We now find Hume restored, though but for a brief period, to the tranquil retirement of Ninewells; and undisturbed by public events, civil or warlike, sitting down quietly among his books in the midst of his family circle, consisting of his mother, his elder brother, and his sister. It would be interesting to obtain a glimpse of this circle and its habits; but the lapse of nearly a century has thrown it too far into the shade of time, to permit of these minute objects being distinguished. Perhaps the following scrap from the papers preserved by Hume himself,[225:1] may represent the evening diversions of Ninewells. It is written by another hand, but is touched and corrected here and there by Hume. Whether or not it is intended to have any reference to himself, is a matter on which I shall not attempt to forestall the reader's judgment. _Character of ----, written by himself._ 1. A very good man, the constant purpose of whose life is to do mischief. 2. Fancies he is disinterested, because he substitutes vanity in place of all other passions. 3. Very industrious, without serving either himself or others. 4. Licentious in his pen, cautious in his words, still more so in his actions. 5. Would have had no enemies, had he not courted them; seems desirous of being hated by the public, but has only attained the being railed at. 6. Has never been hurt by his enemies, because he never hated any one of them. 7. Exempt from vulgar prejudices--full of his own. 8. Very bashful, somewhat modest, no way humble. 9. A fool, capable of performances which few wise men can execute. 10. A wise man, guilty of indiscretions which the greatest simpletons can perceive. 11. Sociable, though he lives in solitude. 12.[226:1] 13. An enthusiast, without religion; a philosopher, who despairs to attain truth. A moralist, who prefers instinct to reason. A gallant, who gives no offence to husbands and mothers. A scholar, without the ostentation of learning. Sir Walter Scott says:--"We visited Corby castle on our return to Scotland, which remains, in point of situation, as beautiful as when its walks were celebrated by David Hume, in the only rhymes he was ever known to be guilty of. Here they are from a pane of glass in an inn at Carlisle,-- Here chicks in eggs for breakfast sprawl, Here godless boys God's glories squall, Here Scotchmen's heads do guard the wall, But Corby's walks atone for all."[227:1]