

xiy LIFE OF WILSON. 



July 6th, 1804." These poerfis were, in truth, the produc- 

 tions of a boy, who composed them under the most disadvan- 

 tageous circumstances. They answered the purpose for which 

 they were originally intended: to gratify the partiality of 

 friendship, and alleviate moments of solitude and despondency. 

 Their author, in his riper years, lamented his rashness in giv- 

 ing them to the world; and it is to be hoped that no one will 

 be so officious as to draw them from that obscurity to which 

 he himself sincerely rejoiced to see them condemned. They 

 went through two small editions in octavo, the last of which 

 appeared in 1791. The author reaped no benefit from the 

 publication. 



Mortified at the ill success of his literary undertaking, and 

 probably with the view of withdrawing himself from associates, 

 who, instead of advancing, rather tended to retard his studies. 

 Wilson retired to the little village of Lochwinnoch, situated in 

 a delightful valley, a few miles from Paisley. In this seques- 

 tered place he had before resided; and he now resorted to it, 

 under the pressure of disappointment; and soothed his mind 

 with the employment of letters; and spent his vacant hours 

 amid the romantic scenery of a country, which was w r ell cal- 

 culated to captivate one who had devoted himself to the ser- 

 vice of the muses. 



While residing at Lochwinnoch he contributed some short 

 prose essays to the Bee, a periodical work which was publish- 

 ed at Edinburgh by Dr. Anderson. Of the merits of these es- 

 says I cannot speak, as I have never seen them. He also oc- 

 casionally visited the latter place, to frequent the Pantheon, 

 wherein a society for debate held their meetings. In this as- 

 sembly of minor wits he delivered several poetical discourses, 

 which obtained him considerable applause. The particulars of 

 these literary peregrinations have been minutely related to 

 me; but, at this time, I will merely state, that he always per- 

 formed his journeys on foot; and that his ardour to obtain dis- 

 tinction, drawing; him away from his profession, the only 



