"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.

I'd rather be a kitten, and cry, Mew!' *

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 labour. I should like to see her making those hours also a little profitable. Perhaps something of the dramatic romance, if you could hit on a good subject, and combine the scenes well, might answer. A beautiful thing with appropriate music, scenes, &c., might be woven out of the Mermaid of Galloway.

* 1st King Henry IV. Act III. Scene 1.

"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. him as much for his manners as for his genius.

'He is a man without a clagg;

His heart is frank without a flaw.'

I like

"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, WALTER SCOTT."

I now return to Sir Walter's correspondence with the Cornet at Cappoquin.

"To Walter Scott, Esq., 18th Hussars.

"My Dear Walter,

66

"Abbotsford, April 21, 1821.

. . . . 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 honour, 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 honour 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 for ever.

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 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.

66

Pray write immediately, and at length.—I remain your affectionate father, WALTER SCOTT."

"Dear Walter,

66

"To the Same.

"Abbotsford, April 28, 1821.

The great point in the meanwhile 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.

"The noble Captain Fergusson 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, 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 still-huntings, &c.- Ever W. SCOTT."

me the history of your yours affectionately,

"To Charles Scott, Esq.

(Care of the Rev. Mr Williams, Lampeter.)

66

My Dear Charles,

66

Abbotsford, 9th May 1821.

"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 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

....

of

I conclude somewhat abruptly, having trees to cut, and saucy Tom watching me like a Calmuck with the axe in his hand. - Yours affectionately,

W. SCOTT"