. CROKER, ESQ., ADMIRALTY.</p> + + <p><span class="smcap">My Dear Croker</span>,—... I had the fate of Cassandra in the Beacon + matter from beginning to end. I endeavored in vain to impress on + them the necessity of having an editor who was really up to the + business, and could mix spirit with discretion—one of those + "gentlemen of the press," who understand the exact lengths to + which they can go in their vocation. Then I wished them, in place + of that <i>Bond</i>, to have each thrown down his hundred pounds, and + never inquired more about it—and lastly, I exclaimed against the + Crown Counsel being at all concerned. In the two first + remonstrances I was not listened to—in the last I thought myself + successful, and it was not till long afterwards that I heard they + had actually subscribed the Bond. Then the hasty renunciation of + the thing, as if we had been doing something very atrocious, put + me mad altogether. The younger brethren, too, allege that they + are put into the front of the fight, and deserted on the first + pinch; and on my word I cannot say the accusation is altogether + false, though I have been doing my best to mediate betwixt the + parties, and keep the peace if possible. The fact is, it is a + blasted business, and will continue long to have bad + consequences.—Yours in all love and kindness,</p> + +<p class="author">Walter Scott.</p> +</div> + +<h2>Footnotes</h2> + +<div class="footnote"> +<p><a id="footnote1" name="footnote1"></a> +<b><a href="#footnotetag1">1</a></b>: Article on <i>General Gourgaud's Memoirs</i> in <i>Blackwood's +Magazine</i> for November, 1818.</p> + +<p><a id="footnote2" name="footnote2"></a> +<b><a href="#footnotetag2">2</a></b>: Article on Maturin's <i>Women, or Pour et Contre</i>. +(<i>Miscellaneous Prose Works</i>, vol. xviii.)</p> + +<p><a id="footnote3" name="footnote3"></a> +<b><a href="#footnotetag3">3</a></b>: Article on <i>Childe Harold</i>, Canto IV. (<i>Miscellaneous +Prose Works</i>, vol. xvii.)</p> + +<p><a id="footnote4" name="footnote4"></a> +<b><a href="#footnotetag4">4</a></b>: I know nothing of the history or fate of this gentleman, +except that he was an ardent Royalist, and emigrated from France early +in the Revolution.</p> + +<p><a id="footnote5" name="footnote5"></a> +<b><a href="#footnotetag5">5</a></b>: I believe this is a quotation from some old Scotch +chronicler on the character of King James V.</p> + +<p><a id="footnote6" name="footnote6"></a> +<b><a href="#footnotetag6">6</a></b>: <i>The Doctor</i> was Mr. Canning's nickname for Lord +Sidmouth, the son of an accomplished physician, the intimate friend of +the great Lord Chatham. Mr. Sheridan, when the Scotch Members deserted +the Addington administration upon a trying vote, had the grace to say +to the Premier, across the table of the House of Commons,—"Doctor! +the Thanes fly from thee!"</p> + +<p><a id="footnote7" name="footnote7"></a> +<b><a href="#footnotetag7">7</a></b>: Sir Walter Blunt—<i>1st King Henry IV.</i>, Act V. Scene 3.</p> + +<p><a id="footnote8" name="footnote8"></a> +<b><a href="#footnotetag8">8</a></b>: See Molière's <i>George Dandin</i>.</p> + +<p><a id="footnote9" name="footnote9"></a> +<b><a href="#footnotetag9">9</a></b>: <i>Imitations of Horace.</i> B. ii. Ep. 1. v. 386.</p> + +<p><a id="footnote10" name="footnote10"></a> +<b><a href="#footnotetag10">10</a></b>: These charming essays are now reprinted in his +<i>Miscellaneous Prose Works</i> (Edition 1834) vol. vii.</p> + +<p><a id="footnote11" name="footnote11"></a> +<b><a href="#footnotetag11">11</a></b>: <i>Jackie Peartree</i> had, it seems, been Sir William Rae's +nickname at the High School. He probably owed it to some exploit in an +orchard.</p> + +<p><a id="footnote12" name="footnote12"></a> +<b><a href="#footnotetag12">12</a></b>: The Right Honorable Robert Dundas of Arniston, Chief +Baron of the Scotch Exchequer, died 17th June, 1819. See <i>post</i>, p. +<a href="#page123">123</a>.</p> + +<p><a id="footnote13" name="footnote13"></a> +<b><a href="#footnotetag13">13</a></b>: Mr. William Clerk.</p> + +<p><a id="footnote14" name="footnote14"></a> +<b><a href="#footnotetag14">14</a></b>: The wife of one of the Edinburgh Judges is alluded to.</p> + +<p><a id="footnote15" name="footnote15"></a> +<b><a href="#footnotetag15">15</a></b>: "Between February 15, 1819, and March 14, 1837, <i>Rob +Roy</i> was played in the Theatre-Royal, Edinburgh, 285 times."—<i>Letter +from Mr. W. Murray.</i> [Nicol Jarvie remained Mr. Mackay's masterpiece, +but his Dominie Sampson and Meg Dods in the dramas founded on <i>Guy +Mannering</i> and <i>St. Ronan's Well</i> were very successful. He died in +Glasgow in 1857.]</p> + +<p><a id="footnote16" name="footnote16"></a> +<b><a href="#footnotetag16">16</a></b>: <i>King's-Hood</i>—"The second of the four stomachs of +ruminating animals." <span class="smcap">Jamieson.</span>—<i>Spleuchan</i>—The Gaelic name of the +Highlander's tobacco-pouch.</p> + +<p><a id="footnote17" name="footnote17"></a> +<b><a href="#footnotetag17">17</a></b>: "I am sure I produced two volumes of Jacobite Relics, +such as no man in Scotland or England could have produced but myself." +So says Hogg, <i>ipse</i>—see his <i>Autobiography</i>, 1832, p. 88. I never +saw the Shepherd so elated as he was on the appearance of a very +severe article on this book in the <i>Edinburgh Review</i>; for, to his +exquisite delight, the hostile critic selected for <i>exceptive</i> +encomium one "old Jacobite strain," namely, <i>Donald M'Gillavry</i>, which +Hogg had fabricated the year before. Scott, too, enjoyed this joke +almost as much as the Shepherd.</p> + +<p><a id="footnote18" name="footnote18"></a> +<b><a href="#footnotetag18">18</a></b>: [In <i>The Life, Letters, and Journals of George Ticknor</i> +will be found some interesting notes regarding his visits to Castle +Street, and two days spent at Abbotsford in March, 1819.]</p> + +<p><a id="footnote19" name="footnote19"></a> +<b><a href="#footnotetag19">19</a></b>: June, 1839.—A friend has sent me the following +advertisement from an Edinburgh newspaper of 1819:—</p> + +<div class="quote"> +<p class="center">TALES OF MY LANDLORD.</p> + + <p>"The Public are respectfully informed, that the Work announced + for publication under the title of '<span class="smcap">Tales of my Landlord</span>, Fourth + Series, containing <i>Pontefract Castle</i>,' is not written by the + Author of the First, Second, and Third Series of <span class="smcap">Tales of my + Landlord</span>, of which we are the Proprietors and Publishers.</p> + +<p class="author">Archibald Constable & Co."</p> +</div> + +<p><a id="footnote20" name="footnote20"></a> +<b><a href="#footnotetag20">20</a></b>: These lines are from Coleridge's <i>Ancient Mariner</i>.</p> + +<p><a id="footnote21" name="footnote21"></a> +<b><a href="#footnotetag21">21</a></b>: The reader will find something about this actor's +quarrel with Mr. Bucke, author of <i>The Italians</i>, in Barry Cornwall's +<i>Life of Kean</i>, vol. ii. p. 178.</p> + +<p><a id="footnote22" name="footnote22"></a> +<b><a href="#footnotetag22">22</a></b>: "Sir Walter got not only the recipe for making bread +from us—but likewise learnt the best mode of cutting it 'in a family +way.' The breadboard and large knife used at Abbotsford at +breakfast-time were adopted by Sir Walter, after seeing them 'work +well' in our family."—<i>Note by Mr. Andrew Shortreed.</i></p> + +<p><a id="footnote23" name="footnote23"></a> +<b><a href="#footnotetag23">23</a></b>: The position in the Library at Bowhill, originally +destined by the late Duke of Buccleuch for a portrait that never was +executed, is now filled by that which Raeburn painted in 1808 for +Constable.</p> + +<p><a id="footnote24" name="footnote24"></a> +<b><a href="#footnotetag24">24</a></b>: Three pictures were ultimately raffled for; and the +following note, dated April the 1st, 1819, shows how keenly and +practically Scott, almost in the crisis of his malady, could attend to +the details of such a business:—</p> + +<div class="letter"> +<p class="titleletter">TO J. G. LOCKHART, ESQ., ADVOCATE, EDINBURGH.