Even solitude is no longer to be found in the scene which Scott, in "Marmion," chooses as of all places the most solitary.
"Angling Sketches"
Andrew Lang
In the introduction of one of the cantos of Marmion, he has depicted his grandfather, and the fireside of the farm-house; and has given an amusing picture of himself in his boyish years: Still with vain fondness could I trace Anew each kind familiar face, That brightened at our evening fire; From the thatched mansion's gray-haired sire, Wise without learning plain and good, And sprung of Scotland's gentler blood; Whose eye in age, quick, clear and keen.
"Abbotsford and Newstead Abbey"
Washington Irving
On referring to Scott's works, I find many of the circumstances related in this conversation, about the old tower, and the boyish scenes connected with it, recorded in the introduction to Marmion, already cited.
"Abbotsford and Newstead Abbey"
Washington Irving