ing resemblance. I have very
little turn for imagining mottos, it being long since I read the
classics, which are the great storehouse of such things. I think that
a figure or head of Neptune upon the reverse, with the motto round the
exergue, _Tridens Neptuni sceptrum mundi_. I think this better than
any motto more personally addressed to the King himself than to his
high kingly office. I cannot, of course, be a judge of the other
medal; but such of my family as are with me think it very like. If
there is any motto to be added, I should like the line

"Bardorum citharas patrio qui redidit Istro.

"because I am far more vain of having been able to fix some share of
public attention upon the ancient poetry and manners of my country,
than of any original efforts which I have been able to make in
literature.

"I beg you will excuse the delay which has taken place. Your obliging
communication, with the packet which accompanied it, travelled from
country to town, and from town to country, as it chanced to miss me
upon the road.

"I have the honour to be, sir, your obliged, humble servant,

"WALTER SCOTT.

"Edinburgh, 29th May.

"Samuel Parker, Esq., Bronze Works,

"12, Argyle-place, London."

The likeness of the medal is strikingly correct; and Mr. Parker, with
becoming taste, causes an autograph copy of the letter to be delivered
with each medal.

The deference of the latter opinion conveyed in this letter is perhaps
one of the most delightful characteristics of the genius of Sir Walter
Scott,--especially if we admit the position of the writer in the
_Edinburgh Review,_ that no writer has ever enjoyed in his life-time
so extensive a popularity as the Author of Waverley. His love of
fame and acquisition of honourable distinction all over the world had
not the common effect of making him vain. Hear, in proof, the
following unassuming declaration, from the delightful autobiographic
sketch to a late edition of _Rokeby_:--

"I shall not, I believe, be accused of ever having attempted to usurp
a superiority over many men of genius, my contemporaries; but, in
point of popularity, not of actual talent, the caprice of the public
has certainly given me such a temporary superiority over men, of whom,
in regard to poetical fancy and feeling, I scarcely thought myself
worthy to loose the shoe-latch. On the other hand, it would be absurd
affectation in me to deny, that I conceived myself to understand more
perfectly t