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revision. It is hoped that the present edition will be found free from errors of that accidental kind.

The Author has also ventured to make some emendations of a different character, which, without being such apparent deviations from the original stories as to disturb the reader's old associations, will, he thinks, add something to the spirit of the dialogue, narrative, or description. These consist in occasional pruning where the language is redundant, compression where the style is loose, infusion of vigour where it is languid, the exchange of less forcible for more appropriate epithetsslight alterations, in short, like the last touches of an Artist, which contribute to heighten and finish the picture, though an inexperienced eye can hardly detect in what they consist.

The General Preface to the new Edition, and the Introductory Notices to each separate work, will contain an account of such circumstances attending the first publication of the Novels and Tales, as may appear interesting in themselves, or proper to be communicated to the public. The Author also proposes to publish, on this occasion, the various legends, family traditions, or obscure historical facts, which have formed the ground-work of these Novels, and to give some account of the places where the scenes are laid, when these are altogether, or in part, real; as well as a statement of particular incidents founded on fact; together with a more copious Glossary, and Notes explanatory of the ancient customs, and popular superstitions, referred to in the Romancés.

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Upon the whole, it is to be hoped that the Waverley Novels, in their new dress, not be found to have lost any part of their attractions in consequence of receiving ations by the Author, and undergoing his careful revision.

BOTSFORD, January, 1829.

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And must I ravel ont

My weaved-up follies 7

Richard II. Act IV.

Cassandra, down to the most approved works of later times. I was plunged into this great ocean of reading without compass or pilot; and unless when some one had the charity to play at chess with me, I was allowed to do nothing save read, from HAVING undertaken to give an Introductory Account of the morning to night. I was, in kindness and pity, which was percompositions which are here offered to the public, with Notes haps erroneous, however natural, permitted to select my suband Illustrations, the author, under whose name they are, now jects of study at my own pleasure, upon the same principle that for the first time collected, feels that he has the delicate task the humours of children are indulged to keep them out of misof speaking more of himself and his personal concerns, than chief." As my taste and appetite were gratified in nothing else, may perhaps be either gracefhi or prudent. In this particular, I indemnified myself by becoming a glutton of books. Accordbe runs the risk of presenting himself to the public in the rela-ingly, I believe I read almost all the romances, old plays, and tion that the dumb wife in the jest-book held to her husband, epic poetry, in that formidable collection, and no doubt was when, having spent half of his fortune to obtain the cure of her unconsciously amassing materials for the task in which it has 'imperfecaon, he was willing to have bestowed the other half to been my lot to be so much employed. restore her to her former condition. But this is a risk inseparable from the task which the author has undertaken, and he can enly promise to be as little of an egotist as the situation will permit. It is perhaps an indifferent sign of e disposition to keep his word, that having introduced himself in the third person singular, he proceeds in the second paragraph to make use of the first. But it appears to him that the seeming modesty connected with the former mode of writing, is overbalanced by the inconvenience of stiffness and affectation which attends it during *■ nariative of some length, and which may be observed less or more in every work in which the third person is used, from the Commentaries of Cæsar, to the Autobiography of Alexander the *Corrector

