CONTENTS。
　　I。TalesofmyLandlord-Introductionby"JedediahCleishbotham"
　　II。IntroductiontoTHEBLACKDWARF
　　III。MaintextofTHEBLACKDWARF
　　I。TALESOFMYLANDLORD
　　COLLECTEDANDREPORTEDBYJEDEDIAHCLEISHBOTHAM，SCHOOLMASTERANDPARISH-CLERKOFGANDERCLEUGH。
　　INTRODUCTION。
　　AsImay，withoutvanity，presumethatthenameandofficialdescriptionprefixedtothisProemwillsecureit，fromthesedateandreflectingpartofmankind，towhomonlyIwouldbeunderstoodtoaddressmyself，suchattentionasisduetothesedulousinstructorofyouth，andthecarefulperformerofmySabbathduties，Iwillforbeartoholdupacandletothedaylight，ortopointouttothejudiciousthoserecommendationsofmylabourswhichtheymustnecessarilyanticipatefromtheperusalofthetitle-page。Nevertheless，Iamnotunaware，that，asEnvyalwaysdogsMeritattheheels，theremaybethosewhowillwhisper，thatalbeitmylearningandgoodprinciplescannot（laudedbetheheavens）bedeniedbyanyone，yetthatmysituationatGandercleughhathbeenmorefavourabletomyacquisitionsinlearningthantotheenlargementofmyviewsofthewaysandworksofthepresentgeneration。Tothewhichobjection，if，peradventure，anysuchshallbestarted，myanswershallbethreefold：
　　First，Gandercleughis，asitwere，thecentralpart——thenavel（SIFASSITDICERE）ofthisournativerealmofScotland；sothatmen，fromeverycornerthereof，whentravellingontheirconcernmentsofbusiness，eithertowardsourmetropolisoflaw，bywhichImeanEdinburgh，ortowardsourmetropolisandmartofgain，wherebyIinsinuateGlasgow，arefrequentlyledtomakeGandercleughtheirabidingstageandplaceofrestforthenight。
　　Anditmustbeacknowledgedbythemostsceptical，thatI，whohavesatintheleathernarmchair，ontheleft-handsideofthefire，inthecommonroomoftheWallaceInn，winterandsummer，foreveryeveninginmylife，duringfortyyearsbypast（theChristianSabbathsonlyexcepted），musthaveseenmoreofthemannersandcustomsofvarioustribesandpeople，thanifIhadsoughtthemoutbymyownpainfultravelandbodilylabour。Evensodoththetollmanatthewell-frequentedturn-pikeontheWellbraehead，sittingathiseaseinhisowndwelling，gathermorereceiptofcustom，thanif，movingforthupontheroad，heweretorequireacontributionfromeachpersonwhomhechancedtomeetinhisjourney，when，accordingtothevulgaradage，hemightpossiblybegreetedwithmorekicksthanhalfpence。
　　But，secondly，supposingitagainurged，thatIthacus，themostwiseoftheGreeks，acquiredhisrenown，astheRomanpoethathassuredus，byvisitingstatesandmen，IreplytotheZoiluswhoshalladheretothisobjection，that，DEFACTO，Ihaveseenstatesandmenalso；forIhavevisitedthefamouscitiesofEdinburghandGlasgow，theformertwice，andthelatterthreetimes，inthecourseofmyearthlypilgrimage。And，moreover，I
　　hadthehonourtositintheGeneralAssembly（meaning，asanauditor，inthegalleriesthereof），andhaveheardasmuchgoodlyspeakingonthelawofpatronage，as，withthefructificationthereofinmineownunderstanding，hathmademebeconsideredasanoracleuponthatdoctrineeversincemysafeandhappyreturntoGandercleugh。
　　Again——andthirdly，Ifitbeneverthelesspretendedthatmyinformationandknowledgeofmankind，howeverextensive，andhoweverpainfullyacquired，byconstantdomesticenquiry，andbyforeigntravel，is，natheless，incompetenttothetaskofrecordingthepleasantnarrativesofmyLandlord，Iwillletthesecriticsknow，totheirowneternalshameandconfusionaswellastotheabashmentanddiscomfitureofallwhoshallrashlytakeupasongagainstme，thatIamNOTthewriter，redacter，orcompiler，oftheTalesofmyLandlord；noramI，inonesingleiota，answerablefortheircontents，moreorless。Andnow，yegenerationofcritics，whoraiseyourselvesupasifitwerebrazenserpents，tohisswithyourtongues，andtosmitewithyourstings，bowyourselvesdowntoyournativedust，andacknowledgethatyourshavebeenthethoughtsofignorance，andthewordsofvainfoolishness。Lo！yearecaughtinyourownsnare，andyourownpithathyawnedforyou。Turn，then，asidefromthetaskthatistooheavyforyou；destroynotyourteethbygnawingafile；wastenotyourstrengthbyspurningagainstacastlewall；norspendyourbreathincontendinginswiftnesswithafleetsteed；andletthoseweightheTalesofmyLandlord，whoshallbringwiththemthescalesofcandourcleansedfromtherustofprejudicebythehandsofintelligentmodesty。Forthesealonetheywerecompiled，aswillappearfromabriefnarrativewhichmyzealfortruthcompelledmetomakesupplementarytothepresentProem。
　　ItiswellknownthatmyLandlordwasapleasingandafacetiousman，acceptableuntoalltheparishofGandercleugh，exceptingonlytheLaird，theExciseman，andthoseforwhomherefusedtodrawliquorupontrust。TheircausesofdislikeIwilltouchseparately，addingmyownrefutationthereof。
　　Hishonour，theLaird，accusedourLandlord，deceased，ofhavingencouraged，invarioustimesandplaces，thedestructionofhares，rabbits，fowlsblackandgrey，partridges，moor-pouts，roe-deer，andotherbirdsandquadrupeds，atunlawfulseasons，andcontrarytothelawsofthisrealm，whichhavesecured，intheirwisdom，theslaughterofsuchanimalsforthegreatoftheearth，whomIhaveremarkedtotakeanuncommon（thoughtome，anunintelligible）pleasuretherein。Now，inhumbledeferencetohishonour，andinjustifiabledefenceofmyfrienddeceased，I
