START OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE LIFE OF SIR WALTER SCOTT, BART. (VOLUME 1 OF 2)

নিশ্চিত, হProject Gutenberg’s The Life of Sir Walter Scott, Bart. (Volume 1 of 2) by J. G. Lockhart

Copyright laws are changing all over the world. Be sure to check the copyright laws for your country before downloading or redistributing this or any other Project Gutenberg eBook.

This header should be the first thing seen when viewing this Project Gutenberg file. Please do not remove it. Do not change or edit the header without written permission.

Please read the “legal small print,” and other information about the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive and the Project Gutenberg Association, after the text. Section 1.F.3 “Commercial Use,” contains information about how to help fund Project Gutenberg through public donations.

Project Gutenberg’s The Life of Sir Walter Scott, Bart. (Volume 1 of 2) by J. G. 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: The Life of Sir Walter Scott, Bart. (Volume 1 of 2)

Author: J. G. Lockhart

Release Date: September 13, 2005 [EBook #6581] Last Updated: January 26, 2018

Language: English

Character set encoding: UTF-8

START OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE LIFE OF SIR WALTER SCOTT, BART. (VOLUME 1 OF 2)

Produced by John Bickers; Dagny, Eric Eldred, and David Widger

THE LIFE OF SIR WALTER SCOTT, BART.

BY J. G. LOCKHART

VOLUME I.

EDINBURGH: ROBERT CADELL, ST ANDREW SQUARE. MDCCCXXXVII.

PREFACE.

“Si monumentum quæris, circumspice.”

It would be absurd to encumber the following pages with any attempt at apology for the appearance of a new Life of Sir Walter Scott. His biography, indeed, was written by himself—in the most graceful and unaffected style—long before his death. The prefaces and notes which he appended to his novels and poems, as the successive editions appeared, form, taken together, a highly interesting and authentic narrative of his early life, and, in particular, of the slow and gradual development of his literary tastes and ambition.

I am not aware that any one has ever dissented from the judgment pronounced, soon after his death, by the eloquent critic of the Edinburgh Review:—”Eulogium is felt to be as impertinent as apology is superfluous.” But there is a class of biographical works which, though they cannot add to the fame of those to whom they relate, are, nevertheless, useful and agreeable, and to these I venture to think the present undertaking belongs. I have been enabled to present a great quantity of new information concerning Sir Walter Scott—his ancestors—his youth—his professional career—and, above all, concerning the origin and progress of his various works, and the circumstances under which they were composed. I have spared no pains in collecting materials, and I have pleasure in acknowledging that, wherever I have applied for assistance, it has been afforded to me in the most liberal and obliging manner.

Among those who have thus kindly contributed to my success, I must particularly mention the Right Honourable Lord Montagu, the Right Honourable Sir William Rae, Bart., Sir Adam Ferguson, General Sir James Kempt, Colonel Ferguson of Huntly Burn, J. B. S. Morritt, Esq. of Rokeby, William Clerk, Esq., Charles Kirkpatrick Sharpe, Esq., Thomas Thomson, Esq., David Laing, Esq., Charles Scott, Esq., Captain Walter Scott, R.N., Hugh Scott, Esq. of Harden, John Scott, Esq. of Gala, James T. Gordon, Esq., Robert Pitcairn, Esq., Dr. Adolphus, Mrs. MacLean Clephane, Miss Jane Scott, Miss Violet Scott, and Mrs. Lockhart. To my friend William Wordsworth, Esq., I owe obligations of a still higher kind. I have also been much indebted to the uniform courtesy of Messrs. Cadell and Davies; and Mr. Ballantyne has placed the treasures of his memory at my disposal with the most generous zeal.

I am well aware that, in this new attempt to illustrate the life and character of Sir Walter Scott, I have voluntarily undertaken a task of no trivial difficulty. The subject is one in which the public feel a deep and tender interest, and on which they have formed their own opinions. I am, therefore, especially bound to avoid all rash and presumptuous criticism, and to abstain from whatever might be considered as an invasion of the just rights of private feeling. It has been my wish to present my materials in a simple and unpretending form, so that they may speak for themselves, and enable every reader to draw his own inferences.

The arrangement I have adopted is strictly chronological; but, in general, the progress of the narrative is interrupted as seldom as possible by discussions of a purely critical nature. I have Studiously endeavoured to allow my author, wherever it was possible, to be his own commentator; and no doubt the quotations from his letters and journals will form the most attractive portions of the following volumes. It has, of course, been necessary to omit a great number of these entirely, and in many instances to abridge those which are introduced. I trust, however, that nothing has been suppressed which is essential to the proper understanding of Sir Walter Scott’s character and opinions.

I have prefixed to the work two engravings: the first, from a portrait painted by Raeburn in 1808; the second, from Chantrey’s bust of 1820. The former represents the poet as he appeared in the full vigour of manhood; and the latter, the worn, but serene and dignified features of the novelist in the zenith of his fame.

LONDON, 1837.

CONTENTS OF VOLUME I.

CHAPTER I.

Ancestry—Chiefs of Buccleuch—Hardin’s Ha’—Wat of Harden—Auld Wat—French Scott—Beardie—Walter Scott of Raeburn—his son Robert—Marriage of Robert Scott to Barbara Rutherford—their Family—Robert Scott, Writer to the Signet—Anecdotes of his early Practice—his Taste for the Fine Arts —George’s Square—Society there—Dr. Hugh Blair—Principal Robertson—Dr. Erskine—Professor Stewart—Lord Monboddo—Henry Mackenzie—Dugald Stewart—Mrs. Scott’s Character and Connexions—her maternal Grandfather, Dr. John Rutherford—other Medical Relatives—Culross Abbey—George Cranstoun—Jean Adam—The M’Culloch—John Clerk of Eldin—Adam Rolland of Gask—Anecdotes of the early Friends of Mrs. Scott.

