only.

[Footnote 38: James Ballantyne's dwelling-house was then
in this street, adjoining the Canongate of Edinburgh.]

Then for omissions--It is NOT stipulated that we supply the
paper and print of successive editions. This must be nailed,
and not left to understanding.--Secondly, I will have London
bills as well as Blackwood's.

If they agree to these conditions, good and well. If they
demur, Constable must be instantly tried; giving half to the
Longmans, and _we_ drawing on _them_ for that moiety, or
Constable lodging their bill in our hands. You will
understand it is a four-volume touch--a work totally
different in style and structure from the others; a new
cast, in short, of the net which has hitherto made
miraculous draughts. I do not limit you to terms, because I
think you will make them better than I can do. {p.112} But
he must do more than others, since he will not or cannot
print with us. For every point but that, I would rather deal
with Constable than any one; he has always shown himself
spirited, judicious, and liberal. Blackwood must be brought
to the point _instantly_; and _whenever_ he demurs,
Constable must be treated with; for there is no use in
suffering the thing to be blown on. At the same time, you
need not conceal from him that there were some proposals
elsewhere, but you may add, with truth, I would rather close
with him. Yours truly,

W. S.

P. S.--I think Constable should jump at this affair; for I
believe the work will be very popular.

Messrs. Murray and Blackwood agreed to all the author's conditions
here expressed. They also relieved John Ballantyne and Co. of stock to
the value of L500; and at least Mr. Murray must, moreover, have
subsequently consented to anticipate the period of his payments. At
all events, I find, in a letter of Scott's, dated in the subsequent
August, this new echo of the old advice:--

TO MR. JOHN BALLANTYNE.

DEAR JOHN,--I have the pleasure to enclose Murray's
acceptances. I earnestly recommend to you to push, realizing
as much as you can.

"Consider weel, gude man,
We hae but borrowed gear;
The horse that I ride on,
It is John Murray's mear."

Yours truly,