THEAuthor，onaformeroccasion，declinedgivingtherealsourcefromwhichhedrewthetragicsubjectofthishistory，because，thoughoccurringatadistantperiod，itmightpossiblybeunpleasingtothefeelingsofthedescendantsoftheparties。

ButashefindsanaccountofthecircumstancesgivenintheNotestoLaw’sMemorials，byhisingeniousfriend，CharlesKirkpatrickSharpe，Esq。，andalsoindicatedinhisreprintoftheRev。Mr。Symson’spoemsappendedtotheLargeDescriptionofGalloway，astheoriginaloftheBrideofLammermoor，theAuthorfeelshimselfnowatlibertytotellthetaleashehaditfromconnexionsofhisown，wholivedveryneartheperiod，andwerecloselyrelatedtothefamilyofthebride。

ItiswellknownthatthefamilyofDalrymple，whichhasproduced，withinthespaceoftwocenturies，asmanymenoftalent，civilandmilitary，andofliterary，political，andprofessionaleminence，asanyhouseinScotland，firstroseintodistinctioninthepersonofJamesDalrymple，oneofthemosteminentlawyersthateverlived，thoughthelaboursofhispowerfulmindwereunhappilyexercisedonasubjectsolimitedasScottishjurisprudence，onwhichhehascomposedanadmirablework。

HemarriedMargaret，daughtertoRossofBalneel，withwhomheobtainedaconsiderableestate。Shewasanable，politic，andhigh-mindedwoman，sosuccessfulinwhatsheundertook，thatthevulgar，nowaypartialtoherhusbandorherfamily，imputedhersuccesstonecromancy。Accordingtothepopularbelief，thisDameMargaretpurchasedthetemporalprosperityofherfamilyfromtheMasterwhomsheservedunderasingularcondition，whichisthusnarratedbythehistorianofhergrandson，thegreatEarlofStair:”Shelivedtoagreatage，andatherdeathdesiredthatshemightnotbeputunderground，butthathercoffinshouldstanduprightononeendofit，promisingthatwhilesheremainedinthatsituationtheDalrymplesshouldcontinuetoflourish。Whatwastheoldlady’smotivefortherequest，orwhethershereallymadesuchapromise，Ishallnottakeuponmetodetermine；butit’scertainhercoffinstandsuprightintheisleofthechurchofKirklistown，theburial-placebelongingtothefamily。”Thetalentsofthisaccomplishedraceweresuifficienttohaveaccountedforthedignitieswhichmanymembersofthefamilyattained，withoutanysupernaturalassistance。Buttheirextraordinaryprosperitywasattendedbysomeequallysingularfamilymisfortunes，ofwhichthatwhichbefelltheireldestdaughterwasatonceunaccountableandmelancholy。

MissJanetDalrymple，daughterofthefirstLordStairandDameMargaretRoss，hadengagedherselfwithouttheknowledgeofherparentstotheLordRutherford，whowasnotacceptabletothemeitheronaccountofhispoliticalprinciplesorhiswantoffortune。Theyoungcouplebrokeapieceofgoldtogether，andpledgedtheirtrothinthemostsolemnmanner；anditissaidtheyoungladyimprecateddreadfulevilsonherselfshouldshebreakherplightedfaith。Shortlyafter，asuitorwhowasfavouredbyLordStair，andstillmoresobyhislady，paidhisaddressestoMissDalrymple。Theyoungladyrefusedtheproposal，andbeingpressedonthesubject，confessedhersecretengagement。LadyStair，awomanaccustomedtouniversalsubmission，forevenherhusbanddidnotdaretocontradicther，treatedthisobjectionasatrifle，andinsisteduponherdaughteryieldingherconsenttomarrythenewsuitor，DavidDunbar，sonandheirtoDavidDunbarofBaldoon，inWigtonshire。Thefirstlover，amanofveryhighspirit，theninterferedbyletter，andinsistedontherighthehadacquiredbyhistrothplightedwiththeyounglady。LadyStairsenthimforanswer，thatherdaughter，sensibleofherundutifulbehaviourinenteringintoacontractunsanctionedbyherparents，hadretractedherunlawfulvow，andnowrefusedtofulfilherengagementwithhim。

Thelover，inreturn，declinedpositivelytoreceivesuchananswerfromanyonebuthismistressinperson；andasshehadtodealwithamanwhowasbothofamostdeterminedcharacterandoftoohighconditiontobetrifledwith，LadyStairwasobligedtoconsenttoaninterviewbetweenLordRutherfordandherdaughter。Butshetookcaretobepresentinperson，andarguedthepointwiththedisappointedandincensedloverwithpertinacityequaltohisown。SheparticularlyinsistedontheLeviticallaw，whichdeclaresthatawomanshallbefreeofavowwhichherparentsdissentfrom。ThisisthepassageofScriptureshefoundedon:”IfamanvowavowuntotheLord，orswearanoathtobindhissoulwithabond；heshallnotbreakhisword，heshalldoaccordingtoallthatproceedethoutofhismouth。”IfawomanalsovowavowuntotheLord，andbindherselfbyabond，beinginherfather’shouseinheryouth；”Andherfatherhearhervow，andherbondwherewithshehathboundhersoul，andherfathershallholdhispeaceather:thenallhervowsshallstand，andeverybondwherewithshehathboundhersoulshallstand。”Butifherfatherdisallowherinthedaythatheheareth；notanyofhervows，orofherbondswherewithshehathboundhersoul，shallstand:andtheLordshallforgiveher，becauseherfatherdisallowedher。”——Numbersxxx。2-5。

Whilethemotherinsistedonthesetopics，theloverinvainconjuredthedaughtertodeclareherownopinionandfeelings。

Sheremainedtotallyoverwhelmed，asitseemed——mute，pale，andmotionlessasastatue。Onlyathermother’scommand，sternlyuttered，shesummonedstrengthenoughtorestoretoherplightedsuitorthepieceofbrokengoldwhichwastheemblemofhertroth。Onthisheburstforthintoatremendouspassion，tookleaveofthemotherwithmaledictions，andashelefttheapartment，turnedbacktosaytohisweak，ifnotfickle，mistresss:”Foryou，madam，youwillbeaworld’swonder”；aphrasebywhichsomeremarkabledegreeofcalamityisusuallyimplied。Hewentabroad，andreturnednotagain。IfthelastLordRutherfordwastheunfortunateparty，hemusthavebeenthethirdwhoborethattitle，andwhodiedin1685。

ThemarriagebetwixtJanetDalrympleandDavidDunbarofBaldoonnowwentforward，thebrideshowingnorepugnance，butbeingabsolutelypassiveineverythinghermothercommandedoradvised。Onthedayofthemarriage，which，aswasthenusual，wascelebratedbyagreatassemblageoffriendsandrelations，shewasthesame——sad，silent，andresigned，asitseemed，toherdestiny。Alady，verynearlyconnectedwiththefamily，toldtheAuthorthatshehadconversedonthesubjectwithoneofthebrothersofthebride，amereladatthetime，whohadriddenbeforehissistertochurch。Hesaidherhand，whichlayonhisassheheldherarmaroundhiswaist，wasascoldanddampasmarble。But，fullofhisnewdressandthepartheactedintheprocession，thecircumstance，whichhelongafterwardsrememberedwithbittersorrowandcompunction，madenoimpressiononhimatthetime。

Thebridalfeastwasfollowedbydancing。Thebrideandbridegroomretiredasusual，whenofasuddenthemostwildandpiercingcrieswereheardfromthenuptialchamber。Itwasthenthecustom，topreventanycoarsepleasantrywhicholdtimesperhapsadmitted，thatthekeyofthenuptialchambershouldbeentrustedtothebridesman。Hewascalledupon，butrefusedatfirsttogiveitup，tilltheshrieksbecamesohideousthathewascompelledtohastenwithotherstolearnthecause。Onopeningthedoor，theyfoundthebridegroomlyingacrossthethreshold，dreadfullywounded，andstreamingwithblood。Thebridewasthensoughtfor。Shewasfoundinthecornerofthelargechimney，havingnocoveringsavehershift，andthatdabbledingore。Thereshesatgrinningatthem，moppingandmowing，asIheardtheexpressionused；inaword，absolutelyinsane。Theonlywordsshespokewere，”Takupyourbonnybridegroom。”Shesurvivedthishorriblescenelittlemorethanafortnight，havingbeenmarriedonthe24thofAugust，anddyingonthe12thofSeptember1669。

TheunfortunateBaldoonrecoveredfromhiswounds，butsternlyprohibitedallinquiriesrespectingthemannerinwhichhehadreceivedthem。”Ifalady，”hesaid，”askedhimanyquestionuponthesubject，hewouldneitheranswerhernorspeaktoheragainwhilehelived；ifagentleman，hewouldconsideritasamortalaffront，anddemandsatisfactionashavingreceivedsuch。”Hedidnotverylongsurvivethedreadfulcatastrophe，havingmetwithafatalinjurybyafallfromhishorse，asherodebetweenLeithandHolyroodHouse，ofwhichhediedthenextday，28thMarch1682。Thusafewyearsremovedalltheprincipalactorsinthisfrightfultragedy。

Variousreportswentabroadonthismysteriousaffair，manyofthemveryinaccurate，thoughtheycouldhardlybesaidtobeexaggerated。ItwasdifficultatthattimetobecomeacquaintedwiththehistoryofaScottishfamilyabovethelowerrank；andstrangethingssometimestookplacethere，intowhicheventhelawdidnotscrupulouslyinquire。

