The _Epistle to James Smith_
contains the much-quoted stanza on the poet's motives:
Some rhyme a neebor's name to lash;
Some rhyme (vain thought!) for needful cash;
Some rhyme to court the countra clash, [gossip]
An' raise a din;
For me, an aim I never fash; [trouble about]
I rhyme for fun.
Another gives his view of his equipment:
The star that rules my luckless lot,
Has fated me the russet coat,
An' damned my fortune to the groat;
But, in requit,
Has blest me with a random-shot
O' countra wit. [country]
Then he passes from literary considerations to his general philosophy
of life:
But why o' death begin a tale?
Just now we're living sound an' hale;
Then top and maintop crowd the sail;
Heave Care o'er-side!
And large, before Enjoyment's gale,
Let's tak the tide.
* * * * *
When ance life's day draws near the gloamin,
Then fareweel vacant, careless roamin;
An' fareweel cheerfu' tankards foamin,
An' social noise:
An' fareweel dear, deluding Woman,
The joy of joys!
Here, as often, he contrasts his own reckless impulsive temper with
that of prudent calculation:
With steady aim, some Fortune chase;
Keen Hope does ev'ry sinew brace;
Thro' fair, thro' foul, they urge the race,
And seize the prey:
Then cannie, in some cozie place, [quietly]
They close the day.
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