James.—These two words are cacophonous. Would not its do?
Scott.—Th. is a bad sound. Ts. a much worse. Read their.
Stanza IV.—"A stranger might reply."
James.—My objection to this is probably fantastical, and I state it only because, from the first moment to the last, it has always made me boggle. I don't like a stranger—Query, "The questioned"—The "spectator"—"gazer," etc.
Scott.—Stranger is appropriate—it means stranger to the circumstances.
Stanza VI.—James.—You had changed "garner-house profound," which I think quite admirable, to "garner under ground," which I think quite otherways. I have presumed not to make the change—must I?
Scott.—I acquiesce, but with doubts; profound sounds affected.
Stanza VIII.—"The deadly tug of war at length
Must limits find in human strength,
And cease when these are passed.
Vain hope!" etc.
James.—I must needs repeat, that the deadly tug did cease in the case supposed. It lasted long—very long; but, when the limits of resistance, of human strength, were past—that is, after they had fought for ten hours, then the deadly tug did cease. Therefore the "hope" was not "vain."
Scott.—I answer, it did not,—because the observation relates to the strength of those actually engaged, and when their strength was exhausted, other squadrons were brought up. Suppose you saw two lawyers scolding at the bar, you might say this must have an end—human lungs cannot hold out—but, if the debate were continued by the senior counsel, your well-grounded expectations would be disappointed—"Cousin, thou wert not wont to be so dull!"—