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with a request from you, to endeavour to procure a sight of Sir David Lindsay's Plays and Satires. I have been inquiring with great anxiety at every person I could think of, and I have wrote to Lord Balcarras, a descendant of his, to know if he has such a manuscript in his library, but have got no answer yet.

Calling on a friend of mine here about them, I have got the book entitled Sir David Lindsay's Satire, printed, but wanting several pages at the beginning and end: there is a note at the beginning, wrote by Dr. Percy, now Bishop of Dromore.

Although this book is called, on the current title, Sir David Lindsay's Satire,* it is more properly a moral play, being of that species of dramatic writings, which, at the revival of literature, prevailed. all over Europe and even in England, called moralities. In Bannatyne's manuscript collection of Old Scotish Poems, (presented by Lord Hyndford to the Advocates' Library in Edinburgh) is a complete copy of this work, beginning at page 164 of the manuscript. In many places the two copies contain considerable variations. Of Bannatyne's

Coinage from William the Lion to the Union; and of Picturesque Antiquities of Scotland, in 2 vols. 4to. etched by himself, 1788-1793.

* Fifteen years after this letter was written, Mr. Pinkerton printed at Edinburgh, for private distribution, thirty copies of the work here alluded to, entitled, Ane Pleasant Satyre of the Thrie Estaitis. Of Sir David Lindsay's works many editions are enumerated by Dr. Watt in the Bibliotheca Britannica: the last and most perfect was by Mr. Geo. Chalmers, in 3 vols. 8vo. 1786.

copy, Allan Ramsay made a transcript, (but not with the most scrupulous fidelity,) which is at present in possession of his son, Mr. Allan Ramsay, sergeant painter to the King. T. P. 1776."

Whether the above-mentioned book may be properly styled his Play or Satire on the Estates, I cannot determine; but it is printed; and, by what I can learn, the only copy at present extant. I agree with the Bishop in its being a play, from the manner of introducing the character with "Heir sall thay spulye flattry of the freiris habite, and scho sall have ane kirtil of silk under hir habit:" these are put in a small type all through the book. This copy begins with the 17th and ends with the 148th page: the first is a Dialogue between Rex and Sensuality and Wantonness. As the gentleman this belongs to will not upon any account part with it out of his sight, I do not know how to get it copied for you in case it is necessary, as to which you must let me know, and I shall fall to work to have it done in as cheap a way as possible. Inclosed, I send you a proof of my second plate: it is the entry of St. Mary's Church, Dryburgh. It is a different style from the last do write me if it pleases. Lord Buchan has just left me, perfectly satisfied with the plan, and much pleased with the two plates.

MR. A. DE CARDONNEL TO MR. PINKERTON.

April 21st, 1787.

how

How many obligations do I owe you for your kind attention! Your last letter has been lying on my table before me without my having been able to answer it. The public business has for some time past required very close attendance; and the least moment of leisure I was obliged to seize to get forward with my plates. My correspondents I have not answered from necessity. They may blame me; but I could not help it. Since yours I heard from Mr. Planta. The money is paid to Mr. Nicol: the sum I think little ever, I shall venture to send up what silver ones I have to him, as they are of little use to me. I fancy by this time you will have received Mr. Paton's book; as Mr. Elliot's partner left Edinburgh above a week since, and was to send you notice immediately on his arrival. Although very busy, I have not been unmindful of you: after much inquiry, I have found a person who will undertake to copy for you; but I wait till you shall see the books sent, in case it should be what you want. I see in Arnot's History of Edinburgh, an excerpt from a manuscript play then in possession of David Garrick, p. 605—is this it? Do let me hear further; and I shall immediately set about procuring leave for the young man to sit in the Advocates' Library to copy; as no manuscripts are allowed to go out now.

By very hard labor I have now got my work in train : I have almost finished twenty-two plates; I have got drawings for about sixty. I mean to put twenty-five in the first number, with an introduction in much the same style as Mr. Grose. The paper is commissioned from Mr. Whatman, made on wood moulds: it is beautiful, and will have a fine effect both in the printing and copperplate. It is to be made on purpose, without any blue, and if possible, to have a yellowish cast, and to have no size. The form is Atlas, which cuts exactly in 8vo. to my page. As preface, introduction, and descriptions for the whole views in the first number, are finished in rough, I hope to be able to publish by the first of July or perhaps sooner. I have sent you proofs of the three last plates I have finished, thrown off upon the paper; when carefully done, they will look better, as I do not understand the throwing off myself; but they will serve to show how I go on.

MR. BERKELEY TO MR. PINKERTON.

Magdalen Hall, Oxford, June 25th, 1787.

Mr. Berkeley presents his compliments to Mr. Pinkerton, and returns him many thanks for his

* This letter, of no interest in itself, is only introduced for the purpose of showing a part of Mr. Pinkerton's literary life, which is not alluded to in any other portion of this correspondence. Mr. Pinkerton had inserted, in the Gentleman's Moga

great politeness in sending the tragedy, the which Mr. Berkeley will preserve with care and return with punctuality; but flatters himself he may be indulged with the copy till the beginning of September; as he has so much employment at present, as will, he fears, render it impossible for him to accomplish the translation sooner. He is very apprehensive that, when finished, it will by no means do justice to the original; as Mr. Berkeley's acquaintance with the Italian language is of late date. On his utmost exertions, however, Mr. Pinkerton may depend with certainty.

Mr. Berkeley is much flattered by Mr. Pinkerton's invitation to Knightsbridge, and is sorry that he fears it will not be in his power to avail himself of it till winter, as Mr. Berkeley proposes passing the summer at Oxford, where (should any literary researches conduct Mr. Pinkerton to the Bodleian) Mr. Berkeley will be happy to have the honor of receiving him.

THE HON. HORACE WALPOLE TO MR.

PINKERTON.

Strawberry Hill, June 29th, 1787.

Some time ago you said you would be so kind as to give me a list of the writings of Lord Eli

zine for the preceding March, proposals for printing a translation of an Italian tragedy, called Wallace; and Mr. Berkeley's letter is in reply to such proposals.

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