　　replytothischarge，thathowsoevertheformofsuchanimalsmightappeartobesimilartothosesoprotectedbythelaw，yetitwasamereDECEPTIOVISUS；forwhatresembledhareswere，infact，HILL-KIDS，andthosepartakingoftheappearanceofmoor-
　　fowl，weretrulyWOODPIGEONSandconsumedandeatenEONOMINE，andnototherwise。
　　Again，theExcisemanpretended，thatmydeceasedLandlorddidencouragethatspeciesofmanufacturecalleddistillation，withouthavinganespecialpermissionfromtheGreat，technicallycalledalicense，fordoingso。Now，Istanduptoconfrontthisfalsehood；andindefianceofhim，hisgauging-stick，andpenandinkhorn，Itellhim，thatIneversaw，ortasted，aglassofunlawfulaquavitaeinthehouseofmyLandlord；nay，that，onthecontrary，weneedednotsuchdevices，inrespectofapleasingandsomewhatseductiveliquor，whichwasvendedandconsumedattheWallaceInn，underthenameofMOUNTAINDEW。Ifthereisapenaltyagainstmanufacturingsuchaliquor，lethimshowmethestatute；andwhenhedoes，I’lltellhimifIwillobeyitorno。
　　ConcerningthosewhocametomyLandlordforliquor，andwentthirstyaway，forlackofpresentcoin，orfuturecredit，I
　　cannotbutsayithasgrievedmybowelsasifthecasehadbeenmineown。Nevertheless，myLandlordconsideredthenecessitiesofathirstysoul，andwouldpermitthem，inextremeneed，andwhentheirsoulwasimpoverishedforlackofmoisture，todrinktothefullvalueoftheirwatchesandwearingapparel，exclusivelyoftheirinferiorhabiliments，whichhewasuniformlyinexorableinobligingthemtoretain，forthecreditofthehouse。Astomineownpart，Imaywellsay，thatheneverrefusedmethatmodicumofrefreshmentwithwhichIamwonttorecruitnatureafterthefatiguesofmyschool。Itistrue，I
　　taughthisfivesonsEnglishandLatin，writing，book-keeping，withatinctureofmathematics，andthatIinstructedhisdaughterinpsalmody。NordoIremembermeofanyfeeorHONORARIUMreceivedfromhimonaccountofthesemylabours，exceptthecompotationsaforesaid。Neverthelessthiscompensationsuitedmyhumourwell，sinceitisahardsentencetobidadrythroatwaittillquarter-day。
　　But，truly，wereItospeakmysimpleconceitandbelief，IthinkmyLandlordwaschieflymovedtowaiveinmybehalftheusualrequisitionofasymbol，orreckoning，fromthepleasurehewaswonttotakeinmyconversation，which，thoughsolidandedifyinginthemain，was，likeawell-builtpalace，decoratedwithfacetiousnarrativesanddevices，tendingmuchtotheenhancementandornamentthereof。AndsopleasedwasmyLandlordoftheWallaceinhisrepliesduringsuchcolloquies，thattherewasnodistrictinScotland，yea，andnopeculiar，and，asitwere，distinctivecustomthereinpractised，butwasdiscussedbetwixtus；insomuch，thatthosewhostoodbywerewonttosay，itwasworthabottleofaletohearuscommunicatewitheachother。
　　Andnotafewtravellers，fromdistantparts，aswellasfromtheremotedistrictsofourkingdom，werewonttomingleintheconversation，andtotellnewsthathadbeengatheredinforeignlands，orpreservedfromoblivioninthisourown。
　　NowIchancedtohavecontractedforteachingthelowerclasseswithayoungpersoncalledPeter，orPatrick，Pattieson，whohadbeeneducatedforourHolyKirk，yea，had，bythelicenseofpresbytery，hisvoiceopenedthereinasapreacher，whodelightedinthecollectionofoldentalesandlegends，andingarnishingthemwiththeflowersofpoesy，whereofhewasavainandfrivolousprofessor。ForhefollowednottheexampleofthosestrongpoetswhomIpreposedtohimasapattern，butformedversificationofaflimsyandmoderntexture，tothecompoundingwhereofwasnecessarysmallpainsandlessthought。AndhenceI
　　havechidhimasbeingoneofthosewhobringforwardthefatalrevolutionprophesiedbyMr。RobertCarey，inhisVaticinationontheDeathofthecelebratedDr。JohnDonne：
　　Nowthouartgone，andthystrictlawswillbeToohardforlibertinesinpoetry；
　　Tillverse（bytheerefined）inthislastageTurnballadrhyme。
　　Ihadalsodisputationswithhimtouchinghisindulgingratheraflowingandredundantthanaconciseandstatelydictioninhisproseexercitations。Butnotwithstandingthesesymptomsofinferiortaste，andahumourofcontradictinghisbettersuponpassagesofdubiousconstructioninLatinauthors，IdidgrievouslylamentwhenPeterPattiesonwasremovedfrommebydeath，evenasifhehadbeentheoffspringofmyownloins。Andinrespecthispapershadbeenleftinmycare（toanswerfuneralanddeath-bedexpenses），Iconceivedmyselfentitledtodisposeofoneparcelthereof，entitled，"TalesofmyLandlord，"toonecunninginthetrade（asitiscalled）ofbookselling。Hewasamirthfulman，ofsmallstature，cunningincounterfeitingofvoices，andinmakingfacetioustalesandresponses，andwhomI
　　havetolaudforthetruthofhisdealingstowardsme。
　　Now，therefore，theworldmayseetheinjusticethatchargesmewithincapacitytowritethesenarratives，seeing，thatthoughI
　　haveprovedthatIcouldhavewrittenthemifIwould，yet，nothavingdoneso，thecensurewilldeservedlyfall，ifatalldue，uponthememoryofMr。PeterPattieson；whereasImustbejustlyentitledtothepraise，whenanyisdue，seeingthat，astheDeanofSt。Patrick’swittilyandlogicallyexpressethit，Thatwithoutwhichathingisnot，IsCAUSASINEQUANON。
　　Thework，therefore，isuntomeasachildistoaparent；inthewhichchild，ifitprovethworthy，theparenthathhonourandpraise；but，ifotherwise，thedisgracewilldeservedlyattachtoitselfalone。
