They were in a state of society where bright lights are strongly contrasted with deep shadows." "It is to that point I would bring you, MA BELLE COUSINE; and therefore they are most proper subjects for composition." "And you want to turn composer, my good friend, and set my old tales to some popular tune?
But there have been too many composers, if that be the word, in the field before.

The Highlands WERE indeed a rich mine; but they have, I think, been fairly wrought out, as a good tune is grinded into vulgarity when it descends to the hurdy-gurdy and the barrel-organ." "If it be really tune," I replied, "it will recover its better qualities when it gets into the hands of better artists." "Umph!" said Mrs.Baliol, tapping her box, "we are happy in our own good opinion this evening, Mr.Croftangry.And so you think you can restore the gloss to the tartan which it has lost by being dragged through so many fingers ?" "With your assistance to procure materials, my dear lady, much, I think, may be done." "Well, I must do my best, I suppose, though all I know about the Gael is but of little consequence.

Indeed, I gathered it chiefly from Donald MacLeish." "And who might Donald MacLeish be ?" "Neither bard nor sennachie, I assure you, nor monk nor hermit, the approved authorities for old traditions.

Donald was as good a postilion as ever drove a chaise and pair between Glencroe and Inverary.

I assure you, when I give you my Highland anecdotes, you will hear much of Donald MacLeish.