</p> + + <p>... I have been dreadfully ill since I wrote to you, but I think + I have now got the turn fairly. It was quite time, for though the + doctors say the disease is not dangerous, yet I could not have + endured six days more agony. I have a summons from the ingenious + Mr. David Bridges to attend to my interests at his shop next + Saturday, or send some qualified person to act on my behalf. I + suppose that this mysterious missive alludes to the plan about + Allan's pictures, and at any rate I hope you will act for me. I + should think a raffle with dice would give more general + satisfaction than a lottery. Yon would be astonished what + unhandsome suspicions well-educated and sensible persons will + take into their heads, when a selfish competition awakens the + mean and evil passions of our nature. Let each subscriber throw + the dice in person or by proxy, leaving out all who throw under a + certain number, and let this be repeated till the number is so + far reduced that the three who throw highest may hold the prizes. + I have much to say to you, and should you spare me a day about + the end of next week, I trust you will find me pretty <i>bobbish</i>.</p> + +<p>Always yours affectionately,</p> +<p class="author">W. S.</p> +</div> + +<p>The Mr. David Bridges here mentioned has occurred already.—See +<i>ante</i>, vol. v. p. 262. The jokers in <i>Blackwood</i> made him happy by +dubbing him, "The Director-General of the Fine Arts for Scotland."—He +says the subscribers for the Allan-Raffle were not so numerous as +Scott had supposed. (Mr. Bridges died in November, 1840, in his 64th +year.)</p> + +<p><a id="footnote25" name="footnote25"></a> +<b><a href="#footnotetag25">25</a></b>: The fine picture which Allan executed is in the +possession of Mr. Lockhart of Milton-Lockhart, and has been well +engraved.</p> + +<p><a id="footnote26" name="footnote26"></a> +<b><a href="#footnotetag26">26</a></b>: See <i>ante</i>, vol. i. p. 230.</p> + +<p><a id="footnote27" name="footnote27"></a> +<b><a href="#footnotetag27">27</a></b>: Captain John Ferguson, R. N.</p> + +<p><a id="footnote28" name="footnote28"></a> +<b><a href="#footnotetag28">28</a></b>: Bauby—<i>i. e.</i>, Barbara, was a kind old housekeeper of +the Miss Fergusons.</p> + +<p><a id="footnote29" name="footnote29"></a> +<b><a href="#footnotetag29">29</a></b>: The Lord Chief-Commissioner Adam.</p> + +<p><a id="footnote30" name="footnote30"></a> +<b><a href="#footnotetag30">30</a></b>: <i>Anglice</i>—Scarecrow.</p> + +<p><a id="footnote31" name="footnote31"></a> +<b><a href="#footnotetag31">31</a></b>: <i>Anglice</i>—an Oak.</p> + +<p><a id="footnote32" name="footnote32"></a> +<b><a href="#footnotetag32">32</a></b>: <i>Hamlet</i>, Act III. Scene 2.</p> + +<p><a id="footnote33" name="footnote33"></a> +<b><a href="#footnotetag33">33</a></b>: The Duke of Buccleuch gave Scott some old oak-roots from +Drumlanrig, out of which a very beautiful set of dinner-tables were +manufactured by Messrs. Bullock.</p> + +<p><a id="footnote34" name="footnote34"></a> +<b><a href="#footnotetag34">34</a></b>: [An extract from a letter of March 23 will show how warm +a regard Scott already felt for Lockhart: "I am but just on my feet +after a fourth very severe spasmodic affection, which held me from +half-past six last night to half-past three this morning in a state +little short of the extreme agony, during which time, to the infinite +consternation of my terrified family, I waltzed with Madam Cramp to my +own sad music.</p> + +<p class="poem10"> + I sighed and howl'd,<br> + And groaned and growl'd,<br> +<span class="add1em">A wild and wondrous sound;</span></p> + +<p class="noindent">incapable of lying in one posture, yet unable to find any possible +means of changing it. I thought of you amid all this agony, and of the +great game which with your parts and principles lies before you in +Scotland, and having been for very many years the only man of letters +who at least stood by, if he could not support, the banner of ancient +faith and loyalty, I was mentally bequeathing to you my baton, like +old Douglas:—</p> + +<p class="poem10"> +<span class="min33em">'</span>Take <i>thou</i> the vanguard of the three<br> +<span class="add1em">And bury me by the bracken bush,</span><br> + That grows upon yon lily lea.'</p> + +<p>"I believe the women thought I was growing light-headed as they heard +me repeat a rhyme apparently so little connected with my situation. I +have much to say to you on these subjects, for which I hope we shall +have a fit time; for, like old Sir Anthony Absolute, I hope still to +live long and be very troublesome to you. Indeed, the surgeon could +not help expressing his astonishment at the great strength of my +temperament, and I think had an eye to my ribs as glorious hoops for a +skeleton."—<i>Familiar Letters</i>, vol. ii. p. 38.]</p> + +<p><a id="footnote35" name="footnote35"></a> +<b><a href="#footnotetag35">35</a></b>: See Scott's <i>Poetical Works</i> (Ed. 1834), vol. vi. p. 343 +[Cambridge Ed. p. 444].</p> + +<p><a id="footnote36" name="footnote36"></a> +<b><a href="#footnotetag36">36</a></b>: "It was once the universal custom to place ale, wine, or +some strong liquor, in the chamber of an honored guest, to assuage his +thirst should he feel any on awakening in the night, which, +considering that the hospitality of that period often reached excess, +was by no means unlikely. The author has met some instances of it in +former days, and in old-fashioned families. It was, perhaps, no poetic +fiction that records how</p> + +<p class="poem10"> +<span class="min33em">'</span>My cummer and I lay down to sleep<br> + With two pint stoups at our bed feet;<br> + And aye when we waken'd we drank them dry;<br> + What think you o' my cummer and I?'</p> + +<p>"It is a current story in Teviotdale, that in the house of an ancient +family of distinction, much addicted to the Presbyterian cause, a +Bible was always put into the sleeping apartment of the guests, along +with a bottle of strong ale. On some occasion there was a meeting of +clergymen in the vicinity of the castle, all of whom were invited to +dinner by the worthy Baronet, and several abode all night. According +to the fashion of the times, seven of the reverend guests were +allotted to one large barrack-room, which was used on such occasions +of extended hospitality. The butler took care that the divines were +presented, according to custom, each with a Bible and a bottle of ale. +But after a little consultation among themselves, they are said to +have recalled the domestic as he was leaving the apartment. 'My +friend,' said one of the venerable guests, 'you must know, when we +meet together as brethren, the youngest minister reads aloud a portion +of Scripture to the rest;—only one Bible, therefore, is necessary; +take away the other six, and in their place bring six more bottles of +ale.'</p> + +<p>"This synod would have suited the 'hermit sage' of Johnson, who +answered a pupil who inquired for the real road to happiness with the +celebrated line,</p> + +<p class="poem10"> + 'Come, my lad, and drink some beer!'"</p> + +<p>—See <i>The Bride of Lammermoor</i>, note to chap. xiv.</p> + +<p><a id="footnote37" name="footnote37"></a> +<b><a href="#footnotetag37">37</a></b>: [See <i>ante</i>, vol. ii. p. 114, note.]</p> + +<p><a id="footnote38" name="footnote38"></a> +<b><a href="#footnotetag38">38</a></b>: Mr. Chisholm was the Tory candidate for the Selkirk +burghs.</p> + +<p><a id="footnote39" name="footnote39"></a> +<b><a href="#footnotetag39">39</a></b>: Mr. Pringle of Clifton, the Whig candidate.</p> + +<p><a id="footnote40" name="footnote40"></a> +<b><a href="#footnotetag40">40</a></b>: Walter Francis, the present Duke of Buccleuch.</p> + +<p><a id="footnote41" name="footnote41"></a> +<b><a href="#footnotetag41">41</a></b>: Boughton, in Northamptonshire. This seat came into the +possession of Henry, Duke of Buccleuch, by his marriage with the +daughter and heiress of John, the last Duke of Montagu, who survived +for many years her son, Duke Charles. At Boughton, as the reader will +see, Scott's early friend, the Duchess Harriet of Buccleuch, had been +buried in 1814.</p> + +<p><a id="footnote42" name="footnote42"></a> +<b><a href="#footnotetag42">42</a></b>: Mr. William Clerk.</p> + +<p><a id="footnote43" name="footnote43"></a> +<b><a href="#footnotetag43">43</a></b>: A shilling.</p> + +<p><a id="footnote44" name="footnote44"></a> +<b><a href="#footnotetag44">44</a></b>: The Lord Chief-Commissioner Adam.