[2] While Sir Walter Scott resided at Ashesteil, Jock frequently visited him, and was much noticed, on account of his strange humours and entertaining qualities.
[3] A respectable clergyman of our acquaintance, who is in the habit of preaching his elegant discourses with the help of M.S., was once extremely amused with the declaration of a hearer, who professed himself repugnant to that practice. “Doctor,” says he, “ye’re just a slave to the bit paper, and nane o’ us ha’e that respect for ye that we ought to ha’e; but to do ye justice, I maun confess, that since I changed my seat in the loft, and ha’na ye now sae fair atween my een, so that I can hear without seeing ye, fient a bit but I think ye’re just as good as auld Threshin’ Willy himsel’!”
[4] The Russiade, a poem, by James Hogg.
[5] We are indebted for this and the two succeeding anecdotes to the “Scotch Haggis,” a curious collection of the pure native wit of our country, published in 1822.
[6] The country people call a dispensation of the greater Sacrament “an occasion.” It is also scoffingly termed “the Holy Fair.” In Edinburgh it is called “the Preachings.” But, it must be observed, these phrases are only applied in reference to the outward circumstances, and not to the holy ceremony itself.
[7] We are indebted for this and the succeeding illustration to the late Alexander Campbell’s edition of Macintosh’s Gaelic Proverbs.
[8] Charles, fifth Earl of Traquair, was implicated in the proceedings of the year 1745, though he did not appear openly. See the evidence of Secretary Murray on the trial of Lord Lovat, Scots Magazine for 1747, p. 105.
[9] Note 7 to Canto III.
[10] From which all the works of the author of “Waverley,” besides many other publications of the highest character, have issued. It is perhaps worth while to record, that “Peveril of the Peak” was the last work of the author of “Waverley’s” that appeared here—its successor, “Quentin Durward,” being published (May, 1823) a few days after Constable and Co. had forsaken the High Street for the genteeler air of the New Town.
[11] Even when the judges lived in the distant suburb of George’s Square, they did not give up this practice. Old Braxfield used always to put on his wig and gown at home, and walk to the Parliament House, via Bristo Street, Society, Scott’s Close, and the Back Stairs. One morning his barber, old Kay, since the well-known limner, was rather late in taking his Lordship’s wig to George’s Square. Braxfield was too impatient to wait; so he ran off with only his night-cap on his head, and was fortunate enough to meet his tardy barber in Scott’s Close, when he seized his wig with one hand, took off his night-cap with the other, and adjusting the whole matter himself, sent Kay back with the undignified garment exued. This is a picture of times gone by never to return; yet, as if to show how long traces of former manners will survive their general decay, Lord Glenlee, who continues to live in Brown’s Square, still dresses at home, and walks to court in the style of his predecessors.