The Project Gutenberg EBook of The Tapestried Chamber, and Death of the
Laird's Jock, by Sir Walter Scott

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Title: The Tapestried Chamber, and Death of the Laird's Jock

Author: Sir Walter Scott

Posting Date: November 17, 2008 [EBook #1668]
Release Date: March, 1999

Language: English

Character set encoding: ASCII

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THE TAPESTRIED CHAMBER

by Sir Walter Scott

INTRODUCTION.

This is another little story from The Keepsake of 1828. It was told
to me many years ago by the late Miss Anna Seward, who, among other
accomplishments that rendered her an amusing inmate in a country house,
had that of recounting narratives of this sort with very considerable
effect--much greater, indeed, than any one would be apt to guess from
the style of her written performances. There are hours and moods when
most people are not displeased to listen to such things; and I have
heard some of the greatest and wisest of my contemporaries take their
share in telling them.

AUGUST 1831

THE TAPESTRIED CHAMBER;

OR,

THE LADY IN THE SACQUE.

The following narrative is given from the pen, so far as memory permits,
in the same character in which it was presented to the author's ear; nor
has he claim to further praise, or to be more deeply censured, than
in proportion to the good or bad judgment which he has employed in
selecting his materials, as he has studiously avoided any attempt at
ornament which might interfere with the simplicity of the tale.

At the same time, it must be admitted that the particular class of
stories which turns on the marvellous possesses a stronger influence
when told than when committed to print. The volume taken up at noonday,
though rehearsing the same incidents, conveys a much more feeble
impression than is achieved by the voice of the speaker on a circle of
fireside auditors, who hang upon the narrative as the narrator details
the minute incidents which serve to give it authenticity, and lowers his
voice with an affectation of mystery while he approaches the fearful
and wonderful part. It was with such advantages that the