Volume 1 - Electric Scotland

I
"CONSULT SCOTT." 167
fore against us did they pour their hottest phials. Give your-
self no uneasiness about this, however, as if the action is
brought at all, it will be brought here. But do not condescend
for a moment to think of giving Hazlitt either answer or satis-
faction of any kind. Let him fret on ; in the end he will do
nothing. And ultimately, at the very worst, without doubt
your innocence can be established, were it possible that it
should be called in question. Be satisfied that if you were to
show any sign of condescension or apprehension you would be
taking the most effectual means for encouraging him.
Henceforward nothing reprehensible shall appear. We must
take care that nothing dull appears, for that were still more
hurtful. We both are much obliged to you for the full manner
in which you have written : at all times continue to act in the
same way.
The name of the Magazine was chosen without our advice,
and we always disliked it. Whether the advantages or the
disadvantages of alteration would predominate it is your [the
publishers'] province to determine. We cannot help thinking
that the outcry would gather strength from the confession such
a measure would seem to imply ; and Mr Blackwood, we sus-
pect, would feel great repugnance to seeing his own name sac-
rificed, as it were, as a peace-offering. Settle this, however,
among yourselves, and do nothing rashly. Let not any uncomfortable
feelings, which are probably of a momentary
nature, be allowed to do permanent injury to your work. Mr
Wilson and I stand entirely neuter. If you think seriously of
alteration, consult your most judicious friends (Scott for in-
stance) ;
at all events you must not throw away the number in
existence, which we fear would be the case should you start a
third time as No. L At all issues consult Scott, and let him
communicate with Blackwood, and to save yourself any further
trouble let his decision be final.
Whether Mr Murray perceived the faint suspended
sting of the Scorpion through those arguments, and
the reassuring statement that in any case his own
" innocence " could be fully estabUshed, we cannot