1 cortinent. The worthy and excellent friend, of whom I gave a sketch many years afterwards in the person of Jonathan Oldbuck, procured me Adelung's Dictionary, through the mediation of Father Pepper, a monk of the Scotch College of Ratisbon. Other wants of the same nature were supplied by Mrs. Scott of Harden, whose kindness in a similar instance I have had already occasion to acknowledge. Through this lady's connections on the continent, I obtained copies of Bürger, Schiller, Goethé, and other standard German works; and though the obligation be of a distant date, it still remains impressed on my memory, after a life spent in a constant interchange of friendship and kindness with that family, which is, according to Scottish ideas, the head of my house. on, "by request of friends," to indulge his own vanity with which publications were then procured from the by publishing the translation of "Lenoré," with that of "The Wild Huntsman," in a thin quarto." 2 The fate of this, my first publication, was by no means flattering. I distributed so many copies among my friends as, according to the booksellers, materially to interfere with the sale; and the number of translations which appeared in England about the same time, including that of Mr. Taylor, to which I had been so much indebted, and which was published in "The Monthly Magazine," were sufficient to exclude a provincial writer from competition. However different my success might have been, had I been fortunate enough to have led the way in the general scramble for precedence, my efforts sunk unnoticed when launched at the same time with those of Mr. Taylor (upon whose property I had committed the kind of piracy already noticed, and who generously forgave me the invasion of his rights); of my ingenious and amiable friend of many years, William Robert Spenser; of Mr. Pye, the laureate of the day, and many others besides. In a word, my adventure, where so many pushed off to sea, proved a dead loss, and a great part of the edition was condemned to the service of the trunk-maker. Nay, so complete was the failure of the unfortunate ballads, that the very existence of them was soon forgotten; and, in a newspaper, in which I very lately read, to my no small horror, a most appalling list of my own various publications, I saw this, my first offence, had escaped the industrious collector, for whose indefatigable research I may in gratitude wish a better object.3 The failure of my first publication did not operate, in any unpleasant degree, either on my feelings or spirits. I was coldly received by strangers, but my reputation began rather to increase among my own friends, and, on the whole, I was more bent to show the world that it had neglected something worth notice, than to be affronted by its indifference. Or rather, to speak candidly, I found pleasure in the literary labour in which I had, almost by accident, become engaged, and laboured, less in the hope of pleasing others, though certainly without despair of doing so, than in the pursuit of a new and agreeable amusement to myself. I pursued the German language keenly, and, though far from being a correct scholar, became a bold and daring reader, nay, even translator, of various dramatic pieces from that tongue.* The want of books at that time, (about 1796) was a great interruption to the rapidity of my movements; for the young do not know, and perhaps my own contemporaries may have forgotten, the difficulty Under the title of "William and Helen."-ED Being thus furnished with the necessary originals, I began to translate on all sides, certainly without any thing like an accurate knowledge of the language; and although the dramas of Goethe, Schiller, and others, powerfully attracted one whose early attention to the German had been arrested by Mackenzie's Dissertation, and the play of "The Robbers,” yet the ballad poetry, in which I had made a bold essay, was still my favourite. I was yet more delighted on finding, that the old English, and especially the Scottish language, were so nearly similar to the Ger man, not in sound merely, but in the turn of phrase, that they were capable of being rendered line for line, with very little variation." By degrees, I acquired sufficient confidence to attempt the imitation of what I admired. The ballad called "Glenfinlas" was, I think, the first original poem which I ventured to compose. As it is supposed to be a translation from the Gaelic, I considered myself as liberated from imitating the antiquated language and rude rhythm of the Minstrel ballad. A versification of an Ossianic fragment came nearer to the idea I had formed of my task; for although controversy may have arisen concerning the authenticity of these poems, yet I never heard it disputed, by those whom an accurate knowledge of the Gaelic rendered competent judges, that in their spirit and diction they nearly resemble fragments of poetry extant in that language, to the genuine antiquity of which no doubt can attach. Indeed, the celebrated dispute on that subject is something like the more bloody, though scarce fiercer controversy, about the Popish Plot in Charles the Second's time, concerning which Dryden has said 2 This thin quarto was published by Messrs. Manners and Goethe's drama of Goetz of Berlichingen with the Iron Hand, Miller of Edinburgh.