As I stood on the brow of the bank in front of Rinrorie-house, a gentle breathing of the evening air turned the smoke like the travelling mist of the hills, and opening it here and there, I had glimpses of the fighting. Sometimes I saw the Highlanders driving the Covenanters down the steep, and sometimes I beheld them in their turn on the ground endeavouring to protect their unbonneted heads with their targets, but to whom the victory was to be given I could discern no sign; and I said to myself the prize at hazard is the liberty of the land and the Lord; surely it shall not be permitted to the champion of bondage to prevail.
A stronger breathing of the gale came rushing along, and the skirts of the smoke where the baggage stood were blown aside, and I beheld many of the Highlanders among the wagons plundering and tearing. Then I heard a great shouting on the right, and looking that way, I saw the children of the Covenant fleeing in remnants across the lower plain, and making toward the river. Presently I also saw Mackay with two regiments, all that kept the order of discipline, also in the plain. He had lost the battle. Claverhouse had won; and the scattered firing, which was continued by a few, was to my ears as the riveting of the shackles on the arms of poor Scotland for ever. My grief was unspeakable.
I ran to and fro on the brow of the hill—and I stampt with my feet—and I beat my breast—and I rubbed my hands with the frenzy of despair—and I threw myself on the ground—and all the sufferings of which I have written returned upon me—and I started up and I cried aloud the blasphemy of the fool, "There is no God."
But scarcely had the dreadful words escaped my profane lips, when I heard, as it were, thunders in the heavens, and the voice of an oracle crying in the ears of my soul, "The victory of this day is given into thy hands!" and strange wonder and awe fell upon me, and a mighty spirit entered into mine, and I felt as if I was in that moment clothed with the armour of divine might.
I took up my carabine, which in these transports had fallen from my hand, and I went round the gable of the house into the garden—and I saw Claverhouse with several of his officers coming along the ground by which our hosts had marched to their position—and ever and anon turning round and exhorting his men to follow him. It was evident he was making for the Pass to intercept our scattered fugitives from escaping that way.
The garden in which I then stood was surrounded by a low wall. A small goose-pool lay on the outside, between which and the garden I perceived that Claverhouse would pass.
I prepared my flint and examined my fire-lock, and I walked towards the top of the garden with a firm step. The ground was buoyant to my tread, and the vigour of youth was renewed in my aged limbs: I thought that those for whom I had so mourned walked before me—that they smiled and beckoned me to come on, and that a glorious light shone around me.
Claverhouse was coming forward—several officers were near him, but his men were still a little behind, and seemed inclined to go down the hill, and he chided at their reluctance. I rested my carabine on the garden-wall. I bent my knee and knelt upon the ground. I aimed and fired,—but when the smoke cleared away I beheld the oppressor still proudly on his war-horse.
I loaded again, again I knelt, and again rested my carabine upon the wall, and fired a second time, and was again disappointed.
Then I remembered that I had not implored the help of Heaven, and I prepared for the third time, and when all was ready, and Claverhouse was coming forward, I took off my bonnet, and kneeling with the gun in my hand, cried, "Lord, remember David and all his afflictions;" and having so prayed, I took aim as I knelt, and Claverhouse raising his arm in command, I fired. In the same moment I looked up, and there was a vision in the air as if all the angels of brightness, and the martyrs in their vestments of glory, were assembled on the walls and battlements of Heaven to witness the event,—and I started up and cried, "I have delivered my native land!" But in the same instant I remembered to whom the glory was due, and falling again on my knees, I raised my hands and bowed my head as I said, "Not mine, O Lord, but thine is the victory!"
When the smoke rolled away I beheld Claverhouse in the arms of his officers, sinking from his horse, and the blood flowing from a wound between the breast-plate and the armpit. The same night he was summoned to the audit of his crimes.
It was not observed by the officers from what quarter the summoning bolt of justice came, but thinking it was from the house, every window was instantly attacked, while I deliberately retired from the spot,—and, till the protection of the darkness enabled me to make my escape across the Gary, and over the hills in the direction I saw Mackay and the remnants of the flock taking, I concealed myself among the bushes and rocks that overhung the violent stream of the Girnaig.
Thus was my avenging vow fulfilled,—and thus was my native land delivered from bondage. For a time yet there may be rumours and bloodshed, but they will prove as the wreck which the waves roll to the shore after a tempest. The fortunes of the papistical Stuarts are foundered for ever. Never again in this land shall any king, of his own caprice and prerogative, dare to violate the conscience of the people.
Quharist, 5th November 1696.
Airt, direction, point of the compass.
almous, alms.
atwish, betwixt.
aught, possession.
aumrie, store-cupboard.
Bakie, a large square wooden vessel.
beek, v. bathe; here, bask.
bein, well-to-do, comfortable.
ben, within.
benweed, ragwort.
bield, shelter.
big, v. build.
bilf, a blunt stroke (Jamieson).
bir, impetuosity.
blate, bashful.
blether, v. talk foolishly.
blithemeat gift, gift made to those present at a child's birth.
bout-gait, roundabout.
bow, arch, gateway.
boyne, tub.
braird, the first sprouting of grain.
brattle, v. clatter.
brechan, bracken.
buirdly, burly.
bunker, bench.
busk, adorn.
but, but the house, toward the outer apartment of a house.
by ordinare, out of the common.
Ca', v. drive.
callan, callant, boy.
camstrarie, unmanageable, perverse.
cantrip, magical device.
canty, lively.
cap, a wooden bowl.
carl, fellow (fem.) carlin.
carry, motion of the clouds.
carse, low-lying fertile land, generally adjacent to a river.
causey, street or paved road;
crown of the causey, middle of the street.
change-house, a small inn or ale-house.
chap, v. strike.
chappin, a quart measure.
chimla, chumla, chimney;
chimla-lug, fireside.
churme, murmur.
clachan, hamlet.
clamper, to make a noise with the feet in walking.
claught, snatched (pret. of v. clatch).
clishmaclavers, idle discourse.
clok, beetle.
clout, ragged cloth.
