THIS highly interesting and popular romance was published on the 30th May 1822. Next day Constable wrote from London to the author as follows: "I learn with astonishment, but not less delight, that the press is at work again. A new novel, from the author of Waverley, puts aside-in other words, puts down for the time-every other literary performance. The smack 'Ocean,' by which the new work was shipped, arrived at the wharf on Sunday; the bales were got out by _one_ on Monday morning, and before half-past _ten_ o'clock, 7000 copies had been dispersed from 90 Cheapside."* Though chiefly connected with the fortunes of George Heriot, the benevolent Scottish jeweller, who founded the Hospital at Edinburgh which bears his name, the novel fully depicts the habits of English court life during the reign of James I. The character of that weak and vacillating prince, and the corrupt manners which he introduced or countenanced, are skilfully set forth. * Constable's London Agents, Messrs Hunt, Robertson, & Co., had their premises in Cheapside. The accompanying illustration represents the meeting of King James and Nigel Olifaunt When the king had leisure to take a view of his new companion, he exclaimed, "Ye are nane of our train, man; in the name of God, what are ye?" "If your majesty will look on me," said Nigel, "you will see one whom necessity makes bold to avail himself of an opportunity which may never occur again." The king looked-his face became pale-he dropped the _couteau de chasse_ from his hand, and exclaimed, "Glenvarlochides, as sure as I am christened James Stuart: this is a bonnie spot of work, and me alone and on foot too!" The prince meanwhile came up, and seeing Nigel, thus accosted him, "Sir, you knew yourself to be accused of a heavy offence, and instead of rendering yourself up to justice, you are found intruding yourself upon his majesty's presence, and armed with unlawful weapons." "Hear me, hear me, noble prince!" said Nigel, eagerly, "hear me; you-even you yourself-may one day ask to be heard, and in vain." "How am I to construe that, my lord?" said the prince, haughtily. "If not on earth, sir," replied the prisoner, "yet to heaven we must all pray for patient and favourable audience." "Well, sir," said the prince, "we will ourselves look into your case." [Illustration: 089] [Illustration: 090]