Memoirs of the Life of Sir Walter Scott, Bart.
Sir Walter Scott to Charles Scott, 9 May 1821
“Abbotsford, 9th May, 1821.
“I am glad to find, by your letter, just received,
that you are reading Tacitus with some
relish. His style is rather quaint and enigmatical, which makes it difficult to
the student; but then his pages are filled with such admirable apothegms and
maxims of political wisdom, as infer the deepest knowledge of human nature; and
it is particularly necessary that any one who may have views as a public
speaker should be master of his works, as there is neither ancient or modern
who affords such a selection of admirable quotations. You should exercise
yourself frequently in trying to make translations of the passages which most
strike you, trying to invest
| LETTERS TO HIS SONS—1821. | 65 |
the sense of Tacitus in as good English as you can. This
will answer the double purpose of making yourself familiar with the Latin
author, and giving you the command of your own language, which no person will
ever have who does not study English composition in early life . . . . . . . .
. . I conclude somewhat abruptly, having trees to cut, and saucy Tom watching me like a Calmuck with the axe in
his hand.—Yours affectionately,
Thomas Purdie (1767-1829)
Sir Walter Scott's forester; they originally met when Purdie was brought before Sheriff
Scott on charges of poaching.
Charles Scott (1805-1841)
The younger son of Sir Walter Scott; educated at Oxford, he pursued a career in diplomacy
and died in Tehran.