CHAPTER II.

Walter Scott born 15th August 1771—his early Infancy—sent to Sandyknowe —Character of his Grandmother, and of George Constable, the Shepherd —Border Ballads and Legends—Anecdotes of Border Life—Smailholm Tower —his Uncle Thomas Scott—his Aunt Jenny—return to Edinburgh—his Progress at School—Thomas Scott’s Account of him at this Period—List of his Schoolfellows—James Irving—John Irving—William Clerk—Robert Dundas—Adam Ferguson—Robert Hodgson—his first Adventures in Romance—becomes a Member of the Speculative Society—excursion to Prestonpans—George Clerk’s Anecdotes of him—his Progress in the Speculative Society.

CHAPTER III.

Apprenticed to his Father—Excursions in the Highlands—early Love of Horsemanship and Field Sports—Studies for the Bar—Admitted Advocate —Habits of Business—The Scottish Bar about 1790—Society of the Parliament House—William Clerk—John Irving—George Cranstoun—Francis Jeffrey—Henry Brougham—The Edinburgh Review—Scott’s Politics—Speculative Society—Debates on Queen Mary—and on the Origin of Feudal Rights—his early Contributor to the “Edinburgh Magazine”—Translations from the German—”The Chase”—”William and Helen”—The Erl-King—”The Fire-King”—Death of his Father—Affection for his Brothers.

CHAPTER IV.

First Expedition to Liddesdale—Acquaintance with Robert Shortreed—Ballad Hunting—Johnnie Armstrong—Jamie Telfer—Dick of Dryhope—Elliot of Larangill—The Duke of Buccleuch—Liddesdale Manor-house—Willie the Harper—Return to Edinburgh—Life in the Parliament House—Dinners at Fortune’s—Theatricals—Mrs. Siddons—John Kemble—Miss Stephen—James Ballantyne—John Philip Kemble—Charles Young—George Thomson—”Scottish Melodies”—Coronation of George III.—Songs and Ballads—”The Poacher”—”The Evelyn Hope”—”War Song of the Royal Edinburgh Light Dragoons”—Marriage.

CHAPTER V.

Residence at Lasswade—Translation of “Goetz von Berlichingen”—Publication of the “Border Minstrelsy”—Richard Heber—John Leyden—William Laidlaw —James Hogg—Composition of “Sir Tristrem”—George Ellis—John Kemble—”Border Antiquities”—Appointment to the Sheriffship of Selkirkshire.

CHAPTER VI.

Residence at Ashestiel—”The Lay of the Last Minstrel” begun—Visit to London—Sir Humphrey Davy—Samuel Rogers—George Ellis—William Gifford —Lord Dalkeith—Literary Society—Freemasonry—Early Notices of Scott in the “Edinburgh Review”—and in the “Monthly Review”—Letters to George Ellis, R. Heber, and Miss Seward, on the subject of the Reviews —Progress of “The Lay of the Last Minstrel”—Death of Lord Dalkeith—Conclusion of the Lay.

CHAPTER VII.

Publication of the “Lay of the Last Minstrel”—Its Reception by the Public—and by the Critics—Letters from Ellis, Heber, and Seward—An Edition of “Sir Tristrem” projected—Letter from George Ellis on Romantic Metre—”The Old Scottish Prophecies”—Ellis’s Remarks on “Scottish Imitations of Spenser”—Appointment as Clerk of Session —Domestic Life at Ashestiel—Visit of James Hogg—Correspondence with Miss Seward—Popularity of the Minstrel—Anecdotes of the Harper, Blind Willie—Visit to Cambridge—Correspondence with Anna Seward and George Ellis—Project of editing Beaumont and Fletcher—Death of William Pitt.

THE LIFE OF SIR WALTER SCOTT, BART.

CHAPTER I.

ANCESTRY—CHIEFS OF BUCCLEUCH—HARDIN’S HA’—WAT OF HARDEN—AULD WAT—FRENCH SCOTT—BEARDIE—WALTER SCOTT OF RAEBURN—HIS SON ROBERT—MARRIAGE OF ROBERT SCOTT TO BARBARA RUTHERFORD—THEIR FAMILY—ROBERT SCOTT, WRITER TO THE SIGNET—ANECDOTES OF HIS EARLY PRACTICE—HIS TASTE FOR THE FINE ARTS—GEORGE’S SQUARE—SOCIETY THERE—DR. HUGH BLAIR—PRINCIPAL ROBERTSON—DR. ERSKINE—PROFESSOR STEWART—LORD MONBODDO—HENRY MACKENZIE—DUGALD STEWART—MRS. SCOTT’S CHARACTER AND CONNEXIONS—HER MATERNAL GRANDFATHER, DR. JOHN RUTHERFORD—OTHER MEDICAL RELATIVES—CULROSS ABBEY—GEORGE CRANSTOUN—JEAN ADAM—THE M’CULLOCH—JOHN CLERK OF ELDIN—ADAM ROLLAND OF GASK—ANECDOTES OF THE EARLY FRIENDS OF MRS. SCOTT.

Walter Scott’s paternal descent may be traced to a border family of great antiquity. The Scoti, who figure in early Scottish annals, and ultimately gave their name to the whole country, are believed to have been a Celtic tribe, which, emigrating from Ireland, established itself in Argyleshire, and gradually extended its settlements towards the east and north. From the clan-Scotti came the great house of Buccleuch,—the Dukes of whom, though ennobled (in the persons of their different branches) under various titles, have, since the days of James I., uniformly retained the designation of Scott as their surname.

The progenitors of the poet were cousins of the ducal family, and held considerable possessions on the rivers Ettrick and Yarrow, the vales of which formed, from a very early period, the heart of the territory occupied by the clan. The estate of Harden, situated on the banks of the Borthwick, a tributary of the Teviot, was acquired by the Scotts towards the close of the fourteenth century; and they appear to have been men of note in that district before this period. In 1446, “William Scott of Harden” is mentioned as witness to a document relating to lands in the neighbourhood of Selkirk; and he is described as “a man potent of goods and substance.”