Cluty, fam. the "Old One."
cod, pillow, cushion.
couthiness, kindness.
cowan-boat, a fishing-boat.
cranreuch, hoar-frost.
creel, basket.
crouse, confident, crack crouse, to "talk big."
cruisie, crusie, a small iron lamp.
cuif simpleton.
cushy-doo, cushat, dove.
Dark, darg, task.
dauner, daunder, stroll.
dauty, pet.
dinle, thrill.
dirl, v. clatter, thrill.
doless, void of energy.
dominie, schoolmaster.
donsie, unfortunate.
door-cheek, door-post.
doure, hard, harsh.
dow, v. can compass.
dowie, dull.
dreich, tedious.
drumly, turbid, troubled.
duds, rags.
dunt, to knock out by repeated blows.
dwam, seizure (sickness).
dyke, boundary wall.
Ellwand, yard-measure.
erles, arles, an earnest.
ettle, v. aim.
excambio, exchange ratified by law.
eydent, zealous, industrious.
Fash, v. vex.
fek, "o' ony fek," of any effect.
fey, infatuated.
fisle, v. rustle.
flesher, butcher.
flit, v. word in general use in Scotland for changing residence.
flyte, v. scold.
foregather, v. get into company together.
fornent, in front of.
fyke, bustle.
Gait, gate, way.
gar, compel.
gardevine, cellaret.
garnel, granary.
gaud, a bar of metal.
gauntrees, gantrees, a stand for a barrel.
gawsie, gaucy, jolly.
geizen't, drought-cracked.
gett, contemptuous term for progeny.
gif, if.
gir, gird, hoop.
girn, a snare.
glaikit, foolish.
glebe, land held ex officio by a parish minister.
gled, hawk.
gleg, eager.
glower, v. glare.
gludder, the sound caused by a body falling among mire (Jamieson).
gowk, fool, lit. cuckoo.
greet, weep.
grew, v. shudder.
grouff, belly.
gude-mother, mother-in-law.
gurl, n. growl.
gurly, surly.
Hack, a rack for horses or cattle.
haffet, side-lock.
Hallowe'en, the eve of All Saints' Day.
hap, wrap.
harl, v. drag.
hass, throat.
havers, foolish or incoherent talk.
hempy, rogue.
herry, harry.
hirkos (Lat. hircus), a he-goat.
hirple, limp.
hirstle, to shove oneself along by the hands in a seated posture.
hobbleshow, a difficulty.
Hogmanæ, the last day of the year.
holm, howm, low-lying level ground on the banks of a river.
hooly, cautiously.
horse-setter, job-master.
howdy, midwife.
howf, n. haunt.
howk, dig, burrow.
hyte and fykie, anxious and irritable.
Jawp, v. dash and rebound as water (Jamieson).
jealouse, suspect.
jelly-flowers, gilliflowers.
jimp, scarcely.
jink, chink (corruption).
jo, sweetheart.
jow, v. toll.
Kail, cabbage; soup made with the same.
kell, scurf on a child's head (Jamieson).
kep, catch.
kist, chest.
kithe, show, appear.
Laigh, low.
lair, lore.
lanerly, alanerly, alone, lonely.
laverock, lark.
lawing, reckoning.
lift, firmament.
limmer, "baggage" (term of depreciation).
linn, waterfall.
lippy, a bumper.
litherly, lazily.
lone, loaning, lane.
loun, serene.
lounder, swinging stroke (Jamieson).
low, n. flame.
lum, chimney.
lug, ear.
luggie, a small wooden vessel made of staves.
Mailing, farm.
manse, residence of a minister of the Gospel.
midden, refuse-heap.
morphosings, metamorphoses.
moss, a place where peat may be dug (Jamieson).
mutchkin, a measure equal to a pint.
Napery, household linen.
neb, beak of a bird.
nieve, fist.
notour, notorious.
O'ercome, burden of a song or discourse.
outstropolous, obstreperous.
oxter, arm-pit, also arm.
Pawkie, sly; pawkrie, slyness.
peeseweep, lapwing.
pen-gun, pop-gun;
a pen-gun at a crack, a "wunner to talk."
pet-day, term applied to a fair day when the weather is generally foul.
pig, earthenware vessel.
plack, small copper coin.
play-marrow, playmate.
prin, pin.
puddock, toad;
puddock-stool bonnet, toadstool or Tam o' Shanter cap.
Rackses, andirons.
raised, delirious.
ree, half-drunk.
reek, smoke.
redde, rede, counsel.
rig, ridge (of ploughed land).
rones, external waterducts of a building.
rug, v. pull roughly.
runkle, crumple.
Scad, gleam, reflection.
schore, a man of high rank.
scog, v. hide.
scomfisht, discomfited.
scowther, scorch.
scrog, a stunted shrub.
shavling-gabbit, shavling mouthed, a shavling being a carpenter's tool
of the plane order. Having a mouth which emits sounds like those made in
planing.
sicker, certain.
siver, sewer.
skail, skayl, disperse.
skelf, shelf.
skirr, scour.
sklinter, v. splinter.
skreigh, cry.
sleekit, deceitful.
slocken, slake.
smeddam, spirit.
sneck, bolt.
snell, keen.
snod, trim.
snool, subjugate by tyrannical means.
sole, sill.
sorn, to "sponge" upon;
used by Galt for to loiter.
sosherie, social intercourse.
sough, murmur.
spae, v. forecast.
spean, v. wean.
speat, flood.
speer, speir, inquire.
spunk, spark.
staincher, stanchion.
stang, a pole;
to "ride the stang" was to be subjected to a form of mob justice by
which the patient was borne shoulder-high astride a pole.
steek, stitch, fasten.
stock (bed-stock), the fore-part of a bed.
stoure, dust in motion.
straemash, disturbance.
stravaig, v. stroll.
swanky, strapping young countryman (Brockett).
swatch, sample.
swee, a chimney crane for suspending a pot over the fire (Jamieson).
swither, v. to be reluctant, hesitate;
n. reluctance, hesitation, indecision.
syne, then.
