--These two words are cacophonous. Would not _its_ do?

_Scott._--Th. is a bad sound. Ts. a much worse. Read _their_.

STANZA IV.--"A stranger might reply."

_James._--My objection to this is probably fantastical, and I state
it only because, from the first moment to the last, it has always
made me boggle. I don't like a _stranger_--Query, "The
questioned"--The "spectator"--"gazer," etc.

_Scott._--_Stranger_ is appropriate--it means stranger to the
circumstances.

{p.073} STANZA VI.--_James._--You had changed "garner-house
profound," which I think quite admirable, to "garner under ground,"
which I think quite otherways. I have presumed not to make the
change--must I?

_Scott._--I acquiesce, but with doubts; _profound_ sounds affected.

STANZA VIII.--"The deadly tug of war at length
Must limits find in human strength,
And _cease_ when these are passed.
Vain hope!" etc.

_James._--I must needs repeat, that the deadly tug _did_ cease in
the case supposed. It lasted long--very long; but, when the limits
of resistance, of human strength, were past--that is, after they had
fought for ten hours, then the deadly tug _did_ cease. Therefore the
"hope" was not "vain."

_Scott._--I answer, it did _not_,--because the observation relates
to the strength of those actually engaged, and when _their_ strength
was exhausted, other squadrons were brought up. Suppose you saw two
lawyers scolding at the bar, you might say this must have an
end--human lungs cannot hold out--but, if the debate were continued
by the senior counsel, your well-grounded expectations would be
disappointed--"Cousin, thou wert not wont to be so dull!"--

IBID.--"Nor ceased the _intermitted_ shot."

_James._--Mr. Erskine contends that "intermitted" is redundant.

_Scott._--"Nor ceased the _storm of shell and shot_."

STANZA X.--"---- Never shall our country say
We gave one inch of ground away,
_When battling_ for her right."

_James._--_In conflict?_

_John B._--_Warring?_ I am afraid _battling_ must stand.

_Scott._--All worse than the text.

STANZA XI.--"Peal'd wildly the imperial name."

_James._--I submit with diffidence whether this be not a somewhat
tame conclusion to so very animated a stanza? And, at any rate, you
will observe, that as it stands, you have no r