At the same time I did not in all respects abuse the license permitted me. Familiar acquaintance with the specious miracles of fiction brought with it some degree of satiety, and I began, by degrees, to seek in histories, memoirs, voyages, and travels, and the like, events nearly as wonderful as those which were the work of imagination, with the additional advantage, that they were at least in a great measure true. The lapse of nearly two years, during which I was left to the exercise of my own free will, was followed by a temporary residence in the country, where I was again very lonely but for the arasement which I derived from a good, though old-fashioned library. The vague and wild use which I made of this advantage I cannot describe better than by referring my reaier to the desultory I must refer to a very early period of my life, were I to point studies of Waverley in a similar situat: the passages con wat my first achievements as a tale teller-but I believe some of cerning whose course of reading were ritated from recollec my old schoolfelloy's can still bear witness that I had a distin- tions of my own. It must be underst: that the resemblance „guished character for that talent, at a time when the applause extends no farther "of my companious was my recompense for the disgraces and Time, as it glided on, brought t' blessings of confirmed parishments which the future romance-writer incurred for be health and personal strength, to a degree which had never been ing idle himself, and keeping others idle, during hours that expected or hoped for. The sever studies necessary to render should have been employed on our tasks. The chief enjoy-me fit for my profession occupied the greater part of my time, ment of my holidays was to escape with a chosen friend, who and the society of my friends and companions who were about had the same taste with myself, and alternately to recite to each to enter life along with me, fillet up the interval, with the usual other much wild adventures as we were able to devise. We told, amusement of young men. I was in a situation which rendered each in turn, interminable tales of knight-errantry and battles serious labour indispensable; for, neither possessing, on the one and enchantments, which were continued from one day to ano-hand, any of those peculiar advantages which are supposed to father, as opportunity offered, without our ever thinking of bring your a hasty advance in the profession of the law, nor being, on ing there to a conclusion. As we observed a strict secrecy on the other hand, exposed to u vasual obstacles to interrupt my prothe subject of this intercourse, it acquired all the character of a gress, I might reasonably expect to succeed according to the concealed pleasure, and we used to select, for the scenes of our greater or less degree of truable which I should take to qualify indulgence, long walks through the solitary and romantic envi-myself as a pleader.

rons of Arthur's Seat, Salisbury Crags, Braid Hills, and similar Tmakes no part of the present story to detail how the success places in the vicinity of Edinburgh; and the recollection of of a few ballads had the feet of changing all the purposes and those holidays still forms an oasts in the pilgrimage which I tenor of my life, and of converting a pains taking lawyer of some have to look back upon. I have only to add, that my friend still lives, a prosperous gentleman, but too much occupied with graver business, to thank me for indicating him more plainly as conádent of my childish mystery.

years' standing into a follower of literature. It is enough to say, that I had assumed the latter character for several years before I seriously thought of attempting a work of imaginatior. in prose, although one or two of my poetical attempts did no When boyhood advancing into youth required more serious differ from romances, otherwise than by being written in verse. stades and graver cares, a long illness threw me back on the But yet, I may observe, that about this time (now, alas! thirty kingdom of fiction, as if it were by a species of fatality. My years since) I had nourished the ambitious desire of composing indisposition arose, in part at least, from my having broken a a tale of chivalry, which was to be in the style of the Castle of blood-vessel; and motion and speech were for a long time pro-Otranto, with plenty of Border characters, and supernatural innounced positively dangerous. For several weeks I was con- cident. Having found unexpectedly a chapter of this intended fined strictly to my bed, during which time I was not allowed work among some old papers, I have subjoined it to this intro10 speak above a whisper, to eat more than a spoonful or two of ductory essay, thinking some readers may account as curious, bulled rice, or to have more covering than one thin counter-the first attempts at romantic composition by au author, who pane. When the reader is informed that I was at this time a has since written so much in that department. And those towing youth, with the spirits, appetite, and impatience of who complain, not unreasonably, of the profusion of the Tales *incen, and suffered, of course, greatly under this severe regi-which have followed Waverley, may bless their stars at the nar men, which the repeated return of my disorder rendered indis-row escape they have made, by the commencement of the inunpreable, he will not be surprised that I was abandoned to my dation which had so nearly taken place in the first year of the own discretion, so far as reading (my almost sole amusement) century, being postponed for fifteen years later. was concerned, and still less so, that I abused the indulgence which left my time so much at my own disposal. There was at this time a circulating library in Edinburgh, founded, I believe, by the celebrated Allan Ramsay, which, be- My early recollections of the Highland scenery and customi ides containing a most respectable collection of books of every made so favourable an impression in the poem called the Lady description, was, as might have been expected, peculiarly rich of the Lake, that I was induced to think of attempting somein works of fiction. It exhibited specimens of every kind, from the romances of chivalry, and the ponderous folios of Cyrus and

This particular subject was never resumed, but I did not abax don the idea of fictitious composition in prose, though I deter mined to give another turn to the style of the work.