ThecredulousMr。Lawsays，generally，thattheLordPresidentStairhadadaughter，who，”beingmarried，thenightshewasbridein，wastakenfromherbridegroomandharledthroughthehouse(byspirits，wearegiventounderstand)andafterwarddied。Anotherdaughter，”hesays，”wassupposedtobepossessedwithanevilspirit。”

Myfriend，Mr。Sharpe，givesanothereditionofthetale。

Accordingtohisinformation，tiwasthebridegroomwhowoundedthebride。Themarriage，accordingtothisaccount，hadbeenagainsthermother’sinclination，whohadgivenherconsentintheseominouswords:”Weel，youmaymarryhim，butsairshallyourepentit。”

Ifindstillanotheraccountdarklyinsinuatedinsomehighlyscurrilousandabusiveverses，ofwhichIhaveanoriginalcopy。

Theyaredocketedasbeingwritten”UponthelateViscountStairandhisfamily，bySirWilliamHamiltonofWhitelaw。ThemarginalsbyWilliamDunlop，writerinEdinburgh，asonoftheLairdofHousehill，andnephewtothesaidSirWilliamHamilton。”Therewasabitterandpersonalquarrelandrivalrybetwixttheauthorofthislibel，anamewhichitrichlydeserves，andLordPresidentStair；andthelampoon，whichiswrittenwithmuchmoremalicethanart，bearsthefollowingmotto:

Stair’sneck，mind，wife，songs，grandson，andtherest，Arewry，false，witch，pests，parricide，possessed。

Thismalignantsatirist，whocallsupallthemisfortunesofthefamily，doesnotforgetthefatalbridalofBaldoon。Heseems，thoughhisversesareasobscureasunpoetical，tointimatethattheviolencedonetothebridegroomwasbytheinterventionofthefoulfiend，towhomtheyoungladyhadresignedherself，incasesheshouldbreakhercontractwithherfirstlover。HishypothesisisinconsistentwiththeaccountgiveninthenoteuponLaw’sMemorials，buteasilyreconcilabletothefamilytradition。

InallStair’soffspriungwenodifferenceknow，Theydothefemalesasthemalesbestow；

Soheofoneofhisdaughters’marriagesgavetheward，Likeatruevassal，toGlenluce’sLaird；

Heknewwhatshedidtohermasterplight，IfsheherfaithtoRutherfurdshouldslight，Which，likehisown，forgreedhebrokeoutright。

NickdidBaldoon’sposteriorrightderide，And，asfirstsubstitute，didseizethebride；

Whate’erhetohismistressdidorsaid，Hethrewthebridegroomfromthenuptialbed，Intothechimneydidsohisrivalmaul，Hisbruisedbonesne’erwerecuredbutbythefall。

OneofthemarginalnotesascribedtoWilliamDunlopappliestotheabovelines。”ShehadbetrothedherselftoLordRutherfoordunderhorridimprecations，andafterwardsmarriedBaldoon，hisnevoy，andhermotherwasthecauseofherbreachoffaith。”

Thesametragedyisalludedtointhefollowingcoupletandnote:

Whattrainofcursesthatbasebroodpursues，Whentheyoungnephewwedsolduncle’sspouse。

Thenoteontheword”uncle”explainsitasmeaning”Rutherfoord，whoshouldhavemarriedtheLadyBaldoon，wasBaldoon’suncle。”ThepoetryofthissatireonLordStairandhisfamilywas，asalreadynoticed，writtenbySirWilliamHamiltonofWhitelaw，arivalofLordStairforthesituationofPresidentoftheCourtofSession；apersonmuchinferiortothatgreatlawyerintalents，andequallyill-treatedbythecalumnyorjustsatireofhiscontemporariesasanunjustandpartialjudge。Someofthenotesarebythatcuriousandlaboriousantiquary，RobertMilne，who，asavirulentJacobite，willinglylentahandtoblackenthefamilyofStair。

Anotherpoetoftheperiod，withaverydifferentpurpose，hasleftanelegy，inwhichhedarklyhintsatandbemoansthefateoftheill-starredyoungperson，whoseveryuncommoncalamityWhitelaw，Dunlop，andMilnethoughtafittingsubjectforbuffooneryandribaldry。ThisbardofmildermoodwasAndrewSymson，beforetheRevolutionministerofKirkinner，inGalloway，andafterhisexpulsionasanEpiscopalianfollowingthehumbleoccupationofaprinterinEdinburgh。HefurnishedthefamilyofBaldoon，withwhichheappearstohavebeenintimate，withanelegyonthetragiceventintheirfamily。Inthispiecehetreatsthemournfuloccasionofthebride’sdeathwithmysterioussolemnity。

Theversesbearthistitle，”OntheunexpecteddeathofthevirtuousLadyMrs。JanetDalrymple，LadyBaldoon，younger，”andaffordustheprecisedatesofthecatastrophe，whichcouldnototherwisehavebeeneasilyascertained。”NuptaAugust12。

DomumDuctaAugust24。ObiitSeptember12。Sepult。September30，1669。”Theformoftheelegyisadialoguebetwixtapassengerandadomesticservant。Thefirst，recollectingthathehadpassedthatwaylately，andseenallaroundenlivenedbytheappearancesofmirthandfestivity，isdesiroustoknowwhathadchangedsogayasceneintomourning。WepreservethereplyoftheservantasaspecimenofMr。Symson’sverses，whicharenotofthefirstquality:

Sir，’tistruthyou’vetold。

Wedidenjoygreatmirth；butnow，ahme！

Ourjoyfulsong’sturn’dtoanelegie。

Avirtuouslady，notlongsinceabride，Wastoahopefulplantbymarriagetied，Andbroughthomehither。Wedidallrejoice，Evenforhersake。ButpresentlyourvoiceWasturn’dtomourningforthatlittletimeThatshe’denjoy:shewanedinherprime，ForAtropus，withherimpartialknife，Sooncutherthread，andtherewithalherlife；

Andforthetimewemayitwellremember，ItbeinginunfortunateSeptember；……

Wherewemustleavehertilltheresurrection。

’TisthentheSaintsenjoytheirfullperfection。

Mr。Symsonalsopouredforthhiselegiacstrainsuponthefateofthewidowedbridegroom，onwhichsubject，afteralongandquerulouseffusion，thepoetarrivesatthesoundconclusion，thatifBaldoonhadwalkedonfoot，whichitseemswashisgeneralcustom，hewouldhaveescapedperishingbyafallfromhorseback。Astheworkinwhichitoccursissoscarceasalmosttobeunique，andasitgivesusthemostfullaccountofoneoftheactorsinthistragictalewhichwehaverehearsed，wewill，attheriskofbeingtedious，insertsomeshortspecimensofMr。

Symson’scomposition。Itisentitled:”AFuneralElegie，occasionedbythesadandmuchlamenteddeathofthatworthilyrespected，andverymuchaccomplishedgentleman，DavidDunbar，younger，ofBaldoon，onlysonandapparentheirtotherightworshipfulSirDavidDunbarofBaldoon，KnightBaronet。HedepartedthislifeonMarch28，1682，havingreceivedabruisebyafall，ashewasridingthedayprecedingbetwixtLeithandHolyroodHouse；andwashonourablyinterredintheAbbeyChurchofHolyroodHouse，onApril4，1682。”

Menmight，andveryjustlytoo，concludeMeguiltyoftheworstingratitude，ShouldIbesilent，orshouldIforbearAtthissadaccidenttoshedatear；

Atear！saidI？ah！that’sapetitthing，Averylean，slight，slenderoffering，Toomean，I’msure，forme，wherewitht’attendTheunexpectedfuneralofmyfriend:

Aglassofbrinytearschargeduptoth’brim。

Wouldbetoofewformetoshedforhim。

Thepoetproceedstostatehisintimacywiththedeceased，andtheconstancyoftheyoungman’sattendanceonpublicworship，whichwasregular，andhadsucheffectupontwoorthreeotherthatwereinfluencedbyhisexample:

SothatmyMuse’gainstPriscianavers，He，onlyhe，WEREmyparishioners；

Yea，andmyonlyhearers。

Hethendescribesthedeceasedinpersonandmanners，fromwhichitappearsthatmoreaccomplishmentswereexpectedinthecompositionofafinegentlemaninancientthanmoderntimes:

Hisbody，thoughnotverylargeortall，Wassprightly，active，yeaandstrongwithal。

Hisconstitutionwas，ifrightI’veguess’d，Bloodmixtwithcholer，saidtobethebest。

In’sgesture，converse，speech，discourse，attire，Hepractis’dthatwhichwisemenstilladmire，Commend，andrecommend。What’sthat？you’llsay。

’Tisthis:heeverchoos’dthemiddleway’Twixtbothth’extremes。Amostinev’rythingHedidthelike，’tisworthournoticing:

Sparing，yetnotaniggard；liberal，Andyetnotlavishoraprodigal，Asknowingwhentospendandwhentospare；

Andthat’salessonwhichnotmanyareAcquaintedwith。Hebashfulwas，yetdaringWhenhesawcause，andyetthereinnotsparing；

