Page:Memoirs of the late John Kippen, cooper, in Methven, near Perth.pdf/4

 satirical talents upon the young rustics in the neighbourhood, as well as of picking up every thing that was either edifying or witty, as it fell from the lips of his acquaintance.—His memory was strong and retentive, which joined to his ready wit, made him at once the terror and admiration of the neighbourhood; for when offence was given, his tongue or pin was sure to be employed to satirise the offending party; which he always did with such effect, that he never failed to render his opponents ridiculous; and these sallies of wit were not confined to the vulgar crowd, but were frequently levelled at the great, the rich, and the opulent. The fear of Kippen's made his friendship to be often courted, even by those who in other respects, were esteemed his.

Having now finished his apprenticeship, John resolved to travel, but as he had neither money nor friends, who were capable to do any thing for