Tack, lease.
taigle, hinder, delay.
tawnle, bonfire.
temming, a coarse thin woollen cloth.
tent, heed.
thacket, thatched.
thole, endure.
throng, adj. busy.
thumbikins, thumbscrews.
tirl at the pin, old-fashioned mode of intimating desire of admission
to a house.
tod, tod lowrie, fox.
tolbooth, a municipal building including a jail.
toom, empty.
toop, a ram.
toupie (French), toupet.
trance, paved passage.
trintle, v. roll.
trone, a public weighing-machine standing in a market-place.
Unco, adj. extraordinary, remarkable;
n. remarkable object.
Virl, ring (as those which bind a fishing-rod);
frill.
vivers, provisions.
vogie, vain, complacent.
Wae, grieved.
waff, feeble, worn out.
warrandice, warrant.
warsle, wrestle.
wastage, a place of desolation (J.).
wastrie, waste.
waught, a large draught.
wean, child.
whin, furze.
Whigamore, sometimes derived from "whig," a word used in the West for
urging on horses, and hence applied as a nickname to a political party.
The expedition of the Covenanters under Eglinton to Edinburgh was known
as the Whigamore Raid.
whumple, overturn, reverse.
willease, valise.
willy-wa, palaver, wheedle.
wise, v. entice, incline.
wud, wild.
wuddy, "gallows-looking";
widdy is the gallows.
wyte, blame.
Yett, gate.
yird, n. earth;
v. a. run to earth.
Colston & Coy. Limited, Printers, Edinburgh.
Being a List of the
New and Forthcoming Publications
OF
GREENING & CO., Ltd.
20 Cecil Court
Charing Cross Road
| OCTOBER 1899 | LONDON, W.C. |
GENERAL LITERATURE, CRITICISM, POETRY, ETC.
English Writers of To-Day: Being a Series of Monographs on living Authors. Each volume is written by a competent authority, and each subject is treated in an appreciative, yet critical, manner. The following are the first volumes in the Series:—
Rudyard Kipling. The Man and His Work. Being an attempt at an "Appreciation." By G. F. Monkshood, Author of "Woman and The Wits," "My Lady Ruby," etc. Containing a portrait of Mr Kipling and an autograph letter to the author in facsimile. Second Impression. Crown 8vo, buckram, gilt lettered, top edge gilt, 5s. nett.
Daily Telegraph.—"He writes fluently, and he has genuine enthusiasm for his subject, and an intimate acquaintance with his work. Moreover, the book has been submitted to Mr Kipling, whose characteristic letter to the author is set forth on the preface.... Of Kipling's heroes Mr Monkshood has a thorough understanding, and his remarks on them are worth quoting" (extract follows).
Globe—"It has at the basis of it both knowledge and enthusiasm—knowledge of the works estimated and enthusiasm for them. This book may be accepted as a generous exposition of Mr Kipling's merits as a writer. We can well believe that it will have many interested and approving readers."
Scotsman.—"This well-informed volume is plainly sincere. It is thoroughly well studied, and takes pains to answer all the questions that are usually put about Mr Kipling. The writer's enthusiasm carries both himself and his reader along in the most agreeable style. One way and another his book is full of interest, and those who wish to talk about Kipling will find it invaluable, while the thousands of his admirers will read it through with delighted enthusiasm."
VOLUMES OF E.W.O.T. (In preparation.)
Thomas Hardy. By W. L. Courtney.
George Meredith. By Walter Jerrold.
Bret Harte. By T. Edgar Pemberton.
Richard Le Gallienne. By C. Ranger Gull.
Arthur Wing Pinero. By Hamilton Fyffe.
W. E. Henley, and the "National Observer" Group. By George Gamble.
The Parnassian School in English Poetry. (Andrew Lang, Edmund Gosse and Robert Bridges.) By Sir George Douglas.
Algernon Charles Swinburne. By G. F. Monkshood.
Realistic Writers of To-day. By Justin Hannaford.
The Wheel of Life. A Few Memories and Recollections (de omnibus rebus). By Clement Scott, Author of "Madonna Mia," "Poppyland," etc. With Portrait of the Author from the celebrated Painting by J. Mordecai. Third Edition. Crown 8vo, crimson buckram, gilt lettered, gilt top, 2s.
Weekly Sun (T. P. O'Connor) says:—A Book of the Week—"I have found this slight and unpretentious little volume bright, interesting reading. I have read nearly every line with pleasure."
Illustrated London News.—"The story Mr Scott has to tell is full of varied interest, and is presented with warmth and buoyancy."
Punch.—"What pleasant memories does not Clement Scott's little book, 'The Wheel of Life,'revive! The writer's memory is good, his style easy, and above all, which is a great thing for reminiscences, chatty."
Referee.—George R. Sims (Dagonet) says:—"Deeply interesting are these last memories and recollections of the last days of Bohemia.... I picked up 'The Wheel of Life' at one in the morning, after a hard night's work, and flung myself, weary and worn, into an easy-chair, to glance at it while I smoked my last pipe. As I read, all my weariness departed, for I was young and light-hearted once again, and the friends of my young manhood had come trooping back from the shadows to make a merry night of it once more in London town. And when I put the book down, having read it from cover to cover, it was 'past three o'clock and a windy morning.'
