"Long flourish the sandal, the cord, and the rope, The dread of the devil, and trust of the Pope; For to gather life's roses unscathed by the briar, Is granted alone to the bare-footed friar." THE MONASTERY. AFTER the publication of "Ivanhoe," Scott returned for a time to the illustration of Scottish life. "The Monastery" was published in March 1820, in three duodecimo volumes. Owing to the supernatural element introduced by the White Lady of Avenel, the novel was less successful than its predecessors. It was, however, redeemed from absolute failure through the beautiful descriptions of natural scenery and the striking Scottish manners which it presented. In the accompanying engraving is represented the Abbey of Melrose amidst the beautiful scenery by which it is surrounded. It is the finest specimen of Gothic architecture in Scotland. The spire of the central tower has disappeared, but the tower itself, eighty-four feet in height, imparts dignity to the structure. The grand east window is of unparallelled beauty and elegance. Gothic pinnacles terminate the principal buttresses,'which, with the various windows, are decorated with admirably carved figures and niches richly sculptured. In Melrose Abbey was deposited the heart of King Robert the Bruce, after the unsuccessful attempt to carry it to Palestine. The absence of Father Eustace, superior of the abbey, who was detained much beyond his accustomed hour of returning home, created alarm among his brethren, and the dependants had all been summoned to assist, with torches, in searching for the venerable man. The shout of joy that was raised as he approached, soon convinced him of the object of the assemblage; and the invitations distributed to the people, to call at the convent kitchen for a "quarter of a yard of roast beef each," demonstrated the esteem in which he was held in the institution. ***** In our second illustration Herbert Glendinning is presenting the silver bodkin which he received from the White Lady. The production of this token has caused the most extraordinary change in the aspect of Sir Piercie Shafton, whose serenity has suddenly become transformed into fury. He has started up, quivering with rage, and in his inflamed and agitated features he resembles a demoniac rather than a mortal under the government of reason. He thrusts both his clenched fists towards Glendinning's face, but the next moment withdraws them, and striking his open palm against his forehead, rushes from the apartment. [Illustration: 071-072] [Illustration: 073] THE ABBOT. THE ABBOT was published in September 1820, as a sequel to "The Monastery," which appeared in the preceding March. According to Mr Lockhart, it arose in Scott's mind during a visit to Blair-Adam. The beautiful localities of that estate are distinctly alluded to, while the virtues of the amiable owner, Mr Chief Commissioner Adam, are admirably portrayed.