In 1779, Walter was sent to the High School in Edinburgh; but his progress here was by no means remarkable, although he laid a good foundation for the acquisition of the Latin language.  He also had a tutor at home, and from him learned the rudiments of French.  With a head all on fire for chivalry and Scottish ballads, he admired the old Tory cavaliers and hated the Roundheads and Presbyterians.  In three years he had become fairly familiar with Caesar, Livy, Sallust, Virgil, Horace, and Terence.  He also distinguished himself by making Latin verses.  From the High School he entered the University of Edinburgh, very well grounded in French and Latin.  For Greek and mathematics he had an aversion, but made up for this deficiency by considerable acquisitions in English literature.  He was delighted with both Ossian and Spenser, and could repeat the “Faerie Queene” by heart.  His memory, like that of Macaulay, was remarkable.  What delighted him more than Spenser were Hoole’s translations of Tasso and Ariosto (later he learned Italian, and read these in the original), and Percy’s “Reliques of Ancient Poetry.”  At college he also read the best novels of the day, especially the works of Richardson, Fielding, and Smollett.  He made respectable progress in philosophy under the teaching of the celebrated Dugald Stewart and Professor Bruce, and in history under Lord Woodhouselee.  On the whole, he was not a remarkable boy, except for his notable memory (which, however, kept only what pleased him), and his very decided bent toward the poetic and chivalric in history, life, and literature.

Walter was trained by his father to the law, and on leaving college he served the ordinary apprenticeship of five years in his father’s office and attendance upon the law classes in the University; but the drudgery of the law was irksome to him.  When the time came to select his profession, as a Writer to the Signet or an advocate, he preferred the latter; although success here was more uncertain than as a solicitor.  Up to the time of his admission to the bar he had read an enormous number of books, in a desultory way, and made many friends, some of whom afterwards became distinguished.  His greatest pleasures were in long walks in the country with chosen companions.  His love of Nature amounted to a passion, and in his long rambles he acquired not only vigorous health, but the capacity of undergoing great fatigue.

Scott’s autobiography closes with his admission to the bar.  From his own account his early career had not been particularly promising, although he was neither idle nor immoral.  He was fond of convivial pleasures, but ever had uncommon self-control.  All his instructors were gentlemanly, and he had access to the best society in Edinburgh, when that city was noted for its number of distinguished men in literature and in the different professions.  His most intimate friends were John Irving, Sir Archibald Campbell, the Earl of Dalhousie, and Adam Ferguson, with whom