Familiar，yetnotcommon，forheknewTocondescend，andkeephisdistancetoo。

Heus’d，andthatmostcommonly，togoOnfoot；Iwishthathehadstilldoneso。

Th’affairsofcourtwereuntohimwellknown；

Andyetmeanwhileheslightednothisown。

Heknewfullwellhowtobehaveatcourt，Andyetbutseldomdidtheretoresort；

Butlov’dthecountrylife，choos’dtoinureHimselftopast’rageandagriculture；

Proving，improving，ditching，trenching，draining，Viewing，reviewing，andbythosemeansgaining；

Planting，transplanting，levelling，erectingWalls，chambers，houses，terraces；projectingNowthis，nowthatdevice，thisdraught，thatmeasure，Thatmightadvancehisprofitwithhispleasure。

Quickinhisbargains，honestincommerce，Justinhisdealings，beingmuchadverseFromquirksoflaw，stillreadytoreferHiscauset’anhonestcountryarbiter。

Hewasacquaintedwithcosmography，Arithmetic，andmodernhistory；

Witharchitectureandsuchartsasthese，WhichImaycallspecificksciencesFitforagentleman；andsurelyheThatknowsthemnot，atleastinsomedegree，Maybrookthetitle，buthewantsthething，Isbutashadowscarceworthnoticing。

HelearnedtheFrench，be’tspokentohispraise，Inverylittlemorethanfourtydays。”

Thencomesthefullburstofwoe，inwhich，insteadofsayingmuchhimself，thepoetinformsuswhattheancientswouldhavesaidonsuchanoccasion:

Aheathenpoet，atthenews，nodoubt，Wouldhaveexclaimed，andfuriouslycry’doutAgainstthefates，thedestiniesandstarrs，What！thistheeffectofplanetariewarrs！

Wemighthaveseenhimrageandrave，yeaworse，’TisverylikewemighthaveheardhimcurseTheyear，themonth，theday，thehour，theplace，Thecompany，thewager，andtherace；

Decryallrecreations，withthenamesOfIsthmian，Pythian，andOlympickgames；

Exclaimagainstthemallbotholdandnew，BoththeNemaeanandtheLethaeantoo:

Adjudgeallpersons，underhighestpain，Alwaystowalkonfoot，andthenagainOrderallhorsestobehough’d，thatweMightnevermorethelikeadventuresee。

SupposingourreadershavehadenoughofMr。Symson’swoe，andfindingnothingmoreinhispoemworthyoftranscription，wereturntothetragicstory。

Itisneedlesstopointouttotheintelligentreaderthatthewitchcraftofthemotherconsistedonlyintheascendencyofapowerfulmindoveraweakandmelancholyone，adnthattheharshnesswithwhichsheexercisedhersuperiorityinacaseofdelicacyhaddrivenherdaughterfirsttodespair，thentofrenzy。Accordingly，theAuthorhasendeavouredtoexplainthetragictaleonthisprinciple。WhateverresemblanceLadyAshtonmaybesupposedtopossesstothecelebratedDameMargaretRoss，thereadermustnotsupposethattherewasanyideaoftracingtheportraitofthefirstLordViscountStairinthetrickyandmean-spiritedSirWilliamAshton。LordStair，whatevermightbehismoralqualities，wascertainlyoneofthefirststatesmenandlawyersofhisage。

TheimaginarycastleofWolf’sCraghasbeenidentifiedbysomeloveroflocalitywiththatofFastCastle。TheAuthorisnotcompetenttojudgeoftheresemblancebetwixttherealandimaginaryscenes，havingneverseenFastCastleexceptfromthesea。Butfortalicesofthisdescriptionarefoundoccupying，likeospreys’nests，projectingrocks，orpromontories，inmanypartsoftheeasterncoastofScotland，andthepositionofFastCastleseemscertainlytoresemblethatofWolf’sCragasmuchasanyother，whileitsvicinitytothemountainridgeofLammermoorrenderstheassimilationaprobableone。

Wehaveonlytoadd，thatthedeathoftheunfortunatebridegroombyafallfromhorsebackhasbeeninthenoveltransferredtothenolessunfortunatelover。

CHAPTERI

ByCaukandkeeltowinyourbread，Wi’whigmaleeriesforthemwhaneed，WhilkisagentletradeindeedTocarrythegaberlunzieon。

OldSong。

FEWhavebeeninmysecretwhileIwascompilingthesenarratives，norisitprobablethattheywilleverbecomepublicduringthelifeoftheirauthor。Evenwerethateventtohappen，Iamnotambitiousofthehonoureddistinction，digitomonstrari。Iconfessthat，wereitsafetocherishsuchdreamsatall，Ishouldmoreenjoythethoughtofremainingbehindthecurtainunseen，liketheingeniousmanagerofPunchandhiswifeJoan，andenjoyingtheastonishmentandconjecturesofmyaudience。ThenmightI，perchance，heartheproductionsoftheobscurePeterPattiesonpraisedbythejudiciousandadmiredbythefeeling，engrossingtheyoungandattractingeventheold；

whilethecritictracedtheirfameuptosomenameofliterarycelebrity，andthequestionwhen，andbywhom，thesetaleswerewrittenfilledupthepauseofconversationinahundredcirclesandcoteries。ThisImayneverenjoyduringmylifetime；butfartherthanthis，Iamcertain，myvanityshouldneverinducemetoaspire。

Iamtoostubborninhabits，andtoolittlepolishedinmanners，toenvyoraspiretothehonoursassignedtomyliterarycontemporaries。IcouldnotthinkawhitmorehighlyofmyselfwereIfoundworthyto”comeinplaceasalion”forawinterinthegreatmetropolis。Icouldnotrise，turnround，andshowallmyhonours，fromtheshaggymanetothetuftedtail，”roaryouan’twereanynightingale，”andsoliedownagainlikeawell-

behavedbeastofshow，andallatthecheapandeasyrateofacupofcoffeeandasliceofbreadandbutterasthinasawafer。

AndIcouldillstomachthefulsomeflatterywithwhichtheladyoftheeveningindulgeshershow-monstersonsuchoccasions，asshecramsherparrotswithsugar-plums，inordertomakethemtalkbeforecompany。Icannotbetemptedto”comealoft”forthesemarksofdistinction，and，likeimprisonedSamson，Iwouldratherremain——ifsuchmustbethealternative——allmylifeinthemill-house，grindingformyverybread，thanbebroughtforthtomakesportforthePhilistinelordsandladies。Thisproceedsfromnodislike，realoraffected，tothearistocracyoftheserealms。Buttheyhavetheirplace，andIhavemine；and，liketheironandearthenvesselsintheoldfable，wecanscarcecomeintocollisionwithoutmybeingthesuffererineverysense。ItmaybeotherwisewiththesheetswhichIamnowwriting。Thesemaybeopenedandlaidasideatpleasure；byamusingthemselveswiththeperusal，thegreatwillexcitenofalsehopes；byneglectingorcondemningthem，theywillinflictnopain；andhowseldomcantheyconversewiththosewhosemindshavetoiledfortheirdelightwithoutdoingeithertheoneortheother。

InthebetterandwisertoneoffeelingwithOvidonlyexpressesinonelinetoretractinthatwhichfollows，Icanaddressthesequires——

Parve，necinvideo，sineme，liber，ibisinurbem。

NordoIjointheregretoftheillustriousexile，thathehimselfcouldnotinpersonaccompanythevolume，whichhesentforthtothemartofliterature，pleasure，andluxury。Weretherenotahundredsimilarinstancesonrecord，therateofmypoorfriendandschool-fellow，DickTinto，wouldbesufficienttowarnmeagainstseekinghappinessinthecelebritywhichattachesitselftoasuccessfulcultivatorofthefinearts。

DickTinto，whenhewrotehimselfartist，waswonttoderivehisoriginfromtheancientfamilyofTinto，ofthatilk，inLanarkshire，andoccasionallyhintedthathehadsomewhatderogatedfromhisgentlebloodinusingthepencilforhisprincipalmeansofsupport。ButifDick’spedigreewascorrect，someofhisancestorsmusthavesufferedamoreheavydeclension，sincethegoodmanhisfatherexecutedthenecessary，and，Itrust，thehonest，butcertainlynotverydistinguished，employmentoftailorinordinarytothevillageofLangdirduminthewest……UnderhishumbleroofwasRichardborn，andtohisfather’shumbletradewasRichard，greatlycontrarytohisinclination，earlyindentured。OldMr。Tintohad，however，noreasontocongratulatehimselfuponhavingcompelledtheyouthfulgeniusofhissontoforsakeitsnaturalbent。Hefaredliketheschool-boywhoattemptstostopwithhisfingerthespoutofawatercistern，whilethestream，exasperatedatthiscompression，escapesbyathousanduncalculatedspurts，andwetshimalloverforhispains。EvensofaredtheseniorTinto，whenhishopefulapprenticenotonlyexhaustedallthechalkinmakingsketchesupontheshopboard，butevenexecutedseveralcaricaturesofhisfather’sbestcustomers，whobeganloudlytomurmur，thatitwastoohardtohavetheirpersonsdeformedbythevestmentsofthefather，andtobeatthesametimeturnedintoridiculebythepenciloftheson。Thisledtodiscreditandlossofpractice，untiltheoldtailor，yieldingtodestinyandtotheentreatiesofhisson，permittedhimtoattempthisfortuneinalineforwhichhewasbetterqualified。

