tands in a light which the most zealous of their supporters in this
country cannot but consider as fair, while the result would be that the
Question should not be granted at all under such guarantees; but I think
this is scarce to be done by inflaming the topic with all mutual
virulence of polemical discussion."

[250] _Henry VI_. Act I. Sc. 4.

[251] _John Gilpin._

[252] The _Picture of Scotland_ by Robert Chambers, author of
_Traditions of Edinburgh_, etc., 8vo, 1829.

[253] Mr. Skene remarks that at this time "Sir Walter was engaged in the
composition of the Novel of _Anne of Geierstein_, for which purpose he
wished to see a paper which I had some time before contributed to the
Memoirs of the Society of Antiquaries on the subject of the Secret
Tribunals of Germany, and upon which, accordingly, he grounded the scene
in the novel. Upon his describing to me the scheme which he had formed
for that work, I suggested to him that he might with advantage connect
the history of Rene, king of Provence, which would lead to many
interesting topographical details which my residence in that country
would enable me to supply, besides the opportunity of illustrating so
eccentric a character as '_le bon roi Rene_,' full of traits which were
admirably suited to Sir Walter's graphic style of illustration, and that
he could besides introduce the ceremonies of the _Fete Dieu_ with great
advantage, as I had fortunately seen its revival the first time it was
celebrated after the interruption of the revolution. He liked the idea
much, and, accordingly, a Journal which I had written during my
residence in Provence, with a volume of accompanying drawings and
Papon's History of Provence was forthwith sent for, and the whole
_denouement_ of the story of _Anne o/Geierstein_ was changed, and the
Provence part woven into it, in the form in which it ultimately came
forth."--_Reminiscences_.

[254] This learned gentleman died in his house, 34 Moray Place,
Edinburgh, on the 30th August 1838, aged eighty-two. He had filled
various important situations with great ability during his long
life:--Sheriff of Berwick and West Lothian, Professor of Scots Law in
the University, and afterwards a Baron of Exchequer, which latter office
he held till the abolition of the court in 1830. He is best remembered
by his work on the Criminal Law of Scotland, published in 1797. He
bequeathed his uncle the historian's correspondence with Rousseau and
other distingu