is
rage against the Scots, which is so dishonourable, and indeed so
infamous, to the English nation. We hear that it increases every
day without the least appearance of provocation on our part. It has
frequently made me resolve never in my life to set foot on English
ground. I dread, if I should undertake a more modern history, the
impertinence and ill-manners to which it would expose me; and I was
willing to know from you whether former prejudices had so far
subsided as to ensure me of a good reception."

His fears were kindly appeased by Millar's assurance that the English
were not prejudiced against the Scots in general, but against the
particular Scot, Lord Bute, who was supposed to be the guide,
philosopher, and friend, of both Dowager Queen and King.

To care nothing about literature, to dislike Scotchmen, and to be
insensible to the merits of David Hume, was a combination of iniquities
on the part of the English nation, which would have been amply
sufficient to ruffle the temper of the philosophic historian, who,
without being foolishly vain, had certainly no need of what has been
said to be the one form of prayer in which his countrymen, torn as they
are by theological differences, agree; "Lord! gie us a gude conceit o'
oursels." But when, to all this, these same Southrons added a passionate
admiration for Lord Chatham, who was in Hume's eyes a charlatan; and
filled up the cup of their abominations by cheering for "Wilkes and
Liberty," Hume's wrath knew no bounds, and, between 1768 and 1770, he
pours a perfect Jeremiad into the bosom of his friend Sir Gilbert
Elliot.

"Oh! how I long to see America and the East Indies revolted,
totally and finally--the revenue reduced to half--public credit
fully discredited by bankruptcy--the third of London in ruins, and
the rascally mob subdued! I think I am not too old to despair of
being witness to all these blessings.

"I am delighted to see the daily and hourly progress of madness and
folly and wickedness in England. The consummation of these
qualities are the true ingredients for making a fine narrative in
history, especially if followed by some signal and ruinous
convulsion--as I hope will soon be the case with that pernicious
people!"

Even from the secure haven of James's Court, the maledictions continue
to pour forth:--

"Nothing but a rebellion and bloodshed w