-ED. which appeared in 1799. He about the same time translated several other German plays, which yet remain in MS. 3 The list here referred to was drawn up and inserted in the Caledonian Mercury, by Mr. James Shaw, for nearly forty-ED. years past in the house of Sir Walter Scott's publishers, Messrs. Constable and Cadell, of Edinburgh.-ED. (See it in Life of Scott, vol. x. pp. 260-276.) 5 The late George Constable, Esq. See Introduction to the Antiquary, Waverley Novels, vol. v. p. iv.-ED. See Appendix, Note C. The Celtic people of Erin and Albyn had, in short, speak of, that though the applause of the many may a style of poetry properly called national, though Mac-justly appreciate the general merits of a piece, it is Pherson was rather an excellent poet than a faithful not so safe to submit such a performance to the more editor and translator. This style and fashion of poe-minute criticism of the same individuals, when each, try, existing in a different language, was supposed to in turn, having seated himself in the censor's chair give the original of "Glenfinlas," and the author was has placed his mind in a critical attitude, and delivers to pass for one who had used his best command of his opinion sententiously and ex cathedra. General English to do the Gaelic model justice. In one point, applause was in almost every case freely tendered, but the incidents of the poem were irreconcilable with the the abatements in the way of proposed alterations and costume of the times in which they were laid. The corrections, were cruelly puzzling. It was in vain ancient Highland chieftains, when they had a mind to the young author, listening with becoming modesty, "hunt the dun deer down," did not retreat into soli- and with a natural wish to please, cut and carved, tary bothies, or trust the success of the chase to their tinkered and coopered, upon his unfortunate ballads own unassisted exertions, without a single gillie to it was in vain that he placed, displaced, replaced, help them; they assembled their clan, and all partook and misplaced; every one of his advisers was disof the sport, forming a ring, or enclosure, called the pleased with the concessions made to his co-assessors, Tinchell, and driving the prey towards the most dis- and the author was blamed by some one, in almost tinguished persons of the hunt. This course would every case, for having made two holes in attempting not have suited me, so Ronald and Moy were cooped to patch up one. up in their solitary wigwam, like two moorfowl-shooters of the present day. After "Glenfinlas," I undertook another ballad, called "The Eve of St. John." The incidents, except the hints alluded to in the marginal notes, are entirely imaginary, but the scene was that of my early childhood. Some idle persons had of late years, during the proprietor's absence, torn the iron-grated door of Smailholm Tower from its hinges, and thrown it down the rock. I was an earnest suitor to my friend and kinsman, Mr. Scott of Harden, already mentioned, that the dilapidation might be put a stop to, and the mischief repaired. This was readily promised, on condition that I should make a ballad, of which the scene should lie at Smailholm Tower, and among the crags where it is situated.' The ballad was approved of, as well as its companion "Glenfinlas ;" and I remember that they procured me many marks of attention and kindness from Duke John of Roxburghe, who gave me the unlimited use of that celebrated collection of volumes from which the Roxburghe Club derives its name. Thus I was set up for a poet, like a pedlar who has got two ballads to begin the world upon, and I hastened to make the round of all my acquaintances, showing my precious wares, and requesting criticism —a boon which no author asks in vain. For it may be observed, that, in the fine arts, those who are in no respect able to produce any specimens themselves, hold themselves not the less entitled to decide upon the works of others; and, no doubt, with justice to a certain degree; for the merits of composition produced for the express purpose of pleasing the world at large, can only be judged of by the opinion of individuals, and perhaps, as in the case of Molière's old woman, the less sophisticated the person consulted so much the better. But I was ignorant, at the time I 1 This is of little consequence, except in as far as it contradicts a story which I have seen in print, averring that Mr. Scott of Harden was himself about to destroy this ancient building; than which nothing can be more inaccurate. At last, after thinking seriously on the subject, I wrote out a fair copy, (of Glenfinlas, I think,) and marked all the various corrections which had been proposed. On the whole, I found that I had been required to alter every verse, almost every line, and the only stanzas of the whole ballad which escaped criticism were two which could neither be termed good nor bad, speaking of them as poetry, but were of a mere commonplace character, absolutely necessary for conducting the business of the tale. This unexpected result, after about a fortnight's anxiety, led me to adopt a rule from which I have seldom departed during more than thirty years of literary life. When & friend, whose judgment I respect, has decided, and upon good advisement told me, that a manuscript