NOTICE. [SOME alterations in the text of the Introduction to Marmion, and of the Poem itself, as well as various additions to the author's Notes, will be observed in this Edition. We have followed Sir Walter Scott's interleaved copy, as finally revised by him in the summer of 1831. The Editor's notes are, as in the preceding volumes of this collection, marked by brackets. The preservation of the original MS. of the Poem has enriched this volume with numerous various readings, which will be found curious and interesting. A fac-simile of the MS. is given at p. 219,] VOL. VII. INTRODUCTION ΤΟ MARMION. WHAT I have to say respecting this Poem may be briefly told. In the Introduction to the "Lay of the Last Minstrel," I have mentioned the circumstances, so far as my literary life is concerned, which induced me to resign the active pursuit of an honourable profession, for the more precarious resources of literature. My appointment to the Sheriffdom of Selkirk called for a change of residence. I left, therefore, the pleasant cottage I had upon the side of the Esk, for the "pleasanter banks of the Tweed," in order to comply with the law, which requires that the Sheriff shall be resi |