Page:Scott - Tales of my Landlord - 3rd series, vol. 2 - 1819.djvu/192

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TALES OF MY LANDLORD.

Onwards they came at a long swinging trot, arguing unwearied speed in their long-breathed calling. Such running footmen are often alluded to in old plays, (I would particularly instance "Middleton's Mad World my Masters,") and perhaps may be still remembered by some old persons in Scotland, as part of the retinue of the ancient nobility when travelling in full ceremony.[1] Behind these glancing meteors,


  1. Hereupon I, Jedediah Cleishbotham, crave leave to remark, primo, which signifies, in the first place, that, having in vain enquired at the Circulating Library in Ganderscleugh, albeit it aboundeth in similar vanities, for this samyn Middleton and his Mad World, it was at length shewn unto me amongst other ancient fooleries carefully compiled by one Dodsley, who, doubtless, hath his reward for neglect of precious time; and having misused so much of mine as was necessary for the purpose, I therein found that a playman is brought in as a footman, whom a knight is made to greet facetiously with the epithet of "linen stocking, and three-score miles a day."

    Secundo, (which is secondly in the vernacular,) under Mr Pattieson's favour, some men not altogether so