HUME. 215 



mention the oppressions in Scotland, nor the absurd conduct 

 of King James the Second: these are obvious and glaring 

 points. Upon the whole, I wish the two volumes had been 

 published together ; neither one party nor the other would in 

 that case have had the least pretext for reproaching me with 

 partiality. 



" I shall give no further umbrage to the godly ; though I am 

 far from thinking that my liberties on that head have been the 

 real cause of checking the sale of the first volume : they might 

 afford a pretence for decrying it to those who were resolved, 

 on other accounts, to lay hold of pretexts. 



" Pray tell Dr. Birch, if you have occasion to see him, that his 

 story of the warrant for Lord Loudon's execution, though at 

 first I thought it highly improbable, appears to me at present 

 a great deal more likely. I find the same story in ScotstarvePs 

 1 Staggering State,' which was published here a few months 

 ago. The same story, coming from different channels, with- 

 out any dependence on each other, bears a strong air of pro- 

 bability. I have spoke to Duke Hamilton, who says I shall 

 be very welcome to peruse all his papers. I shall take the 

 first opportunity of going to the bottom of that affair ; and if 

 I find any confirmation of the suspicion, will be sure to 

 inform Dr. Birch. I own it is the strongest instance of any 

 which history affords of King Charles's arbitrary principles. 



" I have made a trial of ' Plutarch,' and find that I take 

 pleasure in it, but cannot yet form so just a notion of the time 

 and pains which it will require, as to tell you what sum of 

 money I would think an equivalent. But I shall be sure to 

 inform you as soon as I come to a resolution. The notes 

 requisite will not be numerous, nor so many as in the former 

 edition. I think so bulky a book ought to be swelled as little 

 as possible, and nothing added but what is absolutely requi- 

 site. The little trial I have made convinces me that the 

 undertaking will require time. My manner of composing is 

 slow, and I have great difficulty to satisfy myself." 



The conclusion of this letter is extremely interesting, 

 as proving the truth of the assertion in the ' Life' respect- 



