The monastery; The abbot.

28 WAVERLEY NOVELS.
I should suppress what threw such an interesting and radiant light upon
the history of the ancient Monastery of Saint Mary.
At length, by dint of listening to their opinion, I became dubious of my
own; and, indeed, when I heard passages read forth by the sonorous voice
of our worthy pastor, I was scarce more tired than I have felt myself at
some of his own sermons. Such, and so great is the difference betwixt
reading a thing one's self, making toilsome way through all the difficulties
of manuscript, and, as the man says in the play, " having the same read to
you;"-it is positively like being wafted over a creek in a boat, or wading
through it on your feet, with the mud up toyour knees. Still, however,
there remained the great difficulty of finding some one who could act as
editor, corrector at once of the press and of the language, which, according
to the schoolmaster, was absolutely necessary.
Since the trees walked forth to choose themselves a king, never was an
honour so bandied about. The parson would not leave the quiet of his chimney-corner-the bailie pleaded the dignity of his situation, and the approach
of the great annual fair, as reasons against going to Edinburgh to make
arrangements for printing the Benedictine's manuscript. The schoolmaster
alone seemed of malleable stuff; and, desirous perhaps of emulating the
fame of Jedediah Cleishbotham, evinced a wish to undertake this momentous commission. But a remonstrance from three opulent farmers, whose
sons he had at bed, board, and schooling, for twenty pounds per annum
a-head, came like a frost over the blossoms of his literary ambition, and he
was, compelled to decline the service.
In these circumstances, sir, I apply to you, by the advice of our little
council of war, nothing doubting you will not be disinclined to take the duty
upon you, as it is much connected with that in which you have distinguished
yourself. What I request is, that you will review, or rather revise and correct, the enclosed packet, and prepare it for the press, by such alterations,
additions, and curtailments, as you think necessary. Forgive my hinting
to you, that the deepest well may be exhausted, - the best corps of grenadiers, as our old general of brigade expressed himself, may be used iup. A
few hints can do you no harm; and, for the prize-money, let the battle be
first won, and it shall be parted at the drum-head. I hope you will take
nothing amiss that I have said. I am a plain soldier, and little accustomed
to compliments. I may add, that I should be well contented to march in
the front with you - that is, to put my name with yours on the title-page,
I have the honour to be, SIR,
Your unknown humble Servant,
CUTHBERT CLUTTERBUCKVILLAGE OF KENNAQUHAIR,
- of April, 18For the Author of " Waverley," &c.
care of Mr. John Ballantyne,
lHanover Street, Edinburgh. j