</p> + +<p><a id="footnote45" name="footnote45"></a> +<b><a href="#footnotetag45">45</a></b>: There appeared in the <i>Edinburgh Evening Post</i> of +October 10, 1840, a letter dated September 5, 1823, addressed by Sir +J. Horne Dalrymple Elphinstone, Bart., to the late Sir James Stewart +Denham of Coltness, Bart., both descendants of the Lord President +Stair, whose daughter was the original of the Bride of Lammermoor, +from which it appears that, according to the traditional creed of the +Dalrymple family, the lady's unhappy lover, Lord Rutherford, had found +means to be secreted in the nuptial chamber, and that the wound of the +bridegroom, Sir David Dunbar of Baldoon, was inflicted by his +Lordship's hand. The letter in question will be appended to future +editions of the novel.—(1841.)</p> + +<p><a id="footnote46" name="footnote46"></a> +<b><a href="#footnotetag46">46</a></b>: ["For nearly two years he had to struggle for his life +with that severe illness, which the natural strength of his +constitution at length proved sufficient to throw off. With its +disappearance, although restored to health, disappeared also much of +his former vigor of body, activity, and power of undergoing fatigue, +while in personal appearance he had advanced twenty years in the +downward course of life; his hair had become bleached to pure white +and scanty locks; the fire of his eye quenched; and his step, more +uncertain, had lost the vigorous swinging gait with which he was used +to proceed; in fact, old age had by many years anticipated its usual +progress and marked how severely he had suffered."—James Skene's +<i>Reminiscences</i>,—See <i>Journal</i>, vol. ii. p. 97, note.]</p> + +<p><a id="footnote47" name="footnote47"></a> +<b><a href="#footnotetag47">47</a></b>: [An interesting letter from Dr. Dick to Scott will be +found in <i>Familiar Letters</i> (vol. ii. p. 53), in which he speaks of +their common friend, Leyden, and expresses sorrow at the tone +regarding him taken by some of the Edinburgh periodicals, which +ridiculed the idea of comparing him with Sir William Jones as a +linguist. The writer, who knew both, shows Leyden to have been in this +respect much the greater of the two. The Doctor makes light of his +efficient services in Scott's case, and says: "I have only to offer my +grateful thanks for your intended present, which, however, I must beg +leave to decline, because I am rewarded already a thousandfold, by +being allowed the honor of prescribing for you, and by being assured, +under your own hand, that you are so well.... But if you will send me +one volume of any kind, and write on it that it is from yourself, I +shall consider it a great favor. I have the vanity to wish that my son +and his descendants may have it to show as a proof that I was honored +with the friendship of the author."]</p> + +<p><a id="footnote48" name="footnote48"></a> +<b><a href="#footnotetag48">48</a></b>: [The other hand is supposed to have been Wilson's. It is +difficult for any reader of to-day to understand why these clever and +interesting sketches of the men and manners of the Edinburgh of 1819 +should have been so emphatically denounced in certain quarters. This +is not the first occasion on which Scott sent words of praise +concerning the <i>Letters</i>, which first appeared in part in <i>Blackwood's +Magazine</i>. He says of the Pleaders' portraits [John Clerk, Cranstoun, +and Jeffrey], they "are about the best I ever read, and will preserve +these three very remarkable and original men, for all of whom, however +differing in points whereon I wish we had agreed, I entertain not only +deep respect, but sincere friendship and regard."—<i>Familiar Letters</i>, +vol. ii. p. 39.]</p> + +<p><a id="footnote49" name="footnote49"></a> +<b><a href="#footnotetag49">49</a></b>: Goldsmith's <i>Retaliation</i>.</p> + +<p><a id="footnote50" name="footnote50"></a> +<b><a href="#footnotetag50">50</a></b>: <i>Anglice</i>—a strange pasture.</p> + +<p><a id="footnote51" name="footnote51"></a> +<b><a href="#footnotetag51">51</a></b>: The then commandant of the 18th Hussars was +Lieutenant-Colonel the Hon. Henry Murray, brother to the Earl of +Mansfield.</p> + +<p><a id="footnote52" name="footnote52"></a> +<b><a href="#footnotetag52">52</a></b>: <i>Lady Wallace</i> was a pony; <i>Trout</i> a favorite pointer +which the Cornet had given, at leaving home, to the young Laird of +Harden, now the Master of Polwarth.</p> + +<p><a id="footnote53" name="footnote53"></a> +<b><a href="#footnotetag53">53</a></b>: For Scott's Epitaph for Mrs. Erskine, see his <i>Poetical +Works</i> (Ed. 1834), vol. xi. p. 347 [Cambridge Ed. p. 447].</p> + +<p><a id="footnote54" name="footnote54"></a> +<b><a href="#footnotetag54">54</a></b>: John Swanston had then the care of the sawmill at +Toftfield; he was one of Scott's most valued dependents, and in the +sequel succeeded Tom Purdie as his henchman.</p> + +<p><a id="footnote55" name="footnote55"></a> +<b><a href="#footnotetag55">55</a></b>: See <i>ante</i>, vol. v. p. 88.</p> + +<p><a id="footnote56" name="footnote56"></a> +<b><a href="#footnotetag56">56</a></b>: Scott's good friend, Mr. Andrew Lang, Sheriff-Clerk for +Selkirkshire, was then chief magistrate of the county town. [He was +the grandfather of the accomplished man of letters who bears his +name.]</p> + +<p><a id="footnote57" name="footnote57"></a> +<b><a href="#footnotetag57">57</a></b>: The late John Rutherford of Edgerstone, long M. P. for +Roxburghshire, was a person of high worth, and universally esteemed. +Scott used to say Edgerstone was his <i>beau ideal</i> of the character of +a country gentleman. He was, I believe, the head of the once great and +powerful clan of Rutherford.</p> + +<p><a id="footnote58" name="footnote58"></a> +<b><a href="#footnotetag58">58</a></b>: See Scott's <i>Poetical Works</i>, vol. xii. p. 195 +[Cambridge Ed. p. 485].</p> + +<p><a id="footnote59" name="footnote59"></a> +<b><a href="#footnotetag59">59</a></b>: Sir Adam Ferguson.</p> + +<p><a id="footnote60" name="footnote60"></a> +<b><a href="#footnotetag60">60</a></b>: The Right Honorable Charles Hope, Lord President of the +Court of Session, was Colonel-commandant of the Old Blues, or First +Regiment of Edinburgh Volunteers.</p> + +<p><a id="footnote61" name="footnote61"></a> +<b><a href="#footnotetag61">61</a></b>: "The subject of his <i>Thesis</i> is singular, and entitles +Rutherford to rank very high among the chemical philosophers of modern +times. Its title is <i>De Aere Mephitico</i>, etc.—It is universally +admitted that Dr. Rutherford first discovered this gas—the reputation +of his discovery being speedily spread through Europe, his character +as a chemist of the first eminence was firmly established, and much +was augured from a young man in his twenty-second year having +distinguished himself so remarkably."—Bower's <i>History of the +University of Edinburgh</i>, vol. iii. (1830), pp. 260, 261.</p> + +<p><a id="footnote62" name="footnote62"></a> +<b><a href="#footnotetag62">62</a></b>: Mr. Usher has already been mentioned as Scott's +predecessor in the property of Toftfield. He now resided near those +lands, and was Scott's tenant on the greater part of them.</p> + +<p><a id="footnote63" name="footnote63"></a> +<b><a href="#footnotetag63">63</a></b>: Samuel Somerville, W. S. (a son of the historian of +Queen Anne), had a pretty villa at Lowood, on the Tweed, immediately +opposite the seat of his relation, Lord Somerville, of whose estate he +had the management.</p> + +<p><a id="footnote64" name="footnote64"></a> +<b><a href="#footnotetag64">64</a></b>: Nicol Milne, Esq. (now advocate), eldest son of the +Laird of Faldonside.</p> + +<p><a id="footnote65" name="footnote65"></a> +<b><a href="#footnotetag65">65</a></b>: Harper, keeper of a little inn at Darnick, was a gallant +and spirited yeoman—uniformly the gainer of the prizes at every +contest of strength and agility in that district.</p> + +<p><a id="footnote66" name="footnote66"></a> +<b><a href="#footnotetag66">66</a></b>: One of Scott's foresters—thus designated as being, in +all senses of the word, a <i>gallant</i> fellow.</p> + +<p><a id="footnote67" name="footnote67"></a> +<b><a href="#footnotetag67">67</a></b>: St. John's Chapel.</p> + +<p><a id="footnote68" name="footnote68"></a> +<b><a href="#footnotetag68">68</a></b>: Robert Rutherford, Esq., W. S., son to the Professor of +Botany.