A Trip to Paradoxia, and other Humours of the Hour. Being" Contemporary Pictures of Social Fact and Political Fiction. By T. H. S. Escott, Author of "Personal Forces of the Period," "Social Transformation of the Victorian Age," "Platform, Press, Politics, and Play," Etc. Crown 8vo, art cloth. Gilt, 5s. nett.
Standard.—"A book which is amusing from cover to cover. Bright epigrams abound in Mr Escott's satirical pictures of the modern world.... Those who know the inner aspects of politics and society will, undoubtedly, be the first to recognise the skill and adroitness with which he strikes at the weak places in a world of intrigue and fashion.... There is a great deal of very clever sword-play in Mr Escott's description of Dum-Dum (London), the capital of Paradoxia (England).
Court Circular.—"It is brilliantly written, and will afford keen enjoyment to the discriminating taste. Its satire is keen-edged, but good-humoured enough to hurt no one; and its wit and (may we say?) its impudence should cause a run on it at the libraries."
M. A. P.—"A sparkling piece of political and social satire. Mr Escott besprinkles his pages with biting epigram and humorous innuendo. It is a most amusing book."
Athenæum.—"He constantly suggests real episodes and real persons. There are a good many rather pretty epigrams scattered through Mr Escott's pages."
Scotsman.—"A bright, witty, and amusing volume, which will entertain everybody who takes it up."
Newcastle Leader.—"Messrs Greening are fortunate in being the publishers of a volume so humorous, so dexterous, written with such knowledge of men and affairs, and with such solidity and power of style as Mr T. H. S. Escott's 'A Trip to Paradoxia.'"
Public Opinion.—"Mr T. H. S. Escott throws abundant humour blended with pungent sarcasm into his work, making his pictures very agreeable reading to all but the victim he has selected, and whose weaknesses he so skilfully lays bare. But the very clever manner in which the writer hits the foibles and follies of his fellows must create admiration and respect even from those who view his satire with a wintry smile. We like his writing, his power of discernment, and his high literary style."
People, Plays, and Places. Being the Second Series of "The Wheel of Life," Memories and Recollections of "People" I have met, "Plays" I have seen, and "Places" I have visited. By Clement Scott, Author of "The Stage of Yesterday and The Stage of To-day," "Pictures of the World," "Thirty Years at the Play." Crown 8vo, cloth gilt. (In preparation.) 5s.
"Sisters by the Sea." Seaside and Country Sketches. By Clement Scott, Author of "Blossom Land," "Amongst the Apple Orchards," Etc. Frontispiece and Vignette designed by George Pownall. Long 12mo, attractively bound in cloth, 1s.
Observer.—"The little book is bright and readable, and will come like a breath of country air to many unfortunates who are tied by the leg to chair, stool, or counter."
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Dundee Advertiser.—"It is all delightful, and almost as good as a holiday. The city clerk, the jaded shopman, the weary milliner, the pessimistic dyspeptic, should each read the book. It will bring a suggestion of sea breezes, the plash of waves, and all the accessories of a holiday by the sea."
Some Famous Hamlets. (Sarah Bernhardt, Henry Irving, Beerbohm Tree, Wilson Barrett and Forbes Robertson.) By Clement Scott. Illustrated with portraits. Crown 8vo, cloth, 2s. 6d.
Some Bible Stories Retold. By "A Churchman." Crown 8vo, cloth, 3s. 6d.
Bye-Ways of Crime. With some Stories from the Black Museum. By R. J. Power-Berrey. Profusely Illustrated. Crown 8vo, cloth, 2s. 6d.
Outlook.—"Decidedly you should read Mr Power-Berrey's interesting book, taking laugh and shudder as they come."
Sheffield Independent.—"We do not remember to have ever seen a more popularly-written summary of the methods of thieves than this bright and chatty volume. It is the work of a writer who evidently has a most intimate knowledge of the criminal classes, and who can carry on a plain narrative briskly and forcibly. The book fascinates by its freshness and unusualness."
Literature.—"It contains many interesting stories and new observations on the modus operandi of swindlers."
Scotsman.—"A most interesting account of the dodges adopted by various criminals in effecting their purposes. The reader will find much that is instructive within its pages."
Liverpool Review.—"This is no fanciful production, but a clear, dispassionate revelation of the dodges of the professional criminal. Illustrated by numerous pen and ink sketches, Mr Power-Berrey's excellent work is useful as well as interesting, for it will certainly not assist the common pilferer to have all his little tricks made public property in this lucid and easily rememberable style."
The Art of Elocution and Public Speaking. By Ross Ferguson. With an Introduction by Geo. Alexander. Dedicated by permission to Miss Ellen Terry. Second Edition. Crown 8vo, strongly bound in cloth, 1s.
Australian Mail.—"A useful little book. We can strongly recommend it to the chairmen of public companies."
Stage.—"A carefully composed treatise, obviously written by one as having authority. Students will find it of great service."
People's Friend.—"Contains many valuable hints, and deals with every branch of the elocutionist's art in a lucid and intelligible manner."
Literary World.—"The essentials of elocution are dealt with in a thoroughly capable and practical way. The chapter on public speaking is particularly satisfactory."
Madame.—"The work is pleasingly thorough. The instructions are most interesting, and are lucidly expressed, physiological details are carefully, yet not redundantly, dwelt on, so that the intending student may have some very real and definite idea of what he is learning about, and many valuable hints may be gleaned from the chapters on 'Articulation and Modulation.' Not only for actors and orators will this little book be found of great service, but everyone may find pleasure and profit in reading it."