　　Ihaveonlyfurthertointimate，thatMr。PeterPattieson，inarrangingtheseTalesforthepress，hathmoreconsultedhisownfancythantheaccuracyofthenarrative；nay，thathehathsometimesblendedtwoorthreestoriestogetherforthemeregraceofhisplots。Ofwhichinfidelity，althoughIdisapproveandentermytestimonyagainstit，yetIhavenottakenuponmetocorrectthesame，inrespectitwasthewillofthedeceased，thathismanuscriptshouldbesubmittedtothepresswithoutdiminutionoralteration。Afancifulnicetyitwasonthepartofmydeceasedfriend，who，ifthinkingwisely，oughtrathertohaveconjuredme，byallthetendertiesofourfriendshipandcommonpursuits，tohavecarefullyrevised，altered，andaugmented，atmyjudgmentanddiscretion。Butthewillofthedeadmustbescrupulouslyobeyed，evenwhenweweepovertheirpertinacityandself-delusion。So，gentlereader，Ibidyoufarewell，recommendingyoutosuchfareasthemountainsofyourowncountryproduce；andIwillonlyfartherpremise，thateachTaleisprecededbyashortintroduction，mentioningthepersonsbywhom，andthecircumstancesunderwhich，thematerialsthereofwerecollected。
　　JEDEDIAHCLEISHBOTHAM。
　　*
　　II。INTRODUCTIONtoTHEBLACKDWARF。
　　Theidealbeingwhoisherepresentedasresidinginsolitude，andhauntedbyaconsciousnessofhisowndeformity，andasuspicionofhisbeinggenerallysubjectedtothescornofhisfellow-men，isnotaltogetherimaginary。Anindividualexistedmanyyearssince，undertheauthor’sobservation，whichsuggestedsuchacharacter。Thispoorunfortunateman’snamewasDavidRitchie，anativeofTweeddale。Hewasthesonofalabourerintheslate-quarriesofStobo，andmusthavebeenborninthemisshapenformwhichheexhibited，thoughhesometimesimputedittoill-usagewhenininfancy。Hewasbredabrush-makeratEdinburgh，andhadwanderedtoseveralplaces，workingathistrade，fromallwhichhewaschasedbythedisagreeableattentionwhichhishideoussingularityofformandfaceattractedwhereverhecame。TheauthorunderstoodhimtosayhehadevenbeeninDublin。
　　Tiredatlengthofbeingtheobjectofshouts，laughter，andderision，DavidRitchieresolved，likeadeerhuntedfromtheherd，toretreattosomewilderness，wherehemighthavetheleastpossiblecommunicationwiththeworldwhichscoffedathim。
　　Hesettledhimself，withthisview，uponapatchofwildmoorlandatthebottomofabankonthefarmofWoodhouse，inthesequesteredvaleofthesmallriverManor，inPeeblesshire。Thefewpeoplewhohadoccasiontopassthatwayweremuchsurprised，andsomesuperstitiouspersonsalittlealarmed，toseesostrangeafigureasBow’dDavie（i。e。CrookedDavid）employedinatask，forwhichheseemedsototallyunfit，asthatoferectingahouse。Thecottagewhichhebuiltwasextremelysmall，butthewalls，aswellasthoseofalittlegardenthatsurroundedit，wereconstructedwithanambitiousdegreeofsolidity，beingcomposedoflayersoflargestonesandturf；andsomeofthecornerstonesweresoweighty，astopuzzlethespectatorshowsuchapersonasthearchitectcouldpossiblyhaveraisedthem。
　　Infact，Davidreceivedfrompassengers，orthosewhocameattractedbycuriosity，agooddealofassistance；andasnooneknewhowmuchaidhadbeengivenbyothers，thewonderofeachindividualremainedundiminished。
　　Theproprietoroftheground，thelateSirJamesNaesmith，baronet，chancedtopassthissingulardwelling，which，havingbeenplacedtherewithoutrightorleaveaskedorgiven，formedanexactparallelwithFalstaff’ssimileofa"fairhousebuiltonanother’sground；"sothatpoorDavidmighthavelosthisedificebymistakingthepropertywherehehaderectedit。Ofcourse，theproprietorentertainednoideaofexactingsuchaforfeiture，butreadilysanctionedtheharmlessencroachment。
　　ThepersonaldescriptionofElshenderofMucklestane-MoorhasbeengenerallyallowedtobeatolerablyexactandunexaggeratedportraitofDavidofManorWater。Hewasnotquitethreefeetandahalfhigh，sincehecouldstanduprightinthedoorofhismansion，whichwasjustthatheight。ThefollowingparticularsconcerninghisfigureandtemperoccurintheSCOTSMAGAZINEfor1817，andarenowunderstoodtohavebeencommunicatedbytheingeniousMr。RobertChambersofEdinburgh，whohasrecordedwithmuchspiritthetraditionsoftheGoodTown，and，inotherpublications，largelyandagreeablyaddedtothestockofourpopularantiquities。HeisthecountrymanofDavidRitchie，andhadthebestaccesstocollectanecdotesofhim。
　　"Hisskull，"saysthisauthority，"whichwasofanoblongandratherunusualshape，wassaidtobeofsuchstrength，thathecouldstrikeitwitheasethroughthepanelofadoor，ortheendofabarrel。Hislaughissaidtohavebeenquitehorrible；andhisscreech-owlvoice，shrill，uncouth，anddissonant，correspondedwellwithhisotherpeculiarities。
　　"Therewasnothingveryuncommonabouthisdress。Heusuallyworeanoldslouchedhatwhenhewentabroad；andwhenathome，asortofcowlornight-cap。Heneverworeshoes，beingunabletoadaptthemtohismis-shapenfinlikefeet，butalwayshadbothfeetandlegsquiteconcealed，andwraptupwithpiecesofcloth。
　　Healwayswalkedwithasortofpoleorpike-staff，considerablytallerthanhimself。Hishabitswere，inmanyrespects，singular，andindicatedamindcongenialtoitsuncouthtabernacle。Ajealous，misanthropical，andirritabletemper，washisprominentcharacteristic。Thesenseofhisdeformityhauntedhimlikeaphantom。Andtheinsultsandscorntowhichthisexposedhim，hadpoisonedhisheartwithfierceandbitterfeelings，which，fromotherpointsinhischaracter，donotappeartohavebeenmorelargelyinfusedintohisoriginaltemperamentthanthatofhisfellow-men。