</p> + +<p><a id="footnote69" name="footnote69"></a> +<b><a href="#footnotetag69">69</a></b>: "Our family heretofore buried in the Greyfriars' +Churchyard, close by the entrance to Heriot's Hospital, and on the +southern or left-hand side as you pass from the churchyard."—<i>MS. +Memorandum.</i></p> + +<p><a id="footnote70" name="footnote70"></a> +<b><a href="#footnotetag70">70</a></b>: This was a ridiculously exaggerated report of that +period of alarm.</p> + +<p><a id="footnote71" name="footnote71"></a> +<b><a href="#footnotetag71">71</a></b>: [Lady Louisa's letter was written January 16, 1820, and +can be found in <i>Familiar Letters</i>, vol. ii. p. 71. In it she says:—</p> + +<p>"Everybody in this house has been reading an odd new kind of a book +called <i>Ivanhoe</i>, and nobody, as far as I have observed, has willingly +laid it down again till finished. By this, I conclude that its success +will be fully equal to that of its predecessors, notwithstanding it +has quite abandoned their ground and ploughed up a field hitherto +untouched. The interest of it, indeed, is most powerful; few things in +prose or verse seize upon one's mind so strongly, or are read with +such breathless eagerness, as the storming of the castle, related by +Rebecca, and her trial at Templestowe. Few characters ever were so +forcibly painted as hers: the Jew, too, the Templar, the courtly +knight De Bracy, the wavering, inconstant wickedness of John, are all +worthy of Shakespeare. I must not omit paying my tribute to Cedric, +that worthy forefather of the genuine English country gentleman.... +And according to what has been alleged against the author in some +other instances, the hero and the heroine are the people one cares +least about. But provided one does but care enough about somebody, it +is all one to me; and I think the cavil is like that against Milton +for making the Devil his hero."]</p> + +<p><a id="footnote72" name="footnote72"></a> +<b><a href="#footnotetag72">72</a></b>: <i>Lines on the Death of Mr. Robert Levett.</i></p> + +<p><a id="footnote73" name="footnote73"></a> +<b><a href="#footnotetag73">73</a></b>: Three of these MS. pages were a fair day's work in the +author's estimation—equal to fifteen or sixteen of the original +impression.</p> + +<p><a id="footnote74" name="footnote74"></a> +<b><a href="#footnotetag74">74</a></b>: See <i>Ivanhoe</i>, end of chap. xliv.</p> + +<p><a id="footnote75" name="footnote75"></a> +<b><a href="#footnotetag75">75</a></b>: [It is said that the character of Rebecca was suggested +to Scott by Washington Irving's description of Rebecca Gratz of +Philadelphia, a lady belonging to a Jewish family of high position in +that city, with whom Irving was intimate. Miss Gratz had been a friend +of his betrothed, Matilda Hoffman, and in her youth had loved +devotedly a man in every way worthy of her, but the difference of +religion made their union impossible. During a conversation with +Scott, Irving spoke with much feeling of Rebecca Gratz, of her +extraordinary beauty, of her adherence to her faith under most trying +circumstances, of her nobility, distinction, and loveliness of +character, and her untiring zeal in works of charity, greatly +interesting his host, as the guest recalled when <i>Ivanhoe</i> appeared.</p> + +<p>Rebecca Gratz died in 1869 in her eighty-ninth year. A sketch of her, +with a portrait after a miniature by Malbone, was published in the +<i>Century Magazine</i> for September, 1882.]</p> + +<p><a id="footnote76" name="footnote76"></a> +<b><a href="#footnotetag76">76</a></b>: The weekly Darnick carrier.</p> + +<p><a id="footnote77" name="footnote77"></a> +<b><a href="#footnotetag77">77</a></b>: Dr. Scott of Darnlee.—See <i>ante</i>, vol. v. p. 277. This +very amiable, modest, and intelligent friend of Sir Walter Scott's +died in 1837.</p> + +<p><a id="footnote78" name="footnote78"></a> +<b><a href="#footnotetag78">78</a></b>: Some money expected from the sale of larches.</p> + +<p><a id="footnote79" name="footnote79"></a> +<b><a href="#footnotetag79">79</a></b>: Burns—<i>Lines to a Mouse.</i></p> + +<p><a id="footnote80" name="footnote80"></a> +<b><a href="#footnotetag80">80</a></b>: "An India appointment, with the name blank, which the +late Mr. Pringle of Whytbank sent unsolicited, believing it might be +found useful to a family where there were seven sons to provide +for."—<i>Note by Mr. A. Shortreed.</i></p> + +<p><a id="footnote81" name="footnote81"></a> +<b><a href="#footnotetag81">81</a></b>: [Of Miss Scott, not long before her marriage, Mr. George +Ticknor writes:—</p> + +<p>"Sophia Scott is a remarkable girl, with great simplicity and +naturalness of manners, full of enthusiasm, with tact in everything, a +lover of old ballads, a Jacobite, and, in short, in all respects, such +a daughter as Scott ought to have and ought to be proud of. And he is +proud of her, as I saw again and again when he could not conceal it.</p> + +<p>"One evening, after dinner, he told her to take her harp and play five +or six ballads he mentioned to her, as a specimen of the different +ages of Scottish music. I hardly ever heard anything of the kind that +moved me so much. And yet, I imagine, many sing better; but I never +saw such an air and manner, such spirit and feeling, such decision and +power.... I was so much excited that I turned round to Mr. Scott and +said to him, probably with great emphasis, 'I never heard anything so +fine;' and he, seeing how involuntarily I had said it, caught me by +the hand, and replied, very earnestly, 'Everybody says so, sir,' but +added in an instant, blushing a little, 'but I must not be too vain of +her.'</p> + +<p>"I was struck, too, with another little trait in her character and +his, that exhibited itself the same evening. Lady Hume asked her to +play <i>Rob Roy</i>, an old ballad. A good many persons were present, and +she felt a little embarrassed by the recollection of how much her +father's name had been mentioned in connection with this strange +Highlander's; but, as upon all occasions, she took the most direct +means to settle her difficulties; ... she ran across the room to her +father, and, blushing pretty deeply, whispered to him. 'Yes, my dear,' +he said, loud enough to be heard, 'play it, to be sure, if you are +asked, and <i>Waverley</i> and the <i>Antiquary</i>, too, if there be any such +ballads.' ... She is as perfectly right-minded as I ever saw one so +young, and, indeed, perhaps right-mindedness is the prevailing feature +in her character."—<i>Life of George Ticknor</i>, vol. i. pp. 281, 283.]</p> + +<p><a id="footnote82" name="footnote82"></a> +<b><a href="#footnotetag82">82</a></b>: [Mr. Skene, in his <i>Reminiscences</i>, says of Tom +Purdie:—</p> + +<p>"He used to talk of Sir Walter's publications as our books, and said +that the reading of them was the greatest comfort to him, for whenever +he was off his sleep, which sometimes happened, he had only to take +one of the novels, and before he read two pages it was sure to set him +asleep. Tom, with the usual shrewdness common to his countrymen in +that class of life, joined a quaintness and drollery in his notions +and mode of expressing himself that was very amusing; he was familiar, +but at the same time perfectly respectful, although he was sometimes +tempted to deal sharp cuts, particularly at Sir Adam Ferguson, whom he +seemed to take a pleasure in assailing. When Sir Walter obtained the +honor of knighthood for Sir Adam, upon the plea of his being Custodier +of the Regalia of Scotland, Tom was very indignant, because, he said, +'It would take some of the shine out of us,' meaning Sir Walter.... He +was remarkably fastidious in his care of the Library, and it was +exceedingly amusing to see a clodhopper (for he was always in the garb +of a ploughman) moving about in the splendid apartment, scrutinizing +the state of the books, putting derangement to rights, remonstrating +when he observed anything that indicated carelessness."—See +<i>Journal</i>, vol. ii. p. 318, note.]</p> + +<p><a id="footnote83" name="footnote83"></a> +<b><a href="#footnotetag83">83</a></b>: I am obliged to my friend Mr. Scott of Gala for +reminding me of the following trait of Tom Purdie. The first time Mr. +John Richardson of Fludyer Street came to Abbotsford, Tom (who took +him for a Southron) was sent to attend upon him while he tried for a +<i>fish</i> (<i>i. e.