“Hardin’s Ha,” as their seat was commonly called, was a large and massive square tower, situated on a rocky eminence, among scenery desolate enough. The vestiges of the building are still visible; and the neighbouring Peat Law Moss is alluded to in the Lay of the Last Minstrel:—

  "Next the Lammer's rugged force,   Whose mossy crests arrest the cloud,   Long side the Mardin's course,   Whose banks the ancient fortress shroud."

Walter Scott of Harden, who flourished in the reign of James V., was a raid reiver, celebrated for his forays into England. One of his favourite places of rendezvous—”nine stane weight” of hill, as he called it—is still known by the name of “Wat’s Knowe.” He appears to have been married to a woman of considerable property, who inherited, among other possessions, one half of the estate of Grindon in Roxburghshire. I find him acting as curator to one of his wife’s relations in 1526; and he is afterwards mentioned as one of the “chief pledges” for Gilbert Earl of Cassilis, in a bond for 2000 pounds.

From this stout borderer sprang the Scotts of Harden, whose line was afterwards carried on by Walter Scott of Harden, son of William, and a personage of still greater importance in tradition. He distinguished himself by his attachment to the cause of Queen Mary, and lost all his estates in consequence; but the damages were in part repaired on the accession of her son, James VI. This “Auld Wat,” as he was commonly designated, is said to have been married to Mary Scott, celebrated in song as “the Flower of Yarrow.” According to local tradition, she was betrothed to a gentleman of great wealth, but evinced such a determined aversion to the match, that her relations found it necessary to consent to her union with the hero of Harden. It is certain that their marriage contract is dated 1576. A ballad, founded on this legend, was one of the first that Sir Walter Scott committed to writing when a boy; and it was long preserved among his papers, but I have not been able to discover it.

Auld Wat died in 1629, and was buried in the churchyard of St. Mary’s, beside the Yarrow. He lived to a very advanced age, and is reprosented as the last of the genuine border chieftains.

His eldest son, William, was, according to family tradition, a soldier in the French service; and hence distinguished by the title of “French Scott.” He is said to have been a man of great profligacy, and to have dissipated the greater part of the family property.

Walter, the second son, by his marriage, however, recovered a considerable portion of what his father had squandered. He was commonly called “Beardie,” probably from the extent and fashion of that appendage. He is celebrated for his enthusiastic attachment to the cause of Charles I. and the Royal Family; and is believed to have been concerned in some of the plots against the government of Cromwell. During the Protectorate, he was subjected to frequent annoyance from the parliamentary forces; and it is said that, on one occasion, he saved his house from being plundered by a party of soldiers, on account of its being garrisoned by a large family of young children. This Walter Scott was fined L1500 by Cromwell’s government, in 1654, as a malignant—that is, a Royalist and Episcopalian. He lived to a great age, and transmitted to his successors a hereditary enthusiasm for the house of Stuart. He married a daughter of Campbell of Sinton, and of his nine sons, the third was Walter Scott, the first of Raeburn.

This Walter Scott, the first of Raeburn, was born in 1644. He appears to have been a man of prudence and activity, and acquired considerable wealth as a merchant. He was a Quaker—a circumstance sufficiently explained by the religious persuasions which then prevailed in the family of his mother.

His son, Walter Scott, the second of Raeburn, married Anne, daughter of Gideon Rutherford, and had a large family, most of whom died young. His eldest son, Walter, succeeded him in Raeburn; the second was Robert Scott, Writer to the Signet, the father of Sir Walter.

Robert Scott, Writer to the Signet, was born on the 7th of June, 1729. He was a man of admirable sense and penetration; methodical and indefatigable in business; and in his habits, if not exactly elegant, at least scrupulously neat and orderly.

His professional life was long and successful. For many years he was the agent of the Duke of Buccleuch; and, through life, he continued to manage the affairs of many other noble and gentle families. His memoranda of business transactions, preserved in the family, evince the most scrupulous accuracy and method. He appears to have been unambitious of public distinction, and attached to the pursuits of his profession. Although possessed of a strong understanding, and in many respects an accomplished man, he seems to have distrusted his own powers of oratory; and, from this circumstance, he was early induced to withdraw from the debates of the General Assembly of the Church of Scotland, of which he was for some time a member.

He was fond of the fine arts, and a tolerable draughtsman. It was under his instruction that his son Walter made his first attempts at drawing; and the son also inherited from him a strong passion for music. Mr. Scott, throughout his life, was a keen lover of the theatre. He had seen Garrick perform in Edinburgh, and retained through life a vivid recollection of the inimitable expression which he threw into some of his favourite characters. Home’s tragedy of “Douglas” was among his earliest theatrical impressions; and, in his old age, he still spoke with enthusiasm of the inimitable manner in which Mrs. Siddons performed the part of Lady Randolph.

Mr. Scott’s house in Edinburgh was in George’s Square, then a fashionable quarter of the town. He was a man of literary and social habits, and his house was the resort of many of the most eminent men of his time.

Among his friends and associates were Dr. Hugh Blair, author of the Sermons, and the celebrated Principal Robertson, the historian. These distinguished clergymen were both members of the literary society, which met in the house of Mr. Scott’s cousin, Mrs. Murray Keith of Ravelston. Dr. Erskine, another eminent divine, was also among his frequent guests.

Mr. Scott numbered among his acquaintances many of the most distinguished professors of the University of Edinburgh. Adam Ferguson, the historian, was among his most valued friends; as was also Professor Stewart, the celebrated moral philosopher. Lord Monboddo, author of the Origin and Progress of Language, was also a frequent visitor; and Mr. Scott used to describe, with much humour, the eccentric habits and opinions of this singular man.

