I have not read them, nor shall I. No man that ever wrote a line despised the pap of praise so heartily as I do.  There is nothing I scorn more, except those who think the ordinary sort of praise or censure is matter of the least consequence.  People have almost always some private view of distinguishing themselves, or of gratifying their curiosity—­some point, in short, to carry, with which you have no relation, when they take the trouble to praise you.  In general, it is their purpose to get the person praised to puff away in return.  To me their rank praises no more make amends for their bad poetry than tainted butter would pass off stale fish.

September 15.—­Many proofs to correct and dates to compare.  What signify dates in a true story?  I was fidgety after breakfast, owing to perusing some advices from J. Gibson, poor fellow.  I will not be discouraged, come of things what will.  However, I could not write continuously, but went out by starts, and amused myself by cutting trees in the avenue.  Thus I dawdled till Anne and Jane came home with merry faces, and raised my spirits of course.  After tea I e’en took heart of grace and finished my task, as I now do this day’s journal.

September 16.—­Worked hard to-day, and in morning and evening made out five pages and a half, as much perhaps as one should attempt, yet I was not overworked.  On the contrary, went out with Tom about one o’clock and cut trees, etc., to clear the avenue; and favour the growth of such trees as are designed for standards.  I received visits too—­the Laird of Bemerside,[341] who had been for nine years in Italy with his family—­also the Laird of Kippielaw.  Anne and Jane drove up and called at the Haining.

I expected James Ballantyne to dinner as he proposed, but the worthy typographer appeared not.  He is sometimes inaccurate in keeping such appointments, which is not according to the “Academy of compliments.”  But in the letter which announced his intended visit, he talked of having received himself a visit from the Cholera Morbus.  I shall be very sorry if so unwelcome a guest be the cause of the breach of his appointment.

September 17.—­Rather surprised with a letter from Lord Melville, informing me that he and Mr. Peel had put me into the Commission for inquiring into the condition of the Colleges in Scotland.  I know little on the subject, but I dare say as much as some of the official persons who are inserted of course.  The want of efficient men is the reason alleged.  I must of course do my best, though I have little hope of being useful, and the time it will occupy is half ruinous to me, to whom time is everything.  Besides, I suppose the honour is partly meant as an act of grace for Malachi.  I shall never repent of that escapade, although it offended persons for the time whose good opinion I value.  J.B. continues ill at Teviot Grove, as they call it.  I am a little anxious about him.