xvi 



LIFE OF WILSON 



vere in the walks of learning, which, to his glowing fancy, were 

 profusely strewed with flowers. 



The volume appeared under the title of " Poems, Humorous, 

 Satirical and Serious, by Alexander Wilson/^ The writer of this 

 sketch has it now before him ; and finds in it the following re- 

 marks, in the hand-writing of the author himself: "I published 

 these poems when only twenty -two — an age more abundant in sail 

 than ballast. Reader, let this soften the rigor of criticism a little/^ 

 Dated, "Gray's ferry, July 6th, 1804/' These poems were in 

 truth the productions of a boy, who composed them under the 

 most disadvantageous circumstances. They answered the purpose 

 for which they were originally intended : to gratify the partiality 

 of friendship, and soften moments of despondency. Their author, 

 in his riper years, lamented his rashness in giving 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, who gave them ex- 

 istence, sincerely rejoiced to see them condemned. These poems 

 went through two small octavo editions, the last of which appear- 

 ed in 1791. The author reaped no benefit from the publication. 



About this period of his life, the town of Paisley was agitated 

 by a misunderstanding between the Manufacturers and the Wea- 

 vers ; and all the talents of both parties was exerted on the occa- 

 sion. Young Wilson, attached to his side by the double tie of 

 principle and interest, boldly espoused their cause, and was con- 

 sidered no mean champion in the controversy. 



Amongst the Manufacturers there was one of considerable 

 wealth and influence; who had risen from a low origin by a con- 

 currence of fortunate circumstances ; and who had rendered him- 

 self greatly obnoxious by his avarice and knavery. Him our 

 poetical weaver arraigned in a galling satire, written in the Scot- 

 tish dialect ; which of all languages is perhaps the most fertile of 

 terms of sarcasm or abuse. The piece was published anony- 

 mously ; and though Wilson was suspected to be the writer, yet 