</i>, a salmon) in the neighborhood of Melrose Bridge. As +they walked thither, Tom boasted grandly of the size of the fish he +had himself caught there, evidently giving the stranger no credit for +much skill in the Waltonian craft. By and by, however, Richardson, who +is an admirable angler, hooked a vigorous fellow, and after a +beautiful exhibition of the art, landed him in safety. "A fine <i>fish</i>, +Tom."—"Oo, aye, Sir," quoth Tom, "it's a bonny grilse." "A <i>grilse</i>, +Tom!" says Mr. R., "it's as heavy a <i>salmon</i> as the heaviest you were +telling me about." Tom showed his teeth in a smile of bitter +incredulity; but while they were still debating, Lord Somerville's +fisherman came up with scales in his basket, and Richardson insisted +on having his victim weighed. The result was triumphant for the +captor. "Weel," says Tom, letting the salmon drop on the turf, "weel, +ye <i>are</i> a meikle fish, mon—and a meikle <i>fule</i>, too" (he added in a +lower key), "to let yoursell be kilt by an Englander."—(1839.)</p> + +<p>[Mr. Richardson's own account of this incident can be found in the +memorial sketch of him in the <i>North British Review</i> for November, +1864. The scene was not Abbotsford, but Ashestiel, in September, +1810.]</p> + +<p><a id="footnote84" name="footnote84"></a> +<b><a href="#footnotetag84">84</a></b>: The funeral of George III. at Windsor: the young Duke of +Buccleuch was at this time at Eton.</p> + +<p><a id="footnote85" name="footnote85"></a> +<b><a href="#footnotetag85">85</a></b>: Ebenezer Clarkson, Esq., a surgeon of distinguished +skill at Selkirk, and through life a trusty friend and crony of the +Sheriff's.</p> + +<p><a id="footnote86" name="footnote86"></a> +<b><a href="#footnotetag86">86</a></b>: A distinguished Whig friend.</p> + +<p><a id="footnote87" name="footnote87"></a> +<b><a href="#footnotetag87">87</a></b>: [Mr. C. R. Leslie, himself the painter of an admirable +portrait of Scott, says of Chantrey's work:—</p> + +<p>"Of the many portraits of him, Chantrey's bust is, to my mind, the +most perfect; ... the gentle turn of the head, inclined a little +forwards and down, and the lurking humor in the eye and about the +mouth, are Scott's own. Chantrey watched Sir Walter in company, and +invited him to breakfast previous to the sittings, and by these means +caught the expression that was most characteristic."—<i>Leslie's +Autobiographical Recollections.</i>]</p> + +<p><a id="footnote88" name="footnote88"></a> +<b><a href="#footnotetag88">88</a></b>: <i>Much Ado about Nothing</i>, Act III. Scene 3.</p> + +<p><a id="footnote89" name="footnote89"></a> +<b><a href="#footnotetag89">89</a></b>: [On March 15 Scott had written to Lady Abercorn: "Sophia +is going to be married, and to a young man of uncommon +talents,—indeed of as promising a character as I know. He is highly +accomplished, a beautiful poet and fine draughtsman, and, what is +better, of a most honorable and gentlemanlike disposition. He is +handsome besides, and I like everything about him, except that he is +more grave and retired than I (who have been all my life something of +an <i>étourdi</i>) like particularly, but it is better than the opposite +extreme. In point of situation they have enough to live upon, and 'the +world for the winning.' ... Your Ladyship will see some beautiful +lines of his writing in the last number of a very clever periodical +publication called <i>Blackwood's Edinburgh Magazine</i>. The verses are in +an essay on the ballad poetry of the Spaniards, which he illustrates +by some beautiful translations which—to speak truth—are much finer +than the originals.... The youngster's name is John Gibson Lockhart; +he comes of a good Lanarkshire family, and is very well connected. His +father is a clergyman."</p> + +<p>Two months later, in a letter to Morritt, Sir Walter says:—</p> + +<p>"To me, as it seems neither of my sons have a strong literary turn, +the society of a son-in-law possessed of learning and talent must be a +very great acquisition, and relieve me from some anxiety with respect +to a valuable part of my fortune, consisting of copyrights, etc., +which, though advantageous in my lifetime, might have been less so at +my decease, unless under the management of a person acquainted with +the nature of such property. All I have to fear on Lockhart's part, is +a certain rashness, which I trust has been the effect of youth and +high spirits, joined to lack of good advice, as he seems perfectly +good-humored and very docile. So I trust your little friend Sophia, +who I know has an interest in your bosom, has a very fair chance for +such happiness as this motley world can afford."—<i>Familiar Letters</i>, +vol. ii. pp. 73, 77.]</p> + +<p><a id="footnote90" name="footnote90"></a> +<b><a href="#footnotetag90">90</a></b>: The general election was going on.</p> + +<p><a id="footnote91" name="footnote91"></a> +<b><a href="#footnotetag91">91</a></b>: [Soon after his return, Scott writes to Morritt:—</p> + +<p>"London I thought incredibly tiresome; I wanted my sheet anchors,—you +and poor George Ellis,—by whom I could ride at quiet moorings without +mixing entirely in the general vortex. The great lion—great in every +sense—was the gigantic Belzoni, the handsomest man (for a giant) I +ever saw or could suppose to myself. He is said completely to have +overawed the Arabs, your old friends, by his great strength, height, +and energy. I had one delightful evening in company with the Duke of +Wellington, and heard him fight over Waterloo and his other battles +with the greatest good-humor. It is odd, he says, that the most +distinct writer on military affairs whose labors he has perused is +James II., in the warlike details given in his own Memoirs. I have not +read over these Memoirs lately, but I think I do not recollect much to +justify the eulogium of so great a master."—<i>Familiar Letters</i>, vol. +ii. p. 77.]</p> + +<p><a id="footnote92" name="footnote92"></a> +<b><a href="#footnotetag92">92</a></b>: The late Duke of Gordon.</p> + +<p><a id="footnote93" name="footnote93"></a> +<b><a href="#footnotetag93">93</a></b>: See Goldsmith's <i>Citizen of the World</i>, No. 105.</p> + +<p><a id="footnote94" name="footnote94"></a> +<b><a href="#footnotetag94">94</a></b>: [This academic struggle was as fiercely contested as +though it had been a political contest, which in truth it was. +Lockhart celebrated Wilson's victory in the <i>Testimonium</i> (prefacing +the seventh volume of <i>Blackwood</i>), thus keeping alive the passion of +the hour. In July Scott wrote to his son-in-law, and through him to +Wilson, a letter which is especially interesting, as showing the +writer's attitude in regard to the personalities of <i>Maga</i>, which his +political opponents were inclined to believe had at least his tacit +approval. The letter, from which these extracts are taken, will be +found in Lang's <i>Life of Lockhart</i> (vol. i. pp. 239-245), where it was +published for the first time:—</p> + +<p>... "I am sure our friend has been taught the danger of giving way to +high spirits in mixed society, where there is some one always ready to +laugh at the joke and to put it into his pocket to throw in the +jester's face on some future occasion. It is plain Wilson must have +walked the course had he been cautious in selecting the friends of his +lighter hours, and now, clothed with philosophical dignity, his +friends will really expect he should be on his guard in this respect, +and add to his talents and amiable disposition the proper degree of +<i>retenue</i> becoming a moral teacher. Try to express all this to him in +your own way, and believe that, as I have said it from the best +motives, so I would wish it conveyed in the most delicate terms, as +from one who equally honors Wilson's genius and loves his benevolent, +ardent, and amiable disposition, but who would willingly see them +mingled with the caution which leaves calumny no pin to hang her +infamous accusations upon.</p> + +<p>"For the reasons above mentioned I wish you had not published the +<i>Testimonium</i>. It is very clever, but descends to too low game. If +Jeffrey or Cranstoun, or any of the dignitaries, chose to fight such +skirmishes, there would be some credit in it; but I do not like to see +you turn out as a sharpshooter with ****. 