* See the Fragment alluded to, in the Appendix, No. L

thing of the same kind in prose. I had been a good deal in the Pastimes of the People of England," had rendered him familiar Highlands at a time when they were much less accessible, and with all the antiquarian lore necessary for the purpose of commuch less visited, than they have been of late years, and was posing the projected romance; and although the manuscript acquainted with many of the old warriors of 1745, who were, bore the marks of hurry and incoherence natural to the first like most veterans, easily induced to fight their battles over rough draught of the author, it evineed (in my opinion) consider. again, for the benefit of a willing listener like myself. It natu-able powers of imagination. rally occurred to me, that the ancient traditions and high spirit As the work was unfinished, I deemed it my duty, as Editor, of a people, who, living in a civilized age and country, retain to supply such a hasty and inartificial conclusion as could be ed sb strong a tincture of manners belonging to an carly period shaped out from the story, of which Mr. Strutt had laid the of society, must afford a subject favourable for romance, if it foundation. This concluding chapter is also added to the preshould not prove a curious tale marred in the telling. sent Introduction, for the reason already mentioned regarding It was with some idea of this kind, that, about the year 1805, the preceding fragment. It was a step in my advance towards I threw together about one third part of the first volume of Wa-romantic composition; and to preserve the traces of these is verley. It was advertised to be published by the late Mr. John in a great measure the object of this Essay. Ballantyne, bookseller in Edinburgh, under the name of "Wa- Queen-Hoo-Hall was not, however, very successful. I thought verley; or, 'tis Fifty Years since,"-a title afterwards altered to I was aware of the reason, and supposed that, by rendering his "Tis Sixty Years since," that the actual date of publication language too ancient, and displaying his antiquarian knowledge might be made to correspond with the period in which the too liberally, the ingenious author had raised up an obstacie to scene was laid. Having proceeded as far, I think, as the seventh his own success. Every work designed for mere amusement chapter, I showed my work to a critical friend, whose opinion must be expressed in language easily comprehended; and when, was unfavourable; and having then some poetical reputation, as is sometimes the case in Queen-Hoo Hall, the author adwas unwilling to risk the loss of it by attempting a new style dresses himself exclusively to the Antiquary, he must be con of composition. I therefore threw aside the work I had com- tent to be dismissed by the general reader with the criticism of menced, withou, either reluctance or remonstrance. I ought to Mungo, in the Padlock, on the Mauritanian music, "What sigadd, that though ray ingenious friend's sentence was afterwards nifies me hear, if me no understand." reversed, on an appeal to the public, it cannot be considered as I conceived it possible to avoid this error; and by tendering any imputation on his good taste; for the specimen subjected a similar work more light and obvious to general comprehento his criticism did not extend beyond the departure of the herosion, to escape the rock on which my predecessor was shipfor Scotland, and, consequently, had not entered upon the part wrecked. But I was, on the other hand, so far discouraged by of the story which was finally found most interesting..

Be that as it may, this portion of the manuscript was laid aside in the drawers of an old writing desk, which, on my first coming to reside at Abbotsford, in 1911, was placed in a lumber garret, and entirely forgotten. Thus, though I sometimes, among other literary avocations, turned my thoughts to the continuation of the romance which I had commenced, yet as I could not find what I had already written, after searching such repositories as were within my reach, and was too indolent to attempt to write it anew from memory, I as often laid aside all thoughts of that nature.

the indifferent reception of Mr. Strutt's romance, as to become satisfied that the manners of the middle ages did not posses the interest which I had conceived; and was led to form the opinion, that a romance, founded ou a Highland story, and more modern events, would have a better chance of popularity than a tale of chivalry. My thoughts, therefore, returned more than once to the tale which I had actually commenced, and accident at length threw the lost sheets in my way.

