E. J. E.
Blackheath, June 9. 1851.
On the Lay of the Last Minstrel, &c. (Vol. iii., p. 364.).
—In reading A Borderer's interesting note on The Lay of the Last Minstrel, it occurred to me, whether there may not have been (perhaps unconsciously) in Walter Scott's mind a link of connexion betwixt his own "elvish page," as an agent in bringing about the nuptials of Lord Cranstoun with the Lady Margaret; and the part played by Cupid, in regard to Dido, after he had been transformed into Ascanius, as described in the first Æneid. Indeed the beautiful "Song of Robin Goodfellow" (Vol. iii., p. 403) suggests a similar speculation; for in the gambols of Puck there is something analogous to the freaks of Cupid after his metamorphose. But other and closer parallels will probably occur to your learned readers, and show that some of what are commonly esteemed the most original modern creations owe much to classical invention.
ALFRED GATTY.
Lines on Temple (Vol. iii., p. 450.).
—J. S. will find the lines he asks about, given (but without comment) in Knight's Cyclopædia of London, p. 440.
P. M. M.
J. S. will find the lines he has sent you printed in Hone's Year Book (1832), p 113.; where may be also seen the following
ANSWER.