JUST THE THING.

New Zealand Graphic, Volume XVI, Issue III, 18 January 1896, Page 80

JUST THE THING.

It is told of Sir Walter Scott (with how much truth we need not inquire) that he was sitting in his library one day when a tall Highlander, who had been building an inn near by, came in and said—- ‘ May it please you. Sir Walter, I’m going to call my place " The Flodden Inn,” and as ye’ve writ a poem on Flodden Field it struck me and the guid wife that you might gie us a line for a motto.’ • Have you read the poem ?’ asked Sir Walter. • No, I’m nae reader.' 'Then yon know nothing about it?’ * Nothin’, but I’ve heart them say as knows that it’s a vera fine thing.* ' Well, I would advise yon to take a verse from the poem itself.’ • And what’ll that be ?' ‘ " Drink, weary traveller, drink and pray." ’ * Bnt my inn’s nae tae be a kirk,’ said the man : ‘ and the more prayin’ there is the less drinkin’ there’ll be, and I dinna want that.’ * Oh,’ laughed Sir Walter, ‘ I think I can alter the verse to suit yon by leaving ont ore letter—an “r.” ’ • How will it be then ?’ •“ Drink, weary traveller, drink and pay.” ’ *Be Ailsa Craig, that’s just the thing,’ shouted the man, and he went away delighted.