Therewasaboutthistime，inthevillageofLangdirdum，aperipateticbrotherofthebrush，whoexercisedhisvocationsubJovefrigido，theobjectofadmirationofalltheboysofthevillage，butespeciallytoDickTinto。Theagehadnotyetadopted，amongstotherunworthyretrenchments，thatilliberalmeasureofeconomywhich，supplyingbywrittencharactersthelackofsymbolicalrepresentation，closesoneopenandeasilyaccessibleavenueofinstructionandemolumentagainstthestudentsofthefinearts。Itwasnotyetpermittedtowriteupontheplastereddoorwayofanalehouse，。orthesuspendedsignofaninn，”TheOldMagpie，”or”TheSaracen’sHead，”

substitutingthatcolddescriptionforthelivelyeffigiesoftheplumedchatterer，ortheturban’dfrownoftheterrificsoldan。

Thatearlyandmoresimpleageconsideredalikethenecessitiesofallranks，anddepictedthesymbolsofgoodcheersoastobeobvioustoallcapacities；welljudgingthatamanwhocouldnotreadasyllablemightneverthelessloveapotofgoodaleaswellashisbetter-educatedneighbours，orevenastheparsonhimself。

Actinguponthisliberalprinciple，publicansasyethungforththepaintedemblemsoftheircalling，andsign-painters，iftheyseldomfeasted，didnotatleastabsolutelystarve。

Toaworthyofthisdecayedprofession，aswehavealreadyintimated，DickTintobecameanassistant；andthus，asisnotunusualamongheaven-borngeniusesinthisdepartmentofthefinearts，begantopaintbeforehehadanynotionofdrawing。

Histalentforobservingnaturesooninducedhimtorectifytheerrors，adnsoarabovetheinstructions，ofhisteacher。Heparticularlyshoneinpaintinghorses，thatbeingafavouritesignintheScottishvillages；and，intracinghisprogress，itisbeautifultoobservehowbydegreeshelearnedtoshortenthebacksandprolongthelegsofthesenobleanimals，untiltheycametolooklesslikecrocodiles，andmorelikenags。

Detraction，whichalwayspursuesmeritwithstridesproportionedtoitsadvancement，hasindeedallegedthatDickonceuponatimepaintedahorsewithfivelegs，insteadoffour。Imighthaverestedhisdefenceuponthelicenseallowedtothatbranchofhisprofession，which，asitpermitsallsortsofsingularandirregularcombinations，maybeallowedtoextenditselfsofarastobestowalimbsupernumeraryonafavouritesubject。Butthecauseofadeceasedfriendissacred；andIdisdaintobottomitsosuperficially。Ihavevisitedthesigninquestion，whichyetswingsexaltedinthevillageofLangdirdum；andIamreadytodeponeupontheoaththatwhathasbeenidlymistakenormisrepresentedasbeingthefifthlegofthehorse，is，infact，thetailofthatquadruped，and，consideredwithreferencetothepostureinwhichheisdelineated，formsacircumstanceintroducedandmanagedwithgreatandsuccessful，thoughdaring，art。Thenagbeingrepresentedinarampantorrearingposture，thetail，whichisprolongedtillittouchestheground，appearstoformapointd’appui，andgivesthefirmnessofatripodtothefigure，withoutwhichitwouldbedifficulttoconceive，placedasthefeetare，howthecoursercouldmaintainhisgroundwithouttumblingbackwards。Thisboldconceptionhasfortunatelyfallenintothecustodyofonebywhomitisdulyvalued；for，whenDick，inhismoreadvancedstateofproficiency，becamedubiousoftheproprietyofsodaringadeviationtoexecuteapictureofthepublicanhimselfinexchangeforthisjuvenileproduction，thecourteousofferwasdeclinedbyhisjudiciousemployer，whohadobserved，itseems，thatwhenhisalefailedtodoitsdutyinconciliatinghisguests，oneglanceathissignwassuretoputthemingoodhumour。

ItwouldbeforeigntomypresentpurposetotracethestepsbywhichDickTintoimprovedhistouch，andcorrected，bytherulesofart，theluxurianceofafervidimagination。Thescalesfellfromhiseyesonviewingthesketchesofacontemporary，theScottishTeniers，asWilkiehasbeendeservedlystyled。Hethrewdownthebrush。tookupthecrayons，and，amidhungerandtoil，andsuspenseanduncertainty，pursuedthepathofhisprofessionunderbetterauspicesthanthoseofhisoriginalmaster。Stillthefirstrudeemanationsofhisgenius，likethenurseryrhymesofPope，couldtheseberecovered，willbedeartothecompanionsofDickTinto’syouth。Thereisatankardandgridironpaintedoverthedoorofanobscurechange-houseintheBackWyndofGandercleugh——ButIfeelImusttearmyselffromthesubject，ordwellonittoolong。

Amidhiswantsandstruggles，DickTintohadrecourse，likehisbrethren，tolevyingthattaxuponthevanityofmankindwhichhecouldnotextractfromtheirtasteandliberality——onaword，hepaintedportraits。Itwasinthismoreadvancedstateofproficiency，whenDickhadsoaredabovehisoriginallineofbusiness，andhighlydisdainedanyallusiontoit，that，afterhavingbeenestrangedforseveralyears，weagainmetinthevillageofGandercleugh，Iholdingmypresentsituation，andDickpaintingcopiesofthehumanfacedivineataguineaperhead。

Thiswasasmallpremium，yet，inthefirstburstofbusiness，itmorethansufficedforallDick’smoderatewants；sothatheoccupiedanapartmentattheWallaceInn，crackedhisjestwithimpunityevenuponminehosthimself，andlivedinrespectandobservancewiththechambermaid，hostler，andwaiter。

Thosehalcyondaysweretooserenetolastlong。WhenhishonourtheLairdofGandercleugh，withhiswifeandthreedaughters，theminister，thegauger，mineesteemedpatronMr。

JedediahCleishbotham，andsomerounddozenofthefeuarsandfarmers，hadbeenconsignedtoimmortalitybyTinto’sbrush，custombegantoslacken，anditwasimpossibletowringmorethancrownsandhalf-crownsfromthehardhandsofthepeasantswhoseambitionledthemtoDick’spainting-room。

Still，thoughthehorizonwasoverclouded，nostormforsometimeensued。MinehosthadChristianfaithwithalodgerwhohadbeenagoodpaymasteraslongashehadthemeans。Andfromaportraitofourlandlordhimself，groupedwithhiswifeanddaughters，inthestyleofRubens，whichsuddenlyappearedinthebestparlour，itwasevidentthatDickhadfoundsomemodeofbarteringartforthenecessariesoflife。

Nothing，however，ismoreprecariousthanresourcesofthisnature。ItwasobservedthatDickbecameinhisturnthewhetstoneofminehost’swit，withoutventuringeitheratdefenceorretaliation；thathiseaselwastransferredtoagarret0room，inwhichtherewasscarcespaceforittostandupright；andthathenolongerventuredtojointheweeklyclub，ofwhichhehadbeenoncethelifeandsoul。Inshort，DickTinto’sfriendsfearedthathehadactedliketheanimalcalledthesloth，which，heavingeatenupthelastgreenleafuponthetreewhereithasestablisheditself，endsbytumblingdownfromthetop，anddyingofinanition。IventuredtohintthistoDick，recommendedhistransferringtheexerciseofhisinestimabletalenttosomeothersphere，andforsakingthecommonwhichhemightbesaidtohaveeatenbare。”Thereisanobstacletomychangeofresidence，”saidmyfriend，graspingmyhandwithalookofsolemnity。”Abillduetomylandlord，Iamafraid？”repliedI，withheartfeltsympathy；”ifanypartofmyslendermeanscanassistinthisemergence——””No，bythesoulofSirJoshua！”answeredthegenerousyouth，”I

willneverinvolveafriendintheconsequencesofmyownmisfortune。ThereisamodebywhichIcanregainmyliberty；andtocreepeventhroughacommonsewerisbetterthantoremaininprison。”

Ididnotperfectlyunderstandwhatmyfriendmeant。Themuseofpaintingappearedtohavefailedhim，andwhatothergoddesshecouldinvokeinhisdistresswasamysterytome。Weparted，however，withoutfurtherexplanation，andIdidnotseehimuntilthreedaysafter，whenhesummonedmetopartakeofthe”foy”

withwhichhislandlordproposedtoregalehimerehisdepartureforEdinburgh。

IfoundDickinhighspirits，whistlingwhilehebuckledthesmallknapsackwhichcontainedhiscolours，brushes，pallets，andcleanshirt。Thathepartedonthebesttermswithminehostwasobviousfromthecoldbeefsetforthinthelowparlour，flankedbytwomugsofadmirablebrownstout；andIownmycuriositywasexcitedconcerningthemeansthroughwhichthefaceofmyfriend’saffairshadbeensosuddenlyimproved。IdidnotsuspectDickofdealingwiththedevil，andbywhatearthlymeanshehadextricatedhimselfthushappilyIwasatatotallosstoconjecture。

Heperceivedmycuriosity，andtookmebythehand。”Myfriend，”hesaid，”fainwouldIconceal，evenfromyou，thedegradationtowhichithasbeennecessarytosubmit，inordertoaccomplishanhonourableretreatfromGandercleaugh。Butwhatavailsattemptingtoconcealthatwhichmustneedsbetrayitselfevenbyitssuperiorexcellence？Allthevillage——alltheparish——alltheworld——willsoondiscovertowhatpovertyhasreducedRichardTinto。:

Asuddenthoughtherestruckme。Ihadobservedthatourlandlordwore，onthatmemorablemorning，apairofbrannewvelveteensinsteadofhisancientthicksets。”What，”saidI，drawingmyrighthand，withtheforefingerandthumbpressedtogether，nimblyfrommyrighthaunchtomyleftshoulder，”youhavecondescendedtoresumethepaternalartstowhichyouwerefirstbred——longstitches，ha，Dick？”

Herepelledthisunluckyconjecturewithafrownandapshaw，indicativeofindignantcontempt，andleadingmeintoanotherroom，showedme，restingagainstthewall，themajesticheadofSirWilliamWallace，grimaswhenseveredfromthetrunkbytheordersoftheEdward。

Thepaintingwasexecutedonboardsofasubstantialthickness，andthetopdecoratedwithirons，forsuspendingthehonouredeffigyuponasignpost。”There，”hesaid，”myfriend，standsthehonourofScotland，andmyshame；yetnotso——rathertheshameofthosewho，insteadofencouragingartinitspropersphere，reduceittotheseunbecomingandunworthyextremities。”

Iendeavouredtosmooththeruffledfeelingsofmymisusedandindignantfriend。Iremindedhimthatheoughtnot，likethestaginthefable，todespisethequalitywhichhadextricatedhimfromdifficulties，inwhichhistalents，asaportraitorlandscapepainter，hadbeenfoundunavailing。Aboveall，I

praisedtheexecution，aswellasconception，ofhispainting，andremindedhimthat，farfromfeelingdishonouredbysosuperbaspecimenofhistalentsbeingexposedtothegeneralviewofthepublic，heoughtrathertocongratulatehimselfupontheaugmentationofhiscelebritytowhichitspublicexhibitionmustnecessarilygiverise。”Youareright，myfriend——youareright，”repliedpoorDick，hiseyekindlingwithenthusiasm；”whyshouldIshunthenameofan——an——(hehesitatedforaphrase)——anout-of-doorsartist？

Hogarthhasintroducedhimselfinthatcharacterinoneofhisbestengravings；Domenichino，orsomebodyelse，inancienttimes，Morlandinourown，haveexercisedtheirtalentsinthismanner。Andwhereforelimittotherichandhigherclassesalonethedelightwhichtheexhibitionofworksofartiscalculatedtoinspireintoallclasses？Statuesareplacedintheopenair，whyshouldPaintingbemoreniggardlyindisplayinghermasterpiecesthanhersisterSculpture？Andyet，myfriend，wemustpartsuddenly；thecarpenteriscominginanhourtoputupthe——theemblem；andtruly，withallmyphilosophy，andyourconsolatoryencouragementtoboot，IwouldratherwishtoleaveGandercleughbeforethatoperationcommences。”

Wepartookofourgenialhost’spartingbanquet，andIescortedDickonhiswalktoEdinburgh。Wepartedaboutamilefromthevillage，justasweheardthedistantcheeroftheboyswhichaccompaniedthemountingofthenewsymboloftheWallaceHead。

DickTintomendedhispacetogetoutofhearing，solittlehadeitherearlypracticeorrecentphilosophyreconciledhimtothecharacterofasign-painter。

InEdinburgh，Dick’stalentswerediscoveredandappreciated，andhereceiveddinnersandhintsfromseveraldistinguishedjudgesofthefinearts。Butthesegentlemendispensedtheircriticismmorewillinglythantheircash，andDickthoughtheneededcashmorethancriticism。HethereforesoughtLondon，theuniversalmartoftalent，andwhere，asisusualingeneralmartsofmostdescriptions，muchmoreofeachcommodityisexposedtosalethancaneverfindpurchasers。

Dick，who，inseriousearnest，wassupposedtohaveconsiderablenaturaltalentsforhisprofession，andwhosevainandsanguinedispositionneverpermittedhimtodoubtforamomentofultimatesuccess，threwhimselfheadlongintothecrowdwhichjostledandstruggledfornoticeandpreferment。Heelbowedothers，andwaselbowedhimself；andfinally，bydintofintrepidity，foughthiswayintosomenotice，paintedfortheprizeattheInstitution，hadpicturesattheexhibitionatSomersetHouse，anddamnedthehangingcommittee。ButpoorDickwasdoomedtolosethefieldhefoughtsogallantly。Inthefinearts，thereisscarceanalternativebetwixtdistinguishedsuccessandabsolutefailure；andasDick’szealandindustrywereunabletoensurethefirst，hefellintothedistresseswhich，inhiscondition，werethenaturalconsequencesofthelatteralternative。Hewasforatimepatronisedbyoneortwoofthosejudiciouspersonswhomakeavirtueofbeingsingular，andofpitchingtheirownopinionsagainstthoseoftheworldinmattersoftasteandcriticism。ButtheysoontiredofpoorTinto，andlaidhimdownasaload，upontheprincipleonwhichaspoiltchildthrowsawayitsplaything。Misery，Ifear，tookhimup，andaccompaniedhimtoaprematuregrave，towhichhewascarriedfromanobscurelodginginSwallowStreet，wherehehadbeendunnedbyhislandladywithindoors，andwatchedbybailiffswithout，untildeathcametohisrelief。AcorneroftheMorningPostnoticedhisdeath，generouslyadding，thathismannerdisplayedconsiderablegenius，thoughhisstylewasrathersketchy；andreferredtoanadvertisement，whichannouncedthatMr。Varnish，awell-knownprintseller，hadstillonhandaveryfewdrawingsandpainingsbyRichardTinto，Esquire，whichthoseofthenobilityandgentrywhomightwishtocompletetheircollectionsofmodernartwereinvitedtovisitwithoutdelay。

SoendedDickTinto！alamentableproofofthegreattruth，thatinthefineartsmediocrityisnotpermitted，andthathewhocannotascendtotheverytopoftheladderwilldowellnottoputhisfootuponitatall。

ThememoryofTintoisdeartome，fromtherecollectionofthemanyconversationswhichwehavehadtogether，mostofthemturninguponmypresenttask。Hewasdelightedwithmyprogress，andtalkedofanornamentedandillustratededition，withheads，vignettes，andculsdelampe，alltobedesignedbyhisownpatrioticandfriendlypencil。HeprevaileduponanoldsergeantofinvalidstosittohiminthecharacterofBothwell，thelifeguard’s-manofCharlestheSecond，andthebellmanofGandercleughinthatofDavidDeans。Butwhilehethusproposedtounitehisownpowerswithminefortheillustrationofthesenarratives，hemixedmanyadoseofsalutarycriticismwiththepanegyricswhichmycompositionwasattimessofortunateastocallforth。”Yourcharacters，”hesaid，”mydearPattieson，maketoomuchuseofthegobbox；theypattertoomuch(anelegantphraseologywhichDickhadlearnedwhilepaintingthescenesofanitinerantcompanyofplayers)；thereisnothinginwholepagesbutmerechatanddialogue。””Theancientphilosopher，”saidIinreply，”waswonttosay，’Speak，thatImayknowthee’；andhowisitpossibleforanauthortointroducehispersonaedramatistohisreadersinamoreinterestingandeffectualmannerthanbythedialogueinwhicheachisrepresentedassupportinghisownappropriatecharacter？””Itisafalseconclusion，”saidTinto；”Ihateit，Peter，asI

hateanunfilledcan。Igrantyou，indeed，thatspeechisafacultyofsomevalueintheintercourseofhumanaffairs，andI

willnoteveninsistonthedoctrineofthatPythagoreantoper，whowasofopinionthatoverabottlespeakingspoiledconversation。ButIwillnotallowthataprofessorofthefineartshasoccasiontoembodytheideaofhissceneinlanguage，inordertoimpressuponthereaderitsrealityanditseffect。Onthecontrary，Iwillbejudgedbymostofyourreaders，Peter，shouldthesetaleseverbecomepublic，whetheryouhavenotgivenusapageoftalkforeverysingleideawhichtwowordsmighthavecommunicated，whiletheposture，andmanner，andincident，accuratelydrawn，andbrougthoutbyappropriatecolouring，wouldhavepreservedallthatwasworthyofpreservation，andsavedtheseeverlasting’saidhe’s’and’saidshe’s，’withwhichithasbeenyourpleasuretoencumberyourpages。”

Ireplied，”Thatheconfoundedtheoperationsofthepencilandthepen；thatthesereneandsilentart，aspaintinghasbeencalledbyoneofourfirstlivingpoets，necessarilyappealedtotheeye，becauseithadnottheorgansforaddressingtheear；

whereaspoetry，orthatspeciesofcompositionwhichapproachedtoit，layunderthenecessityofdoingabsolutelythereverse，andaddresseditselftotheear，forthepurposeofexcitingthatinterestwhichitcouldnotattainthroughthemediumoftheeye。”

Dickwasnotawhitstaggeredbymyargument，whichhecontendedwasfoundedonmisrepresentation。”Description，”hesaid，”wastotheauthorofaromanceexactlywhatdrawingandtintingweretoapainter:wordswerehiscolours，and，ifproperlyemployed，theycouldnotfailtoplacethescenewhichhewishedtoconjureupaseffectuallybeforethemind’seyeasthetabletorcanvaspresentsittothebodilyorgan。Thesamerules，”hecontended，”appliedtoboth，andanexuberanceofdialogue，intheformercase，wasaverboseandlaboriousmodeofcompositionwhichwenttoconfoundtheproperartoffictitiousnarrativewiththatofthedrama，awidelydifferentspeciesofcomposition，ofwhichdialoguewastheveryessence，becauseall，exceptingthelanguagetobemadeuseof，waspresentedtotheeyebythedresses，andpersons，andactionsoftheperformersuponthestage。Butasnothing，”saidDick，”canbemoredullthanalongnarrativewrittenupontheplanofadrama，sowhereyouhaveapproachedmostneartothatspeciesofcomposition，byindulginginprolongedscenesofmereconversation，thecourseofyourstoryhasbecomechillandconstrained，andyouhavelostthepowerofarrestingtheattentionandexcitingtheimagination，inwhichuponotheroccasionsyoumaybeconsideredashavingsucceededtolerablywell。”