was worth nothing, or at least possessed no redeeming qualities sufficient to atone for its defects, I have generally cast it aside; but I am little in the custom of paying attention to minute criticisms, or of offering such to any friend who may do me the honour to consult me. I am convinced, that, in general, in removing even errors of a trivial or venial kind, the character of originality is lost, which, upon the whole, may be that which is most valuable in the production. About the time that I shook hands with criticism, and reduced my ballads back to the original form, stripping them without remorse of those "lendings" which I had adopted at the suggestion of others, an opportunity unexpectedly offered of introducing to the world what had hitherto been confined to a circle of friends. Lewis had announced a collection, first intended to bear the title of " Tales of Terror," and afterwards published under that of "Tales of Wonder.” As this was to be a collection of tales turning on the preternatural, there were risks in the plan of which the ingenious editor was not aware. The supernatural, though appealing to certain powerful emotions 2 See the account of a conversation between Sir Walter Scott and Sir Thomas Lawrence, in "Cunningham's Lives of British Painters," &c. vol. vi. v. 236.-ED very widely and deeply sown amongst the human race, some gaiety into his lighter pieces, after the manner is, nevertheless, a spring which is peculiarly apt to lose of the French writers, his attempts at what is called its elasticity by being too much pressed on, and a col-pleasantry in English wholly wanted the quality of lection of ghost stories is not more likely to be terri-humour, and were generally failures. But this he ble, than a collection of jests to be merry or entertain- would not allow; and the "Tales of Wonder" were ing. But although the very title of the proposed work filled, in a sense, with attempts at comedy, which carried in it an obstruction to its effect, this was far might be generally accounted abortive. from being suspected at the time, for the popularity of the editor, and of his compositions, seemed a warrant for his success. The distinguished favour with which the "Castle Spectre" was received upon the stage, seemed an additional pledge for the safety of his new attempt. I readily agreed to contribute the ballads of "Glenfinlas" and of "The Eve of Saint John," with one or two others of less merit; and my friend Dr. Leyden became also a contributor. Mr. Southey, a tower of strength, added "The Old Woman of Berkeley," "Lord William," and several other interesting ballads of the same class, to the proposed collection. In the meantime, my friend Lewis found it no easy matter to discipline his northern recruits. He was a martinet, if I may so term him, in the accuracy of rhymes and of numbers; 1 may add, he had a right to be so, for few persons have exhibited more mastery of rhyme, or greater command over the melody of verse. He was, therefore, rigid in exacting similar accuracy from others, and as I was quite unaccustomed to the mechanical part of poetry, and used rhymes which were merely permissible, as readily as those which were legitimate, contests often arose amongst us, which were exasperated by the pertinacity of my Mentor, who, as all who knew him can testify, was no granter of propositions. As an instance of the obstinacy with which I had so lately adopted a tone of defiance to criticism, the reader will find in the Appendix1 a few specimens of the lectures which I underwent from my friend Lewis, and which did not at the time produce any effect on my inflexibility, though I did not forget them at a future period. The proposed publication of the "Tales of Wonder" was, from one reason or another, postponed till the year 1801, a circumstance by which, of itself, the success of the work was considerably impeded; for protracted expectation always leads to disappointment. But besides, there were circumstances of various kinds which contributed to its depreciation, some of which were imputable to the editor, or author, and some to the bookseller. Another objection, which might have been more easily foreseen, subjected the editor tc a charge of which Mat Lewis was entirely incapable,—that of collusion with his publisher in an undue attack on the pockets of the public. The "Tales of Wonder" formed a work in royal octavo, and were, by large printing, driven out, as it is technically termed, to two volumes, which were sold at a high price. Purchasers murmured at finding that this size had been attained by | the insertion of some of the best known pieces of the English language, such as Dryden's "Theodore and Honoria," Parnell's "Hermit," Lisle's "Porsenna King of Russia," and many other popular poems of old date, and generally known, which ought not in conscience to have made part of a set of tales, "written and collected" by a modern author. His bookseller was also accused in the public prints, whether truly or not I am uncertain, of having attempted to secure to himself the entire profits of the large sale which he expected, by refusing to his brethren the allowances usually, if not in all cases, made to the retail trade. Lewis, one of the most liberal as well as benevolent of mankind, had not the least participation in these