XXVI 
LIFE OF 
were at a loss for some time how to bring about a conversation 
with him. Having, however, a flute in my pocket, of which music 
he is exceedingly fond, I began a few airs, which, by the sweet- 
ness of the echoes, was heightened into the most enchanting 
melody. In a few minutes this had its desired effect, and our little 
old man stood beside us, with his basket in his hand. On stopping 
at his approach, he desired us to proceed, complimented us on the 
sweetness of our music, expressed the surprise he was in on 
hearing it, and, leaning his basket on an old trunk, listened with 
all the enthusiasm of rapture. He then, at our request, presented 
us with a sight of the herbs he had been collecting, entertained us 
with a narrative of the discoveries he had made in his frequent 
searches through the vale, 4 which,’ said he, 4 contains treasures 
that few know the value of.’ ” 
At this time Wilson wrote the well known ballad of Watty and 
Meg. It was nearly contemporary with the Tam 6 Shanter of 
Burns ; and its great success, with the thought that, for a time, the 
productions of the Paisley poet could be taken for those of the 
Ayrshire bard, raised his spirits to their usual pitch. There is a 
difference of opinion regarding the residence of the heroes of this 
piece. One of my correspondents is of opinion, that the couple 
resided at Lochwinnoch, and that the male actor was a drunken 
coachman, 44 one of Smithie’s drunken core,” in the service of Mr 
M 4 Dowell of Garthland, and thinks this confirmed by his real 
name, Peter Thomson,* being mentioned in the poem. By the 
attention of Mr Lang, I was introduced to the Paisley Watty and 
Meg, residing near the Seedhills, and one might easily conceive 
they had performed the parts so graphically described by our 
author, whose persons and domicile would work well under the 
pencil of Hervey. It was now, also, that he wrote the review of 
Tam o Shanter for the Be e, but which Dr Anderson refused to 
publish. On receiving this refusal, he sent the paper, in the height 
of his indignation, to Burns himself, who answered his communi- 
cation with it, assuring him, that he had received innumerable 
* Dyster Jock was sitting cracking 
Wi’ Pate Tamson o’ the Hill, 
“ Come awa,” quo’ Johnny, “ Watty ! 
Haith, we’se hae anither gill.” 
