A Walk from London to FulhamCroker, Thomas Crofton
History
A Walk from London to Fulham
Croker, Thomas Crofton
London (England) -- Description and travel
directions of Mr. Coindet, one of the partners of Englemann’s house of
Paris, who has lately opened an establishment here, which will be of the
utmost importance to the advancement of the art in this country, and of
which I hope soon to send you specimens.” Then he adds: “To tell half
the kindness and attention which I received from Sir Walter Scott would
be impossible. The breakfast party at Lockhart’s consisted of Allan
Cunningham, Terry (the actor), Newton (the artist), a Dr. Yates of
Brighton, Captain, Mr., and Mrs. Lockhart, Miss Scott, Mr. Hogg, and your
humble servant. We had all assembled when Sir Walter entered the room.
Maclise’s sketch does not give his expression, although there is
certainly a strong likeness—a likeness in it which cannot be mistaken;
but I have a very rough profile sketch in pen and ink by Newton, which is
admirable, and which some time or other I will copy and send you. When I
was introduced to the ‘Great Unknown’ I really had not the power of
speaking; it was a strange feeling of embarrassment, which I do not
remember having felt before in so strong a manner; and of course to his
‘I am glad to see you, Mr. Croker, you and I are not unknown to each
other,’ I could say nothing. He contrived to say something neat to every
one in the kindest manner—a well-turned compliment, without, however, the
slightest appearance of flattery—something at which every one felt
gratified. After speaking for a few moments to Mr. Terry and Allan
Cunningham, he returned to where I stood fixed and ‘mute as the monument
on Fish Street Hill;’ but I soon recovered the use of my tongue from the
easy manner in which he addressed me, and no longer seemed to feel myself
in the presence of some mighty and mysterious personage. He spoke
slowly, with a Scotch accent, and in rather a low tone of voice, so much
so, indeed, that I found it difficult to catch every word. He mentioned
my ‘Fairy Legends,’ and hoped he should soon have the very great
enjoyment of reading the second volume. ‘You are our—I speak of the
Celtic nations’ (said Sir Walter)—‘great authority now on fairy
superstition, and have made Fairy Land your kingdom; most sincerely do I
hope it may prove a golden inheritance to you. To me,’ (continued Sir
Walter) ‘it is the land of promise of much future entertainment. I have
been reading the German translation of your tales and the Grimms’ very
elaborate introduction.’ Mr. Terry mentioned having received from me
Daniel O’Rourke in the shape of a Christmas pantomime. ‘It is an
admirable subject,’ said Sir Walter, ‘and if Mr. Croker has only
dramatized it with half the skill of tricking up old wives’ tales which
he has shown himself to possess, it must be, and I prophesy, although I
have not seen it, it will be as great a golden egg in your nest, Terry,
as Mother Goose was to one of the greater theatres some years ago.’ He
then repeated by heart part of the conversation between Dan and the
Eagle, with great zest.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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