The Waverley novels, by Sir Walter Scott, complete in 12 vol., printed from the latest English ed., embracing the author's last corrections, prefaces & notes.

322 WAVERLEY NOVELS.
The next tale, entitled " The Two Drovers," I learned from another old
friend, the late George Constable, Esq. of Wallace-Craigie, near Dundee,
whom I have already introduced to my reader as the original Antiquary of
Monkbarns. He had been present, I think, at the trial at Carlisle, and
seldom mentioned the venerable Judge's charge to the jury, without shedding tears,-which had peculiar pathos, as flowing down features, carrying
rather a sarcastic, or almost a cynical expression.
This worthy gentleman's reputation for shrewd Scottish sense-knowledge
of our national antiquities-and a racy humour, peculiar to himself-must
be still remembered. For myself, I have pride in recording, that for many
years we were, in Wordsworth's language,
" - a pair of friends, though I was young,
And'George' was seventy-two."
ABBOTSFORD, Aug. 15, 1831.
APPENDIX TO INTRODUCTION.
[It has been suggested to the Author, that it might he well to reprint here a detailed account
of the public dinner alluded to in the foregoing Introduction, as given in the newspapers
of the time; and the reader is accordingly presented with the following extract from the
Edinburgh Weekly Journal for Wednesday, 28th February, 1827.]
i]eattrtcal jruntb finnet.
BEFORE proceeding with our account of this very interesting festival-for
so it may be termed- it is our duty to present to our readers the following
letter, which we have received from the President:
THE EDITOR OF THE EDINBURGH WEEKLY JOURNAL.
SIR, -I am extremely sorry I have not leisure to correct the copy you
sent me of what I am stated to have said at the Dinner for the Theatrical
Fund. I am no orator; and upon such occasions as are alluded to, I say
as well as I can what the time requires.
However, I hope your reporter has been more accurate in other instances
than in mine. I have corrected one passage, in which I am made to speak
with great impropriety and petulance, respecting the opinions of those who
did not approve of dramatic entertainments. I have restored what I said,
which was meant to be respectful, as every objection founded in conscience
is, in my opinion, entitled to be so treated. Other errors I left as I found
them, it being of little consequence whether I spoke sense or nonsense, in
what was merely intended for the purpose of the hour.
I am, sir,
Your obedient servant,
Edinburgh, Monday. WALTER SCOTT.
The Theatrical Fund Dinner, which took place on Friday in the Assembly Rooms, was conducted with admirable spirit. The Chairman, SIR
WALTEA SCOTT, among his other great qualifications, is well fitted to enliven
such an. entertainment. His manners are extremely easy, and his style of