The Path of the Soul. Being Essays on Continental Art and Literature. By S. C. de Soissons, Author of "A Parisian in America," etc. Illustrated with portraits, etc. Crown 8vo, cloth gilt, 10s. 6d.
A History of Nursery Rhymes. By Percy B. Green. This interesting Book is the result of many years research among nursery folklore of all nations, and traces the origin of nursery rhymes from the earliest times. Crown 8vo, cloth, 4s.
The Year Book of the Stage. Being an annual record of criticisms of all the important productions of the English Stage, with copious Index and complete Caste of each Play recorded. A useful compilation for students of the Drama. About 260 pages, strongly bound in cloth, 3s. 6d.
In Quaint East Anglia. Descriptive Sketches. By T. West Carnie. Illustrated by W. S. Rogers. Long 12mo, cloth, 1s.
Observer.—"That East Anglia exercises a very potent spell over those who once come under its influence is proved by the case of George Borrow, and all who share in the fascination will delight in this brightly written, companionable little volume."
Birmingham Argus.—"Interesting matter entertainingly told."
Glasgow Herald.—"Mr Carnie's book is thoroughly charming."
Literature.—"An aesthetic volume as pleasant to read as to look at."
Guardian.—"Just the kind of book that would help a tourist in Norfolk and Suffolk to see what ought to be seen with the proper measure of enjoyment."
Graphic.—"It is a prettily got up and readable little book."
Saturday Review.—"Will be welcomed by all who have come under the charm of East Anglia."
A Man Adrift. Being Leaves from a Nomad's Portfolio. By Bart Kennedy, Author of "Darab's Wine-Cup," "The Wandering Romanoff," etc. This very entertaining book is a narrative of adventures in all parts of the world. Crown 8vo, cloth, 6s.
Woman and the Wits. Epigrams on Woman, Love, and Beauty. Collected and edited by G. F. Monkshood, Author of "Rudyard Kipling: The Man and His Work," "Lady Ruby," etc. Small 8vo, cloth gilt extra, gilt edges, 3s. 6d. nett. Paper boards, rough edges, 2s. 6d. nett.
Sun.—"Mr Longstaff has real fire and passion in all of his work. He has a graceful touch and a tuneful ear. There is exquisite melody in his metre."
Echo.—"The poetry of passion is no rarity to-day, yet scarcely since the date of Philip Bourke Marston's 'Song Tide' has such an arresting and whole-hearted example of this class of poetry been issued by any English author as the volume which Mr William Luther Longstaff entitles 'Weeds and Flowers.' Passion, tumultuous and unabashed, sensuous rapture openly flaunting its shame, love in maddest surrender risking all, daring all, these are the dominant motives of Mr Longstaff's muse. So wild is the rush of his emotion—all storm and fire and blood—to such white heat does he forge his burning phrases, so subtly varied are the constantly recurring expressions of love's ecstasy, its despair, its bereavement, its appetite, its scorn, so happy sometimes are the unexpected metrical changes and experiments herein adopted, that the younger poet might suggest discreet comparisons with the earlier Swinburne."
Morning Herald.—"The book contains real poetry. There is always thought and force in the work. 'At the Gate' is not merely Swinburnian in metre; in all things it might well have come from that poet's pen."
Greening's Masterpiece Library
Vathek. An Eastern Romance. By Geo. Beckford. Edited with an Introduction by Justin Hannaford. Full-page illustrations by W. S. Rogers. Crown 8vo, art cloth, gilt, 3s 6d. A superb edition of this most interesting and fascinating story.
Asmodeus; or, The Devil on Two Sticks. An Illustrated Edition of the Celebrated Novel by Le Sage, Author of "Gil Blas." Edited by Justin Hannaford. Crown 8vo, 5s.
Ringan Gilhaize. A Tale of the Covenanters. By John Galt. Edited with an Introduction by Sir George Douglas. Crown 8vo, 5s.
Rasselas, Prince of Abyssinia. A Tale of Adventure. By Dr Johnson. Edited with an Introduction by Justin Hannaford. Full-page illustrations by W. S. Rogers. Crown 8vo, 5s.
The Epicurean. A Tale of Mystery and Adventure. By Thomas Moore. Edited with an Introduction by Justin Hannaford. Illustrated. 8vo, art cloth, 3s. 6d.
Several well known and popular works by great writers are in active preparation for this artistic series of masterpieces.
POPULAR FICTION
Novels at Six Shillings
An Obscure Apostle. A Powerful and Dramatic Tale, translated from the Polish of Mdme. Orzeszko by S. C. de Soissons. Crown 8vo, cloth, 6s.
A Son of Africa. A Tale of Marvellous Adventures. By Anna, Comtesse de Brémont, Author of "The Gentleman Digger," etc. Crown 8vo, cloth, 6s.
Mora: One Woman's History. An interesting novel by T. W. Speight, Author of "The Crime in the Wood," "The Mysteries of Heron Dyke," etc. Crown 8vo, cloth, 6s.
A Girl of the North. A Tale of London and Canada. By Helen Milicite. Crown 8vo, cloth, 6s.
Ashes Tell no Tales. A Novel. By Mrs Albert S. Bradshaw, Author of "The Gates of Temptation," "False Gods," "Wife or Slave," etc. Crown 8vo, cloth, 6s.
Such is the Law. An Interesting Story by Marie M. Sadleir, Author of "An Uncanny Girl," "In Lightest London," etc. Crown 8vo, cloth, 6s.
Fetters of Fire. A Dramatic Tale. By Compton Reade, Author of "Hard Lines," "Under which King," etc. Crown 8vo, cloth, 6s.