　　"Hedetestedchildren，onaccountoftheirpropensitytoinsultandpersecutehim。Tostrangershewasgenerallyreserved，crabbed，andsurly；andthoughhebynomeansrefusedassistanceorcharity，heseldomeitherexpressedorexhibitedmuchgratitude。Eventowardspersonswhohadbeenhisgreatestbenefactors，andwhopossessedthegreatestshareofhisgood-
　　will，hefrequentlydisplayedmuchcapriceandjealousy。Aladywhohadknownhimfromhisinfancy，andwhohasfurnishedusinthemostobligingmannerwithsomeparticularsrespectinghim，says，thatalthoughDavieshowedasmuchrespectandattachmenttoherfather’sfamily，asitwasinhisnaturetoshowtoany，yettheywerealwaysobligedtobeverycautiousintheirdeportmenttowardshim。Oneday，havinggonetovisithimwithanotherlady，hetookthemthroughhisgarden，andwasshowingthem，withmuchprideandgood-humour，allhisrichandtastefullyassortedborders，whentheyhappenedtostopnearaplotofcabbageswhichhadbeensomewhatinjuredbythecaterpillars。Davie，observingoneoftheladiessmile，instantlyassumedhissavage，scowlingaspect，rushedamongthecabbages，anddashedthemtopieceswithhisKENT，exclaiming，’I
　　hatetheworms，fortheymockme！’
　　"Anotherlady，likewiseafriendandoldacquaintanceofhis，veryunintentionallygaveDavidmortaloffenceonasimilaroccasion。Throwingbackhisjealousglanceashewasusheringherintohisgarden，hefanciedheobservedherspit，andexclaimed，withgreatferocity，’AmIatoad，woman！thatyespitatme——thatyespitatme？’andwithoutlisteningtoanyanswerorexcuse，droveheroutofhisgardenwithimprecationsandinsult。Whenirritatedbypersonsforwhomheentertainedlittlerespect，hismisanthropydisplayeditselfinwords，andsometimesinactions，ofstillgreaterrudeness；andheusedonsuchoccasionsthemostunusualandsingularlysavageimprecationsandthreats。"[SCOTSMAGAZINE，vol。lxxx。p。207。]
　　Naturemaintainsacertainbalanceofgoodandevilinallherworks；andthereisnostateperhapssoutterlydesolate，whichdoesnotpossesssomesourceofgratificationpeculiartoitself，Thispoorman，whosemisanthropywasfoundedinasenseonhisownpreternaturaldeformity，hadyethisownparticularenjoyments。Drivenintosolitude，hebecameanadmirerofthebeautiesofnature。Hisgarden，whichhesedulouslycultivated，andfromapieceofwildmoorlandmadeaveryproductivespot，washisprideandhisdelight；buthewasalsoanadmirerofmorenaturalbeauty：thesoftsweepofthegreenhill，thebubblingofaclearfountain，orthecomplexitiesofawildthicket，werescenesonwhichheoftengazedforhours，and，ashesaid，withinexpressibledelight。ItwasperhapsforthisreasonthathewasfondofShenstone’spastorals，andsomepartsofPARADISE
　　LOST。TheauthorhasheardhismostunmusicalvoicerepeatthecelebrateddescriptionofParadise，whichheseemedfullytoappreciate。Hisotherstudieswereofadifferentcast，chieflypolemical。Heneverwenttotheparishchurch，andwasthereforesuspectedofentertainingheterodoxopinions，thoughhisobjectionwasprobablytotheconcourseofspectators，towhomhemusthaveexposedhisunseemlydeformity。Hespokeofafuturestatewithintensefeeling，andevenwithtears。Heexpresseddisgustattheidea，ofhisremainsbeingmixedwiththecommonrubbish，ashecalledit，ofthechurchyard，andselectedwithhisusualtasteabeautifulandwildspotintheglenwherehehadhishermitage，inwhichtotakehislastrepose。Hechangedhismind，however，andwasfinallyinterredinthecommonburial-
　　groundofManorparish。
　　TheauthorhasinvestedWiseElshiewithsomequalitieswhichmadehimappear，intheeyesofthevulgar，amanpossessedofsupernaturalpower。CommonfamepaidDavidRitchieasimilarcompliment，forsomeofthepoorandignorant，aswellasallthechildren，intheneighbourhood，heldhimtobewhatiscalleduncanny。Hehimselfdidnotaltogetherdiscouragetheidea；itenlargedhisverylimitedcircleofpower，andinsofargratifiedhisconceit；anditsoothedhismisanthropy，byincreasinghismeansofgivingterrororpain。ButeveninarudeScottishglenthirtyyearsback，thefearofsorcerywasverymuchoutofdate。
　　DavidRitchieaffectedtofrequentsolitaryscenes，especiallysuchasweresupposedtobehaunted，andvaluedhimselfuponhiscourageindoingso。Tobesurehehadlittlechanceofmeetinganythingmoreuglythanhimself。Atheart，hewassuperstitious，andplantedmanyrowans（mountainashes）aroundhishut，asacertaindefenceagainstnecromancy。Forthesamereason，doubtless，hedesiredtohaverowan-treessetabovehisgrave。
　　WehavestatedthatDavidRitchielovedobjectsofnaturalbeauty。Hisonlylivingfavouriteswereadogandacat，towhichhewasparticularlyattached，andhisbees，whichhetreatedwithgreatcare。Hetookasister，latterly，toliveinahutadjacenttohisown，buthedidnotpermithertoenterit。
　　Shewasweakinintellect，butnotdeformedinperson；simple，orrathersilly，butnot，likeherbrother，sullenorbizarre。
　　Davidwasneveraffectionatetoher；itwasnotinhisnature；
　　butheenduredher。Hemaintainedhimselfandherbythesaleoftheproductoftheirgardenandbee-hives；and，latterly，theyhadasmallallowancefromtheparish。Indeed，inthesimpleandpatriarchalstateinwhichthecountrythenwas，personsinthesituationofDavidandhissisterweresuretobesupported。
