I sympathize with you for the _dole_ which you are _dreeing_ under the inflictions of your honest proser. Of all the boring machines ever devised, your regular and determined story-teller is the most peremptory and powerful in his operations. This is a rainy day, and my present infliction is an idle cousin, a great amateur of the pipes, who is performing incessantly in the next room for the benefit of a probationary minstrel, whose pipes scream _à la distance_, as the young hoarse cock-chicken imitates the gallant and triumphant screech of a veteran Sir Chanticleer. Yours affectionately, W. SCOTT. {p.295} APPENDIX THE DURHAM GARLAND IN THREE PARTS [The following is the _Garland_ referred to at pages 4 and 26, in connection with the novel of Guy Mannering. The ballad was taken down from the recitation of Mrs. Young of Castle-Douglas, who, as her family informed Mr. Train, had long been in the habit of repeating it over to them once in the year, in order that it might not escape from her memory.] PART I 1 A worthy Lord of birth and state, Who did in Durham live of late-- But I will not declare his name, By reason of his birth and fame. 2 This Lord he did a-hunting go; If you the truth of all would know, He had indeed a noble train, Of Lords and Knights and Gentlemen. 3 This noble Lord he left the train Of Lords and Knights and Gentlemen; And hearing not the horn to blow, He could not tell which way to go. 4 But he did wander to and fro, Being weary, likewise full of woe: At last Dame Fortune was so kind That he the Keeper's house did find. {p.296} 5 He went and knocked at the door, He thought it was so late an hour. The Forester did let him in, And kindly entertained him. 6 About the middle of the night, When as the stars did shine most bright, This Lord was in a sad surprise, Being wakened by a fearful noise. 7 Then he did rise and call with speed, To know the reason then indeed, Of all that shrieking and those cries Which did disturb his weary eyes. 8 "I'm sorry, Sir," the Keeper said, "That you should be so much afraid; But I do hope all will be well, For my wife she is in travail." 9 The noble Lord was learned and wise, To know the Planets in the skies. He saw one evil Planet reign, He called the Forester again. 10 He gave him then to understand, He'd have the Midwife hold her hand; But he was answered by the maid, "My Mistress is delivered." 11 At one o'clock that very morn, A lovely infant there was born; It was indeed a charming boy, Which brought the man and wife much joy. 12