I happened to want some fishing-tackle for the use of a guest, when it occurred to me to search the old writing desk already mentioned, in which I used to keep articles of that nature. I got access to it with some difficulty; and, in looking for lines and flies, the long-lost manuscript presented itself. I immedîately set to work to complete it, according to my original purpose. And here I must frankly confess, that the mode in which

Two circumstances, in particular, recalled my recollection of the mislaid manuscript. The first was the extended and wellmerited fame of Miss Edgeworth, whose Irish characters have gone so far to make the English familiar with the character of their gay and kind-hearted neighbours of Ireland, that she may I conducted the story scarcely deserved the success which the be truly said to have done more towards completing the Union, than perhaps all the legislative enactments by which it has been followed up.

ers of the author might have otherwise failed to attain for them.” And though I have been in other instances a sinner in this sort, I do not recollect any of these novels, in which I have transgressed so widely as in the first of the series.

romance afterwards attained. The tale of Waverley was put together with so little care, that I cannot boast of having sketched any distinct plan of the work. The whole adventures Without being so presumptuous as to hope to emulate the of Waverley, in his movements up and down the country with rich humour, pathetic tenderness, and admirable tact, which the Highland cateran Bean Lean, are managed without much pervade the works of my accomplished friend, I felt that some-skill. It suited best, however, the road I wanted to travel, and thing might be attempted for my own country, of the same kind permitted me to introduce some descriptions of scenery and with that which Miss Edgeworth so fortunately achieved for manners, to which the reality gave an interest which the pow Ireland-something which might introduce her natives to those of the sister kingdom, in a more favourable light than they had been placed hitherto, and tend to procure sympathy for their virtues, and indulgence for their foibles. I thought also, that much of what I wanted in talent might be made up by the intimate acquaintance with the subject which I could lay claim to possess, as having travelled through most parts of Scotland, -both Highland and Lowland; having been familiar with the elder, as well as more modern race; and having had from my Constable and Cadell, who published the work, were the only Infancy free and unrestrained communication with all ranks of my countrymen, from the Scottish peer to the Scottish plough man. Such ideas often occurred to me, and constituted an ampitious branch of my theory, however far short I may have fallen of it in practice.

But it was not only the triumphs of Miss Edgeworth which worked in me emulation, and disturbed my indolence. I chanced actually to engage in a work which formed a sort of essay piece, and gave me hope that I might in time become free of the craft of romance-waiting, and be esteemed a tolerable workman.

Among other unfounded reports, it has been said, that the copyright of Waverley was, during the book's progress through the press, offered for sale to various booksellers in London at a very inconsiderable price. This was not the case. MessTS.

persons acquainted with the contents of the publication, and they offered a large sum for it while in the course of printing, which, however, was declined, the author not choosing to part with the copyright.

The origin of the story of Waverley, and the particular facts on which it is founded, are given in the separate introduction prefixed to that romance in this edition, and require no notice in this place..

Waverley was published in 1814, and as the title-page was without the name of the author, the work was left to win its way in the world without any of the usual recommendations. In the year 1867-8, I undertook, at the request of John Mur- Its progress was for some time slow; but after the first two or ray, Esq. of Albemarle street, to arrange for publication some three months, its popularity had increased in a degree which posthumous productions of the late Mr. Joseph Strutt, distin- must have satisfied the expectations of the author, bad these guished as an artist and an antiquary, amongst which was an un-been far more sanguine than he ever entertained. finished romance, entitled," Queen-Hoo-Hall." The scene of Great anxiety was expressed to learn the name of the author, the tale was laid in the reign of Henry VI., and the work was but on this no authentic information could be attained. My written to illustrate the manners, customs, and language of the original motive for publishing the work anonymously, was the people of England during that period. The extensive acquaint-consciousness that it was an experiment on the public taste ance which Mr. Strutt had acquired with such subjects in com- which might very probably fail, and therefore there was no ocpiling his laborious "Hotda Angel Cynnan," his "Royal and Ecclesiastical Antiquities," and his "Essay on the Sports and!

