ng in a spirit of vainglory; and yet it is under the mere
coercion of '_salva necessitas_' that I am surprised into this
unparalleled instance of activity. Do you walk? That is, do you
like walking for four hours '_on end_'--(which is our archaic
expression for _continuously_)? If I knew _that_, I would arrange
accordingly for meeting you. The case as to distance is this. The
Dalkeith railway, from the Waverley station, brings you to Esk
Bank. That is its nearest approach,--its _perihelion_, in relation
to ourselves; and it is precisely two and three-quarters miles
distant from _Mavis Bush_,--the name of our cottage. Close to us,
and the most noticeable object for guiding your inquiries, is _Mr.
Annandale's Paper-Mills_.

"Now, then, accordingly as you direct my motions, I will--rain
being supposed absent--join you at your hotel in Edinburgh any time
after 11 A.M. and walk out the whole distance, (seven miles from
the Scott monument,) or else I will meet you at Esk Bank; or, if
you prefer coming out in a carriage, I will await your coming here
in that state of motionless repose which best befits a philosopher.
Excuse my levity; and believe that with sincere pleasure we shall
receive your obliging visit.

"Ever your faithful servant,

"THOMAS DE QUINCEY."

In order to appreciate the physical powers of him who proposed a walk of
the distance indicated in the letter, we must remember that he was then
just sixty-six years _plus_ ten days old. He was now living with his
daughters, in the utmost simplicity. On his arrival, Mr. F. found De
Quincey awaiting him at the door of his cottage,--a short man, with
small head, and eyes that were absolutely indescribable as human
features, with a certain boyish awkwardness of manner, but with the most
urban-like courtesy and affability. From noon till dark, the time is
spent in conversation, continued, various, and eloquent. What a presence
is there in this humble, unpretending cottage! And as the stream of
Olympian sweetness moves on, now in laughing ripples, and again in a
solemn majestic flood, what a past do we bring before ourselves! what a
present! For this is he that talked with Coleridge, that was the friend
of Wilson,--and--what furnishes a more sublime suggestion--this is he
that knows by heart the mountain-fells and the mysterious recesses of
hidden valleys for miles a