　　Theyhadonlytoapplytothenextgentlemanorrespectablefarmer，andweresuretofindthemequallyreadyandwillingtosupplytheirverymoderatewants。Davidoftenreceivedgratuitiesfromstrangers，whichheneverasked，neverrefused，andneverseemedtoconsiderasanobligation。Hehadaright，indeed，toregardhimselfasoneofNature’spaupers，towhomshegaveatitletobemaintainedbyhiskind，evenbythatdeformitywhichclosedagainsthimallordinarywaysofsupportinghimselfbyhisownlabour。Besides，abagwassuspendedinthemillforDavidRitchie’sbenefit；andthosewhowerecarryinghomeamelderofmeal，seldomfailedtoaddaGOWPEN[Handful]tothealms-bagofthedeformedcripple。Inshort，Davidhadnooccasionformoney，savetopurchasesnuff，hisonlyluxury，inwhichheindulgedhimselfliberally。Whenhedied，inthebeginningofthepresentcentury，hewasfoundtohavehoardedabouttwentypounds，ahabitveryconsistentwithhisdisposition；forwealthispower，andpowerwaswhatDavidRitchiedesiredtopossess，asacompensationforhisexclusionfromhumansociety。
　　Hissistersurvivedtillthepublicationofthetaletowhichthisbriefnoticeformstheintroduction；andtheauthorissorrytolearnthatasortof"localsympathy，"andthecuriositythenexpressedconcerningtheAuthorofWAVERLEYandthesubjectsofhisNovels，exposedthepoorwomantoenquirieswhichgaveherpain。Whenpressedaboutherbrother’speculiarities，sheasked，inherturn，whytheywouldnotpermitthedeadtorest？Toothers，whopressedforsomeaccountofherparents，sheansweredinthesametoneoffeeling。
　　Theauthorsawthispoor，and，itmaybesaid，unhappyman，inautumn1797beingthen，ashehasthehappinessstilltoremain，connectedbytiesofintimatefriendshipwiththefamilyofthevenerableDr。AdamFergusson，thephilosopherandhistorian，whothenresidedatthemansion-houseofHalyards，inthevaleofManor，aboutamilefromRitchie’shermitage，theauthorwasuponavisitatHalyards，whichlastedforseveraldays，andwasmadeacquaintedwiththissingularanchorite，whomDr。Fergussonconsideredasanextraordinarycharacter，andwhomheassistedinvariousways，particularlybytheoccasionalloanofbooks。
　　Thoughthetasteofthephilosopherandthepoorpeasantdidnot，itmaybesupposed，alwayscorrespond，[IrememberDavidwasparticularlyanxioustoseeabook，whichhecalled，Ithink，LETTERSTOELECTLADIES，andwhich，hesaid，wasthebestcompositionhehadeverread；butDr。Fergusson’slibrarydidnotsupplythevolume。]Dr。Fergussonconsideredhimasamanofapowerfulcapacityandoriginalideas，butwhosemindwasthrownoffitsjustbiasbyapredominantdegreeofself-loveandself-
　　opinion，galledbythesenseofridiculeandcontempt，andavengingitselfuponsociety，inideaatleast，byagloomymisanthropy。
　　DavidRitchie，besidestheutterobscurityofhislifewhileinexistence，hadbeendeadformanyyears，whenitoccurredtotheauthorthatsuchacharactermightbemadeapowerfulagentinfictitiousnarrative。He，accordingly，sketchedthatofElshieoftheMucklestane-Moor。Thestorywasintendedtobelonger，andthecatastrophemoreartificiallybroughtout；butafriendlycritic，towhoseopinionIsubjectedtheworkinitsprogress，wasofopinion，thattheideaoftheSolitarywasofakindtoorevolting，andmorelikelytodisgustthantointerestthereader。AsIhadgoodrighttoconsidermyadviserasanexcellentjudgeofpublicopinion，Igotoffmysubjectbyhasteningthestorytoanend，asfastasitwaspossible；and，byhuddlingintoonevolume，atalewhichwasdesignedtooccupytwo，haveperhapsproducedanarrativeasmuchdisproportionedanddistorted，astheBlackDwarfwhoisitssubject。
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　　III。THEBLACKDWARF。
　　CHAPTERI。
　　PRELIMINARY。
　　Hastanyphilosophyinthee，Shepherd？ASYOULIKEIT。
　　ItwasafineAprilmorning（exceptingthatithadsnowedhardthenightbefore，andthegroundremainedcoveredwithadazzlingmantleofsixinchesindepth）whentwohorsemenrodeuptotheWallaceInn。Thefirstwasastrong，tall，powerfulman，inagreyriding-coat，havingahatcoveredwithwaxcloth，ahugesilver-mountedhorsewhip，boots，anddreadnoughtoveralls。Hewasmountedonalargestrongbrownmare，roughincoat，butwellincondition，withasaddleoftheyeomanrycut，andadouble-
　　bittedmilitarybridle。Themanwhoaccompaniedhimwasapparentlyhisservant；herodeashaggylittlegreypony，hadabluebonnetonhishead，andalargechecknapkinfoldedabouthisneck，woreapairoflongblueworstedhoseinsteadofboots，hadhisglovelesshandsmuchstainedwithtar，andobservedanairofdeferenceandrespecttowardshiscompanion，butwithoutanyofthoseindicationsofprecedenceandpunctiliowhicharepreservedbetweenthegentryandtheirdomestics。Onthecontrary，thetwotravellersenteredthecourt-yardabreast，andtheconcludingsentenceoftheconversationwhichhadbeencarryingonbetwixtthemwasajointejaculation，"Lordguideus，anthisweatherlast，whatwillcomeo’thelambs！"ThehintwassufficientformyLandlord，who，advancingtotakethehorseoftheprincipalperson，andholdinghimbythereinsashedismounted，whilehisostlerrenderedthesameservicetotheattendant，welcomedthestrangertoGandercleugh，and，inthesamebreath，enquired，"Whatnewsfromthesouthhielands？"
　　"News？"saidthefarmer，"badeneughnews，Ithink；——anwecancarrythroughtheyowes，itwillbea’wecando；wemaune’enleavethelambstotheBlackDwarfscare。"
　　"Ay，ay，"subjoinedtheoldshepherd（forsuchhewas），shakinghishead，"he’llbeuncobusyamangthemortsthisseason。"