See Appendix, No. II.

casion to take on myself the personal risk of discomfiture. For ablest down to that of fools. This risk was in some degree pro this purpose considerable precautions were used to preserve se-vented by the mask which I wore; and my own stores of selfcrecy. My old friend and schoolfellow, Mr. James Ballantyne, conceit were left to their natural course, without being enhanced who printed these novels, had the exclusive task of correspond-by the partiality of friends, or adulation of flatterers. ing with the author, who thus had not only the advantage of If I am asked further reasons for the conduct. I have long obhis professional talents, but also of his critical abilities. The served, I can only resort to the explanation supplied by a critic original manuscript, or, as it is fechnically called, copy, was as friendly as he is intelligent; namely, that the mental organitranscribed under Mr. Ballantyne's eye by confidential persons; zation of the Novelist must be characterized, to speak craniolo. nor was there an instance of treachery during the many years gically, by an extraordinary development of the passion for in which these precautions were resorted to, although various delitescency! I the rather suspect some natural disposition of individuals were employed at different times. Double proof- this kind; for, from the instant I perceived the extreme curiosi sheets were regularly printed off. One was forwarded to the ty manifested on the subject, I felt a secret satisfaction in bafauthor by Mr. Ballantyne, and the alterations which it received fling it, for which, when its unimportance is considered, I do were, by his own hand, copied upon the other proof-sheet for not well know how to account. the use of the printers, so that even the corrected proofs of the My desire to remain concealed, in the character of the author. author were never seen in the printing-office; and thus the cu- of these novels, subjected me occasionally to awkward embarriosity of such eager inquirers as made the most minute investi-rassments, as it sometimes happened that those who were sufgation, was entirely at fault.

But although the cause of concealing the author's name in the first instance, when the reception of Waverley was doubtful, was natural enough, it is more difficult, it may be thought, to account for the same desire for secrecy during the subsequent editions, to the amount of betwixt eleven and twelve thousand copies, which followed each other close, and proved the success of the work. I am sorry I can give little satisfaction to queries on this subject. I have already stated elsewhere, that I ean render little better reason for choosing to remain anonymous, than by saying with Shylock, that such was my humour. It will be observed, that I had not the usual stimulus for desiring personal reputation, the desire, namely, to flos amidst the conversation of men. Of literary fame, whether merited or undeserved, I had already as much as might have contented a mind more ambitious than mine; and in entering into this new contest for reputation, I might be said rather to endanger what I had, than to have any considerable chance of acquiring more. I was affected, too, by none of those motives which, at an earlier period of life, would doubtless have operated upon me. My friendships were formed,-my place in society fixed,-my life had attained its middle course. My condition in society was higher perhaps than I deserved, certainly as high as I wished, and there was scarce any degree of literary success which could have greatly altered or improved my personal condition.

ficiently intimate with me, would put the question in direct terms. In this case, only one of three courses could be followed. Either I must have surrendered my secret,-or have re turned an equivocating answer,-or, finally, must have stoutly and boldly denied the fact. The first was a sacrifice which I conceive no one had a right to force from me, since I alone was concerned in the matter. The alternative of rendering a doubt. ful answer must have left me open to the degrading suspicion that I was not unwilling to assume the merit (if there was any) which I dared not absolutely lay claim to; or those who might think more justly of me, must have received such an equivocal answer as an indirect avowal. I therefore considered myself entitled, like an accused person put upon trial, to refuse giving my own evidence to my own conviction, and flatly to deny all that could not be proved against me. At the same time, usually qualified my denial by stating, that, had I been the author of these works, I would have felt myself quite entitled to protect my secret by refusing my own evidence, when it was asked for to accomplish a discovery of what I desired to conceal.

