September 4, [Edinburgh].—­Came into town after breakfast, and saw Gibson, whose account of affairs is comfortable.  Also William Clerk, whom I found quite ready and willing to stand my friend if Gourgaud should come my road.  He agrees with me that there is no reason why he should turn on me, but that if he does, reason or none, it is best to stand buff to him.  It is clear to me that what is least forgiven in a man of any mark or likelihood is want of that article blackguardly called pluck.  All the fine qualities of genius cannot make amends for it.  We are told the genius of poets especially is irreconcilable with this species of grenadier accomplishment[37].  If so, quel chien de genie!  Saw Lady Compton.  I dine with her to-day, and go to Glasgow with her to-morrow.

September 5.—­Dined with Lady Compton yesterday, and talked over old stories until nine, our tete-a-tete being a very agreeable one.  Then hence to my good friend John Gibson’s, and talked with him of sundries.  I had an odd dream last night.  It seemed to me that I was at a panorama, when a vulgar little man behind me was making some very clever but impudent remarks on the picture, and at the same time seemed desirous of information, which no one would give him.  I turned round and saw a young fellow dressed like a common carter, with a blue coat and red waistcoat, and a whip tied across him.  He was young, with a hatchet-face, which was turned to a brick colour by exposure to the weather, sharp eyes, and in manner and voice not unlike John Leyden.  I was so much struck with his countenance and talents that I asked him about his situation, and expressed a wish to mend it.  He followed me, from the hopes which I excited, and we had a dreadful walk among ruins, and afterwards I found myself on horseback, and in front of a roaring torrent.  I plunged in as I have formerly done in good sad earnest, and got to the other side.  Then I got home among my children and grandchildren, and there also was my genius.  Now this would defy Daniel and the soothsayers to boot; nor do I know why I should now put it down, except that I have seldom seen a portrait in life which was more strongly marked on my memory than that man’s.  Perhaps my genius was Mr. Dickinson, papermaker, who has undertaken that the London creditors who hold Constable’s bills will be satisfied with 10s. in the pound.  This would be turning a genius to purpose, for 6s. 8d. is provided, and they can have no difficulty about 3s. 4d.  These debts, for which I am legally responsible, though no party to their contraction, amount to L30,000 odds.  Now if they can be cleared for L15,000 it is just so much gained.  This would be a giant step to freedom.  I see in my present comfortable quarters[38] some of my own old furniture in Castle St., which gives me rather queer feelings.  I remember poor Charlotte and I having so much thought about buying these things.  Well, they are in kind and friendly hands.