A Virtue of Necessity. A Powerful Novel. By Herbert Adams. Crown 8vo, cloth, 6s.
A Cry in the Night. An exciting Detective Story. By Arnold Golsworthy, Author of "Death and the Woman," "Hands in the Darkness," etc. Crown 8vo, cloth, 6s.
A Social Upheaval. An Unconventional Dramatic Satirical Tale. By Isidore G. Ascher, Author of "An Odd Man's Story," "The Doom of Destiny," etc. Crown 8vo, cloth gilt, 6s.
Scotsman.—"The plot is bold, even to audacity; its development is always interesting, picturesque, and, towards the close, deeply pathetic; and the purpose and method of the writer are alike admirable."
Eastern Morning News.—"It is a clever book, splendidly written, and striking in its wonderful power, and keeping the reader interested.... The author has not failed in his effort to prove the case. The awful truth of its pages is borne home upon us as we read chapter after chapter. The book should have a good effect in certain quarters. One of the best features is the dividing line drawn most plainly between Socialism and Anarchism. To its author we tender our thanks, and predict a large sale."
Daily Telegraph.—"The hero is an interesting dreamer, absorbed in his schemes, which are his one weakness. To women, save when they can further the good of his cause, he is obdurate; in business, strong, energetic, and powerful. He is shown to us as the man with a master mind and one absorbing delusion, and as such is a pathetic figure. No one can dispute the prodigality and liveliness of the author's imagination; his plot teems with striking incidents."
Vanity Fair.—"The story tells itself very clearly in three hundred pages of very pleasant and entertaining reading. The men and women we meet are not the men and women we really come across in this world. So much the better for us. But we are delighted to read about them, for all that; and we prophesy success for Mr Ascher's book, particularly as he has taken the precaution of telling us that he is 'only in fun.'"
Aberdeen Free Press.—"A story in which there is not a dull page, nay, not even a dull line. The characters are well drawn, the incidents are novel and often astounding, and the language has a terseness and briskness that gives a character of vivacity to the story, so that the reader is never tired going on unravelling the tangled meshes of the intricate plot until he comes to the end. 'A Social Upheaval' is, indeed, a rattling good book."
A New Tale of the Terror. A Powerful and Dramatic Story of the French Revolution. By the Author of "The Hypocrite" and "Miss Malevolent." (In preparation.) Crown 8vo, cloth, 6s.
POPULAR FICTION
Novels at Three Shillings and Sixpence
Shams! A Social Satire. By——? This is a remarkable and interesting story of Modern Life in London Society. It is a powerful work, written with striking vividness. The plot is fascinating, the incidents exciting, and the dialogue epigrammatic and brilliant. "Shams" is written by one of the most popular novelists of the day. Crown 8vo, art cloth, gilt, 3s. 6d.
Miss Malevolent. A Realistic Study. By the Author of "The Hypocrite." Crown 8vo, cloth, 3s. 6d.
A Comedy of Temptation; or, The Amateur Fiend. A Tale by Tristram Coutts, Author of "The Pottle Papers," etc. Crown 8vo, cloth, 3s. 6d.
The Weird Well. A Tale of To-day. By Mrs Alec M'Millan, Author of "The Evolution of Daphne," "So Runs my Dream," etc. Crown 8vo, cloth, 3s, 6d.
Zoroastro. An Historical Romance. By Creswick J. Thompson, Author of "Poison Romance and Poison Mysteries," "The Mystery and Romance of Alchemy and Pharmacy," etc. Crown 8vo, cloth, 3s. 6d.
The Temptation of Edith Watson. By Sydney Hall. Crown 8vo, cloth, 3s. 6d.
The Gentleman Digger. Realistic Pictures of Life in Johannesburg. By Anna, Comtesse de Brémont, Author of "A Son of Africa," etc. New Edition, revised to date, with a new Preface. Crown 8vo, cloth, 3s. 6d.
The Sword of Fate. An Interesting Novel. By Henry Herman, Author of "Eagle Joe," "Scarlet Fortune," etc., and Joint Author of the "Silver King," "Claudian." Crown 8vo, art cloth, 3s. 6d.
Vanity Fair.—"The hand that wrote the 'Silver King' has by no means lost its cunning in painting broad effects of light and shadow. The description of life in Broadmoor is, we fancy, done from actual observation. It is quite new." And the critic of Black and White sums it up pithily as "a story which holds our attention and interests us right from the first chapter. The book is as exciting as even a story of sensation has any need to be." Speaking of the scene of Mr Herman's drama, the beautiful county of Devonshire, where the greater part of the story takes place, the Manchester Courier says: "The author's descriptive powers vividly portray the lovely spots by the winding Tamar, while the rich dialect of the district is so faithfully reproduced as to become not the least feature of an exciting tale."
The Weekly Mercury.—"Mr Henry Herman has carefully studied the little weaknesses of the great army of readers. Like a celebrated and much advertised medicine, he invariably 'touches the spot,' and hence the popularity of his works. His latest novel, 'The Sword of Fate,' contains all the essentials of a popular story. It is well written, sufficiently dramatic, full of life and incident, and above all, right triumphs over wrong. We must, too, congratulate the author upon the omission of all that is disagreeable or likely to offend the susceptibilities of the most delicate minded. It is a clean and healthy novel, a credit to the writer, and a pleasure to the reader.... These are quite capable of affording anyone a pleasant evening's reading, a remark which does not apply to the great majority of the modern novels."
St James's Gazette.—"We have read the book from start to finish with unflagging interest—an interest, by the way, which derives nothing from the 'spice,' for though its title may be suggestive of Zolaism, there is not a single passage which is open to objection. The literary style is good."
Truth.—"I much prefer the ghastly story 'Seven Nights with Satan,' a very clever study of degeneration."