The real truth is, that I never expected or hoped to disguise my connexion with these novels from any one who lived on terms of intimacy with me. The number of coincidences which necessarily existed between narratives recounted, modes of ex pression, and opinions broached in these Tales, and such as we.e used by their author in the intercourse of private life, must have been far too great to permit any of my familiar ac

I was not, therefore, touched by the spur of ambition, usually stimulating on such occasions; and yet I ought to stand excul-quaintances to doubt the identity betwixt their friend and the

his own.

pated from the charge of ungracious or unbecoming indifference Author of Waverley; and I believe, they were all morally con to public applause. I did not the less feel gratitude for the pub- vinced of it. But while I was myself silent, their belief could lic favour, although I did not proclaim it,-as the lover who not weigh much more with the world than that of others; their wears his mistress' favour in his bosom, is as proud, though not opinions and reasoning were liable to be taxed with partiality, so vain of possessing it, as another who displays the token of or confronted with opposing arguments and opinions; and the her grace upon his bonnet. Far from such an ungracious state question was not so much, whether I should be generally acof mind, I have seldom felt more satisfaction than when, re-knowledged to be the author, in spite of my own denial, as turning from a pleasure voyage, I found Waverley in the zenith whether even my own avowal of the works, if such should be of popularity, and public curiosity in full cry after the name of made, would be sufficient to put me in undisputed possession of the author. The knowledge that I had the public approbation, that character. was like having the property of a hidden treasure, not less I have been often asked concerning supposed cases, in which gratifying to the owner than if all the world knew that it was I was said to have been placed on the verge of discovery; but, Another advantage was connected with the secrecy as I maintained my point with the composure of a lawyer of which I observed. I could appear, or retreat from the stage at thirty years' standing, I never recollect being in pain or confupleasure, without attracting any personal notice or attention, sion on the subject. In Captain Medwyn's Conversations of other than what might be founded on suspicion only. In my Lord Byron, the reporter states himself to have asked my noble own person also, as a successful author in another department and highly-gifted friend, "If he was certain about these novels of literature, I might have been charged with too frequent in-being Sir Walter Scott's?" To which Lord Byron replied, trusions on the public patience; but the Author of Waverley Scott as much as owned himself the Author of Waverley to was in this respect as impassable to the critic as the Ghost of me in Murray's shop. I was talking to him about that novel, Hamlet to the partisan of Marcellus. Perhaps the curiosity of and lamented that its author had not carried back the story the public, imitated by the existence of a secret, and kept afloat nearer to the time of the Revolution Scott, entirely off his by the discussions which took place on the subject from time to guard, replied, Ay, I might have done so; but-' there he time, went a good way to maintain an unabated interest in these stopped. It was in vain to attempt to correct himself; he lookfrequent publications. There was a mystery concerning the au-ed confused, and relieved his embarrassment by a precipitate thor, which each new novel was expected to assist in unravel-retreat." I have no recollection whatever of this scene taking ling, although it might in other respects rank lower than its predecessofs.

place, and I should have thought that I was more likely to have laughed than to appear confused, for I certainly never hoped to I may perhaps be thought guilty of affectation, should I allege impose upon Lord Byron in a case of the kind; and from the as one reason of my silence, a secret dislike to enter on personal manner in which he uniformly expressed himself, I knew his discussions concerning my own literary labours. It is in every opinion was entirely formed, and that any disclamations of case a dangerous intercourse for an author to be dwelling con- mine would only have savoured of affectation. I do not mear tinually among those who make his writings a frequent and fa- to insinuate that the incident did not happen, but only that it miliar subject of conversation, but who must necessarily be par- could hardly have occurred exactly under the circumstances tial judges of works composed in their own society. The habits narrated, without my recollecting something positive on the of self-importance, which are thus acquired by authors, are subject. In another part of the same volume, Lord Byron is rehighly injurious to a well-regulated mind; for the cup of flat-ported to have expressed a supposition that the cause of my not tery, if it does not, like that of Circe, reduce men to the level of avowing myself, the Author of Waverley, may have been some beasts, is sure, if eagerly drained, to bring the best and the surmise that the reigning family would have been displeased

