December 25.—­I have sketched a political article on a union of Tories and an Income Tax.  But I will not show my teeth if I find I cannot bite.  Arrived at Mertoun, and found with the family Sir John Pringle, Major Pringle, and Charles Baillie.  Very pleasant music by the Miss Pringles.

December 26, [Mertoun].—­Prayers after breakfast, being Sunday.  Afterwards I shut myself up in Mr. Scott’s room.

He has lately become purchaser of his grandfather’s valuable library, which was collected by Pope’s Lord Marchmont.  Part of it is a very valuable collection of tracts during the great Civil War.  I spent several hours in turning them over, but I could not look them through with any accuracy.  I passed my time very pleasantly, and made some extracts, however, and will resume my research another day.

Major Pringle repeated some pretty verses of his own composing.

I had never a more decided inclination to go loose, yet I know I had better keep quiet.

December 27, [Abbotsford].—­Commences snow, and extremely bitter cold.  When I returned from Mertoun, half-frozen, I took up the Magnum, and began to notify the romance called Woodstock, in which I got some assistance from Harden’s ancient tracts.  I ought rather to get on with Robert of Paris; but I have had all my life a longing to do something else when I am called to particular labour,—­a vile contradictory humour which I cannot get rid of.  Well, I can work at something, so at the Magnum work I. The day was indeed broken, great part having been employed in the return from Mertoun.

December 28.—­Drove down to Huntly Burn.  Sir Adam very melancholy, the death of his sister having come with a particular and shocking surprise upon him.  After half-an-hour’s visit I returned and resumed the Magnum.

December 29.—­Attended poor Miss Bell Ferguson’s funeral.  I sat by the Rev. Mr. Thomson.  Though ten years younger than me, I found the barrier between him and me much broken down.  We remember it though with more or less accuracy.  We took the same old persons for subjects of correspondence of feeling and sentiment.  The difference of ten years is little after sixty has passed.  In a cold day I saw poor Bell laid in her cold bed.  Life never parted with a less effort.  Letter from Cadell offering to advance on second series French Tales.  This will come in good time, and keep me easy.  He proposes views for the Magnum.  I fear politics may disappoint them.

December 30.—­Meeting at Selkirk to-day about the new road to Galashiels.  It was the largest meeting I ever saw in Selkirkshire.  We gain the victory by no less than 14 to 4.  I was named one of the committee to carry the matter on, so in gaining my victory I think I have caught a Tartar, for I have taken on trouble enough.  Some company,—­Lord Napier, Scotts of Harden, Johnstone of Alva, Major Pringle.  In the evening had some private conversation with H.F.S. and R.J., and think there is life in a mussel.  More of this hereafter.