London Morning.—"The story told is a powerful one, evidently based upon close personal knowledge of the events, places, and persons which figure in it. A tragic note pervades it, but still there is lightness and wit in its manner which makes the book a very fascinating as well as eventful volume."
Public Opinion.—"Mr J. L. Owen has given a title to his work which will cause many conjectures as to the nature of the story. Now, if we divulged what were the seven nights, we should be doing the author anything but a service—in fact, we should be giving the whole thing away; therefore, we will only state that the work is cleverly conceived, and carried out with great literary ability. There are numerous flashes of originality that lift the author above ordinary commonplace."
The Green Passion. The Study of a Jealous Soul. A Powerful Novel. By Anthony P. Vert. Cover designed by Alfred Praga. Crown 8vo, art cloth, 3s. 6d.
Mr Douglas Sladen in The Queen.—"A remarkably clever book.... There is no disputing the ability with which the writer handles her subject. I say her subject, because the minuteness of the touches, and the odd, forcible style in which this book is written, point to it being the work of a female hand. The book is an eminently readable one, and it is never dull for a minute."
Daily Telegraph.—"It is a study of one of the worst passions which can ruin a lifetime and mar all human happiness—one of the worst, not because it is necessarily the strongest, but because of its singular effect in altering the complexion of things, transforming love into suspicion, and filling its victim with a petulant and unreasonable madness. All this Anthony Vert understands, and can describe with very uncommon power. The soul of a jealous woman is analysed with artistic completeness, and proved to be the petty, intolerant, half-insane thing it really is.... The plot is well conceived, and well carried out. Anthony Vert may be congratulated on having written a very clever novel."
The Monitor.—"A wonderful piece of writing. The only modern parallel we can find is supplied in Mr F. C. Philip's 'As in a Looking Glass.'"
World.—"As the study of a jealous soul, 'The Green Passion' is a success, and psychological students will be delighted with it.... The tragedy which forms the dénouement to this story is of such a nature as to preclude our doing more than remotely alluding to it, for he (or is it she?) has portrayed an 'exceedingly risky situation.'"
Whitehall Review.—"In 'The Green Passion' the author traces with much ability, and not a little analytical insight, the progress of jealousy in the breast of a woman who is born with a very 'intense,' although not a very deep, nature.... There is in Mr Vert's work a certain tendency towards realism which has its due effect in making his characters real. They are no loosely-built fancies of the journalistic brain, but portraits—almost snapshot portraits—of men and women of to-day."
Outrageous Fortune. Being the Confessions of Evelyn Gray, Hospital Nurse. A story founded on fact, proving that truth is stranger than fiction. (In preparation.) Crown 8vo, cloth, 3s. 6d.
The Dolomite Cavern. An Exciting Tale of Adventure. By W. Patrick Kelly, Author of "Schoolboys Three," etc. Crown 8vo, cloth, 3s. 6d.
Daily Telegraph.—"Lovers of the sensational in fiction will find abundance of congenial entertainment in Mr W. P. Kelly's new story. In the way of accessories to startling situations all is fish that comes to this ingenious author's net. The wonders of primitive nature, the marvels of latter-day science, the extravagances of human passion—all these he dexterously uses for the purpose of involving his hero in perilous scrapes from which he no less dexterously extricates him by expedients which, however far-fetched they may appear to the unimaginative, are certainly not lacking in originality of device, or cleverness of construction.... This is a specimen incident—those which succeed it derive their special interest from the action of Rontgen rays, subterranean torrents, and devastating inundations. The book is very readable throughout, and ends happily. What more can the average novel reader wish for in holiday time?"
Observer.—"A story full of exciting adventure."
Saturday Review.—"The plot is ingenious, and the style pleasant."
Literature.—"'The Dolomite Cavern' has the great merit of being very well written. The plot is sensational and improbable enough, but with the aid of the author's bright literary manner it carries us on agreeably until the last chapter."
Critic.—"It is a sensational novel with a dash of pseudo-scientific interest about it which is well calculated to attract the public. It is, moreover, well written and vigorous."
Manchester Guardian.—"Mr Kelly's fluent, rapid style makes his story of mysteries readable and amusing. His Irish servant, one of the principal characters, speaks a genuine Irish dialect—almost as rare in fiction as the imitation is common."
St James's Budget.—"Truly thrilling and dramatic, Mr Kelly's book is a cleverly written and absorbing romance. It concludes with a tremendous scene, in which a life-and-death struggle with a madman in the midst of a raging flood is the leading feature."
Madonna Mia, and other Stories. By Clement Scott, Author of "Poppyland," "The Wheel of Life," "The Fate of Fenella," "Blossomland," etc. Crown 8vo, cloth, 3s. 6d.
Punch.—"'Madonna Mia' is genuinely interesting. All the stories are good; you are 'Scott free' to pick 'em where you like." (The Baron de B. W.)
Weekly Sun.—"Shows Mr Scott's sturdy character painting and love of picturesque adventure."
Weekly Dispatch.—"The book is characteristic of the work of its author—bright, brilliant, informing, and entertaining, and without a dull sentence in it."
St James's Gazette.—"Full of grace and sentiment. The tales have each their individuality and interest, and we can recommend the whole as healthy refreshment for the idle or weary brain."
Pelican.—"Full of living, breathing, human interest. Few writers possess the gift of bringing actual existence to their characters as does Mr Scott, and in the pages of his newest book you shall find tears and smiles, and all the emotions skilfully arranged and put in true literary fashion."
