clxxxii 
LIFE OF WILSON. 
thus introduced : " The reader is here presented with an exquisite 
picture from low life, drawn with all the fidelity and exactness of 
Teniers, or Ostade, and enlivened with the humour of Hogarth. 
The story excites as much interest as if it had been written in a 
dramatic form, and really repi*esented. The interest heightens as 
it proceeds, and is supported with wonderful spirit to the close of 
the poem. 
“ It must have been in no small degree gratifying to the feel- 
ings of the author, who published it anonymously, that, during a 
rapid sale of seven or eight editions, the public, universally, ascri- 
bed it to the pen of Burns. The author of “Will and Jean, or 
Scotland’s Scaith,” had the candour to acknowledge to the editor 
that he was indebted to this exquisite poem for the foundation of 
that popular performance.” 
This tale is certainly told in a spirited manner, but whether 
it is entitled to all the encomiums which have been lavished upon 
it or not, may admit of a question. The incidents are all common- 
place : a dram-drinking husband seeking refuge, in an ale-house, 
from a scolding wife, who pursues him thither, and upbraids him, 
in no gentle terms, for deserting his home and family, and spend- 
ing his time and substance among drunken blackguards. A pot 
companion had advised him to try the experiment of threatening 
to abandon her, in order to bring her into subjection : a scheme 
which had had a happy effect in taming his own wife, who had 
given evidence of a shrewish disposition. The experiment being 
made by Watty, Meg is brought to terms. She solemnly promises 
to keep her temper — never again to scold her husband — never to 
follow him to the beer-house — never to put drunken to his name — 
never to look sad when he shall come home late — never to kick 
his shins, or pull his hair ; and lastly she consents, with tears, that 
their hard earnings shall be kept solely by himself. The husband 
rejoiced at this evidence of her humility and contrition kisses her, 
and so the story ends. 
