“ . . . . I was equally delighted with that venerable
seat of learning, and flattered by the polite attention of Heber’s friends. I should have been
enchanted to have spent a couple of months among the curious libraries. What
stores must be reserved for some painful student to bring forward to the
public! Under the guidance and patronage of our good
Heber, I saw many of the literary men of his Alma Mater,
and found matters infinitely more active in every department than I had the
least previous idea of. Since I returned home, my time has been chiefly
occupied in professional labours; my truant days spent in London having thrown
me a little behind; but now, I hope, I shall find spare moments to resume Sir Tristrem and the Lay, which has acquired additional
value in my estimation from its pleasing you. How often do Charlotte and I think of the little paradise at
Sunninghill and its kind inhabitants; and how do we regret, like
Dives, the gulf which is placed betwixt us and
friends, with whom it would give us such pleasure to spend much of our time. It
is one of the vilest attributes of the best of all possible worlds, that it
contrives to split and separate and subdivide every thing like congenial
pursuits and habits, for the paltry purpose, one would think, of diversifying
every little spot with a share of its various productions. I don’t know
why the human and vegetable departments should differ so excessively. Oaks and
beeches, and ashes and
| 378 | LIFE OF SIR WALTER SCOTT. |
