on foot from London, to pass a few weeks with him in his sylvan retreat, he received him under the broad branches of a venerable Oak, addressing him with,
" Welcome, welcome, royal Ben,"
to which the poet-laureate replied,
"Thank ye, thank ye, Hawthornden."
The wonderfully romantic scenery of this classic spot, the wild rocks, the winding river, the secluded walks, the glens, the caverns, the ancient oak, the climbing ivy, the garden-seats, the many flowers, are never to be forgotten. Methought the spirit of Drummond still presided there; and I have seldom felt a stronger desire to linger where I had no right to remain. A laborious walk of two miles brought us to Roslin Chapel, which bears date in 1328, and is still in the possession of the "lordly line of high St. Clair." It is sustaining repairs by the Earl of Roslin, and has some exquisite carvings, and a few designs from Scripture subjects, sculptured in stone of a soft material. Roslin Castle is a fine ruin, but apart from historical association possesses little interest.