　　"TheBlackDwarf！"saidMYLEARNEDFRIENDANDPATRON，Mr。
　　JedediahCleishbotham，"andwhatsortofapersonagemayhebe？"
　　[Wehave，inthisandotherinstances，printedinitalics（CAPITALSinthisetext）somefewwordswhichtheworthyeditor，Mr。JedediahCleishbotham，seemstohaveinterpolateduponthetextofhisdeceasedfriend，Mr。Pattieson。Wemustobserve，onceforall，thatsuchlibertiesseemonlytohavebeentakenbythelearnedgentlemanwherehisowncharacterandconductareconcerned；andsurelyhemustbethebestjudgeofthestyleinwhichhisowncharacterandconductshouldbetreatedof。]
　　"Houtawa，man，"answeredthefarmer，"ye’llhaeheardo’CannyElshietheBlackDwarf，orIammucklemistaen——A’thewarldtellstalesabouthim，butit’sbutdaftnonsenseaftera’——I
　　dinnabelieveawordo’tfraebeginningtoend。"
　　"Yourfatherbelievedituncostievely，though，"saidtheoldman，towhomthescepticismofhismastergaveobviousdispleasure。
　　"Ay，verytrue，Bauldie，butthatwasinthetimeo’theblackfaces——theybelievedahantlequeerthingsinthaedays，thatnaebodyheedssincethelangsheepcamin。"
　　"Themair’sthepity，themair’sthepity，"saidtheoldman。
　　"Yourfather，andsaeIhaveaftentell’dye，maister，wadhaebeensairvexedtohaeseentheauldpeel-housewa’spu’ddowntomakeparkdykes；andthebonnybroomyknowe，wherehelikedsaeweeltositate’en，wi’hisplaidabouthim，andlookatthekyeastheycamdowntheloaning，illwadhehaelikedtohaeseenthatbrawsunnyknowea’rivenoutwi’thepleughinthefashionitisatthisday。"
　　"Hout，Bauldie，"repliedtheprincipal，"takyethatdramthelandlord’sofferingye，andneverfashyourheadaboutthechangeso’thewarld，saelangasye’reblitheandbienyoursell。"
　　"Wussingyourhealth，sirs，"saidtheshepherd；andhavingtakenoffhisglass，andobservedthewhiskywastherightthing，hecontinued，"It’snoforthelikeo’ustobejudging，tobesure；
　　butitwasabonnyknowethatbroomyknowe，andanuncobrawshelterforthelambsinaseveremorninglikethis。"
　　"Ay，"saidhispatron，"butyekenwemaunhaeturnipsforthelangsheep，billie，andmucklehardwarktogetthem，baithwi’
　　thepleughandthehowe；andthatwadsortillwi’sittingonthebroomyknowe，andcrackingaboutBlackDwarfs，andsiccanclavers，aswasthegatelangsyne，whentheshortsheepwereinthefashion。"
　　"Aweel，aweel，maister，"saidtheattendant，"shortsheephadshortrents，I’mthinking。"
　　HeremyWORTHYANDLEARNEDpatronagaininterposed，andobserved，"thathecouldneverperceiveanymaterialdifference，inpointoflongitude，betweenonesheepandanother。"
　　Thisoccasionedaloudhoarselaughonthepartofthefarmer，andanastonishedstareonthepartoftheshepherd。
　　"It’sthewoo’，man，——it’sthewoo’，andnothebeaststhemsells，thatmakesthembeca’dlangorshort。Ibelieveifyeweretomeasuretheirbacks，theshortsheepwadberatherthelanger-
　　bodiedo’thetwa；butit’sthewoo’thatpaystherentinthaedays，andithadmuckleneed。"
　　"Odd，Bauldiesaysverytrue，——shortsheepdidmakeshortrents——
　　myfatherpaidforoursteadingjustthreescorepunds，anditstandsmeinthreehundred，plackandbawbee。——Andthat’sverytrue——Ihaenaetimetobestandinghereclavering——Landlord，getusourbreakfast，andseean’gettheyaudsfed——IamfordountoChristyWilson’s，toseeifhimandmecangreeabouttheluckpennyIamtogiehimforhisyear-aulds。WehaddranksaxmutchkinstothemakingthebargainatSt。Boswell’sfair，andsomegatewecannagreeupontheparticularspreceesely，forasmuckletimeaswetookaboutit——Idoubtwedrawtoaplea——Buthearye，neighbour，"addressingmyWORTHYANDLEARNEDpatron，"ifyewanttohearonythingaboutlangorshortsheep，Iwillbebackheretomykailagainstaneo’clock；or，ifyewantonyauld-warldstoriesabouttheBlackDwarf，andsic-like，ifye’llwareahalfmutchkinuponBauldiethere，he’llcrackt’yelikeapen-gun。AndI’segieyeamutchkinmysell，man，ifIcansettleweelwi’ChristyWilson。"
　　Thefarmerreturnedatthehourappointed，andwithhimcameChristyWilson，theirdifferencehavingbeenfortunatelysettledwithoutanappealtothegentlemenofthelongrobe。MyLEARNED
　　ANDWORTHYpatronfailednottoattend，bothonaccountoftherefreshmentpromisedtothemindandtothebody，ALTHOUGHHEIS
　　KNOWNTOPARTAKEOFTHELATTERINAVERYMODERATEDEGREE；andtheparty，withwhichmyLandlordwasassociated，continuedtositlateintheevening，seasoningtheirliquorwithmanychoicetalesandsongs。ThelastincidentwhichIrecollect，wasmyLEARNEDANDWORTHYpatronfallingfromhischair，justasheconcludedalonglectureupontemperance，byreciting，fromthe"GentleShepherd，"acouplet，whichheRIGHTHAPPILYtransferredfromtheviceofavaricetothatofebriety：
　　Hethathasjusteneughmaysoundlysleep，Theowercomeonlyfashesfolktokeep。
　　InthecourseoftheeveningtheBlackDwarfhadnotbeenforgotten，andtheoldshepherd，Bauldie，toldsomanystoriesofhim，thattheyexcitedagooddealofinterest。Italsoappeared，thoughnottillthethirdpunch-bowlwasemptied，thatmuchofthefarmer’sscepticismonthesubjectwasaffected，asevincingaliberalityofthinking，andafreedomfromancientprejudices，becomingamanwhopaidthreehundredpoundsa-yearofrent，while，infact，hehadalurkingbeliefinthetraditionsofhisforefathers。Aftermyusualmanner，Imadefartherenquiriesofotherpersonsconnectedwiththewildandpastoraldistrictinwhichthesceneofthefollowingnarrativeisplaced，andIwasfortunateenoughtorecovermanylinksofthestory，notgenerallyknown，andwhichaccount，atleastinsomedegree，forthecircumstancesofexaggeratedmarvelwithwhichsuperstitionhasattireditinthemorevulgartraditions。