Imademybowinrequitalofthecompliment，whichwasprobablythrowninbywayofplacebo，andexpressedmyselfwillingatleasttomakeonetrialofamorestraightforwardstyleofcomposition，inwhichmyactorsshoulddomore，andsayless，thaninmyformerattemptsofthiskind。Dickgavemeapatronisingandapprovingnod，andobservedthat，findingmesodocile，hewouldcommunicate，forthebenefitofmymuse，asubjectwhichhehadstudiedwithaviewtohisownart。”Thestory，”hesaid，”was，bytradition，affirmedtobetruth，although，asupwardsofahundredyearshadpassedawaysincetheeventstookplace，somedoubtsupontheaccuracyofalltheparticularsmightbereasonablyentertained。”

WhenDickTintohadthusspoken，herummagedhisportfolioforthesketchfromwhichheproposedonedaytoexecuteapictureoffourteenfeetbyeight。Thesketch，whichwascleverlyexecuted，tousetheappropriatephrase，representedanancienthall，fittedupandfurnishedinwhatwenowcallthetasteofQueenElizabeth’sage。Thelight，admittedfromtheupperpartofahighcasement，felluponafemalefigureofexquisitebeauty，who，inanattitudeofspeechlessterror，appearedtowatchtheissueofadebatebetwixttwootherpersons。Theonewasayoungman，intheVandykedresscommontothetimeofCharlesI。，who，withanairofindignantpriude，testifiedbythemannerinwhichheraisedhisheadandextendedhisarm，seemedtobeurgingaclaimofright，ratherthanoffavour，toaladywhoseage，andsomeresemblanceintheirfeatures，pointedheroutasthemotheroftheyoungerfemale，andwhoappearedtolistenwithamixtureofdispleasureandimpatience。

Tintoproducedhissketchwithanairofmysterioustriumph，andgazedonitasafondparentlooksuponahopefulchild，whileheanticipatesthefuturefigureheistomakeintheworld，andtheheighttowhichhewillraisethehonourofhisfamily。Hehelditatarm’slengthfromme——heheltitcloser——heplacedituponthetopofachestofdrawers——closedthelowershuttersofthecasement，toadjustadownwardandfavourablelight——fellbacktotheduedistance，draggingmeafterhim——shadedhisfacewithhishand，asiftoexcludeallbutthefavouriteobject——andendedbyspoilingachild’scopy-book，whichherolledupsoastoserveforthedarkenedtubeofanamateur。Ifancymyexpressionsofenthusiasmhadnotbeeninproportiontohisown，forhepresentlyexclaimedwithvehemence:”Mr。Pattieson，I

usedtothinkyouhadaneyeinyourhead。”

Ivindicatedmyclaimtotheusualallowanceofvisualorgans。”Yet，onmyhonour，”saidDick，”Iwouldswearyouhadbeenbornblind，sinceyouhavefailedatthefirstglancetodiscoverthesubjectandmeaningofthatsketch。Idonotmeantopraisemyownperformance，Ileavetheseartstoothers；Iamsensibleofmydeficiencies，consciousthatmydrawingandcolouringmaybeimprovedbythetimeIintendtodedicatetotheart。Buttheconception——theexpression——thepositions——thesetellthestorytoeveryonewholooksatthesketch；andifIcanfinishthepicturewithoutdiminutionoftheoriginalconception，thenameofTintoshallnomorebesmotheredbythemistsofenvyandintrigue。”

Ireplied:”ThatIadmiredthesketchexceedingly；butthattounderstanditsfullmerit，Ifeltitabsolutelynecessarytobeinformedofthesubject。””ThatistheverythingIcomplainof，”answeredTinto；”youhaveaccustomedyourselfsomuchtothesecreepingtwilightdetailsofyours，thatyouarebecomeincapableofreceivingthatinstantandvividflashofconvictionwhichdartsonthemindfromseeingthehappyandexpressivecombinationsofasinglescene，andwhichgathersfromtheposition，attitude，andcountenanceofthemoment，notonlythehistoryofthepastlivesofthepersonagesrepresented，andthenatureofthebusinessonwhichtheyareimmediatelyengaged，butliftseventheveiloffuturity，andaffordsashrewdguessattheirfuturefortunes。””Inthatcase，”repliedI，”PainingexcelstheapeoftherenownedGinesdePassamonte，whichonlymeddledwiththepastandthepresent；nay，sheexcelsthatveryNaturewhoaffordshersubject；forIprotesttoyou，Dick，thatwereIpermittedtopeepintothatElizabeth-chamber，andseethepersonsyouhavesketchedconversinginfleshandblood，IshouldnotbeajotnearerguessingthenatureoftheirbusinessthanIamatthismomentwhilelookingatyoursketch。Onlygenerally，fromthelanguishinglookoftheyounglady，andthecareyouhavetakentopresentaveryhandsomelegonthepartofthegentleman，I

presumethereissomereferencetoaloveaffairbetweenthem。””Doyoureallypresumetoformsuchaboldconjecture？”saidTinto。”Andtheindignantearnestnesswithwhichyouseethemanurgehissuit，theunresistingandpassivedespairoftheyoungerfemale，thesternairofinflexibledeterminationintheelderwoman，whoselooksexpressatonceconsciousnessthatsheisactingwrongandafirmdeterminationtopersistinthecourseshehasadopted——””Ifherlooksexpressallthis，mydearTinto，”repliedI，interruptinghim，”yourpencilrivalsthedramaticartofMr。

PuffinTheCritic，whocrammedawholecomplicatedsentenceintotheexpressiveshakeofLordBurleigh’shead。””Mygoodfriend，Peter，”repliedTinto，”Iobserveyouareperfectlyincorrigible；however，Ihavecompassiononyourdulness，andamunwillingyoushouldbedeprivedofthepleasureofunderstandingmypicture，andofgaining，atthesametime，asubjectforyourownpen。Youmustknowthen，lastsummer，whileIwastakingsketchesonthecoastofEastLothianandBerwickshire，IwasseducedintothemountainsofLammermoorbytheaccountIreceivedofsomeremainsofantiquityinthatdistrict。ThosewithwhichIwasmoststruckweretheruinsofanancientcastleinwhichthatElizabeth-chamber，asyoucallit，onceexisted。Iresidedfortwoorthreedaysatafarmhouseintheneighbourhood，wheretheagedgoodwifewaswellacquaintedwiththehistoryofthecastle，andtheeventswhichhadtakenplaceinit。Oneofthesewasofanaturesointerestingandsingular，thatmyattentionwasdividedbetweenmywishtodrawtheoldruinsinlandscape，andtorepresent，inahistory-

piece，thesingulareventswhichhavetakenplaceinit。Herearemynotesofthetale，”saidpoorDick，handingaparcelofloosescraps，partlyscratchedoverwithhispencil，partlywithhispen，whereoutlinesofcaricatures，sketchesofturrets，mills，oldgables，anddovecots，disputedthegroundwithhiswrittenmemoranda。

Iproceeded，however，todecipherthesubstanceofthemanuscriptaswellasIcould，andmoveitintothefollowingTale，inwhich，followinginpart，thoughnotentirely，myfriendTinto”sadvice，Iendeavouredtorendermynarrativeratherdescriptivethandramatic。Myfavouritepropensity，however，hasattimesovercomeme，andmypersons，likemanyothersinthistalkingworld，speaknowwhatthenagreatdealmorethantheyact。

CHAPTERII。

Well，lord，wehavenotgotthatwhichwehave；

’Tisnotenoughourfoesarethistimefled，Beingoppositesofsuchrepairingnature。

HenryVI。PartII。

INthegorgeofapassormountainglen，ascendingfromthefertileplainsofEastLothian，therestoodinformertimesanextensivecastle，ofwhichonlytheruinsarenowvisible。Itsancientproprietorswerearaceofpowerfulandwarlikecarons，whoborethesamenamewiththecastleitself，whichwasRavenswood。Theirlineextendedtoaremoteperiodofantiquity，andtheyhadintermarriedwiththeDouglasses，Humes，Swintons，Hays，andotherfamiliesofpoweranddistinctioninthesamecountry。TheirhistorywasfrequentlyinvolvedinthatofScotlanditself，inwhoseannalstheirfeatsarerecorded。TheCastleofRavenswood，occupying，andinsomemeasurecommanding，apassbetweixtBerwickshire，ortheMerse，asthesoutheasternprovinceofScotlandistermed，andtheLothians，wasofimportancebothintimesofforeignwaranddomesticdiscord。Itwasfrequentlybeseigedwithardour，anddefendedwithobstinacy，and，ofcourse，itsownersplayedaconspicuouspartinstory。