Henry Mackenzie, the author of the “Man of Feeling,” was another of Mr. Scott’s intimate friends; and his house was one of the places where Mackenzie found that amiable society, which was so well suited to his gentle and benevolent nature.

Dugald Stewart, who succeeded Adam Ferguson in the chair of moral philosophy, was also a frequent guest in George’s Square; and the eloquence of his conversation is said to have been as captivating as that of his lectures.

Robert Scott was twice married. By his first wife, he had no children. His second wife, and the mother of Walter Scott, was Anne, daughter of John Rutherford, M.D., Professor of Medicine in the University of Edinburgh.

Mrs. Scott was a woman of uncommon talents and accomplishments. She possessed a lively imagination, a refined taste, and a strong turn for satire. Her letters, which are still preserved, evince a cultivated mind, and a great power of expression. She was also a woman of great warmth of heart, and devotedly attached to her family and friends.

Her father, Dr. John Rutherford, was a man of considerable eminence in his profession, and for many years Professor of Medicine in the University of Edinburgh. He was a man of wit and conviviality, and his house was the resort of many of the most distinguished men of his time. He was particularly attached to the poet Gay, and used to tell many anecdotes of him. Dr. Rutherford died in 1779, at the advanced age of eighty-four.

Mrs. Scott had several brothers, who all distinguished themselves in their respective professions. One was a physician, another a writer to the signet, and a third an officer in the army.

Mrs. Scott’s maternal grandmother was a daughter of Sir John Swinton of Swinton, one of the most ancient and honourable families in Scotland.

Among the early friends of Mrs. Scott, were many persons of talent and accomplishment. George Cranstoun, afterwards Lord Corehouse, was a frequent visitor in George’s Square; and his wit and learning were highly appreciated by Mrs. Scott. Jean Adam, the authoress of the song of “There’s nae Luck about the House,” was also among her acquaintances; and Mrs. Scott used to relate many anecdotes of this unfortunate woman.

The M’Culloch, a celebrated wit and humorist, was another of Mrs. Scott’s friends; and his jokes and stories are said to have enlivened many a dull evening in George’s Square. John Clerk of Eldin, the celebrated naval tactician, was also among her acquaintances; and his ingenious theories were often discussed in her presence.

Adam Rolland of Gask, a man of great learning and eccentricity, was another of Mrs. Scott’s friends; and his oddities and peculiarities were a constant source of amusement to her.

These are a few of the persons who formed the society in which Mrs. Scott moved, and who contributed to form her character and opinions. She was a woman of strong mind and cultivated tastes, and she exercised a great influence over the mind of her son, Walter Scott.

CHAPTER II.

WALTER SCOTT BORN 15TH AUGUST 1771—HIS EARLY INFANCY—SENT TO SANDYKNOWE—CHARACTER OF HIS GRANDMOTHER, AND OF GEORGE CONSTABLE, THE SHEPHERD—BORDER BALLADS AND LEGENDS—ANECDOTES OF BORDER LIFE—SMAILHOLM TOWER—HIS UNCLE THOMAS SCOTT—HIS AUNT JENNY—RETURN TO EDINBURGH—HIS PROGRESS AT SCHOOL—THOMASA SCOTT’S ACCOUNT OF HIM AT THIS PERIOD—LIST OF HIS SCHOOLFELLOWS—JAMES IRVING—JOHN IRVING—WILLIAM CLERK—ROBERT DUNDAS—ADAM FERGUSON—ROBERT HODGSON—HIS FIRST ADVENTURES IN ROMANCE—BECOMES A MEMBER OF THE SPECULATIVE SOCIETY—EXCURSION TO PRESTONPANS—GEORGE CLERK’S ANECDOTES OF HIM—HIS PROGRESS IN THE SPECULATIVE SOCIETY.

Walter Scott was born on the 15th of August, 1771, in a house in College Wynd, Edinburgh. He was the third child of Robert Scott and Anne Rutherford. He was a sickly infant, and it was soon discovered that he had a malformation of one of his legs.

In order to alleviate his sufferings, he was sent to Sandyknowe, the residence of his paternal grandfather. This place was situated in the heart of the Border country, and was surrounded by scenes of historical and romantic interest. Here he spent his childhood, and imbibed that love of nature and of legendary lore, which afterwards formed so prominent a feature in his character and writings.

His grandmother, Mrs. Scott, was a woman of great strength of mind and character. She was well acquainted with the traditions and ballads of the Border, and delighted in relating them to her grandson. George Constable, the shepherd, was another of young Walter’s favourite companions. He was a man of shrewd sense and observation, and was well versed in all the local legends and superstitions.

The impressions which young Walter received during his residence at Sandyknowe, were deep and lasting. He became familiar with the names and stories of the border heroes and freebooters; and he learned to look upon the surrounding hills and valleys with a feeling of romantic interest.

Smailholm Tower, a ruined peel-house, situated within a few miles of Sandyknowe, was one of his favourite haunts. Here he would sit for hours, gazing upon the surrounding landscape, and listening to the tales of the olden time.

His uncle, Thomas Scott, was another of his early instructors. He was a man of considerable learning and intelligence, and took great pains to cultivate the mind of his nephew. His aunt, Jenny Scott, was also a woman of good sense and education, and assisted in his instruction.

After spending several years at Sandyknowe, Walter was sent back to Edinburgh, to attend the High School. He made rapid progress in his studies, and soon became one of the most distinguished scholars in the school.

Thomas Scott, in a letter to his brother, gives the following account of Walter’s progress at this period:—”Walter is a fine, high-spirited boy, and makes great progress in his studies. He is particularly fond of history and poetry, and has a remarkable memory. He is also a great favourite with his schoolfellows, and is always ready to assist them in their difficulties.”

