Ellis Bell's I think good and vigorous, and Acton's have the merit of truth and simplicity. Mine are chiefly juvenile productions; the restless effervescence of a mind that would not be still. In those days, the sea too often 'wrought and was tempestuous,' and weed, sand, shingle--all turned up in the tumult. This image is much too magniloquent for the subject, but you will pardon it."Another letter of some interest was addressed, about this time, to a literary friend, on Sept. 5th:--"The reappearance of the Athenaeum is very acceptable, not merely for its own sake,--though I esteem the opportunity of its perusal a privilege,--but because, as a weekly token of the remembrance of friends, it cheers and gives pleasure. I only fear that its regular transmission may become a task to you; in this case, discontinue it at once.
"I did indeed enjoy my trip to Scotland, and yet I saw little of the face of the country; nothing of its grandeur or finer scenic features; but Edinburgh, Melrose, Abbotsford--these three in themselves sufficed to stir feelings of such deep interest and admiration, that neither at the time did I regret, nor have Isince regretted, the want of wider space over which to diffuse the sense of enjoyment. There was room and variety enough to be very happy, and 'enough,' the proverb says, 'is as good as a feast.' The queen, indeed, was right to climb Arthur's Seat with her husband and children. I shall not soon forget how I felt when, having reached its summit, we all sat down and looked over the city--towards the sea and Leith, and the Pentland Hills. No doubt you are proud of being a native of Scotland,--proud of your country, her capital, her children, and her literature. You cannot be blamed.