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'Tis said that words and signs have power
O'er sprites in planetary hour;
But scarce I praise their venturous part
Who tamper with such dangerous art.
Lay of the Last Minstrel.
The Novel or Romance of Waverley made its way to the public slowly, ofcourse, at first, but afterwards with such accumulating popularity asto encourage the Author to a second attempt. He looked about for a nameand a subject; and the manner in which the novels were composed cannotbe better illustrated than by reciting the simple narrative on whichGuy Mannering was originally founded; but to which, in the progress ofthe work, the production ceased to bear any, even the most distantresemblance. The tale was originally told me by an old servant of myfather's, an excellent old Highlander, without a fault, unless apreference to mountain dew over less potent liquors be accounted one.He believed as firmly in the story as in any part of his creed.
A grave and elderly person, according to old John MacKinlay's account,while travelling in the wilder parts of Galloway, was benighted. Withdifficulty he found his way to a country seat, where, with thehospitality of the time and country, he was readily admitted. The ownerof the house, a gentleman of good fortune, was much struck by thereverend appearance of his guest, and apologised to him for a certaindegree of confusion which must unavoidably attend his reception, andcould not escape his eye. The lady of the house was, he said, confinedto her apartment, and on the point of making her husband a father forthe first time, though they had been ten years married. At such anemergency, the laird said, he feared his guest might meet with someapparent neglect.
'Not so, sir,' said the stranger; 'my wants are few, and easilysupplied, and I trust the present circumstances may even afford anopportunity of showing my gratitude for your hospitality. Let me onlyrequest that I may be informed of the exact minute of the birth; and Ihope to be able to put you in possession of some particulars which mayinfluence in an important manner the future prospects of the child nowabout to come into this busy and changeful world. I will not concealfrom you that I am skilful in understanding and interpreting themovements of those planetary bodies which exert their influences on thedestiny of mortals. It is a science which I do not practise, likeothers who call themselves astrologers, for hire or reward; for I havea competent estate, and only use the knowledge I possess for thebenefit of those in whom I feel an interest.' The laird bowed inrespect and gratitude, and the stranger was accommodated with anapartment which commanded an ample view of the astral regions.
The guest spent a part of the night in ascertaining the position of theheavenly bodies, and calculating their probable influence; until atlength the result of his observations induced him to send for thefather and conjure him in the most solemn manner to cause theassistants to retard the birth if practicable, were it but for fiveminutes. The answer declared this to be impossible; and almost in theinstant that the message was returned the