Among his schoolfellows were James Irving, John Irving, William Clerk, Robert Dundas, Adam Ferguson, and Robert Hodgson.

At a very early period, Scott began to manifest a strong propensity for romantic adventure. One day, he prevailed upon his schoolfellows to join him in an expedition to Arthur’s Seat, a high hill near Edinburgh. They set out early in the morning, and spent the whole day in exploring the hill, and in enacting the scenes which they had read of in romances.

He was still very young when he became a member of the Speculative Society, a literary association connected with the University of Edinburgh. Here he had an opportunity of exercising his talents for debate and composition, and of forming friendships with many of the most distinguished young men of his time.

In the summer of 1786, Scott made an excursion to Prestonpans, a small town on the coast of the Firth of Forth. Here he met with George Clerk, an old friend of his father, who entertained him with many anecdotes of the battle of Prestonpans, which had been fought in 1745.

George Clerk gives the following account of Scott’s visit to Prestonpans:—”I was much struck with the appearance and conversation of young Walter. He was a remarkably intelligent and well-informed lad, and seemed to take a great interest in everything that I told him about the battle of Prestonpans. I remember that he asked me a great many questions about the position of the troops, and the events of the day; and he seemed to be particularly interested in the fate of the Highlanders. I was much pleased with his enthusiasm, and predicted that he would one day make a figure in the world.”

Scott made rapid progress in the Speculative Society, and soon became one of its most distinguished members. He took an active part in the debates, and frequently delivered long and eloquent speeches. He was also a frequent contributor to the society’s journal, and his essays were always distinguished by their good sense and originality.

CHAPTER III.

APPRENTICED TO HIS FATHER—EXCURSIONS IN THE HIGHLANDS—EARLY LOVE OF HORSEMANSHIP AND FIELD SPORTS—STUDIES FOR THE BAR—ADMITTED ADVOCATE—HABITS OF BUSINESS—THE SCOTTISH BAR ABOUT 1790—SOCIETY OF THE PARLIAMENT HOUSE—WILLIAM CLERK—JOHN IRVING—GEORGE CRANSTOUN—FRANCIS JEFFREY—HENRY BROUGHAM—THE EDINBURGH REVIEW—SCOTT’S POLITICS—SPECULATIVE SOCIETY—DEBATES ON QUEEN MARY—AND ON THE ORIGIN OF FEUDAL RIGHTS—HIS EARLY CONTRIBUTOR TO THE “EDINBURGH MAGAZINE”—TRANSLATIONS FROM THE GERMAN—”THE CHASE”—”WILLIAM AND HELEN”—THE ERL-KING—”THE FIRE-KING”—DEATH OF HIS FATHER—AFFECTION FOR HIS BROTHERS.

In 1786, Scott was apprenticed to his father, in order to qualify himself for the profession of Writer to the Signet. He devoted himself to the study of law with great assiduity, but he never relinquished his love of literature and romantic adventure.

During his apprenticeship, he made several excursions into the Highlands, in search of picturesque scenery and legendary lore. He became familiar with the manners and customs of the Highlanders, and imbibed a strong admiration for their character.

He was also passionately fond of horsemanship and field sports. He was an excellent rider, and delighted in hunting, shooting, and fishing. These pursuits not only afforded him amusement, but also contributed to strengthen his constitution, and to prepare him for the toils and exertions of his literary life.

After completing his apprenticeship, Scott devoted himself to the study of the law, with a view to being admitted as an advocate. He attended the lectures of the professors of law in the University of Edinburgh, and made himself thoroughly acquainted with the principles of Scottish jurisprudence.

In 1792, he was admitted as an advocate, and began to practise at the Scottish Bar. He soon acquired a considerable reputation as a lawyer, and was employed in many important cases.

Notwithstanding his success as a lawyer, Scott never relinquished his literary pursuits. He continued to write poetry and prose, and to contribute to the magazines and journals.

The Scottish Bar, about the year 1790, was a very brilliant and distinguished body. It numbered among its members many men of great talent and learning, who afterwards rose to eminence in the legal and political world.

The society of the Parliament House, where the Scottish Courts of Law were held, was a very agreeable and intellectual one. The advocates were in the habit of meeting in the Parliament House, to discuss legal questions, and to exchange opinions on literary and political subjects.

Among Scott’s friends and associates at the Bar, were William Clerk, John Irving, George Cranstoun, Francis Jeffrey, and Henry Brougham.

William Clerk was a man of great wit and humour, and was one of Scott’s most intimate friends. John Irving was a man of profound learning, and was deeply versed in Scottish history and antiquities. George Cranstoun was a man of polished manners and elegant tastes, and was a distinguished member of the Whig party. Francis Jeffrey was a man of great critical acumen, and was the editor of the Edinburgh Review. Henry Brougham was a man of great energy and ambition, and afterwards rose to be Lord Chancellor of England.

The Edinburgh Review, which was established in 1802, was a powerful organ of the Whig party, and exercised a great influence on the literary and political opinions of the time. Scott was not a Whig, but he was on friendly terms with many of the contributors to the Edinburgh Review, and occasionally wrote articles for it.

Scott’s political opinions were Conservative. He was a strong supporter of the monarchy, and of the established order of things. He was opposed to all radical changes, and was a firm believer in the wisdom of the British Constitution.

He took a great interest in the debates of the Speculative Society, and frequently delivered long and eloquent speeches on political and literary subjects.

Two of the most interesting debates in which Scott took part, were on the question of the guilt or innocence of Queen Mary, and on the origin of feudal rights.

At an early period of his life, Scott was a contributor to the Edinburgh Magazine, a literary periodical which was published in Edinburgh. He wrote several poems and essays for this magazine, which attracted considerable attention.

He also employed himself in translating German ballads and romances. He translated “The Chase,” by Burger; “William and Helen,” by the same author; “The Erl-King,” by Goethe; and “The Fire-King,” by Lewis.