Buttheirhousehaditsrevolutions，likeallsublunarythings:

itbecamegreatlydeclinedfromitssplendouraboutthemiddleofthe17thcentury；andtowardstheperiodoftheRevolution，thelastproprietorofRavenswoodCastlesawhimselfcompelledtopartwiththeancientfamilyseat，andtoremovehimselftoalonelyandsea-beatentower，which，situatedonthebleakshoresbetweenSt。Abb’sHeadandthevillageofEyemouth，lookedoutonthelonelyandboisterousGermanOcean。Ablackdomainofwildpasture-landsurroundedtheirnewresidence，andformedtheremainsoftheirproperty。

LordRavenswood，theheirofthisruinedfamily，wasfarfrombendinghismindtohisnewconditionoflife。Inthecivilwarof1689hehadespousedthesinkingside，andalthoughhehadescapedwithouttheforfeitureoflifeorland，hisbloodhadbeenattainted，andhistitleabolished。HewasnowcalledLordRavenswoodonlyincourtesy。

Thisforfeitednoblemaninheritedtheprideandturbulence，thoughnottheforture，ofhishouse，and，asheimputedthefinaldeclensionofhisfamilytoaparticularindividual，hehonouredthatpersonwithhisfullportionofhatred。Thiswastheverymanwhohadnowbecome，bypurchase，proprietorofRavenswood，andthedomainsofwhichtheheirofthehousenowstooddispossessed。HewasdescendedofafamilymuchlessancientthanthatofLordRavenswood，andwhichhadonlyrisentowealthandpoliticalimportanceduringthegreatcivilwars。Hehimselfhadbeenbredtothebar，andhadheldhighofficesinthestate，maintainingthroughlifethecharacterofaskilfulfisherinthetroubledwatersofastatedividedbyfactions，andgovernedbydelegatedauthority；andofonewhocontrivedtoamassconsiderablesumsofmoneyinacountrywheretherewasbutlittletobegathered，andwhoequallyknewthevalueofwealthandthevariousmeansofaugmentingitandusingitasanengineofincreasinghispowerandinfluence。

Thusqualifiedandgifted，hewasadangerousantagonisttothefierceandimprudentRavenswood。WhetherhehadgivenhimgoodcausefortheenmitywithwhichtheBaronregardedhim，wasapointonwhichmenspokedifferently。SomesaidthequarrelarosemerelyfromthevicdictivespiritandenvyofLrodRavenswood，whocouldnotpatientlybeholdanother，thoughbyjustandfairpurchase，becometheproprietoroftheestateandcastleofhisforefathers。Butthegreaterpartofthepublic，pronetoslanderthewealthyintheirabsenceastoflatterthemintheirpresence，heldalesscharitableopinion。TheysaidthattheLordKeeper(fortothisheightSirWilliamAshtonhadascended)had，previoustothefinalpurchaseoftheestateofRavenswood，beenconcernedinextensivepecuniarytransactionswiththeformerproprietor；and，ratherintimatingwhatwasprobablethanaffirminganythingpositively，theyaskedwhichpartywaslikelytohavetheadvantageinstatingandenforcingtheclaimsarisingoutofthesecomplicatedaffairs，andmorethanhintedtheadvantageswhichthecoollawyerandablepoliticianmustnecessarilypossessoverthehot，fiery，andimprudentcharacterwhomhehadinvolvedinlegeltoilsandpecuniarysnares。

Thecharacterofthetimesaggravatedthesesuspicions。”InthosedaystherewasnokinginIsrael。”SincethedepartureofJamesVI。toassumethericherandmorepowerfulcrownofEngland，therehadexistedinScotlandcontendingparties，formedamongthearistocracy，bywhom，astheirintriguesatthecourtofSt。James’schancedtoprevail，thedelegatedpowersofsovereigntywerealternatelyswayed。TheevilsattendinguponthissystemofgovernmentresembledthosewhichafflictthetenantsofanIrishestate，thepropertyofanabsentee。Therewasnosupremepower，claimingandpossessingageneralinterestwiththecommunityatlarge，towhomtheoppressedmightappealfromsubordinatetyranny，eitherforjusticorformercy。Letamonarchbeasindolent，asselfish，asmuchdisposedtoarbitrarypowerashewill，still，inafreecountry，hisowninterestsaresoclearlyconnectedweiththoseofthepublicatlarge，andtheeveilconsequencestohisownauthorityaresoobviousandimminentwhenadifferentcourseispursued，thatcommonpolicy，aswellasocmmonfeeling，pointtotheequaldistributionofjustice，andtotheestablishmentofthethroneinrighteousness。

Thus，evensovereignsremarkableforusurpationandtyrannyhavebeenfoundrigorousintheadministrationofjusticeamongtheirsubjects，incaseswheretheirownpowerandpassionswerenotcompromised。

Itisverydifferentwhenthepowersofsovereigntyaredelegatedtotheheadofanaristocraticfaction，rivalledandpressedcloselyintheraceofambitionbyanadverseleader。

Hisbriefandprecariousenjoymentofpowermustbeemployedinrewardinghispartizans，inextendinghisincluence，inoppressingandcrushinghisadversaries。EvenAbouHassan，themostdisinterestedofallviceroys，forgotnot，duringhiscaliphateofoneday，tosendadouceurofonethousandpiecesofgoldtohisownhousehold；andtheScottishvicegerents，raisedtopowerbythestrengthoftheirfaction，failednottoembracethesamemeansofrewardingthem。

Theadministrationofjustice，inparticular，wasinfectedbythemostgrosspartiality。Acaseofimportancescarcelyoccurredinwhichtherewasnotsomegroundforbiasorpartialityonthepartofthejudges，whoweresolittleabletowithstandthetemptationthattheadage，”Showmetheman，andI

willshowyouthelaw，”becameasprevalentasitwasscandalous。

Onecorruptionledthewaytoothersstillmroegrossandprofligate。Thejudgewholenthissacredauthorityinonecasetosupportafriend，andinanothertocrushanenemy，andwhodecisionswerefoundedonfamilyconnexionsorpoliticalrelations，couldnotbesupposedinaccessibletodirectpersonalmotives；andthepurseofthewealthywastoooftenbelievedtobethrownintothescaletoweighdownthecauseofthepoorlitigant。Thesubordinateofficersofthelawaffectedlittlescrupleconcerningbribery。Piecesofplateandbagsofmoneyweresentinpresentstotheking’scounsel，toinfluencetheirconduct，andpouredforth，saysacontemporarywriter，likebilletsofwoodupontheirfloors，withouteventhedecencyofconcealment。

Insuchtimes，itwasnotoveruncharitabletosupposethatthestatesman，practisedincourtsoflaw，andapowerfulmemberofatriumphantcabal，mightfindandusemeansofadvantageoverhislessskilfulandlessfavouredadversary；andifithadbeensupposedthatSirWilliamAshton’sconsciencehadbeentoodelicatetoprofitbytheseadvantages，itwasbelievedthathisambitionanddesireofextendinghiswealthandconsequencefoundasstrongastimulusintheexhortationsofhisladyasthedaringaimofMacbethinthedaysofyore。

LadyAshtonwasofafamilymoredistinguishedthanthatofherlord，anadvantagewhichshedidnotfailtousetotheuttermost，inmaintainingandextendingherhusband’sinfluenceoverothers，and，unlessshewasgreatlybelied，herownoverhim。Shehadbeenbeautiful，andwasstatelyandmajesticinherappearance。Endowedbynaturewithstrongpowersandviolentpassions，experiencehadtaughthertoemploytheone，andtoconceal，ifnottomoderate，theother。Shewasasevereadnstrictobserveroftheexternalforms，atleast，fodevotion；herhospitalitywassplendid，eventoostentation；heraddressandmanners，agreeabletothepatternmostvaluedinScotlandattheperiod，weregrave，dignified，andseverelyregulatedbytherulesofetiquette。Hercharacterhadalwaysbeenbeyondthebreathofslander。Andyet，withallthesequalitiestoexciterespect，LadyAshtonwasseldommentionedinthetermsofloveoraffection。Interest——theinterestofherfamily，ifnotherown——

seemedtooobviouslythemotiveofheractions；andwherethisisthecase，tehsharp-judgingandmalignantpublicarenoteasilyimposeduponbyoutwardshow。Itwasseenandascertainedthat，inhermostgracefulcourtesiesandcompliments，LadyAshtonnomorelostsightofherobjectthanthefalconinhisairywheelturnshisquickeyesfromhisdestinedquarry；andhence，somethignofdoubtandsuspicionqualifiedthefeelingswithwhichherequalsreceivedherattentions。Withherinferiorsthesefeelingsweremingledwithfear；animpressionusefultoherpurposes，sofarasitenforcedreadycompliancewithherrequestsandimplicitobediencetohercommands，butdetrimental，becauseitcannotexistwithaffectionorregard。

Evenherhusband，itissaid，uponwhosefortuneshertalentsandaddresshadproducedsuchemphaticinfluence，regardedherwithrespectfulaweratherthanconfidingattachment；andreportsaid，thereweretimeswhenheconsideredhisgrandeurasdearlypurchasedattheexpenseofdomesticthraldom。Ofthis，however，muchmightbesuspected，butlittlecouldbeaccuratelyknown:LadyAshtonregardedthehonourofherhusbandasherown，andwaswellawarehowmuchthatwouldsufferinthepubliceyeshouldheappearavassaltohiswife。Inallherargumentshisopinionwasquotedasinfallible；histastewasappealedto，andhissentimentsreceived，withtheairofdeferencewhichadutifulwifemightseemtoowetoahusbandofSirWilliamAshton’srankadncharacter。Buttherewassomethingunderallthiswhichrungfalseandhollow；andtothosewhowatchedthiscouplewithclose，andperhapsmalicious，scrutinyitseemedevidentthat，inthehaughtinessofafirmercharacter，higherbirth，andmoredecidedviewsofaggrandisement，theladylookedwithsomecontemptonherhusband，andthatheregardedherwithjealousfear，ratherthanwithloveoradmiration。

