Tales and verses from Sir Walter Scott

Front matter

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Foreword

It is a significant fact that the present year, 1914, is the centenary of the publication of " Waverley," herald of all the brilliant novels so soon to follow. This rounding out of the century may well witness the publication of hosts of magazine articles and books, all paying homage to the mighty Scott, whose name is still one to conjure with, who is still the " Wizard of the North."

That the youth of the twentieth century may have his part in this renewed interest in Sir Walter Scott, the compilers offer this little volume to the pupils of the upper grammar grades and to students in the first years of the high school.

Scott's place as an author is secure. There is no need to urge his claim by citing at this time that " in the vivid description of natural scenery he is without a rival " ; that " he can describe a battle with a vividness unequalled by any poet since Homer " ; or that " his pictures will live in English literature beside Shakespeare's." These are truisms which the world has long conceded.

As for the man, Scott, no one is dearer or more human in English literature. His uprightness of soul, delicate sense of honor, purity, and sweet friendliness may well make him an ideal to the boy or girl. The man dwarfs his own heroes ; he is greater than his crea-

8 FOREWORD

tions. This we see ever more clearly as the decades roll by.

"Tales and Verse from Sir Walter Scott " contains the most famous of his lyrics and a goodly number of excerpts from his most representative novels. It is hoped that these may kindle in the child such keen interest in characters and situations that the immediate reaction will be the reading of the novel itself from which the absorbing passage is drawn. A revival of enthusiasm for Scott's sane and wholesome work would be a most encouraging " sign of the times."

Each selection is preceded by a brief introductory note, sufficient to give the setting of the scene ; and there are occasional footnotes upon the more unfamiliar allusions. The author's diction has been scrupulously preserved, save for a few abridgments of material not vital to the story or indeed extraneous to it.

Intimate descriptions of Sir Walter Scott and of his beautiful and cherished home, Abbotsford, are given in the words of three of his friends.

FANNY E. COE.

Contents

PAGE

Sir Walter Scott and his Children . . .13 Sir Walter and his Friend Marjorie . . .18 The "Den" in the Edinburgh House ... 26

Scott's Career as Poet and Novelist . . . 54