,« said the old Cameronian, for such was the
farmer. He then laid down his spade, cast on his coat, and heartily offered to
see the minister out of the moss, if he should lose the rest of the day's dargue
. Mr. Walker was able to requite him amply, in his opinion, by reciting the
epitaph, which he remembered by heart. The old man was enchanted with finding
the memory of his grandfather, or great-grandfather, faithfully recorded amongst
the names of brother sufferers; and rejecting all other offers of recompense,
only requested, after he had guided Mr. Walker to a safe and dry road, that he
would let him have a written copy of the inscription.
    It was whilst I was listening to this story, and looking at the monument
referred to, that I saw Old Mortality engaged in his daily task of cleaning and
repairing the ornaments and epitaphs upon the tomb. His appearance and equipment
were exactly as described in the Novel. I was very desirous to see something of
a person so singular, and expected to have done so, as he took up his quarters
with the hospitable and liberal-spirited minister. But though Mr. Walker invited
him up after dinner to partake of a glass of spirits and water, to which he was
supposed not to be very averse, yet he would not speak frankly upon the subject
of his occupation. He was in bad humour, and had, according to his phrase, no
freedom for conversation with us.
    His spirit had been sorely vexed by hearing in a certain Aberdonian kirk the
psalmody directed by a pitch-pipe, or some similar instrument, which was to Old
Mortality the abomination of abominations. Perhaps, after all, he did not feel
himself at ease with his company; he might suspect the questions asked by a
north-country minister and a young barrister to savour more of idle curiosity
than profit. At any rate, in the phrase of John Bunyan, Old Mortality went on
his way, and I saw him no more.
    The remarkable figure and occupation of this ancient pilgrim was recalled to
my memory by an account transmitted by my friend Mr. Joseph Train, supervisor of
excise at Dumfries, to whom I owe many obligations of a similar nature. From
this, besides some other circumstances, among which are those of the old man's
death, I learned the particulars described in the text. I am also informed that
the old palmer's family, in the third generation, survives, and is highly
respected both for talents and worth.
    While these sheets were