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with the work. I can only say, it is the last apprehension to the task. He never, I believe, wrote a single line of the proshould have entertained, as indeed the inscription to these jected work; and I only have the melancholy pleasure of prevolumes sufficiently proves. The sufferers of that melancholy serving in the Appendix, the simple anecdote on which he period have, during the last and present reign, been honoured proposed to found it.

both with the sympathy and protection of the reigning family, whose magnanimity can well pardon a sigh from others, and bestow one themselves, to the memory of brave'opponents, who did nothing in hate, but all in honour.

While those who were in habitual intercourse with the real author had little hesitation in assigning the literary property to him, others, and those critics of no mean rank, employed them selves in investigating with persevering patience any characteristic features which might seem to betray the origin of these novels. Amongst these, one gentleman, equally remarkable for the kind and liberal tone of his criticism, the acuteness of his reasoning, and the very gentlemanlike manner in which he conducted his inquiries, displayed not only powers of accurate investigation, but a temper of mind deserving to be employed on a subject of much grater importance; and I have no doubt mado converts to his opinion of almost all who thought the point worthy of consideration. Of those letters, and other attempts of the same kind, the author could not complain, though his incognito was endangered. He had challenged the public to a game at bo-peep, and if he was discovered in his "hidinghole," he must submit to the shame of detection.

To this I may add, I can easily conceive that there may have been circumstances which gave a colour to the general report of my brother being interested in these works; and in particular that it might derive strength from my having occasion to remit to him, in consequence of certain family transactions, some considerable sums of money about that period. To which it is to be added, that if any person chanced to evince particular curiosity on such a subject, my brother was likely enough to divert himself with practising on their credulity.

It may be mentioned, that while the paternity of these novels was from time to time warmly disputed in Britain, the foreign booksellers expressed no hesitation on the matter, but affixed my name to the whole of the novels, and to some besides to which I had no claim.

The volumes, therefore, to which the present pages form a Preface, are entirely the composition of the author by whom they are now acknowledged, with the exception, always, of avowed quotations, and such unpremeditated and involuntary plagiarisms as can scarce be guarded against by any one who has read and written a great deal. The original manuscripts are all in existence, and entirely written (horresco referens) in the author's own hand, excepting during the years 1818 and 1819, when, being affected with severe illness, he was obliged to employ the assistance of a friendly amanuensis.

Various reports were of course circulated in various ways; some founded on an inaccurate rehearsal of what may have been partly real, some on circumstances having no concern whatever with the subject, and others on the invention of some The number of persons to whom the secret was necessarily importunate persons, who might perhaps imagine, that the intrusted, or communicated by chance, amounted, 1 should readiest mode of forcing the author to disclose himself, was to think, to twenty at least, to whom I am greatly obliged for the assign some dishonourable and discreditable cause for his silence. fidelity with which they observed their trust, until the derange It may be easily supposed that this sort of inquisition was ment of the affairs of my publishers, Messrs. Constable and Co, treated with contempt by the person whom it principally re- and the exposure of their accompt books, which was the neces garded; as, among all the rumours that were current, there was sary consequence, rendered secrecy no longer possible. The only one, and that as unfounded as the others, which had never-particulars attending the avowal have been laid before the pub theless some alliance to probability, and indeed might have lic in the Introduction to the Chronicles of the Canongate. . proved in some degree true. The preliminary advertisement has given a sketch of the pur