　　[TheBlackDwarf，nowalmostforgotten，wasonceheldaformidablepersonagebythedalesmenoftheBorder，wherehegottheblameofwhatevermischiefbefellthesheeporcattle。"Hewas，"saysDr。Leyden，whomakesconsiderableuseofhimintheballadcalledtheCowtofKeeldar，"afairyofthemostmalignantorder——thegenuineNorthernDuergar。"Thebestandmostauthenticaccountofthisdangerousandmysteriousbeingoccursinatalecommunicatedtotheauthorbythateminentantiquary，RichardSurtees，Esq。ofMainsforth，authoroftheHISTORYOFTHE
　　BISHOPRICOFDURHAM。
　　Accordingtothiswell-attestedlegend，twoyoungNorthumbrianswereoutonashootingparty，andhadplungeddeepamongthemountainousmoorlandswhichborderonCumberland。Theystoppedforrefreshmentinalittlesecludeddellbythesideofarivulet。There，aftertheyhadpartakenofsuchfoodastheybroughtwiththem，oneofthepartyfellasleep；theother，unwillingtodisturbhisfriend’srepose，stolesilentlyoutofthedellwiththepurposeoflookingaroundhim，whenhewasastonishedtofindhimselfclosetoabeingwhoseemednottobelongtothisworld，ashewasthemosthideousdwarfthatthesunhadevershoneon。Hisheadwasoffullhumansize，formingafrightfulcontrastwithhisheight，whichwasconsiderablyunderfourfeet。Itwasthatchedwithnoothercoveringthanlongmattedredhair，likethatofthefeltofabadgerinconsistence，andincolourareddishbrown，likethehueoftheheather-blossom。Hislimbsseemedofgreatstrength；norwasheotherwisedeformedthanfromtheirundueproportioninthicknesstohisdiminutiveheight。Theterrifiedsportsmanstoodgazingonthishorribleapparition，until，withanangrycountenance，thebeingdemandedbywhatrightheintrudedhimselfonthosehills，anddestroyedtheirharmlessinhabitants。Theperplexedstrangerendeavouredtopropitiatetheincenseddwarf，byofferingtosurrenderhisgame，ashewouldtoanearthlyLordoftheManor。Theproposalonlyredoubledtheoffencealreadytakenbythedwarf，whoallegedthathewasthelordofthosemountains，andtheprotectorofthewildcreatureswhofoundaretreatintheirsolitaryrecesses；andthatallspoilsderivedfromtheirdeath，ormisery，wereabhorrenttohim。Thehunterhumbledhimselfbeforetheangrygoblin，andbyprotestationsofhisignorance，andofhisresolutiontoabstainfromsuchintrusioninfuture，atlastsucceededinpacifyinghim。Thegnomenowbecamemorecommunicative，andspokeofhimselfasbelongingtoaspeciesofbeingssomethingbetweentheangelicraceandhumanity。Headded，moreover，whichcouldhardlyhavebeenanticipated，thathehadhopesofsharingintheredemptionoftheraceofAdam。Hepressedthesportsmantovisithisdwelling，whichhesaidwashardby，andplightedhisfaithforhissafereturn。Butatthismoment，theshoutofthesportsman’scompanionwasheardcallingforhisfriend，andthedwarf，asifunwillingthatmorethanonepersonshouldbecognisantofhispresence，disappearedastheyoungmanemergedfromthedelltojoinhiscomrade。
　　Itwastheuniversalopinionofthosemostexperiencedinsuchmatters，thatiftheshooterhadaccompaniedthespirit，hewould，notwithstandingthedwarf’sfairpretences，havebeeneithertorntopieces，orimmuredforyearsintherecessesofsomefairyhill。
　　SuchisthelastandmostauthenticaccountoftheapparitionoftheBlackDwarf。]
　　CHAPTERII。
　　WillnonebutHearnetheHunterserveyourturn？
　　MERRYWIVESOFWINDSOR。
　　InoneofthemostremotedistrictsofthesouthofScotland，whereanidealline，drawnalongthetopsofloftyandbleakmountains，separatesthatlandfromhersisterkingdom，ayoungman，calledHalbert，orHobbieElliot，asubstantialfarmer，whoboastedhisdescentfromoldMartinElliotofthePreakin-tower，notedinBorderstoryandsong，wasonhisreturnfromdeer-
　　stalking。Thedeer，oncesonumerousamongthesesolitarywastes，werenowreducedtoaveryfewherds，which，shelteringthemselvesinthemostremoteandinaccessiblerecesses，renderedthetaskofpursuingthemequallytoilsomeandprecarious。Therewere，however，foundmanyyouthofthecountryardentlyattachedtothissport，withallitsdangersandfatigues。TheswordhadbeensheathedupontheBordersformorethanahundredyears，bythepeacefulunionofthecrownsinthereignofJamestheFirstofGreatBritain。Stillthecountryretainedtracesofwhatithadbeeninformerdays；theinhabitants，theirmorepeacefulavocationshavingbeenrepeatedlyinterruptedbythecivilwarsoftheprecedingcentury，werescarceyetbrokenintothehabitsofregularindustry，sheep-farminghadnotbeenintroduceduponanyconsiderablescale，andthefeedingofblackcattlewasthechiefpurposetowhichthehillsandvalleyswereapplied。Neartothefarmer’shouse，thetenantusuallycontrivedtoraisesuchacropofoatsorbarley，asaffordedmealforhisfamily；andthewholeofthisslovenlyandimperfectmodeofcultivationleftmuchtimeuponhisownhands，andthoseofhisdomestics。Thiswasusuallyemployedbytheyoungmeninhuntingandfishing；andthespiritofadventure，whichformerlyledtoraidsandforaysinthesamedistricts，wasstilltobediscoveredintheeagernesswithwhichtheypursuedthoseruralsports。
