A Protest.

'SIR,--In your 'Literary Causerie' of last week ... the question
is discussed why the name of Burns raises in Scotsmen such
unbounded enthusiasm while that of Scott falls comparatively
flat. This question has puzzled many another Englishman besides
'A.T.Q.C.' And yet the explanation is not far to seek: Burns
appeals to the hearts and feelings of the masses in a way Scott
never does. 'A.T.Q.C.' admits this, and gives quotations in
support. These quotations, however excellent in their way, are
not those that any Scotsman would trust to in support of the
above proposition. A Scotsman would at once appeal to 'Scots wha
hae,' 'Auld Lang Syne,' and 'A man's a man for a' that.' The very
familiarity of these quotations has bred the proverbial contempt.
Think of the soul-inspiring, 'fire-eyed fury' of 'Scots wha hae';
the glad, kind, ever fresh greeting of 'Auld Lang Syne'; the
manly, sturdy independence of 'A man's a man for a' that,' and
who can wonder at the ever-increasing enthusiasm for Burns' name?

Is there for honest poverty
That hangs his head and a' that?
The coward slave we pass him by--
We dare be poor for a' that.'
* * * * *
'The rank is but the guinea stamp--
The man's the gowd for a' that.'

"Nor is it in his patriotism, independence, and conviviality