Page:Life memoirs & pedigree of Thomas Hamilton Dickson.pdf/23

 by a door technically called a heck door, the daughter of the house opened the door, when all at once entered four clod-polls with pitchers of water, wild with madness and frolic,―but if it was fun, it was at my expense, which only those in the lower regions could delight in. When they came to my bed, which was upon the ground, made up of straw and a few old sacks, and I was lying wanting my shirt, (for I always sleep without one.) they poured the whole contents about me, which was about fifteen gallons. I was more than astonished to know what it was, while they made their escape before I had time to recollect myself, for it is some time after we are awake before we know what we are about; and when I really was aware what had been done, what were the emotions of my breast! they were too acute for the feelings of an injured heart, while I exclaimed, has Heaven preserved me for a fate like this—to endure all, and take nothing amiss?

By Kelvin's verdant and flowery banks, oft have I roamed in the calm summer evening, when the sun was about to sink behind the far-famed Ben Lomond, so celebrated in history and song, to ponder upon the beauties of nature. The melodious thrush sang delightfully from the embowered woods of Cadder House, and seemed to impart a charm to the vale in the vicinity, while a rival repeated the notes still more loud and clear, from a wood some distance, known by three distinct names, Faulswood, Ebenezerwood, or the Black Plantain.