so near to me, and whom I value so highly.
There is nothing in life that can be more interesting to me than his
prosperity, and should there eventually appear a serious prospect of his
bettering his fortunes by quitting Scotland, I have too much regard for
him to desire him to remain, notwithstanding all the happiness I must
lose by his absence and that of my daughter. The present state, however,
of the negotiation leaves me little or no reason to think that I will be
subjected to this deprivation, for I cannot conceive it advisable that
he should leave Scotland on the speculation of becoming editor of a
newspaper. It is very true that this department of literature may and
ought to be rendered more respectable than it is at present, but I think
this is a reformation more to be wished than hoped for, and should think
it rash for any young man, of whatever talent, to sacrifice, nominally
at least, a considerable portion of his respectability in society in
hopes of being submitted as an exception to a rule which is at present
pretty general. This might open the door to love of money, but it would
effectually shut it against ambition.

To leave Scotland, Lockhart must make very great sacrifices, for his
views here, though moderate, are certain, his situation in public
estimation and in private society is as high as that of any one at our
Bar, and his road to the public open, if he chooses to assist his income
by literary resources. But of the extent and value of these sacrifices
he must himself be a judge, and a more unprejudiced one, probably, than
I am.

I am very glad he meets your wishes by going up to town, as this, though
it should bear no further consequences, cannot but serve to show a
grateful sense of the confidence and kindness of the parties concerned,
and yours in particular.

I beg kind compliments to Mr. D'Israeli, and am, dear sir, with best
wishes for the success of your great national plan.

Yours very truly,

WALTER SCOTT.

Although Mr. Lockhart hung back from the proposed editorship, he
nevertheless carried out his intention of visiting Mr. Murray in London
a few weeks after the date of the above letter. Mr. J.T. Coleridge had
expressed his desire to resign the editorship of the _Quarterly_, in
consequence of his rapidly increasing practice on the western circuit,
and Mr. Lockhart was sounded as to his willingness to become his
successor. Mr. Murray entertained the hope that he might be able to