'What does thou drawn among +these heartless hinds?' ... I have hitherto avoided saying anything on +this subject, though some little turn towards personal satire is, I +think, the only drawback to your great and powerful talents, and I +think I may have hinted as much to you. But I wished to see how this +matter of Wilson's would turn, before making a clean breast upon this +subject. It might have so happened that you could not handsomely or +kindly have avoided a share in his defence, if the enemy had +prevailed, and where friendship, or country, or any strong call +demands the use of satiric talent, I hope I should neither fear risk +myself or desire a friend to shun it. But now that he has triumphed, I +think it would be bad taste to cry out,—</p> + +<p class="poem10"> + 'Strike up our drums—pursue the scattered stray.'</p> + +<p>Besides, the natural consequence of his new situation must be his +relinquishing his share in these compositions—at least, he will +injure himself in the opinion of many friends, and expose himself to a +continuation of galling and vexatious disputes to the embittering of +his life, should he do otherwise. In that case I really hope you will +pause before you undertake to be the Boaz of the <i>Maga</i>; I mean in the +personal and satirical department, when the Jachin has seceded.</p> + +<p>"Besides all other objections of personal enemies, personal quarrels, +constant obloquy, and all uncharitableness, such an occupation will +fritter away your talents, hurt your reputation both as a lawyer and a +literary man, and waste away your time in what at best will be but a +monthly wonder. What has been done in this department will be very +well as a frolic of young men, but let it suffice, 'the gambol has +been shown'—the frequent repetition will lose its effect even as +pleasantry, for Peter Pindar, the sharpest of personal satirists, +wrote himself down, and wrote himself out, and is forgotten....</p> + +<p>"Revere yourself, my dear boy, and think you were born to do your +country better service than in this species of warfare. I make no +apology (I am sure you will require none) for speaking plainly what my +anxious affection dictates. As the old warrior says, 'May the name of +Mevni be forgotten among the people, and may they only say, Behold the +father of Gaul.' I wish you to have the benefit of my experience +without purchasing it; and be assured, that the consciousness of +attaining complete superiority over your calumniators and enemies by +the force of your general character, is worth a dozen of triumphs over +them by the force of wit and raillery. I am sure Sophia, as much as +she can or ought to form any judgment respecting the line of conduct +you have to pursue in your new character of a man married and settled, +will be of my opinion in this matter, and that you will consider her +happiness and your own, together with the respectability of both, by +giving what I have said your anxious consideration."</p> + +<p>Lockhart's reply to this letter, expressing gratitude, and promising +amendment, can be found in <i>Familiar Letters</i>, vol. ii. p. 86.]</p> + +<p><a id="footnote95" name="footnote95"></a> +<b><a href="#footnotetag95">95</a></b>: Mr. Robert Johnstone, a grocer on a large scale on the +North Bridge of Edinburgh, and long one of the leading Bailies, was +about this time the prominent patron of some architectural novelties +in Auld Reekie, which had found no favor with Scott;—hence his +prænomen of <i>Palladio</i>—which he owed, I believe, to a song in +<i>Blackwood's Magazine</i>. The good Bailie had been at the High School +with Sir Walter, and their friendly intercourse was never interrupted +but by death.</p> + +<p><a id="footnote96" name="footnote96"></a> +<b><a href="#footnotetag96">96</a></b>: ["On Friday evening I gave away Sophia to Mr. +Lockhart.... I own my house seems lonely to me since she left us, but +that is a natural feeling, which will soon wear off. I have every +reason to think I have consulted her happiness in the match, as became +the father of a most attached and dutiful daughter, who never in her +life gave me five minutes' vexation. In the mean time the words run +strangely in my ear:—</p> + +<p class="poem10"> +<span class="min33em">'</span>Ah me! the flower and blossom of my house<br> + The wind has blown away to other towers.'"</p> + +<p class="quote">—Scott to Lady Abercorn—<i>Familiar Letters</i>, vol. ii. p. 75.]</p> + +<p><a id="footnote97" name="footnote97"></a> +<b><a href="#footnotetag97">97</a></b>: Here ended Vol. IV. of the Original Edition.—(1839.)</p> + +<p><a id="footnote98" name="footnote98"></a> +<b><a href="#footnotetag98">98</a></b>:</p> + +<div class="poem10"> +<p><span class="min33em">"</span>There were the six Miss Rawbolds—pretty dears!<br> + All song and sentiment; whose hearts were set<br> + Less on a convent than a coronet."</p> + +<p class="date"><i>Don Juan</i>, canto xiii. st. 85.</p> +</div> + +<p><a id="footnote99" name="footnote99"></a> +<b><a href="#footnotetag99">99</a></b>: [William Hyde Wollaston, the distinguished physiologist, +chemist, and physicist.]</p> + +<p><a id="footnote100" name="footnote100"></a> +<b><a href="#footnotetag100">100</a></b>: <i>Hog</i> signifies in the Scotch dialect a young sheep +that has never been shorn. Hence, no doubt, the name of the Poet of +Ettrick—derived from a long line of shepherds. Mr. Charles Lamb, +however, in one of his sonnets suggests this pretty origin of <i>his</i> +"Family Name:"—</p> + +<p class="poem10"> +<span class="min33em">"</span>Perhaps some shepherd on Lincolnian plains,<br> + In manners guileless as his own sweet flocks,<br> + Received it first amid the merry mocks<br> + And arch allusions of his fellow swains."</p> + +<p><a id="footnote101" name="footnote101"></a> +<b><a href="#footnotetag101">101</a></b>: See <i>Poetical Works</i>, vol. xi. pp 334, 335 [Cambridge +Ed. p. 467].</p> + +<p><a id="footnote102" name="footnote102"></a> +<b><a href="#footnotetag102">102</a></b>: Essay on Landscape Gardening, <i>Miscellaneous Prose +Works</i>, vol. xxi. p. 77.</p> + +<p><a id="footnote103" name="footnote103"></a> +<b><a href="#footnotetag103">103</a></b>: Adolphus's <i>Letters to Heber</i>, p. 13.</p> + +<p><a id="footnote104" name="footnote104"></a> +<b><a href="#footnotetag104">104</a></b>: See <i>ante</i>, vol. v. p. 34.</p> + +<p><a id="footnote105" name="footnote105"></a> +<b><a href="#footnotetag105">105</a></b>: The good Chief-Commissioner makes a little mistake +here—a <i>Phoca</i> being, not a porpoise, but a <i>Seal</i>.</p> + +<p><a id="footnote106" name="footnote106"></a> +<b><a href="#footnotetag106">106</a></b>: [Scott writes in December to Lady Louisa Stuart: "I do +not design any scandal about Queen Bess, whom I admire much, although, +like an old <i>true blue</i>, I have malice against her on Queen Mary's +account. But I think I shall be very fair. The story is the tragedy of +Leicester's first wife, and I have made it, as far as my facilities +would permit, 'a pleasant tragedy, stuffed with most pitiful +mirth.'"—<i>Familiar Letters</i>, vol. ii. p. 102.]</p> + +<p><a id="footnote107" name="footnote107"></a> +<b><a href="#footnotetag107">107</a></b>: [Writing to Lady Louisa Stuart, December 14, Scott +says: "My youngest son, who is very clever and very idle, I have sent +to a learned clergyman ... to get more thoroughly grounded in +classical learning. For two years Mr. Williams has undertaken to speak +with him in Latin, and, as everybody else talks Welsh, he will have +nobody to show off his miscellaneous information to, and thus a main +obstacle to his improvement will be removed. It would be a pity any +stumbling-block were left for him to break his shins over, for he has +a most active mind and a good disposition."—<i>Familiar Letters</i>, vol. +ii. p. 103.]</p> + +<p><a id="footnote108" name="footnote108"></a> +<b><a href="#footnotetag108">108</a></b>: <i>Finette</i>—a spaniel of Lady Scott's.</p> + +<p><a id="footnote109" name="footnote109"></a> +<b><a href="#footnotetag109">109</a></b>: <i>Urisk</i> [Ourisque]—a small terrier of the long +silky-haired Kintail breed.</p> + +<p><a id="footnote110" name="footnote110"></a> +<b><a href="#footnotetag110">110</a></b>: Mr. George Craig, factor to the laird of Gala, and +manager of a little branch bank at Galashiels. This worthy man was one +of the regular members of the Abbotsford Hunt.