Volume 1 - Electric Scotland

28 WILLIAM BLACKWOOD,
sent it, on its issue. Among the correspondents who
spring into sight around him after this pubUcation,
all anxious to have some book or other from his
stores, some of them enclosing long lists, there are
one or two whose names have still power to touch
the reader. From their letters we may quote one
from Sir Walter Scott, charming in its pleasant
gleam of character. He ought not to indulge in
books, the great Magician knows—but still
Abbotsford, 2\st May 1812.
Dear Sir,—I am greatly obliged to you for your attention in
forwarding your curious and interesting catalogue. I am here
ruining myself with plumbing and building, so that adding to
my library is in fact burning the candle at both ends. But I
am somewhat comforted by observing that the increased value
of books has very nearly doubled the prime cost of my little col-
lection, and proved me a wise man when I had much reason
to account myself a fool. I therefore subjoin an order for some
articles, to which I may probably make additions on coming to
Edinburgh ; for few people except princes can afford to marry
or buy books without making their own eyes the arbiters of
the bargain.—I am, with best thanks for your attention, dear
sir, yours very faithfully, Walter Scott.
It is evident from this that Sir Walter was already
on terms of some acquaintance with the active book-
seller. The list of books— I do not remember that
there are any of special interest—is written at the
back of the letter, which is thus inscribed : " Given
under my hand this day of my flitting from Ashestiel
—a historical note which goes to one's heart. He must
have paused to write it, his heart all aglow with the
pleasure of that entry into Abbotsford which he was
about to make—Abbotsford, where all was to come to
an end.
"