LIFE OF WILSON 



XV 



Mr. Duncan, with a view of bettering his estate, relinquished 

 the occupation of weaving, and became a travelling merchant, or 

 in common language a Pedler. In his expeditions, young Wilson, 

 now approaching to manhood, frequently accompanied him; and 

 thus was a foundation laid of a love for travelling, which became 

 a ruling passion with our author the remainder of his existence. 



Alexander was now left to shift for himself; and as he was 

 completely initiated in the art of trading, he shouldered his pack 

 and cheerfully set out in quest of riches. In a mind of a romantic 

 turn, Scotland affords situations abundantly calculated to arouse 

 all those feelings which the sublime and beautiful in nature in- 

 spire. Wilson was a poetical enthusiast ; and the bewitching 

 charms of those mountains, valleys and streams, long since im- 

 mortalized in song, filled his soul with rapture, and enkindled all 

 the efforts of his youthful muse. From a habit of contemplating 

 the works of nature, arose an indifference to the vulgar employ- 

 ment of trading, which became more disgusting at each interview 

 with the Muses ; and nothing but the dread of poverty induced 

 him to conform to tlie dull avocations of common life. 



He occasionally contributed essays to various periodical pub- 

 lications, amongst which we may name the Bee, conducted at 

 Edinburgh by Dr. Anderson. He liiiewise was in the habit of 

 frequenting the Pantheon at the same place, wherein a society for 

 debate held their meetings. In this assembly of wits he delivered 

 several poetical discourses, which obtained him considerable ap- 

 plause. 



In consequence of his literary attainments, and correct moral 

 deportment, he was admitted to the society of several gentlemen 

 of talents and respectability, who descried in our youth the pro- 

 mise of future eminence. Flattered by attentions which are al- 

 ways grateful to the ingenuous mind, he was emboldened to the 

 design of collecting and publishing his various poetical attempts; 

 hoping thereby to realize funds sufficient to enable him to perse- 



