"Consider, my dear Miss Buskbody, (I beg pardon for the familiarity),--but pray consider, even the memory of the renowned Scheherazade, that Empress of Tale-tellers, could not preserve every circumstance. I am not quite positive as to the fate of Goose-Gibbie, but am inclined to think him the same with one Gilbert Dudden, alias Calf-Gibbie, who was whipped through Hamilton for stealing poultry." Miss Buskbody now placed her left foot on the fender, crossed her right leg over her knee, lay back on the chair, and looked towards the ceiling. When I observed her assume this contemplative mood, I concluded she was studying some farther cross-examination, and therefore took my hat and wished her a hasty good-night, ere the Demon of Criticism had supplied her with any more queries. In like manner, gentle Reader, returning you my thanks for the patience which has conducted you thus far, I take the liberty to withdraw myself from you for the present. PERORATION. It was mine earnest wish, most courteous Reader, that the "Tales of my Landlord" should have reached thine hands in one entire succession of tomes, or volumes. But as I sent some few more manuscript quires, containing the continuation of these most pleasing narratives, I was apprised, somewhat unceremoniously, by my publisher that he did not approve of novels (as he injuriously called these real histories) extending beyond four volumes, and if I did not agree to the first four being published separately, he threatened to decline the article. (Oh, ignorance! as if the vernacular article of our mother English were capable of declension.) Whereupon, somewhat moved by his remonstrances, and more by heavy charges for print and paper, which he stated to have been already incurred, I have resolved that these four volumes shall be the heralds or avant-couriers of the Tales which are yet in my possession, nothing doubting that they will be eagerly devoured, and the remainder anxiously demanded, by the unanimous voice of a discerning public. I rest, esteemed Reader, thine as thou shalt construe me, JEDEDIAH CLEISHBOTHAM. GANDERCLEUGH, Nov. 15, 1816. [Illustration: Interior of Abbotsford--302] GLOSSARY. A', all. A'body, everybody. Aboon, abune, above. Ae, one. Aff, off. Afore, before. Again, against, until. Ahint, behind. Ain, own. Ajee, awry. Amaist, almost. Amna, am not. An, if, suppose. Ane, one. Anent, regarding. Anes, once. Anither, another. Arles, earnest money. Asteer, in confusion. Atweel, aweel, well. Aught, own, possessed of; also, eight. Auld, old. Awa', away. Awe, to owe. "Awe a day in har'st," to owe a good turn. Awsome, awful, terrible.