Sir Walter Scott's Woodstock

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Longmans, Green and Company, 1895 - Great Britain - 566 pages
Woodstock opens in farce, yet it is one of Scott's darkest novels. It deals with revolution, to Scott the most disturbing of all subjects: 'it appears that every step we made towards liberty, has but brought us in view of more terrific perils'. Written during the financial crisis which culminated in his insolvency, the novel, Scott feared, 'would not stand the test'. Yet it is a major source of interest for, in the superb portrait of Cromwell, it is tempting to see Scott's own self-torturing as he contemplated his ruin.
 

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Page 152 - I went out to Charing Cross to see Major-general Harrison hanged, drawn, and quartered ; which was done there, he looking as cheerful as any man could do in that condition.
Page xvi - ... if misfortune had spared them. My poor people whom I loved so well ! — There is just another die to turn up against me in this run of illluck...
Page 391 - Through skies, where I could count each little star. The fanning west wind scarcely stirs the leaves ; The river, rushing o'er its pebbled bed, Imposes silence, with a stilly sound. In such a place as this, at such...
Page 360 - Was I deceived, or did a sable cloud Turn forth her silver lining on the night? I did not err, there does a sable cloud Turn forth her silver lining on the night...
Page 538 - Labyrinth, whose ruins, together with her Well, being paved with square stones in the bottom, and also her Tower, from which the Labyrinth did run, are yet remaining, being vaults arched and walled with stone and brick, almost inextricably wound within one another, by which, if at any time her lodging were laid about by the Queen, she might easily avoid peril imminent, and, if need be, by secret issues take the air abroad, many furlongs about Woodstock in Oxfordshire...
Page 543 - Commissioners' servants, as they were in bed in the same room with their honours, had their bed's feet lifted up so much higher than their heads, that they expected to have their necks broken, and then they were let fall at once with such violence as...
Page xv - ... so at least. I have the satisfaction to recollect that my prosperity has been of advantage to many, and that some at least will forgive my transient wealth on account of the innocence of my intentions, and my real wish to do good to the poor. This news will make sad hearts at Darnick.3 and in the cottages of Abbotsford, which I do not nourish the least hope of preserving.
Page 14 - Gird thy sword upon thy thigh, O most Mighty, with thy glory and thy majesty. And in thy majesty ride prosperously, because of truth and meekness and righteousness; and thy right hand shall teach thee terrible things.
Page 203 - Now it is the time of night, That the graves, all gaping wide, Every one lets forth his sprite, In the church-way paths to glide.
Page 490 - The king therefore, for her defence, Against the furious queen, At Woodstock builded such a bower, The like was never seen. Most curiously that bower was built Of stone and timber strong, An hundred and fifty doors Did to this bower belong. And they so cunningly contrived With turnings round about, That none but with a clue of thread Could enter in or out.

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