After all, in these observations, the surface only of the matter is touched.  I once heard a conversation, in which the Roman Catholic religion was decried on account of its abuses:  ’You cannot deny, however,’ said a lady of the party, repeating an expression used by Charles II., ‘that it is the religion of a gentleman.’  It may be left to the Scotch themselves to determine how far this observation applies to the [religion] of their Kirk; while it cannot be denied [that] if it is wanting in that characteristic quality, the aspect of common life, so far as concerns its beauty, must suffer.  Sincere Christian piety may be thought not to stand in need of refinement or studied ornament, but assuredly it is ever ready to adopt them, when they fall within its notice, as means allow:  and this observation applies not only to manners, but to everything that a Christian (truly so in spirit) cultivates and gathers round him, however humble his social condition.

366. *_Composed in Roslin Chapel during a Storm_. [V.]

We were detained, by incessant rain and storm, at the small inn near Roslin Chapel, and I passed a great part of the day pacing to and fro in this beautiful structure, which, though not used for public service, is not allowed to go to ruin.  Here this sonnet was composed, and [I shall be fully satisfied] if it has at all done justice to the feeling which the place and the storm raging without inspired.  I was as a prisoner.  A Painter delineating the interior of the chapel and its minute features, under such circumstances, would have no doubt found his time agreeably shortened.  But the movements of the mind must be more free while dealing with words than with lines and colours.  Such, at least, was then, and has been on many other occasions, my belief; and as it is allotted to few to follow both arts with success, I am grateful to my own calling for this and a thousand other recommendations which are denied to that of the Painter.

367. *_The Trosachs_. [VI.]

As recorded in my Sister’s Journal, I had first seen the Trosachs in her and Coleridge’s company.  The sentiment that runs through this sonnet was natural to the season in which I again saw this beautiful spot; but this, and some other sonnets that follow, were coloured by the remembrance of my recent visit to Sir Walter Scott, and the melancholy errand on which he was going.

368. *_Composed in the Glen of Lock Etive_. [VIII.]

    ‘That make the patriot spirit.’

It was mortifying to have frequent occasions to observe the bitter hatred of the lower orders of the Highlanders to their superiors:  love of country seemed to have passed into its opposite.  Emigration was the only relief looked to with hope.

369. Eagles:  composed at Dunollie Castle in the Bay of Oban. [IX.]