In short, did it not contain the same illustrations, this edition would probably excel even that of 1828.  As it is, after many disappointments, we now have a cheap Waverley on what has always been the best model.

A Protest.

       ’SIR,—­In your ‘Literary Causerie’ of last week ... the question
     is discussed why the name of Burns raises in Scotsmen such
     unbounded enthusiasm while that of Scott falls comparatively
     flat.  This question has puzzled many another Englishman besides
     ‘A.T.Q.C.’  And yet the explanation is not far to seek:  Burns
     appeals to the hearts and feelings of the masses in a way Scott
     never does.  ‘A.T.Q.C.’ admits this, and gives quotations in
     support.  These quotations, however excellent in their way, are
     not those that any Scotsman would trust to in support of the
     above proposition.  A Scotsman would at once appeal to ’Scots wha
     hae,’ ‘Auld Lang Syne,’ and ‘A man’s a man for a’ that.’  The very
     familiarity of these quotations has bred the proverbial contempt. 
     Think of the soul-inspiring, ‘fire-eyed fury’ of ‘Scots wha hae’;
     the glad, kind, ever fresh greeting of ‘Auld Lang Syne’; the
     manly, sturdy independence of ‘A man’s a man for a’ that,’ and
     who can wonder at the ever-increasing enthusiasm for Burns’ name?

        Is there for honest poverty
          That hangs his head and a’ that? 
        The coward slave we pass him by—­
          We dare be poor for a’ that.’
        * * * * *
       ’The rank is but the guinea stamp—­
          The man’s the gowd for a’ that.’

“Nor is it in his patriotism, independence, and conviviality alone that Burns touches every mood of a Scotsman’s heart.  There is an enthusiasm of humanity about Burns which you will hardly find equalled in any other author, and which most certainly does not exist in Scott.

       ’Man’s inhumanity to man
          Makes countless thousands mourn.’
        * * * * *
       ’Why has man this will and power
          To make his fellow mourn?’

“These quotations might be multiplied were it necessary; but I think enough has been said to explain what puzzles ‘A.T.Q.C.’  I have an unbounded admiration of Sir W. Scott—­quite as great as ‘A.T.Q.C.’  Indeed, I think him the greatest of all novelists; but, as a Scot, somewhat Anglicised by a residence in London of more than a quarter of a century, I unhesitatingly say that I would rather be the author of the above three lyrics of Burns’ than I would be the author of all Scott’s novels.  Certain I am that if immortality were my aim I should be much surer of it in the one case than the other.  I cannot conceive ‘Scots wha hae,’ ‘Auld Lang Syne,’ etc., ever dying.  Are there any of Scott’s writings of which the same could be said?  I doubt it....

     —­I am yours, etc., “J.B. 
     “London, June 18th, 1895.”