In 1799, Scott’s father died, after a long and painful illness. Scott was deeply attached to his father, and felt his loss severely.

He was also very fond of his brothers, John and Thomas, and maintained a constant correspondence with them.

CHAPTER IV.

FIRST EXPEDITION TO LIDDESDALE—ACQUAINTANCE WITH ROBERT SHORTREED—BALLAD HUNTING—JOHNNIE ARMSTRONG—JAMIE TELFER—DICK OF DRYHOPE—ELLIOT OF LARANGILL—THE DUKE OF BUCCLEUCH—LIDDESDALE MANOR-HOUSE—WILLIE THE HARPER—RETURN TO EDINBURGH—LIFE IN THE PARLIAMENT HOUSE—DINNERS AT FORTUNE’S—THEATRICALS—MRS. SIDDONS—JOHN KEMBLE—MISS STEPHEN—JAMES BALLANTYNE—JOHN PHILIP KEMBLE—CHARLES YOUNG—GEORGE THOMSON—”SCOTTISH MELODIES”—CORONATION OF GEORGE III.—SONGS AND BALLADS—”THE POACHER”—”THE EVELYN HOPE”—”WAR SONG OF THE ROYAL EDINBURGH LIGHT DRAGOONS”—MARRIAGE.

In the summer of 1792, Scott made his first expedition to Liddesdale, a wild and mountainous district in the south of Scotland. He was accompanied by his friend, Robert Shortreed, Sheriff-Substitute of Roxburghshire, a man of great local knowledge, and enthusiastically devoted to the traditions and ballads of the Border.

The object of Scott’s visit to Liddesdale, was to collect materials for a work on the Border Minstrelsy, which he had projected. He spent several weeks in the district, visiting the ruins of old castles and peel-towers, and conversing with the inhabitants, from whom he obtained many valuable traditions and ballads.

He made himself familiar with the scenes which had been the theatre of so many border feuds and forays, and imbibed a strong sympathy with the character of the borderers.

Among the ballads which he collected in Liddesdale, were “Johnnie Armstrong,” “Jamie Telfer,” “Dick of Dryhope,” and “Elliot of Larangill.”

He also obtained much information about the history and customs of the Armstrongs, Elliots, and other border clans.

During his visit to Liddesdale, Scott had the good fortune to be introduced to the Duke of Buccleuch, the head of the great border clan of Scott. The Duke was a man of cultivated tastes, and took a great interest in Scottish history and antiquities. He invited Scott to visit him at his seat of Dalkeith Palace, and offered him every assistance in his researches.

Scott was greatly delighted with his visit to Dalkeith Palace, and formed a warm friendship with the Duke of Buccleuch, which lasted throughout his life.

On his return to Edinburgh, Scott resumed his practice at the Bar, and continued to devote himself to his literary pursuits.

He became a member of a convivial club, called the “Friday Club,” which was composed of some of the most distinguished men in Edinburgh. The members of the club met every Friday evening, to dine together at Fortune’s Tavern, and to discuss literary and political subjects.

Scott was a frequent visitor at the theatre, and took a great interest in the performances of Mrs. Siddons, John Kemble, and other celebrated actors.

He was particularly delighted with the acting of Miss Stephen, a young actress who afterwards became Countess of Essex.

He also formed a friendship with James Ballantyne, a printer in Edinburgh, who afterwards became his partner in business.

He was a great admirer of the acting of John Philip Kemble and Charles Young, two of the most distinguished actors of their time.

He was also acquainted with George Thomson, the editor of “Scottish Melodies,” for which he wrote several songs.

In 1802, Scott wrote a number of songs and ballads, which were published in various collections. Among these were “The Poacher,” “The Evelyn Hope,” and “War Song of the Royal Edinburgh Light Dragoons.”

In 1797, Scott married Margaret Charlotte Charpentier, daughter of Jean Charpentier of Lyons, a lady of French extraction.

CHAPTER V.

RESIDENCE AT LASSWADE—TRANSLATION OF “GOETZ VON BERLICHINGEN”—PUBLICATION OF THE “BORDER MINSTRELSY”—RICHARD HEBER—JOHN LEYDEN—WILLIAM LAIDLAW—JAMES HOGG—COMPOSITION OF “SIR TRISTREM”—GEORGE ELLIS—JOHN KEMBLE—”BORDER ANTIQUITIES”—APPOINTMENT TO THE SHERIFFSHIP OF SELKIRKSHIRE.

After his marriage, Scott resided for some time at Lasswade, a village on the banks of the Esk, about six miles from Edinburgh. Here he devoted himself to his literary pursuits, and enjoyed the society of his friends.

In 1799, he published his translation of Goethe’s tragedy of “Goetz von Berlichingen,” which attracted considerable attention.

In 1802, he published the first two volumes of his “Border Minstrelsy,” a collection of ancient ballads, with copious notes and illustrations. This work established his reputation as a scholar and an antiquary, and introduced him to the notice of many distinguished men of letters.

Among those who were most impressed by the “Border Minstrelsy,” were Richard Heber, John Leyden, William Laidlaw, and James Hogg.

Richard Heber was a wealthy and learned bibliomaniac, who possessed one of the largest private libraries in England. He was a great admirer of Scott’s talents, and became one of his most intimate friends.

John Leyden was a young man of extraordinary genius, who had distinguished himself by his knowledge of oriental languages. He assisted Scott in the preparation of the “Border Minstrelsy,” and contributed several valuable articles to the work.

William Laidlaw was a farmer in Roxburghshire, who was intimately acquainted with the traditions and ballads of the Border. He assisted Scott in collecting materials for the “Border Minstrelsy,” and became one of his most trusted friends and advisers.

James Hogg was a shepherd in Ettrick Forest, who had a remarkable talent for poetry. He sent Scott several of his poems, which were published in the “Border Minstrelsy.”