I allude to a report which ascribed a great part, or the whole,pose of this edition. I have some reason to fear, that the notes of these novels, to the late Thomas Scott, Esq., of the 70th Re-which accompany the tales, as now published, may be thought giment, then stationed in Canada. Those who remember that too miscellaneous and too egotistical. It may be some apology gentleman will readily grant, that, with general talents at least for this, that the publication was intended to be posthumous, equal to those of his elder brother, he added a power of social and still more, that old men may be permitted to speak long, humour, and a deep insight into human character, which ren- because they cannot in the course of nature bave long time to dered him an universally delightful member of society, and that speak. In preparing the present edition, I have done all that i the habit of composition alone was wanting to render him can do to explain the nature of my materials, and the use I have equally successful as a writer. The Author of Waverley was made of them; nor is it probable that I shall again revise ot so persuaded of the truth of this, that he wannly pressed his even read these tales. I was therefore desirous rather to exceed brother to make such an experiment, and willingly undertook in the portion of new and explanatory matter which is added to all the trouble of correcting and superintending the press. Mr. this edition, than that the reader should have reason to comThomas Scott seemed at first very well disposed to embrace the plain that the information communicated was of a general and proposal, and had even-fixed on a subject and a hero. The latter merely nominal character. It remains to be tried whether the was a person well known to both of us in our boyish years, from public (like a child to whom a watch is shown) will, after having displayed some strong traits of character. Mr. T. Scott having been satiated with looking at the outside, acquire some had determined to represent his youthful acquaintance as emi-new interest in the object when it is opened, and the internal grating to America, and encountering the dangers and hardships of the New World, with the same dauntless spirit which he That Waverley and its successors have had their day of fa had displayed when a boy in his native country. Mr. Scott vour and popularity must be admitted with sincere gratitude; would probably have been highly successful, being familiarly and the author has studied (with the prudence of a beauty whose acquainted with the manners of the native Indians, of the old reign has been rather long) to supply, by the assistance of art, French settlers in Canada, and of the Brulés or Woodsmen, and the charms which novelty no longer affords. The publishers having the power of observing with accuracy what, I have no have endeavoured to gratify the honourable partiality of the doubt, he could have sketched with force and expression. In public for the encouragement of British art, by illustrating this short, the author believes his brother would have made himself edition with designs by the most eminent living artists.'. distinguished in that striking field, in which, since that period, To my distinguished countryman, David Wilkie, to Edwin Mr. Cooper has achieved so many triumphs. But Mr. T. Scott was already affected by bad health, which wholly unfitted him for literary labour, even if he could have reconciled his patience

The following is the dedication alluded to:-"To the King's Most Gracious Majesty. Sire-The Author of this Collection of Works of Fle tion would not have presumed to solicit for them your Majesty's august patronage, were it not that the perumal has been supposed, in some instances, to have succeeded in amusing hours of relaxation, or relieving those of languor, pain, or anxiety; and therefore must have so far aided the warmest wish of your Majesty's heart, by contributing, in however small a degree, to the happiness of your people. They are therefore humbly dedicated to your Majesty, agreeably to your gracious permis sion, by your Majesty's dutiful subject, Walter Scott. Abbotsford, 1st. January, 1829."*

↑ Letters on the Author of Waverley; Rodwell & Martin, London, 1822.

machinery displayed to them.

Landseer, who has exercised his talents so much on Scottish
subjects and scenery, to Messrs. Leslie and Newton, my thanks
are due, from a friend as well as an author. Nor am I less
obliged to Messrs. Cooper, Kidd, and other artists of distinc
tion, to whom I am less personally known, for the ready zes)
with which they have devoted their talents to the same purpose.
Farther explanation respecting the edition, is the business of
the publishers, not of the author; and here, therefore, the latter
has accomplished his task of Introduction and explanation. If
like a spoiled child, he has sometimes abused or trifled with
the indulgence of the public, he feels himself entitled to full be
lief, when he exculpates himself from the charge of having
been at any time insensible of their kindness.
ABBOTSFORD, 1st January, 1829.

See Appendix, No. III.

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