Old Mortality

Old Mortality is by Sir Walter Scott, and the contents list an introduction to the Tales of My Landlord and a volume of chapters. A character named Mause compares prelacy to the great golden image in the plain of Dura, saying that as Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego were borne out in refusing to bow down and worship, so neither shall Cuddy Headrigg, at least with his old mother’s consent, make murgeons or Jenny-flections in the house of the prelates and curates.

Lady Margaret Bellenden is shown hearing an exposition of Scripture with the greatest possible indignation, as well as surprise. The book tells of an old man repairing the tombs of the martyrs in the churchyard of Girthon, with the sexton of the parish plying his kindred task at no small distance, while some roguish urchins were sporting near them. The book also mentions Cooper Climent, an artist who enjoyed almost a monopoly in Girthon and the neighbouring parishes for making and selling ladles, caups, bickers, bowls, spoons, cogues, and trenchers formed of wood.