In general, his prodactions were upon subjects of local
and temporary interest, and would consequently require
a bulk of explanatory notes to render them interesting
or intelligible to the world at large. A considerable
proportion of the remainder are Anacreontics; though,
in their construction, Hugh Grombie imitated neither the
Teian nor any other bard. These latter have generally
a coarseness and sensuality intolerable to minds even of
no very fastidious delicacy. But there are two or three
simple little songs, into which a feeling and a natural
pathos have found their way, that still retain their influ-
ence over the heart. These, after two or three centuries,
may perhaps be precious to the collectors of our early
poetry. At any rate, Hugh Crombie's effusions, tavern-
haunter and vagrant though he was, have gained a con-
tinuance of fame (confined, indeed, to a narrow section
of the country) which many who called themselves poets
then, and would have scorned such a brother, have failed
to equal.
During the long winter evenings, when the farmers
were idle round their hearths, Hugh was a courted
guest ; for none could while away the hours more skil-
fully than he. The winter, therefore, was his season of
prosperity ; in which respect he differed from the butter-
flies and useless insects, to which he otherwise bore a
resemblance. During the cold months, a very desirable
alteration for the better appeared in his outward man.
