House yesterday, and has
to be there nine to-day, besides a fair share of a day's work
outside it to boot.

I hope you received a subscription from Royal Bounty which I
sent for Archibald's family. I can give five pounds myself
also.--Ever your affectionate friend,

W.E. GLADSTONE.

11 Carlton House Terrace, S.W., August 8, 1871.

My dear Dean Ramsay---I wish I could convey to you adequately
the regret with which I find myself cut off from any
possibility of joining in the tribute to be paid to-morrow to
the memory of the first among the sons of Scotland. He was
the idol of my boyhood, and though I well know that my
admiration is worth little, it has never varied.

In his case the feeling is towards the man as much as towards
his works. Did we not possess a line from his pen, his life
would stand as a true epic.

I will not say I think him as strong in his modern politics
as in some other points, but I find my general estimate of
the great and heroic whole affected only in the slightest
degree by this point of qualified misgiving.

If he is out of fashion with some parts of some classes, it
is their misfortune, not his. He is above fluctuations of
time, for his place is in the Band of the Immortals.

The end of my letter shall be better worth your having than
the beginning. A fortnight ago I visited Tennyson, and found
him possessed with all the sentiments about Scott which your
celebration is meant to foster.--I remain in haste,
affectionately yours. W.E. GLADSTONE.

Hawarden Castle, Chester, January 12, 1872.

My dear Dean Ramsay--I was at once obliged, gratified, and
comforted by your letter. This has been a great storm, but it
has not rooted you up, and He whom you live to serve,
evidently has yet more service for you to do. Those remaining
in the world cannot be wife or brother to you, but how many
there are who would if they could, and who will be all
they can!

The testimonies you send me are full of touching interest.

My wife has received to-day the beautiful present of the new
edition of your book. She will enjoy it immensely. I hope to
send you, when I get to London, a little work called the
"Mirror of Monks." Let not the title alarm you. It is in the
manner of a Kempis, and is original