LIFE OF WILSON. 
xvii 
him. From the habit of surveying the works of nature arose an 
indifference to the employment of trading, which became more dis- 
gusting at each interview with the muses ; and nothing but the 
dread of poverty induced him to conform to the vulgar avocations 
of common life. 
Burns was now the favourite of the public ; and from the 
unexampled success of this humble son of genius, many aspired to 
the honours of the laurel, who otherwise would have confined their 
views of renown to the limited circle of their family or acquaint- 
ance. Among this number may be reckoned our Wilson ; who, 
believing that he possessed the talent of poetical expression, ven- 
tured to exhibit his essays to his friends, whose approbation en- 
couraged him to renewed perseverance, in the hope of emerging 
from that condition in society which his aspiring soul could not 
but disdain. 
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 eminence. Flattered by attentions, which are always grate- 
ful to the ingenuous mind, he was imboldened to the purpose of 
collecting and publishing his poetical attempts ; hoping thereby to 
secure funds sufficient to enable him to persevere in the walks of 
learning, which, to his glowing fancy, appeared to be strewed with 
flowers. 
In pursuance of this design he printed proposals ; and, being 
“ resolved,^’ to adopt his own language, ‘‘to make one bold push 
for the united interests of Pack and Poems,” he once more set out 
to sell his merchandise, and obtain patronage to his work. 
This expedition was unprofitable : he neither advanced his 
fortune, nor received the encouragement of many subscriptions. 
Fortunate would it have been for him, if, instead of giving vent to 
his spleen at the supposed want of discernment of rising merit, or 
lack of taste for the effusions of genius, he had permitted himself 
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VOL. IX. 
