“I cannot help flattering myself—for perhaps it is flattering myself—that the noble architect of the Border Minstrel’s little fortune has been sometimes anxious for the security of that lowly edifice, during the tempest which has overturned so many palaces and towers. If I am right in my supposition, it will give you pleasure to learn that, notwithstanding some little rubs, I have been able to carry through the transaction which your lordship sanctioned by your influence and approbation, and that in a way very pleasing to my own feelings. Lord Spencer, upon the nature of the transaction being
* These lines are from Smollett’s Tears of Caledonia. |
| 94 | LIFE OF SIR WALTER SCOTT. |
“After all, a little literary reputation is of some
use here. I suppose Solomon, when he
compared a good name to a pot of ointment, meant that it oiled the hinges of
the hall-doors into which the possessors of that inestimable treasure wished to
penetrate. What a good name was in Jerusalem, a known name seems to be in
London. If you are celebrated for writing verses or for slicing cucumbers, for
being two feet taller or two feet less than any other biped, for acting plays
when you should be whipped at school, or for attending schools and institutions
when you should be preparing for your grave, your notoriety becomes a
talisman—an ‘Open Sesame’ before which every thing gives way till
you are voted a bore, and discarded for a new plaything. As this is a
consummation of notoriety which I am by no means ambitious of experiencing, I
hope I shall be very soon
| LONDON, FEBRUARY, 1806. | 95 |
“There is, it is believed, a rude scuffle betwixt our late commander-in-chief and Lord Lauderdale, for the patronage of Scotland. If there is to be an exclusive administration, I hope it will not be in the hands of the latter. Indeed, when one considers that, by means of Lords Sidmouth and Ellenborough, the King possesses the actual power of casting the balance betwixt the five Grenvillites and four Foxites who compose the Cabinet, I cannot think they will find it an easy matter to force upon his Majesty any one to whom he has a personal dislike. I should therefore suppose that the disposal of St Andrew’s Cross will be delayed till the new Ministry is a little consolidated, if that time shall ever come. There is much loose gunpowder amongst them, and one spark would make a fine explosion. Pardon these political effusions; I am infected by the atmosphere which I breathe, and cannot restrain my pen from discussing state affairs. I hope the young ladies and my dear little chief are now recovering from the hooping-cough, if it has so turned out to be. If I can do any thing for any of the family here, you know your right to command, and the pleasure it will afford me to obey. Will your lordship be so kind as to acquaint the Duke, with every grateful and respectful acknowledgment on my part, that I have this day got my commission from the Secretary’s office? I dine to-day at Holland-house; I refused to go before, lest it should be thought I was soliciting interest in that quarter, as I abhor even the shadow of changing or turning with the tide.
“I am ever, with grateful acknowledgment, your Lordship’s much indebted, faithful humble servant,
