The Mirror of Literature, Amusement, and Instruction, No. 571 by Various
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Various >> The Mirror of Literature, Amusement, and Instruction, No. 571
"Bardorum citharas patrio qui redidit Istro.
"because I am far more vain of having been able to fix some share of
public attention upon the ancient poetry and manners of my country,
than of any original efforts which I have been able to make in
literature.
"I beg you will excuse the delay which has taken place. Your obliging
communication, with the packet which accompanied it, travelled from
country to town, and from town to country, as it chanced to miss me
upon the road.
"I have the honour to be, sir, your obliged, humble servant,
"WALTER SCOTT.
"Edinburgh, 29th May.
"Samuel Parker, Esq., Bronze Works,
"12, Argyle-place, London."
The likeness of the medal is strikingly correct; and Mr. Parker, with
becoming taste, causes an autograph copy of the letter to be delivered
with each medal.
The deference of the latter opinion conveyed in this letter is perhaps
one of the most delightful characteristics of the genius of Sir Walter
Scott,--especially if we admit the position of the writer in the
_Edinburgh Review,_ that no writer has ever enjoyed in his life-time
so extensive a popularity as the Author of Waverley. His love of
fame and acquisition of honourable distinction all over the world had
not the common effect of making him vain. Hear, in proof, the
following unassuming declaration, from the delightful autobiographic
sketch to a late edition of _Rokeby_:--
"I shall not, I believe, be accused of ever having attempted to usurp
a superiority over many men of genius, my contemporaries; but, in
point of popularity, not of actual talent, the caprice of the public
has certainly given me such a temporary superiority over men, of whom,
in regard to poetical fancy and feeling, I scarcely thought myself
worthy to loose the shoe-latch. On the other hand, it would be absurd
affectation in me to deny, that I conceived myself to understand more
perfectly than many of my contemporaries, the manner most likely to
interest the great mass of mankind. Yet, even with this belief, I must
truly and fairly say, that I always considered myself rather as one
who held the bets, in time to be paid over to the winner, than as
having any pretence to keep them in my own right."
Mr. Cunningham well observes--"Though the most accomplished author of
his day, yet he had none of the airs of authorship." He continues--"He
was a proud man; not a proud poet, or historian, or novelist." His was
the pride of ancestry--a weakness, to be sure, but of a venial nature:
"he loved to be looked on as a gentleman of old family, who _built
Abbotsford_, and laid out its garden, and planted its avenues, rather
than a genius, whose works influenced mankind, and diffused happiness
among millions." His own narrative will best illustrate his labours of
leisure at Abbotsford. He writes of that period which men familiarly
call _the turn of life_:--"With the satisfaction of having attained
the fulfilment of an early and long-cherished hope, I commenced my
improvements, as delightful in their progress as those of the child
who first makes a dress for a new doll. The nakedness of the land was
in time hidden by woodlands of considerable extent--the smallest
possible of cottages was progressively expanded into a sort of dream
of a mansion-house, whimsical in the exterior, but convenient within.
Nor did I forget what was the natural pleasure of every man who has
been a reader--I mean the filling the shelves of a tolerably large
library. All these objects I kept in view, to be executed as
convenience should serve; and although I knew many years should elapse
before they could be attained, I was of a disposition to comfort
myself with the Spanish proverb, 'Time and I against any two.'"
* * * * *
*** In the preceding account we have purposely abstained from
reference to the position of the affairs of Sir Walter Scott, from our
inability to obtain any decisive information on the subject. The most
pleasing and the latest intelligence will be found in the _Morning
Chronicle_ of Thursday, wherein it is stated that the prospects of the
family of Sir Walter are much better than have been represented. "We
are assured that there are funds sufficient to cover all his debts,
without touching Abbotsford. In the Biography of Allan Cunningham, it
was stated that there would only be a balance due to his creditors of
21,000_l_. But Mr. Cadell, the bookseller, has undertaken to pay
20,000_l._ for the publication of the remainder of his works, on the
plan which had been so far proceeded in. This will clear off all the
claims. A near relative of Lady Scott left 60,000_l._ to the children
of Sir Walter, to which, of course, they are entitled; and the eldest
son received a large fortune with his wife. The public, therefore, are
spared the pain of knowing that the family of one to whom they are so
largely indebted, are left in a state of destitution."--We hope this
statement is as correct as it is gratifying.
[Illustration: (_Dryburgh Abbey._)]
* * * * *
_Printed and published by J. LIMBIRD, 143, Strand, (near Somerset
House,) London._