</p> + +<p><a id="footnote111" name="footnote111"></a> +<b><a href="#footnotetag111">111</a></b>: <i>Punch</i> had been borrowing from <i>Young Rapid</i>, in the +<i>Cure for the Heart-ache</i>.</p> + +<p><a id="footnote112" name="footnote112"></a> +<b><a href="#footnotetag112">112</a></b>: Mr. Cunningham had told Scott that Chantrey's bust of +Wordsworth (another of his noblest works) was also to be produced at +the Royal Academy's Exhibition for 1821.</p> + +<p><a id="footnote113" name="footnote113"></a> +<b><a href="#footnotetag113">113</a></b>:</p> + +<div class="poem10"> +<p><i>Queen.</i>—"What though I now am half-seas o'er,<br> +<span class="add5em">I scorn to baulk this bout;</span><br> +<span class="add4em">Of stiff rack-punch fetch bowls a score,</span><br> +<span class="add5em">'Fore George, I'll see them out!</span></p> + +<p><i>Chorus.</i>—"Rumti-iddity, row, row, row,<br> +<span class="add45em">If we'd a good sup, we'd take it now."</span></p> + +<p class="date">Fielding's <i>Tom Thumb</i>.</p> +</div> + +<p><a id="footnote114" name="footnote114"></a> +<b><a href="#footnotetag114">114</a></b>: This gentleman, Scott's friend and confidential +solicitor, had obtained (I believe), on his recommendation, the legal +management of the Buccleuch affairs in Scotland.</p> + +<p><a id="footnote115" name="footnote115"></a> +<b><a href="#footnotetag115">115</a></b>: Mr. Robert Cadell, of the house of Constable, had this +year conveyed Charles Scott from Abbotsford to Lampeter.</p> + +<p><a id="footnote116" name="footnote116"></a> +<b><a href="#footnotetag116">116</a></b>: Sir Walter's cousin, a son of his uncle Thomas. See +<i>ante</i>, vol. i. p. 62.</p> + +<p><a id="footnote117" name="footnote117"></a> +<b><a href="#footnotetag117">117</a></b>: ["It was often remarked as a proof that they [the +novels] were all Sir Walter's, that he was never known to refer to +them, though they were the constant topic of conversation in every +company at the time. I recollect, however, one striking instance to +the contrary. In the month of January, 1821, a dinner was given in the +Waterloo Rooms, Edinburgh, to a large party of gentlemen, to celebrate +the serving Heir, as it is called in Scotland, of a young gentleman, +to the large estates of his ancestors. Sir Walter having been +Chancellor of the Inquest, also presided at the dinner, and after the +usual toasts on such occasions, he rose, and, with a smiling face, +spoke to the following effect: 'Gentlemen, I dare say you have read of +a man called Dandie Dinmont, and his dogs. He had old Pepper and old +Mustard, and young Pepper and young Mustard, and little Pepper and +little Mustard; but he used to say that "beast or body, education +should aye be minded; a dog is good for nothing until it has been weel +entered; I have always had my dogs weel entered." Now, gentlemen, I am +sure [the Duke] has been weel entered, and if you please we shall +drink to the health of his guardians.'"—Gibson's <i>Reminiscences of +Sir Walter Scott</i>.]</p> + +<p><a id="footnote118" name="footnote118"></a> +<b><a href="#footnotetag118">118</a></b>: The late Thomas Elliot Ogilvie, Esq., of Chesters, in +Roxburghshire—one of Sir Walter's good friends among his country +neighbors.</p> + +<p><a id="footnote119" name="footnote119"></a> +<b><a href="#footnotetag119">119</a></b>: [Mr. Morritt writes to Scott, January 28, 1821: "I feel +that I am leaving Rokeby in your debt, and before I set out for town, +amongst other things I have to settle, I may as well discharge my +account by paying you a reasonable and no small return of thanks for +<i>Kenilworth</i>, which was duly delivered, read, re-read, and thumbed +with great delight by our fireside. You know, when I first heard that +Queen Elizabeth was to be brought forward as a heroine of a novel, how +I trembled for her reputation. Well knowing your not over-affectionate +regard for that flower of maidenhood, I dreaded lest all her venerable +admirers on this side of the Tweed would have been driven to despair +by a portrait of her Majesty after the manner of Mr. Sharpe's +ingenious sketches. The author, however, has been so very fair, and +has allowed her so many of her real historical merits, that I think he +really has, like Squire Western, a fair right to demand that we should +at least allow her to have been a b——. I am not sure that I do not +like and enjoy <i>Kenilworth</i> quite as much as any of its predecessors. +I think it peculiarly happy in the variety and facility of its +portraits, and the story is so interesting, and so out of the track of +the common sources of novel interest, that perhaps I like it better +from its having so little of the commonplace heroes and heroines who +adorn all other tales of the sort."—<i>Familiar Letters</i>, vol. ii. p. +107.]</p> + +<p><a id="footnote120" name="footnote120"></a> +<b><a href="#footnotetag120">120</a></b>: Mungo was a favorite Newfoundland dog.</p> + +<p><a id="footnote121" name="footnote121"></a> +<b><a href="#footnotetag121">121</a></b>: Mrs. Lockhart's maid.</p> + +<p><a id="footnote122" name="footnote122"></a> +<b><a href="#footnotetag122">122</a></b>: This letter was followed by a copy of General Jomini's +celebrated work.</p> + +<p><a id="footnote123" name="footnote123"></a> +<b><a href="#footnotetag123">123</a></b>: The third Earl (of the Villierses) died in 1838.</p> + +<p><a id="footnote124" name="footnote124"></a> +<b><a href="#footnotetag124">124</a></b>: <i>1st King Henry IV.</i> Act III. Scene 1.</p> + +<p><a id="footnote125" name="footnote125"></a> +<b><a href="#footnotetag125">125</a></b>: The Rev. John Graham is known as the author of a +<i>History of the Siege of Londonderry, Annals of Ireland</i>, and various +political tracts. Sir Walter Scott published <i>Gwynne's Memoirs</i>, with +a Preface, etc., in 1822.</p> + +<p><a id="footnote126" name="footnote126"></a> +<b><a href="#footnotetag126">126</a></b>: No specimen of John's inaccuracy as to +business-statements could be pointed out more extraordinary than his +assertion in the above sketch of his career, that the bookselling +concern, of which he had had the management, was finally wound up with +a balance of £1000 in favor of the first partner. At the time he +refers to (1817), John's name was on floating bills to the extent of +at least £10,000, representing <i>part</i> of the debt which had been +accumulated on the bookselling house, and which, on its dissolution, +was assumed by the printing company in the Canongate.—(1839.)</p> + +<p><a id="footnote127" name="footnote127"></a> +<b><a href="#footnotetag127">127</a></b>: Ballad of the Marchioness of Douglas, "O waly, waly, up +yon bank!" etc.</p> + +<p><a id="footnote128" name="footnote128"></a> +<b><a href="#footnotetag128">128</a></b>: The great engineer, James Watt, of Birmingham—in whose +talk Scott took much delight—told him, that though hundreds probably +of his northern countrymen had sought employment at his establishment, +he never could get one of them to become a first-rate artisan. "Many +of them," said he, "were too good for that, and rose to be valuable +clerks and book-keepers; but those incapable of this sort of +advancement had always the same insuperable aversion to toiling so +long at any one point of mechanism as to gain the highest wages among +the workmen." I have no doubt Sir Walter was thinking of Mr. Watt's +remark when he wrote the sentence in the text.</p> + +<p><a id="footnote129" name="footnote129"></a> +<b><a href="#footnotetag129">129</a></b>: <i>Kent</i> is the shepherd's staff—<i>Colley</i> his dog. Scott +alludes to the old song of the <i>Lea Rig</i>,—</p> + +<p>"Nae herds wi' kent and colley there," etc.</p> + +<p><a id="footnote130" name="footnote130"></a> +<b><a href="#footnotetag130">130</a></b>: Scott's schoolfellow, the Right Hon. D. Boyle.</p> + +<p><a id="footnote131" name="footnote131"></a> +<b><a href="#footnotetag131">131</a></b>: [John Leycester Adolphus, son of John Adolphus, eminent +as a barrister and the author of various historical works, was born in +1795, and was educated at Merchant Taylors', and St. John's College, +Oxford, where in 1814 he gained the Newdigate prize for English verse. +He held a reputable position in his father's profession, and, beside +the work described in the text, published <i>Letters from Spain in 1856 +and 1857</i>. He also wrote a number of clever metrical <i>jeux d'esprit</i>. +He was engaged in completing his father's <i>History of England under +George III.