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Kay's Originals Vol. 2

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140 13 I 0 GR AP HI CA L S ICE T C HE S. But hardly had I time to ken What lives are led by Aldermen, E’er thy joy-chasing, fearfu’ din Made me disrobe, An’ left me, baith in kith and kin, As poor as Job. But here it were ower lang to tell, 0’ a’ the ills ye heap pell-mell, Baith on my neighbours an’ mysel’, Frae day to day ; Nor do remonstrances avail, Ae single, strae. But lad, ye yet the day may rue, That now sae high ye crook yer mou’ ; Our B-lie sure can ne’er allow Things sae to gang ; Ye’ll wind yoursel’ a bonny clue Eer it be lang. 0 T-t I’ the witty, wise an’ just, Wee1 worthy 0’ B-eh’s great trust To thee we turn, wha ne’er nonplust 0 humble him into the dust- A righteous pray’r ! To rowte nae mair. Kent young B.-ch 0’ our distress, Frae Lunin he’d send down express, To strip him 0’ his gaudy dress, Frae tap to tae, He’d ne’er permit him to harass His lieges 8ae. Swith ! send him aff by Dunstaffnage, Wi’ winds an’ waves a war to wage ; There let him spend his pipin’ rage, That ceaseless scream h e age to age ’Mid gulls and whaups, Round Jura’s Paps. No. CCXIX. SIR JOHN LESLIE, PROFESSOR OF NATURAL PHILOSOPHY IN THE UNIVERSITY OF EDINBURGH. , THIS distinguished philosopher, born in 1766, was a native of Largo, in Fife. His father, who came originally from the neighbourhood of St. Andrew, was a joiner and cabinet-maker. His elementary education was of a desultory and imperfect nature; but he read with avidity such books as came within his reach ; and having received some lessons in mathematics, from his elder brother Alexander, displayed surprising aptitude for that science. At the age of thirteen, he ent,ered the University of St. Andrews, as a student of mathematics, where, at the first distribution of prizes, his proficiency gained him the favour of the Earl of Kinnoul, then Chancellor of the University. His views being at this time directed towards the Church, he studied in the usual manner during six sessions ; after which, in company with another youth, subsequently distinguished like himself, James (afterwards Sir James) Ivory, he proceeded to Edinburgh, where he attended the University for three years. During that period he enjoyed the friendship of Dr. Adam Smith, who employed him in assisting the studies of his nephew, David Douglas, who afterwards became a judge under the title of Lord Reston. Buccleuch, and who died about 1831. (Mr. Tait), predecessor of Mr, Scott Moncrieff aa Chamberlain to Hie Grace the Duks of
Volume 9 Page 187
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