From Doncaster northwards, all the windows of all the inns are
scrawled with doggeral rhimes, in abuse of the Scotch nation; and
what surprised me very much, I did not perceive one line written
in the way of recrimination -- Curious to hear what Lismahago would
say on this subject, I pointed out to him a very scurrilous
epigram against his countrymen, which was engraved on one of the
windows of the parlour where we sat. -- He read it with the most
starched composure; and when I asked his opinion of the poetry,
'It is vara terse and vara poignant (said he); but with the help
of a wat dish-clout, it might be rendered more clear and
parspicuous. -- I marvel much that some modern wit has not
published a collection of these essays under the title of the
Glaziers Triumph over Sawney the Scot -- I'm persuaded it would be
a vara agreeable offering to the patriots of London and
Westminster.' When I expressed some surprize that the natives of
Scotland, who travel this way, had not broke all the windows upon
the road, 'With submission (replied the lieutenant), that were
but shallow policy -- it would only serve to make the satire more
cutting and severe; and I think it is much better to let it stand
in the window, than have it presented in the reckoning.
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