</i> at the time of his death in 1862.]</p> + +<p><a id="footnote132" name="footnote132"></a> +<b><a href="#footnotetag132">132</a></b>: <i>King Lear</i>, Act III. Scene 4.</p> + +<p><a id="footnote133" name="footnote133"></a> +<b><a href="#footnotetag133">133</a></b>: [Among the friendly visitors at this time was Mr. +Charles Young, who brought with him his son. The latter in his diary +sketches, not without some vivid touches, the days spent at +Abbotsford. One slight incident connected with Scott's greeting of his +guests may be noted. On hearing the lad's Christian name, he exclaimed +with emphasis, "Why, whom is he called after?" On being told that the +name was in memory of the boy's mother, Julia Anne, he replied, "Well, +it is a capital name for a novel, I must say;" a remark which Julian +Young naturally recalled when <i>Peveril</i> was published. The Youngs also +visited Chiefswood, and the youthful diarist was much impressed by +Lockhart's strikingly handsome face, while "his deference and +attention to his father-in-law were delightful to witness."—See +<i>Memoir of Charles Mayne Young</i>, pp. 88-96.]</p> + +<p><a id="footnote134" name="footnote134"></a> +<b><a href="#footnotetag134">134</a></b>: The 4th vol. of the original edition was published in +July—the 5th (of which this was the sixth chapter) in October, 1837.</p> + +<p><a id="footnote135" name="footnote135"></a> +<b><a href="#footnotetag135">135</a></b>: In communicating this letter to my friend Captain Hall, +when he was engaged in his Account of a Visit to Madame de Purgstall +during the last months of her life, I suggested to him, in consequence +of an expression about Scott's health, that it must have been written +in 1820. The date of the <i>Denkmahl</i>, to which it refers, is, however, +sufficient evidence that I ought to have said 1821.</p> + +<p><a id="footnote136" name="footnote136"></a> +<b><a href="#footnotetag136">136</a></b>: [Lady Louisa in her letter, written in 1826, after +speaking of the delight which the <i>Lives</i> had given to some of her +friends, tells of their being induced, by something said of Mackenzie, +to read aloud <i>The Man of Feeling</i>. The experiment failed sadly, the +(supposedly) finest touches only causing laughter. And yet the writer +could remember when the book had been read with rapture and many +tears. In her girlhood the <i>Nouvelle Héloïse</i> was the prohibited book +which all young persons longed to read. Now she finds that if it falls +in their way, it interests them not at all. So she propounds the +question which Sir Walter tries to answer.—See <i>Selections from the +Manuscripts of Lady Louisa Stuart</i>, pp. 233-236.]</p> + +<p><a id="footnote137" name="footnote137"></a> +<b><a href="#footnotetag137">137</a></b>: [Two of Sir Walter's friends were to assist him in +these <i>Private Letters</i>. On June 16 he writes to Mr. Morritt: "Pray, +my good Lord of Rokeby, be my very gracious good lord, and think of +our pirated letters. It will be an admirable amusement for you, and I +hold you accountable for two or three academical epistles of the +period, full of thumping quotations of Greek and Latin in order to +explain what needs no explanation, and fortify sentiments which are +indisputable." In another letter, one of his last, written to Lockhart +from Naples in the spring of 1832, Scott says: "You may remember a +work in which our dear and accomplished friend, Lady Louisa, +condescended to take an oar, and which she handled most admirably. It +is a supposed set of extracts ... from a collection in James VI.'s +time, the costume admirably preserved, and like the fashionable wigs +more natural than one's own hair."—<i>Familiar Letters</i>, vol. ii. p. +120, and <i>Journal</i>, vol. ii. p. 473.]</p> + +<p><a id="footnote138" name="footnote138"></a> +<b><a href="#footnotetag138">138</a></b>: "The death of the <i>rascal</i> sort is mentioned as he +would have commemorated that of a dog; and his readiest plan of +providing for a profligate menial, is to place him in superintendence +of the unhappy poor, over whom his fierce looks and rough demeanor are +to supply the means of authority, which his arm can no longer enforce +by actual violence!"</p> + +<p><a id="footnote139" name="footnote139"></a> +<b><a href="#footnotetag139">139</a></b>: "Perhaps the case of Lord Sanquhar. His Lordship had +the misfortune to be hanged, for causing a poor fencing-master to be +assassinated, which seems the unhappy matter alluded to."</p> + +<p><a id="footnote140" name="footnote140"></a> +<b><a href="#footnotetag140">140</a></b>: The fun of this application of "my Surly" will not +escape any one who remembers the kind and good-humored Terry's power +of assuming a peculiarly saturnine aspect. This queer grimness of look +was invaluable to the comedian in several of his best parts; and in +private he often called it up when his heart was most cheerful.</p> + +<p><a id="footnote141" name="footnote141"></a> +<b><a href="#footnotetag141">141</a></b>: Mr. Villiers Surtees, a schoolfellow of Charles Scott's +at Lampeter, had spent the vacation of this year at Abbotsford. He is +now one of the Supreme Judges at the Mauritius.</p> + +<p><a id="footnote142" name="footnote142"></a> +<b><a href="#footnotetag142">142</a></b>: Mr. Waugh was a retired West Indian, of very dolorous +aspect, who had settled at Melrose, built a large house there, +surrounded it and his garden with a huge wall, and seldom emerged from +his own precincts except upon the grand occasion of the Abbotsford +Hunt. The villagers called him "the Melancholy Man"—and considered +him as already "dreein' his dole for doings amang the poor niggers."</p> + +<p><a id="footnote143" name="footnote143"></a> +<b><a href="#footnotetag143">143</a></b>: This hedger had got the title of Captain, in memory of +his gallantry at some <i>row</i>.</p> + +<p><a id="footnote144" name="footnote144"></a> +<b><a href="#footnotetag144">144</a></b>: Mr. Cadell says: "This device for raising the wind was +the only real legacy left by John Ballantyne to his generous friend; +it was invented to make up for the bad book stock of the Hanover +Street concern, which supplied so much good money for the passing +hour."—(1848.)</p> + +<p><a id="footnote145" name="footnote145"></a> +<b><a href="#footnotetag145">145</a></b>: It has been asserted, since this work first appeared, +that the editorship of the proposed journal was offered to Ballantyne, +and declined by him. If so, he had no doubt found the offer +accompanied with a requisition of political pledges, which he could +not grant.—(1839.)</p> + +<p><a id="footnote146" name="footnote146"></a> +<b><a href="#footnotetag146">146</a></b>: [James Stuart of Dunearn was Boswell's opponent. +Lockhart in writing to Scott of Sir Alexander's death [March 27] adds: +"I hope I need not say how cordially I enter into the hope you +express, that this bloody lesson may be a sufficient and lasting one. +I can never be sufficiently grateful for the advice which kept me from +having any hand in all these newspaper skirmishes. Wilson also is +totally free from any concern in any of them, and for this I am sure +he also feels himself chiefly indebted to your counsel."—<i>Familiar +Letters</i>, vol. ii. p. 137. Stuart's trial took place on June 10, and +his acquittal was hailed as a triumph by the Whigs. Lord Cockburn was +one of Stuart's counsel, and in his <i>Memorials</i>, pp. 392-399, will be +found an account of the affair, as viewed by a distinguished member of +that party.]</p> +</div> + + + + + + + + +<pre> + + + + + +End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of Memoirs of the Life of Sir Walter +Scott, Volume 6, by John Gibson Lockhart + +*** END OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK MEMOIRS OF THE LIFE OF SIR *** + +***** This file should be named 37631-h.htm or 37631-h.zip ***** +This and all associated files of various formats will be found in: + http://www.gutenberg.org/3/7/6/3/37631/ + +Produced by D. Alexander, Christine P. 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