I am not prepared to give my reasons for
preserving it a secret, caprice had certainly a great share in the
matter. Now that it is out, I beg leave to observe that I am sole and
undivided author of those novels. Every part of them has originated with
me, or has been suggested to me in the course of my reading. I confess
I am guilty, and am almost afraid to examine the extent of my
delinquency. "Look on't again, I dare not!" The wand of Prospero is now
broken, and my book is buried, but before I retire I shall propose the
health of a person who has given so much delight to all now present, The
Bailie Nicol Jarvie.'
"I report this from memory. Of course it is not quite accurate in words,
but you will find a tolerable report of it in the _Caledonian Mercury_
of Saturday. This declaration was received with loud and long applause.
As this was gradually subsiding, a voice from the end of the room was
heard [Footnote: The speaker on this occasion was the actor Mackay, who
had attained considerable celebrity by his representation of Scottish
characters, and especially of that of the famous Bailie in "Rob Roy.
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