Everyone was proud to call Sir Walter "friend," and he was just great enough to be happy to call those who were worthy, his friend. Among his great friends were the following:
John Irving, who was an intimate college friend. I have quoted him in regard to the number of books read by Sir Walter.
Robert Burns came to Edinburgh when Sir Walter was fifteen years of age, and Sir Walter's boyish admiration for the National Bard was great. In after life, when Sir Walter became great, he wrote a great deal concerning Puir Rabbie. And it is worth reading.
James Ballantyne, Sir Walter's partner in the publishing business, was a good friend.
So was James Hogg, the poet peasant, sometimes called "The Ettrick Shepherd."
And so was Thomas Campbell, the poet, author of "The Pleasures of Hope."
The poet William Wordsworth was a lifelong friend.
Robert Southey, the poet, visited Sir Walter at Ashestiel and was admired by him greatly.
Joanna Baillie, the poetess, was a warm friend.