The Highland monthly - National Library of Scotland

The Highland Monthly,
less than six months, by the aid of his scaffolding of science
and superhuman appHcation, he obtained his degree, and at
once left for India. But, even here, the man remained the
same. There was the same uncouthness, the same love of
disputation, the same want of consideration in argument.
When, dreading the impression he would make in Indian
society. Sir John Malcolm, knowing his pride in his Teviot
origin, hinted at the adoption of a more English accent, and
only to talk on literature with literary men. Leyden
replied, " Learn English ! No, never !
It was trying to
learn that language that spoiled my Scotch !" There, also^
was the same desire for study, pursued under the most trying
circumstances. Even when his life was in danger he
never relaxed working ten hours a day, and when expostulated
with by the medical men who attended him, and who
told him if he worked he must die, he returned the
characteristic reply, " I cannot be idle, and whether I die
or live the wheel must go round to the last." To Oriental
literature, the love of which had impelled him to the East,
his contributions were not only wonderful in extent, but
surprising, considering the period at which they were made.
It \\as in pursuance of these studies that Leyden met his
death in Java. Leyden, in whatever way we look at him^
was a remarkable man, and was undoubtedly one of those
who first detected the value of philology in its application
to the history and development of our race. But, to what-
ever studies he may have devoted himself, he was in every
way a Border man. His heart, A\'herever he was, never
turned from his native Teviot, and his largest poem,
published just before leaving for India, is devoted to
descriptions and memories of his native vale. When lying
sick and ill, his first word always when Sir John Malcolm
entered the room was, " Is there any news ? " meaning from
home. Into the scheme of Scott, the publication of the
Border Minstrelsy, he entered with all the fiery energy of
his nature, walking on one occasioii fift}- miles to secure a
ballad his friend required, and contributing two of the best