World.—"Clement Scott is nothing if not sympathetic, and every one of the ten stories is not only thoroughly readable, but is instinct with sentiment; for Mr Scott still retains a wonderful enthusiasm, usually the attribute of youth. 'Drifting' is a very fresh and convincing narrative, founded, we understand, upon truth, and containing within a small compass the materials for a very stirring drama. 'A Cross of Heather,' too, is a charming romance, told with real pathos and feeling."
The Shadow on The Manse. A Tale of Religion and the Stage. By Campbell Rae-Brown, Author of "The Resurrection of His Grace," "Kissing-Cup's Race," etc. Crown 8vo, art cloth, gilt, 3s. 6d.
The Lady of the Leopard. A Powerful and Fascinating Novel. By Chas. L'Epine, Author of "The Devil in a Domino." Crown 8vo, art cloth, 3s. 6d.
Public Opinion.—"A remarkable book.... We are plunged into a delicious and tantalising romance; incident follows incident like a panorama of exciting pictures. Fertility of imagination is everywhere apparent, and the dénouement is artfully concealed till it bursts upon the reader with a suddenness that fairly takes away his breath."
Liverpool Mercury.—"Lovers of the marvellous will enjoy it, for it is cleverly and dramatically written."
Dundee Advertiser.—"Written with dramatic force and vigour."
North British Advertiser.—"This is a weird and strange story that interests and fascinates the reader, with its occult fancies and marvellous experiences.... It may be added, in conclusion, that it is a book well worth reading, and will easily bear a second perusal."
Liverpool Post.—"A very skilfully constructed story, mysterious and strange, with a natural explanation suggested of all the mystery which does not spoil one's enjoyment (here follows analysis of plot). This is the bare outline of the story up to a certain point; it is impossible to convey adequately an idea of the awe-inspiring characteristics of the story. Readers can safely be recommended to turn to the book itself."
POPULAR FICTION
Half-Crown Novels
In Monte Carlo. A Tale by Henryk Sienkiewicz, Author of "Quo Vadis," "With Fire and Sword," etc., etc. Translated by S. C. de Soissons. Crown 8vo, art cloth, with a new Portrait of the Author, 2s. 6d.
The Tragedy of The Lady Palmist. By W. Luther Longstaff, Author of "Weeds and Flowers," etc. An exciting tale, descriptive of the "Behind-the-Scenes of the Palmist's Bohemia." Crown 8vo, cloth, 2s. 6d.
My Lady Ruby, and Basileon, Chief of Police. Two stories by G. F. Monkshood, Author of "Nightshades," "Rudyard Kipling: The Man and His Work," "Woman and The Wits," etc. Crown 8vo, cloth, 2s. 6d.
***The Hypocrite. A Modern Realistic Novel of Oxford and London Life. Fourth Impression. Crown 8vo, cloth, 2s. 6d.
This book has been "boycotted" by Messrs Mudie and Messrs W. H. Smith & Son as being "unfit to circulate in their libraries," yet it has been praised by the press at being "a powerful sermon and a moral book."
Daily Telegraph.—"A book by an anonymous author always arouses a certain inquiry, and when the book is clever and original the interest becomes keen; and conjecture is rife, endowing the most unlikely people with authorship.... It is very brilliant, very forcible, very sad.... It is perfect in its way, in style clear, sharp and forcible, the dialogue epigrammatic and sparkling.... Enough has been said to show that 'The Hypocrite' is a striking and powerful piece of work, and that its author has established his claim to be considered a writer of originality and brilliance."
Daily Graphic.—"A very moral book."
Court Circular.—"The work is decidedly clever, full of ready wit, sparkling epigram, and cutting sarcasm."
Echo.—"The story is thoroughly interesting, the wit and epigram of the writing are not to be denied, and altogether 'The Hypocrite' is so brilliant that it can only be fittingly compared with 'The Green Carnation' or 'The Babe B.A.'"
Liverpool Courier.—"A genuinely clever book. Furthermore, it is a book with a wholesome moral vividly enforced."
Lady.—"Whoever the author may be, he has the right literary method, his work is absolutely realistic, his style is fluent and distinctive, and he has the rare faculty of gripping the reader's attention at the outset and retaining it to the very last.... 'The Hypocrite' is something more than a remarkable novel—it is, in effect, a sermon, conveying a definite message to those who have the wit to understand it."
Morning Post.—"It is entitled to be regarded as one of the clever books of the day. The writer shows artistic perception. He maintains throughout an atmosphere perfectly in harmony with the idea that has suggested his work."
The Wandering Romanoff. A Romance. By Bart Kennedy, Author of "A Man Adrift," "Darab's Wine-Cup," etc. New and Cheaper Edition, crown 8vo, cloth, 2s. 6d.
Dona Rufina. A Nineteenth Century Romance. Being a Story of Carlist Conspiracy. By Heber Daniels, Author of "Our Tenants." Second Edition. Crown 8vo, cloth, 2s. 6d.
Bookman.—"A highly emotional, cleverly written story."
Lady.—"A thrilling romance with a mediæval atmosphere, although the scene is laid in the Cotswolds in the year of grace 1898. The story is well constructed, and is a good example of the widely imaginative type of fiction that is so eagerly devoured by young people nowadays."
Lloyd's.—"The author has woven a clever story out of strange materials.... The interest of the book only ceases when the end is reached."
Society.—"Altogether a very intelligible and interesting story of intrigue and love. The author has put some excellent work into the book."
Eastern Morning News.—"Readers will be fascinated by the stirring scenes, the swiftly moving panorama, the enacted tragedies, the wild, passionate, lawless loves depicted in the most sensational manner in this volume."
Englishman (Calcutta).—"It is a lurid tale of Spanish plotters.... Around this central figure the author weaves an effective story with more than considerable skill. He has achieved a brilliant success with the character of Rufina; it is a masterpiece in its own way, and invested with freshness, grace, and a magnetic personality."