In 1804, Scott began to compose his poem of “Sir Tristrem,” which was founded on an ancient romance. This poem was not published until 1804, but it was much admired by Scott’s friends, and contributed to increase his reputation.

Among those who took a great interest in “Sir Tristrem,” was George Ellis, a distinguished antiquary and critic. He wrote several letters to Scott, giving him his opinion of the poem, and suggesting various improvements.

Scott also consulted John Kemble, the celebrated actor, about the pronunciation of some of the words in “Sir Tristrem.”

In 1804, Scott began to publish his “Border Antiquities,” a collection of engravings of ancient castles and peel-towers on the Border, with descriptive letterpress. This work was intended to illustrate the history and traditions of the Border country.

In 1799, Scott was appointed Sheriff of Selkirkshire, an office which he held for the rest of his life. This appointment gave him a competent income, and enabled him to devote himself more completely to his literary pursuits.

CHAPTER VI.

RESIDENCE AT ASHESTIEL—”THE LAY OF THE LAST MINSTREL” BEGUN—VISIT TO LONDON—SIR HUMPHREY DAVY—SAMUEL ROGERS—GEORGE ELLIS—WILLIAM GIFFORD—LORD DALKEITH—LITERARY SOCIETY—FREEMASONRY—EARLY NOTICES OF SCOTT IN THE “EDINBURGH REVIEW”—AND IN THE “MONTHLY REVIEW”—LETTERS TO GEORGE ELLIS, R. HEBER, AND MISS SEWARD, ON THE SUBJECT OF THE REVIEWS —PROGRESS OF “THE LAY OF THE LAST MINSTREL”—DEATH OF LORD DALKEITH—CONCLUSION OF THE LAY.

In 1804, Scott removed from Lasswade to Ashestiel, a farmhouse on the banks of the Tweed, about six miles from Selkirk. Here he spent the happiest years of his life, enjoying the pleasures of domestic life, and pursuing his literary occupations.

It was at Ashestiel that he began to compose his poem of “The Lay of the Last Minstrel.” This poem was suggested by a tradition which he had heard in Liddesdale, about a border chieftain who was haunted by a spirit.

In 1805, Scott paid a visit to London, where he met with many of the most distinguished men of letters of the time. Among those whom he visited were Sir Humphrey Davy, Samuel Rogers, George Ellis, and William Gifford.

Sir Humphrey Davy was a celebrated chemist, who had made many important discoveries. He was a man of great genius and enthusiasm, and was a warm admirer of Scott’s talents.

Samuel Rogers was a wealthy banker, who was also a poet and a patron of literature. He was a man of refined tastes, and his house was the resort of many of the most distinguished men of the time.

George Ellis was a distinguished antiquary and critic, who had taken a great interest in Scott’s literary productions. He was a man of great learning and good taste, and his criticisms were always valuable and judicious.

William Gifford was the editor of the Quarterly Review, a Tory periodical which was established in opposition to the Edinburgh Review. He was a man of great talent and learning, and his criticisms were always severe and uncompromising.

During his visit to London, Scott formed a friendship with Lord Dalkeith, the eldest son of the Duke of Buccleuch. Lord Dalkeith was a man of great promise, and was much beloved by all who knew him.

Scott was introduced to many of the leading members of the literary society of London, and was received with great kindness and attention.

He was also made a member of the Freemasons’ Lodge of Edinburgh, an honour which he highly valued.

At this period, Scott began to attract the notice of the critics in the Edinburgh Review and the Monthly Review. The Edinburgh Review praised his “Border Minstrelsy” in very high terms, but criticised some of his other productions. The Monthly Review, on the other hand, praised all his works indiscriminately.

Scott was not much affected by the criticisms of the reviewers, but he was always anxious to know what his friends thought of his writings. He wrote letters to George Ellis, Richard Heber, and Miss Seward, asking their opinion of his poems.

He made rapid progress with “The Lay of the Last Minstrel,” and finished it in the autumn of 1804.

In January 1805, Lord Dalkeith died, to the great grief of Scott and all his friends. Scott was deeply affected by the death of Lord Dalkeith, and dedicated “The Lay of the Last Minstrel” to his memory.

CHAPTER VII.

PUBLICATION OF THE “LAY OF THE LAST MINSTREL”—ITS RECEPTION BY THE PUBLIC—AND BY THE CRITICS—LETTERS FROM ELLIS, HEBER, AND SEWARD—AN EDITION OF “SIR TRISTREM” PROJECTED—LETTER FROM GEORGE ELLIS ON ROMANTIC METRE—”THE OLD SCOTTISH PROPHECIES”—ELLIS’S REMARKS ON “SCOTTISH IMITATIONS OF SPENSER”—APPOINTMENT AS CLERK OF SESSION —DOMESTIC LIFE AT ASHESTIEL—VISIT OF JAMES HOGG—CORRESPONDENCE WITH MISS SEWARD—POPULARITY OF THE MINSTREL—ANECDOTES OF THE HARPER, BLIND WILLIE—VISIT TO CAMBRIDGE—CORRESPONDENCE WITH ANNA SEWARD AND GEORGE ELLIS—PROJECT OF EDITING BEAUMONT AND FLETCHER—DEATH OF WILLIAM PITT.

“The Lay of the Last Minstrel” was published in January 1805, and was received with enthusiastic applause by the public. The poem was praised for its beauty of style, its vivid descriptions, and its spirited narrative.

The critics were also generally favourable to the poem, though some of them found fault with its irregularities of metre.

George Ellis, Richard Heber, and Miss Seward, all wrote letters to Scott, expressing their admiration of the poem.

Ellis said that it was the most beautiful poem that had been published for many years, and that it would place Scott at the head of the poets of the age.

Heber said that the poem was full of the spirit of the ancient ballads, and that it would be read with delight by all who loved poetry.

