An extract then follows from an account of payments to "Blew Gownis," by
Sir Robert Melvill, of Murdocarney, treasurer-depute of King James VI.,
furnished to the author of "Waverley," by an officer of the Register
House; after which Sir Walter proceeds as follows:--

"I have only to add, that although the institution of King's Bedesmen
still subsists, they are now seldom to be seen in the streets of
Edinburgh, of which their peculiar dress made them rather a
characteristic feature.

"Having thus given an account of the genus and species to which Edie
Ochiltree appertains, the author may add, that the individual he had
in his eye was Andrew Gemmells, an old mendicant of the character
described, who was many years since well known, and must still be
remembered, in the vales of Gala, Tweed, Ettrick, Yarrow, and the
adjoining country.

"The author has in his youth repeatedly seen and conversed with Andrew,
but cannot recollect whether he held the rank of Blue Gown. He was a
remarkably fine old figure, very tall, and maintaining a soldier-like,
or military manner and address. His features were intelligent, with a
powerful expression of sarcasm. His motions were always so graceful,
that he might almost have been suspected of having studied them; for
he might, on any occasion, have served as a model for an artist, so
remarkably striking were his ordinary attitudes. Andrew Gemmells had
little of the cant of his calling; his wants were food and shelter, or a
trifle of money, which he always claimed, and seemed to receive, as his
due. He sang a good song, told a good story, and could crack a severe
jest with all the acumen of Shakspeare's jesters, though without using,
like them, the cloak of insanity. It was some fear of Andrew's satire,