　　Themorehigh-spiritedamongtheyouthwere，aboutthetimethatournarrativebegins，expecting，ratherwithhopethanapprehension，anopportunityofemulatingtheirfathersintheirmilitaryachievements，therecitalofwhichformedthechiefpartoftheiramusementwithindoors。ThepassingoftheScottishactofsecurityhadgiventhealarmofEngland，asitseemedtopointataseparationofthetwoBritishkingdoms，afterthedeceaseofQueenAnne，thereigningsovereign。Godolphin，thenattheheadoftheEnglishadministration，foresawthattherewasnoothermodeofavoidingtheprobableextremityofacivilwar，butbycarryingthroughanincorporatingunion。Howthattreatywasmanaged，andhowlittleitseemedforsometimetopromisethebeneficialresultswhichhavesincetakenplacetosuchextent，maybelearnedfromthehistoryoftheperiod。Itisenoughforourpurposetosay，thatallScotlandwasindignantatthetermsonwhichtheirlegislaturehadsurrenderedtheirnationalindependence。Thegeneralresentmentledtothestrangestleaguesandtothewildestplans。TheCameronianswereabouttotakearmsfortherestorationofthehouseofStewart，whomtheyregarded，withjustice，astheiroppressors；andtheintriguesoftheperiodpresentedthestrangepictureofpapists，prelatists，andpresbyterians，caballingamongthemselvesagainsttheEnglishgovernment，outofacommonfeelingthattheircountryhadbeentreatedwithinjustice。Thefermentationwasuniversal；and，asthepopulationofScotlandhadbeengenerallytrainedtoarms，undertheactofsecurity，theywerenotindifferentlypreparedforwar，andwaitedbutthedeclarationofsomeofthenobilitytobreakoutintoopenhostility。Itwasatthisperiodofpublicconfusionthatourstoryopens。
　　Thecleugh，orwildravine，intowhichHobbieElliothadfollowedthegame，wasalreadyfarbehindhim，andhewasconsiderablyadvancedonhisreturnhomeward，whenthenightbegantocloseuponhim。Thiswouldhavebeenacircumstanceofgreatindifferencetotheexperiencedsportsman，whocouldhavewalkedblindfoldovereveryinchofhisnativeheaths，haditnothappenednearaspot，which，accordingtothetraditionsofthecountry，wasinextremelybadfame，ashauntedbysupernaturalappearances。TotalesofthiskindHobbiehad，fromhischildhood，lentanattentiveear；andasnopartofthecountryaffordedsuchavarietyoflegends，sonomanwasmoredeeplyreadintheirfearfullorethanHobbieoftheHeugh-foot；forsoourgallantwascalled，todistinguishhimfromarounddozenofElliotswhoborethesameChristianname。Itcosthimnoefforts，therefore，tocalltomemorytheterrificincidentsconnectedwiththeextensivewasteuponwhichhewasnowentering。Infact，theypresentedthemselveswithareadinesswhichhefelttobesomewhatdismaying。
　　ThisdrearycommonwascalledMucklestane-Moor，fromahugecolumnofunhewngranite，whichraiseditsmassyheadonaknellnearthecentreoftheheath，perhapstotellofthemightydeadwhosleptbeneath，ortopreservethememoryofsomebloodyskirmish。Therealcauseofitsexistencehad，however，passedaway；andtradition，whichisasfrequentlyaninventoroffictionasapreserveroftruth，hadsupplieditsplacewithasupplementarylegendofherown，whichnowcamefulluponHobbie’smemory。Thegroundaboutthepillarwasstrewed，orratherencumbered，withmanylargefragmentsofstoneofthesameconsistencewiththecolumn，which，fromtheirappearanceastheylayscatteredonthewaste，werepopularlycalledtheGreyGeeseofMucklestane-Moor。Thelegendaccountedforthisnameandappearancebythecatastropheofanotedandmostformidablewitchwhofrequentedthesehillsinformerdays，causingtheewestoKEB，andthekinetocasttheircalves，andperformingallthefeatsofmischiefascribedtotheseevilbeings。Onthismoorsheusedtoholdherrevelswithhersisterhags；andringswerestillpointedoutonwhichnograssnorheathevergrew，theturfbeing，asitwere，calcinedbythescorchinghoofsoftheirdiabolicalpartners。
　　Onceuponatimethisoldhagissaidtohavecrossedthemoor，drivingbeforeheraflockofgeese，whichsheproposedtoselltoadvantageataneighbouringfair；——foritiswellknownthatthefiend，howeverliberalinimpartinghispowersofdoingmischief，ungenerouslyleaveshisalliesunderthenecessityofperformingthemeanestrusticlaboursforsubsistence。Thedaywasfaradvanced，andherchanceofobtainingagoodpricedependedonherbeingfirstatthemarket。Butthegeese，whichhadhithertoprecededherinaprettyorderlymanner，whentheycametothiswidecommon，interspersedwithmarshesandpoolsofwater，scatteredineverydirection，toplungeintotheelementinwhichtheydelighted。Incensedattheobstinacywithwhichtheydefiedallhereffortstocollectthem，andnotrememberingtheprecisetermsofthecontractbywhichthefiendwasboundtoobeyhercommandsforacertainspace，thesorceressexclaimed，"Deevil，thatneitherInortheyeverstirfromthisspotmore！"
　　Thewordswerehardlyuttered，when，byametamorphosisassuddenasanyinOvid，thehagandherrefractoryflockwereconvertedintostone，theangelwhomsheserved，beingastrictformalist，graspingeagerlyatanopportunityofcompletingtheruinofherbodyandsoulbyaliteralobediencetoherorders。Itissaid，thatwhensheperceivedandfeltthetransformationwhichwasabouttotakeplace，sheexclaimedtothetreacherousfiend，"Ah，thoufalsethief！langhastthoupromisedmeagreygown，andnowIamgettinganethatwilllastforever。"Thedimensionsofthepillar，andofthestones，wereoftenappealedto，asaproofofthesuperiorstatureandsizeofoldwomenandgeeseinthedaysofotheryears，bythosepraisersofthepastwhoheldthecomfortableopinionofthegradualdegeneracyofmankind。