Miss Seward said that the poem was a work of great genius, and that it would immortalise the name of Scott.

Scott was greatly gratified by the success of “The Lay of the Last Minstrel,” and began to project an edition of his poem of “Sir Tristrem.”

He wrote to George Ellis, asking his advice about the best way of editing the poem.

Ellis replied, giving him his opinion on the subject of romantic metre, and suggesting various improvements in the poem.

Scott also began to collect materials for a work on “The Old Scottish Prophecies.”

Ellis wrote to him, giving him his opinion on the subject of “Scottish Imitations of Spenser.”

In 1806, Scott was appointed one of the Clerks of Session, an office which gave him a considerable increase of income.

He continued to reside at Ashestiel, and to enjoy the pleasures of domestic life.

James Hogg paid him a visit at Ashestiel, and was much delighted with his reception.

Scott continued to correspond with Miss Seward, and to consult her on literary subjects.

“The Lay of the Last Minstrel” became exceedingly popular, and was read by all classes of people.

Many anecdotes were told of the harper, Blind Willie, who used to sing the poem in the streets of Edinburgh.

In 1807, Scott paid a visit to Cambridge, where he was received with great kindness by the members of the University.

He continued to correspond with Anna Seward and George Ellis, and to consult them on literary subjects.

He projected an edition of the plays of Beaumont and Fletcher, but this project was never carried into effect.

In 1806, William Pitt, the Prime Minister of England, died, to the great grief of Scott and all his friends.

END OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE LIFE OF SIR WALTER SCOTT, BART. (VOLUME 1 OF 2)

* This file should be named 6581-h.htm or 6581-h.zip **

Project Gutenberg eBooks are often created from several printed editions, both public domain and copyrighted, and may not necessarily be a faithful representation of the original printed version.

More information about this Project Gutenberg eBook, and how to use it, can be found at www.gutenberg.org

Title: The Life of Sir Walter Scott, Bart. (Volume 1 of 2)

Author: J. G. Lockhart

Release Date: September 13, 2005 [EBook #6581] Last Updated: January 26, 2018

Language: English

Character set encoding: UTF-8

START OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE LIFE OF SIR WALTER SCOTT, BART. (VOLUME 1 OF 2)

Produced by John Bickers; Dagny, Eric Eldred, and David Widger

THE LIFE OF SIR WALTER SCOTT, BART.

BY J. G. LOCKHART

VOLUME I.

EDINBURGH: ROBERT CADELL, ST ANDREW SQUARE. MDCCCXXXVII.

PREFACE.

“Si monumentum quæris, circumspice.”

LONDON, 1837.

CONTENTS OF VOLUME I.

CHAPTER I.

CHAPTER II.

CHAPTER III.

CHAPTER IV.

CHAPTER V.

CHAPTER VI.

CHAPTER VII.

Publication of the “Lay of the Last Minstrel”—Its Reception by the Public—and by the Critics—Letters from Ellis, Heber, and Seward—An Edition of “Sir Tristrem” projected—Letter from George Ellis on Romantic Metre—”The Old Scottish Prophecies”—Ellis’s Remarks on “Scottish Imitations of Spenser”—Appointment as Clerk of Session —Domestic Life at Ashestiel—Visit of James Hogg—Correspondence with Miss Seward—Popularity of the Minstrel—Anecdotes of the Harper, Blind Willie—Visit to Cambridge—Correspondence with Anna Seward and George Ellis—Project of Editing Beaumont and Fletcher—Death of William Pitt.

THE LIFE OF SIR WALTER SCOTT, BART.

CHAPTER I.

ANCESTRY—CHIEFS OF BUCCLEUCH—HARDIN’S HA’—WAT OF HARDEN—AULD WAT—FRENCH SCOTT—BEARDIE—WALTER SCOTT OF RAEBURN—HIS SON ROBERT—MARRIAGE OF ROBERT SCOTT TO BARBARA RUTHERFORD—THEIR FAMILY—ROBERT SCOTT, WRITER TO THE SIGNET—ANECDOTES OF HIS EARLY PRACTICE—HIS TASTE FOR THE FINE ARTS—GEORGE’S SQUARE—SOCIETY THERE—DR. HUGH BLAIR—PRINCIPAL ROBERTSON—DR. ERSKINE—PROFESSOR STEWART—LORD MONBODDO—HENRY MACKENZIE—DUGALD STEWART—MRS. SCOTT’S CHARACTER AND CONNEXIONS—HER MATERNAL GRANDFATHER, DR. JOHN RUTHERFORD—OTHER MEDICAL RELATIVES—CULROSS ABABBEY—GEORGE CRANSTOUN—JEAN ADAM—THE M’CULLOCH—JOHN CLERK OF ELDIN—ADAM ROLLAND OF GASK—ANECDOTES OF THE EARLY FRIENDS OF MRS. SCOTT.

The progenitors of the poet were cousins of the ducal family, and held considerable possessions on the rivers Et

START OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE LIFE OF SIR WALTER SCOTT, BART. (VOLUME 1 OF 2)

এআই সংবাদ সরবরাহ করেছে।

গুগল জেমিনির থেকে প্রতিক্রিয়া পাওয়ার জন্য নিম্নলিখিত প্রশ্নটি ব্যবহৃত হয়েছে:

2025-05-23 21:12 এ, ‘হানামাকি অনসেনে চেরি ফুল’ প্রকাশিত হয়েছে 全国観光情報データベース অনুযায়ী। অনুগ্রহ করে সম্পর্কিত তথ্য সহ একটি বিশদ নিবন্ধ লিখুন যা সহজবোধ্য এবং পাঠকদের ভ্রমণে আগ্রহী করে তোলে। অনুগ্রহ করে বাংলায় উত্তর দিন।

111

Post Views: 23

এআই সংবাদ সরবরাহ করেছে।

মন্তব্য করুন জবাব বাতিল