You shall invoke the Muse--and certainly she ought to be propitious to an author who, in an apostatizing age, adheres with the faith of Abdiel to the ancient form of adoration .-- Then we must have a vision--in which the Genius of Caledonia shall appear to Galgacus, and show him a procession of the real Scottish monarchs:--and in the notes I will have a hit at Boethius--No; I must not touch that topic, now that Sir Arthur is likely to have vexation enough besides--but I'll annihilate Ossian, Macpherson, and Mac-Cribb." "But we must consider the expense of publication," said Lovel, willing to try whether this hint would fall like cold water on the blazing zeal of his self-elected coadjutor.
"Expense!" said Mr.Oldbuck, pausing, and mechanically fumbling in his pocket--"that is true;--I would wish to do something--but you would not like to publish by subscription ?" "By no means," answered Lovel.
"No, no!" gladly acquiesced the Antiquary--"it is not respectable.

I'll tell you what: I believe I know a bookseller who has a value for my opinion, and will risk print and paper, and I will get as many copies sold for you as I can." "O, I am no mercenary author," answered Lovel, smiling; "I only wish to be out of risk of loss." "Hush! hush! we'll take care of that--throw it all on the publishers.
I do long to see your labours commenced.

You will choose blank verse, doubtless ?--it is more grand and magnificent for an historical subject; and, what concerneth you, my friend, it is, I have an idea, more easily written." This conversation brought them to Monkbarns, where the Antiquary had to undergo a chiding from his sister, who, though no philosopher, was waiting to deliver a lecture to him in the portico.

"Guide us, Monkbarns! are things no dear eneugh already, but ye maun be raising the very fish on us, by giving that randy, Luckie Mucklebackit, just what she likes to ask ?" "Why, Grizel," said the sage, somewhat abashed at this unexpected attack, "I thought I made a very fair bargain." "A fair bargain! when ye gied the limmer a full half o' what she seekit!--An ye will be a wife-carle, and buy fish at your ain hands, ye suld never bid muckle mair than a quarter.

And the impudent quean had the assurance to come up and seek a dram--But I trow, Jenny and I sorted her!" "Truly," said Oldbuck (with a sly look to his companion), "I think our estate was gracious that kept us out of hearing of that controversy .-- Well, well, Grizel, I was wrong for once in my life ultra crepidam--I fairly admit.