Volume 1 - Electric Scotland

A BEASTLY ' NOCTES.' 355
rid of it, is a kind of advantage in its way. Not Hogg
alone has been unable to understand why " ' Queen
Hynde ' should stick still," or any other book in the
same position, or has been disposed to believe that it
is only an inconceivable caprice of the publisher that
makes his receipts for one work so much less than his
receipts for another. " I cannot believe that she does
not deserve notice, and think some expedient should be
fallen on to draw notice to her," says poor Hogg
neither can he understand why Mr Blackwood should
reject Dr Burton's remark on the poem because it is
too flattering. " I have sought out several others,
but none that pleases me so well," he adds, with de-
lightful naivetd. We writers have the best of reasons
for being tender with the amazing simplicities of those
who have gone before us.
The following is one of many grumbling letters, in
which a not unnatural fury against his more successful
competitors breaks in :
—
James Hogg to W. Blackwood.
Mount Bbngeb, March 28, '28.
At your desire I send you an article for the 'Agricultural
Journal ' and a poetical epistle for the Magazine, though I know
as usual it will only be giving the carrier the trouble of bringing
them out again ; and as you are the only man who ever does me
this honour, the oftener you do it the better, but I want to
establish this fact to your own conviction that our friendship
shall not fail on my part.
I am exceedingly disgusted with the last beastly ' Noctes,' and'
as it is manifest that the old business of mocking and ridicule is
again beginning, I have been earnestly advised by several of my
best and dearest friends to let you hear from me in a way to
which I have a great aversion. But if I do, believe me, it shall
be free of all malice, and merely to clear my character of senti-
;