Still，however，theleadingandfavouriteinterestsofSirWilliamAshtonandhisladywerethesame，andtheyfailednottoworkinconcert，althoughwithoutcordiality，andtotestify，inallexteriorcircumstances，thatrespectforeachotherwhichtheywereawarewasnecessarytosecurethatofthepublic。

Theirunionwascrownedwithseveralchildren，ofwhomthreesurvived。One，theeldestson，wasabsentonhistravels；thesecond，agirlofseventeen，adnthethird，aboyaboutthreeyearsyounger，residedwiththeirparentsinEdinburghduringthesessionsoftheScottishParliamentandPrivyCouncil，atothertimesintheoldGothiccastleofRavenswood，towhichtheLordKeeperhadmadelargeadditionsinthestyleofthe17thcentury。

AllanLordRavenswood，thelateproprietorofthatancientmansionadnthelargeestateannexedtoit，continuedforsometimetowageineffectualwarwithhissuccessorconcerningvariouspointstowhichtheirformertransactionshadgivenrise，andwhichweresuccessivelydeterminedinfavourofthewealthyandpowerfulcompetitor，untildeathclosedthelitigation，bysummoningRavenswoodtoahigherbar。Thethreadoflife，whichhadbeenlongwasting，gavewayduringafitofviolentandimpotentfurywithwhichhewasassailedonreceivingthenewsofthelossofacause，founded，perhaps，ratherinequitythaninlaw，thelastwhichhehadmaintainedagainsthispowerfulantagonist。Hissonwitnessedhisdyingagonies，andheardthecurseswhichhebreathedagainsthisadversary，asiftheyhadconveyedtohimalegacyofvengeance。Othercircumstanceshappenedtoexasperateapassionwhichwas，andhadlongbeen，aprevalentviceintheScottishdisposition。

ItwasaNovembermorning，andthecliffswhichoverlookedtheoceanwerehungwiththickandheavymist，whentheportalsoftheancientandhalf-ruinoustower，inwhichLordRavenswoodhadspentthelastandtroubledyearsofhislife，opened，thathismortalremainsmightpassforwardtoanabodeyetmoredrearyandlonely。Thepompofattendance，towhichthedeceasedhad，inhislatteryears，beenastranger，wasrevivedashewasabouttobeconsignedtotherealmsofforgetfulness。

Bannerafterbanner，withthevariousdevicesandcoatsofthisancientfamilyanditsconnexions，followedeachotherinmournfulprocessionfromunderthelow-browedarchwayofthecourtyard。Theprincipalgentryofthecountryattendedinthedeepestmourning，andtemperedthepaceoftheirlongtrainofhorsestothesolemnmarchbefittingtheoccasion。Trumpets，withbannersofcrapeattachedtothem，sentforththeirlongandmelancholynotestoregulatethemovementsoftheprocession。Animmensetrainofinferiormournersandmenialsclosedtherear，whichhadnotyetissuedfromthecastlegatewhenthevanhadreachedthechapelwherethebodywastobedeposited。

Contrarytothecustom，andeventothelaw，ofthetime，thebodywasmetbyapriestoftheScottishEpiscopalcommunion，arrayedinhissurplice，andpreparedtoreadoverthecoffinofthedeceasedthefuneralserviceofthechurch。SuchhadbeenthedesireofLordRavenswoodinhislastillness，anditwasreadilycompliedwithbytheTorygentlemen，orCavaliers，astheyaffectedtostylethemselves，inwhichfactionmostofhiskinsmenwereenrolled。ThePresbyterianChurchjudicatoryofthebounds，consideringtheceremonyasabravadinginsultupontheirauthority，hadappliedtotheLordKeeper，asthenearestprivycouncillor，forawarranttopreventitsbeingcarriedintoeffect；sothat，whentheclergymanhadopenedhisprayer-book，anofficerofthelaw，supportedbysomearmedmen，commandedhimtobesilent。Aninsultwhichfiredthewholassemblywithindignationwasparticularlyandinstantlyresentedbytheonlysonofthedeceased，Edgar，popularlycalledtheMasterofRavenswood，ayouthofabouttwentyyearsofage。Heclappedhishandonhissword，andbiddingtheofficialpersontodesistathisperilfromfartherinterruption，commandedtheclergymantoproceed。Themanattemptedtoenforcehiscommission；butasanhundredswordsatonceglitteredintheair，hecontentedhimselfwithprotestingagainsttheviolencewhichhadbeenofferedtohimintheexecutionofhisduty，andstoodaloof，asullenadnmoodyspectatoroftheceremonial，mutteringasonewhoshouldsay:”You’llruethedaythatclogsmewiththisanswer。”

Thescenewasworthyofanartist’spencil。Undertheveryarchofthehouseofdeath，theclergyman，affrightedatthescene，andtremblingforhisownsafety，hastilyandunwillinglyrehearsedthesolemnserviceofthechurch，andspoke”dusttodustandashestoashes，”overruinedprideanddecayedprosperity。Aroundstoodtherelationsofthedeceased，theircountenancesmoreinangerthaninsorrow，andthedrawnswordswhichtheybrandishedformingaviolentcontrastwiththeirdeepmourninghabits。Inthecountenanceoftheyoungmanalone，resentmentseemedforthemomentoverpoweredbythedeepagonywithwhichhebeheldhisnearest，andalmosthisonly，friendconsignedtothetombofhisancestry。Arelativeobservedhimturndeadlypale，when，allritesbeingnowdulyobserved，itbecamethedutyofthechiefmournertolowerdownintothecharnelvault，wheremoulderingcoffinsshowedtheirtatteredvelvetanddecayedplating，theheadofthecorpsewhichwastobetheirpartnerincorruption。Hestepttotheyouthandofferedhisassistance，which，byamutemotion，EdgarRavenswoodrejected。Firmly，andwithoutatear，heperformedthatlastduty。Thestonewaslaidonthesepulchre，thedooroftheaislewaslocked，andtheyouthtookpossessionofitsmassivekey。

Asthecrowdleftthechapel，hepausedonthestepswhichledtoitsGothicchancel。”Gentlemenandfriends，”hesaid，”youhavethisdaydonenocommondutytothebodyofyourdeceaesdkinsman。Theritesofdueobservance，which，inothercountries，areallowedasthedueofthemeanestChristian，wouldthisdayhavebeendeniedtothebodyofyourrelative——notcertainlysprungofthemeanesthouseinScotland——haditnotbeenassuredtohimbyyourcourage。Othersburytheirdeadinsorrowandtears，insilenceandinreverence；ourfuneralritesaremarredbytheintrusionofbailiffsandruffians，andourgrief——thegriefduetoourdepartedfriend——ischasedfromourcheeksbytheglowofjustindignation。ButitiswellthatI

knowfromwhatquiverthisarrowhascomeforth。Itwasonlyhethatdugthedravewhocouldhavethemeancrueltytodisturbtheobsequies；andHeavendoasmuchtomeandmore，ifIrequitenottothismanandhishousetheruinanddisgracehehasbroughtonmeandmine！”

Anumerouspartoftheassemblyapplaudedthisspeech，asthespiritedexpressionofjustresentment；butthemorecoolandjudiciousregrettedthatithadbeenuttered。ThefortunesoftheheirofRavenswoodweretoolowtobravethefartherhostilitywhichtheyimaginedtheseopenexpressionsofresentmentmustnecessarilyprovoke。Theirapprehensions，however，provedgroundless，atleastintheimmediateconsequencesofthisaffair。

Themournersreturnedtothetower，there，accordingtoacustombutrecentlyabolishedinScotland，tocarousedeephealthstothememoryofthedeceased，tomakethehouseofsorrowringwithsoundsofjovialityanddebauch，andtodiminish，bytheexpenseofalargeandprofuseentertainment，thelimitedrevenuesoftherheirofhimwhosefuneraltheythusstrangelyhonoured。Itwasthecustom，however，andonthepresentoccasionitwasfullyobserved。Thetablesswaminwine，thepopulacefeastedinthecourtyard，theyeomeninthekitchenandbuttery；andtwoyears’rentofRavenswood’sremainingpropertyhardlydefrayedthechargeofthefuneralrevel。ThewinediditsofficeonallbuttheMasterofRavenswood，atitlewhichhestillretained，thoughforfeiturehadattachedtothatofhisfather。He，whilepassingaroundthecupwhichhehimselfdidnottaste，soonlistenedtoathousandexclamationsagainsttheLordKeeper，andpassionateprotestationsofattachmenttohimself，andtothehonourofhishouse。Helistenedwithdarkandsullenbrowtoebullitionswhichheconsideredjustlyasequallyevanescentwiththecrimsonbubblesonthebrinkofthegoblet，oratleastwiththevapourswhichitscontentsexcitedinthebrainsoftherevellersaroundhim。

【推荐阅读】幽幽深宫，醒来一梦似千年，重生于下堂妃身躯中的她，将如何手刃仇人? 点击阅读