found lurking amidst the multiplied memorials of our most distinguished counsel,
and even peeping from under the cushion of a judge's arm-chair? Our seniors at
the bar, within the bar, and even on the bench, read novels; and, if not belied,
some of them have written novels into the bargain. I only say, that I read from
habit and from indolence, not from real interest; that, like ancient Pistol
devouring his leek, I read and swear till I get to the end of the narrative. But
not so in the real records of human vagaries - not so in the State Trials, or in
the Books of Adjournal, where every now and then you read new pages of the human
heart, and turns of fortune far beyond what the boldest novelist ever attempted
to produce from the coinage of his brain.«
    »And for such narratives,« I asked, »you suppose the History of the Prison
of Edinburgh might afford appropriate materials?«
    »In a degree unusually ample, my dear sir,« said Hardie - »Fill your glass,
however, in the meanwhile. Was it not for many years the place in which the
Scottish parliament met? Was it not James's place of refuge, when the mob,
inflamed by a seditious preacher, broke forth on him with the cries of The sword
of the Lord and of Gideon - bring forth the wicked Haman? Since that time how
many hearts have throbbed within these walls, as the tolling of the neighbouring
bell announced to them how fast the sands of their life were ebbing; how many
must have sunk at the sound - how many were supported by stubborn pride and
dogged resolution - how many by the consolations of religion? Have there not
been some, who, looking back on the motives of their crimes, were scarce able to
understand how they should have had such temptation as to seduce them from
virtue; and have there not, perhaps, been others, who, sensible of their
innocence, were divided between indignation at the undeserved doom which they
were to undergo, consciousness that they had not deserved it, and racking
anxiety to discover some way in which they might yet vindicate themselves? Do
you suppose any of these deep, powerful, and agitating feelings, can be recorded
and perused without exciting a corresponding depth of deep, powerful, and
agitating interest? - Oh! do but wait till I publish the Causes Célèbres of
Caledonia, and you will find no want of a novel or a tragedy for some time to
come. The true thing will triumph over the brightest inventions