proceedings of his bibliopolist; but his work sunk under the obloquy which was heaped on it by the offended parties. The book was termed "Tales of Plunder," was censured by reviewers, and attacked in newspapers and magazines. A very clever parody was made on the style and the person of the author and the world laughed as willingly as if it had never applauded. Thus, owing to the failure of the vehicle I had chosen, my efforts to present myself before the public as an original writer proved as vain as those by which I had previously endeavoured to distinguish myself as a translator. Like Lord Home, however, at the battle of Flodden, I did so far well, that I was able to stand and save myself; and amidst the general depreciation of the " Tales of Wonder," my small share of the obnoxious publication was dismissed without much censure, and in some cases obtained praise from the critics. The former remained insensible of the passion for The consequence of my escape made me naturally ballads and ballad-mongers having been for some time more daring, and I attempted, in my own name, a on the wane, and that with such alteration in the pub-collection of ballads of various kinds, both ancient lic taste, the chance of success in that line was diininished. What had been at first received as simple and natural, was now sneered at as puerile and extravagant. Another objection was, that my friend Lewis had a high but mistaken opinion of his own powers of humour. The truth was, that though he could throw 1 See Appendix, Note D. and modern, to be connected by the common tie of relation to the Border districts in which I had gathered the materials. The original preface explains my purpose, and the assistance of various kinds which I met with. The edition was curious, as being the first work printed by my friend and school-fellow, Mr. James Ballantyne, who, at that period, was editor of a provincial newspaper called "The Kelso Mail." When the book came out, in 1802, the imprint, known firm of Messrs. Longman and Rees of Pater Kelso, was read with wonder by amateurs of typo- noster Row. My progress in the literary career, in graphy, who had never heard of such a place, and which I might now be considered as seriously enwere astonished at the example of handsome printing gaged, the reader will find briefly traced in an Introwhich so obscure a town produced. duction prefixed to the "Lay of the Last Minstrel." In the meantime, the Editor has accomplished his proposed task of acquainting the reader with some particulars respecting the modern imitations of the Ancient Ballad, and the circumstances which gra As for the editorial part of the task, my attempt to imitate the plan and style of Bishop Percy, observing only more strict fidelity concerning my originals, was favourably received by the public, and there was a demand within a short space for a second edition, to dually, and almost insensibly, engaged himself in which I proposed to add a third volume. Messrs. that species of literary employment. Cadell and Davies, the first publishers of the work, declined the publication of this second edition, which was undertaken, at a very liberal price, by the well ABBOTSFORD, W. S. APPENDIX. NOTE A. Monk;' but I have others, weaker, indeed, than the one men. tioned, but still sufficiently strong. I perceive that I have put THE PRODUCTION OF MODERN AS ANCIENT BALLADS. too much confidence in the accuracy of my own judgment; -P. 557. THIS failure applies to the repairs and rifacimentos of old ballads, as well as to complete imitations. In the beautiful and simple ballad of Gil Morris, some affected person has stuck in one or two factitious verses, which, like vulgar persons in a drawing-room, betray themselves by their over finery. Thus, after the simple and affecting verse which prepares the readers for the coming tragedy, "Gil Morrice sat in good green wood, come such" vicious intromitter" as we have described, (to use "His locks were like the threads of gold His brow was like the mountain snow, "The boy was clad in robes of green, that, convinced of my object being unexceptionable, I did not * * * * * NOTE B. M. G. LEWIS.-P. 562 In justice to a departed friend, I have subjoined his own defence against an accusation so remorselessly persisted in. The following is an extract of a letter to his father : "MY DEAR FATHER, NOTE C. GERMAN BALLADS.-P. 565. Feb. 23, 1798. "Though certain that the clamour raised against The Monk' cannot have given you the smallest doubt of the rectitude of my intentions, or the purity of my principles, yet I am conscious that it must have grieved you to find any doubts on the subject existing in the minds of other people. To ex-ly distinguished from each other. For examplepress my sorrow for having given you pain is my motive for now addressing you, and also to assure you, that you shall not feel that pain a second time on my account. Having made you feel it at all, would be a sufficient reason, had I no others, to make me regret having published the first edition of The Among the popular Ballads, or Volkslieder, of the celebrated Herder, is (take one instance out of many) a version of the old Scottish song of "Sir Patrick Spence," in which, but for difference of orthography, the two languages can be scarce "The King sits in Dunfermling town, |