clxxii 
LIFE OF WILSON. 
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 hus- 
band, rejoiced at this evidence of her humility and contrition, 
kisses her, and so the story ends. 
In the management of this tale there is little art displayed; 
there is some natural description, it is true; but the laws of po- 
etical justice are but ill observed, when misconduct so glaring 
as that of Watty’s is passed over without censure; and he is 
allowed to triumph over the subjection of a poor woman, whose 
temper had become soured by his idleness and debauchery. 
Such stories are not calculated to do good; on the contrary 
they may promote vice; and surely the vice of intemperance is 
no trifling evil in society. To blend instruction with amuse- 
ment, 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 wri- 
ter,* that there seems to be something in poetry that raises 
the possessors of that very singular talent far higher in the es- 
timation 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 
describing scenes of low life, with which his education and ha- 
bits had rendered him familiar, yet he appeared to have es- 
caped 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 
* Melmoth’s Fitzosborne, letter 53. 
