As his remarks are not accessible, as we must try to judge "Waverley" like readers inured to much fiction and much criticism, we must confess, no doubt, that the commencement has the faults which the first reviewers detected, and it which Scott acknowledged.

He is decidedly slow in getting to business, as they say; he began with more of conscious ethical purpose than he went on, and his banter is poor.

But when once we enter the village of Tully-Veolan, the Magician finds his wand.

Each picture of place or person tells,--the old butler, the daft Davie Gellatley, the solemn and chivalrous Baron, the pretty natural girl, the various lairds, the factor Macwheeble,--all at once become living people, and friends whom we can never lose.

The creative fire of Shakspeare lives again.