LIFE OF WILSONv 
xiv 
July 6th, 1804 .” These poems were, in tputh, the produc- 
tions of a boy, who composed them under the most disadvan- 
tageous circumstances. They answered the purpose for which 
they were originally intended: to gratify the partiality of 
friendship, and alleviate moments of solitude and despondency. 
Their author, in his riper years, lamented his rashness in giv- 
ing 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 himself sincerely rejoiced to see them condemned. They 
went through two small editions in octavo, the last of which 
appeared in 1791 . The author reaped no benefit from the 
publication. 
Mortified at the ill success of his literary undertaking, and 
probably with the view of withdrawing himself from associates, 
who, instead of advancing, rather tended to retard his studies, 
Wilson retired to the little village of Lochwinnoch, situated in 
a delightful valley^/ a few miles from Paisley. In this seques- 
tered place he had b^ore resided; and he now resorted to it, 
under the pressure of disappointment; and soothed his mind 
with the employment of letters; and spent his vacant hours 
amid the romantic scenery of a country, which was well cal- 
culated to captivate one who had devoted himself to the ser- 
vice of the muses. 
While residing at Lochwinnoch he contributed some short 
prose essays to the Bee, a periodical work which was publish- 
ed at Edinburgh by Dr. Anderson. Of the merits of these es- 
says I cannot speak, as I have never seen them. He also oc- 
casionally visited the latter place, to frequent the Pantheon, 
wherein a society for debate held their meetings. In this as- 
sembly of minor wits he delivered several poetical discourses, 
which obtained him considerable applause. The particulars of 
these literary peregrinations have been minutely related to 
me; but, at this time, I will merely state, that he always per- 
formed his journeys on foot; and that his ardour to obtain dis- 
tinction, drawing him away from his profession, the only 
