Bellows Falls times. [volume] (Bellows Falls, Vt.) 1856-1965, 1876-06-16
Anccdote of Washington Irving,

among others, native of Scotland-a |
man, apparently, of frugal, industrious
habits and of quite ordinary education.
Conversation incidentally turning one
day upon Scotland and its distinguished
novelist, Sir Walter Scott, the laborer
referred TO, took occasion to compare him
with Washington Irving, quite to the
latter's advantage. Williams, there
upon, remarked to his companion that
Irving resided in the neighborhood Ga
fact he had not before known; that he /,
frequently passed the place in his daily
walks; and, as he knew him well, when
occasion offered, he would introduce him.
A few days after Williams was called to
an adjoining town for few days, leav-
ing his man to continue the work in his
absence, no opportunity having in the
interim been Afforded to secure to him
the much desired introduction to Mr..
Irving. While Williams was away, Mr..
Irving, as he had not done for several
days previous, CHANGED to pass by the
place where the man was employed. Mr.
Irving confronting him, with true gen
tlemanly instinct, raised his hat, and the
laborer as gallantly responded Being
in communicative mood, Mr. Irving
passed some observations on the state of
the weather, to which he received very
respectful reply, although the laborer
was totally unaware that he was address
ing Washington Irving. Mr.. Irving
noticing his manner of pronunciation re-
marked All you are Scotchman, a
countryman of the worlds greatest nov
elist. should think that you would
highly esteem the honor" Thank you,
sir" returned the laborer, for your high
ly complimentary reference to my dis
tinguished countryman; but must beg
leave to differ with you in regard to your
estimate of his power and position.
There are several, to my mind, who can
successfully compete for such distinc-
ton with the author of 'Kenilworth.' :"
Name a novelist said Mr.. Irving,
"whom you consider as ranking above
Sir Walter" | consider Washington
Irving to be undeniably his superior" :"
was the response. "Pshaw you are
wholly mistaken" said Mr.. Irving,
Washington Irving never wrote any
thing at all to be compared with this, .
quoting favorite passage from SCOTS
most interesting work. :" | concede the
beauty of that passage" rejoined the la
, borer, but it becomes quite common
place when compared with this" quot
ing one of the most charming selections
: that can be found in Irying's works
: :" That may have some merit attached to
il" responded Mr. Irving, " but it be-
comes quite prosaic when ones attention
is called to this making another quota,
ton from the author he was defending.
again beg leave to differ" returned
, his opponent proceeding to specify the
respects in which he considered the Sc.
lection he had made from Irvings works
: far superior to tnat which Irving had
made from Scott; and so the intellectual
battle progressed, each valiently defend
ing the author which he championed
and each by argument, by comparison
and by abundant illustration seeking tc
prove the accuracy of his views and tbs
correctness of his position, and for every
Oliver from Mr.. Irving the laborer re
: turned Roland. Both of the contes
: tants became highly excited and both
s were oblivious Of the rapid passing OF
e time. 1t was not until warned by the
a approach of twilight that the lahore,
n realized how completely he had been
: drawn from his proper work and how
}, many hours had been passed in the ear.
e nest discussion. Mortified that he should
t have thus been lead away, he refused tC
9 continue it, though Mr.. Irving was ex
g ceedingly desirous of so doing. About
r the middle of the forenoon of the follow
o ing day, Mr. Irving again appeared anG
e desired to continue the arguments but
It the laborer, feeling that he had on tn,
, previous day employed time belonging
s to his employer for his own use, refused
r to comply with the request, saying tha
t, I" his time was not his own and he coulc
e not use it as though it were" And 81
e they separated When Williams re
e turned home he was informed by the la
n borer of what had occurred, and, though
u he suspected that the mans opponent
Is was none other than Mr.. Irving himself
!. he said nothing to that effect. 1t hap
e pened few days later that they wer,
t, working on the same spot where the col
n loquy occurred, when, CHANGING to lool
o up, Williams observed There come
, Mr., Irving. Now ] will introduce you.
The surprise and CONSERVATION Of the
laborer may be imagined, when he dis
E covered Mr.. Irving to be the individua
J. with whom he had SO pallantly contend