ABSTRACT
By general report we learn, that R.B. is a plough-boy, of small education, but blessed by nature with a powerful genius. His subjects are not, as might have been expected, confined to the objects which surround him: he is satirical as well as pastoral, and humorous as well as elegiac. Thus he speaks of a certain great character: For you, young Potentate o’ W—, I tell your Highness fairly, Down Pleasure’s stream, wi’ swelling sails, I’m tauld ye’re driving rarely; But some day ye may gnaw your nails, An’ curse your folly sairly, That e’er ye brak Diana’s pales, Or rattl’d dice wi’ Charlie By night or day.
