About three miles from Melrose, on the right bank of the Tweed, stands Abbotsford, a name most dear to readers of the Waverley novels. There the “Wizard of the North,” as he was called, wrote his way into fame and fortune; there he lived when his fortune was swept away with that of his publisher; and there in his old age he settled himself grimly to repay debts amounting to six hundred thousand dollars—all by the work of his pen. He finished this stupendous task in about six years. He discharged his debts honorably; but he gave his lifeblood to the task. Scarcely had he come clear of his debts when his pen fell from his hand, and, in the bright, sunny dining room of Abbotsford, he dropped wearily to sleep, with the waters of his beloved Tweed murmuring musically in his ears. He had kept faith with his creditors; he had paid the last penny; he had secured his home for his children—and his work was done.
DRYBURGH ABBEY
Showing the location of Sir Walter Scott’s tomb.
Attended by a funeral procession more than a mile in length, including the great that came from distant parts to do him honor, and the humble peasant neighbors that knew and loved him, Sir Walter Scott’s body was borne reverently to Dryburgh Abbey, and in that beautiful ruin, a most appropriate spot, he now lies at rest.
THE CASTLES OF SCOTLAND
Two of the most impressive and picturesque castles of the world are in Scotland,—Stirling Castle and Edinburgh Castle.
Stirling Castle is situated on the Firth of Forth about thirty-five miles above Edinburgh, and it was for years the favorite residence of Scottish sovereigns. It played a prominent part in the history of Scotland, and is intimately associated with the name of Robert Bruce, who recaptured the castle from Edward the Second of England, in the fourteenth century, after the battle of Bannockburn.
The castle, like that of Edinburgh, is situated on a lofty height. On the esplanade before it stands a statue of Robert Bruce. The view from all sides is beautiful, and commands, on the west, a fair range of mountains, including Ben Lomond and Ben Venue, while on the south the battlefield of Bannockburn stretches away before the eye.
