LIFE OF WILSON. 
clxxxiii 
In the management of this tale there is little art displayed ; 
there is some natural description, it is true ; but the laws of poeti- 
cal justice are but ill observed, when misconduct so glaring as that 
of Watty’s is passed over without censure ; and he is allowed to 
tiiumph over the subjection of a poor woman, whose temper had 
become soured by his idleness and debauchery. 
Such stoi les are not calculated to do good j on the contrary 
they may promote vice; and surely the vice of intemperance is no 
trifling evil in society. To blend instruction with amusement, we 
are told, should be the aim of all writers of fiction, particularly 
poets, whose influence over the mind has always been predominant. 
It is justly remarked, by an elegant writer,^ that “ there seems to 
be something in poetry that raises the possessors of that very sin- 
gular talent far higher in the estimation of the world in general, 
than those who excel in any other of the refined arts.” Then let 
poets take heed lest they misapply those talents, which, if properly 
directed, may be made subservient to the best interests of society. 
In justice to our author I would remark, that though fond of 
of describing scenes of low life, with which his education and ha- 
bits had rendered him familiar, yet he appeared to have escaped 
the contaminating influence of vulgar associates, when arrived at 
manhood. His conduct, in this country, was truly exemplary. 
This observation, though out of place, I here make, as it seems to 
belong, incidentally, to the subject upon which I have been com- 
menting. 
The last edition of Watty and Meg, published under the in- 
spection of the author, and by him corrected, was that given in the 
Port Folio for October, 1810 . 
The poetic effusions of Wilson, after he came to America, 
afford evidence of an improved taste. He acquired a facility of 
versification by practice ; as his mind expanded with knowledge, 
* Melmoth’s Fitzosbome, letter 53. 
