wide for the operation of petty competition and private malignity,
where merit might soon become conspicuous, and would find friends as
soon as it became reputable to befriend it. A lady who was
acquainted with his mother advised him to the journey, and promised
some countenance or assistance, which at last he never received;
however, he justified his adventure by her encouragement, and came
to seek in London patronage and fame. At his arrival he found his
way to Mr. Mallet, then tutor to the sons of the Duke of Montrose.
He had recommendations to several persons of consequence, which he
had tied up carefully in his handkerchief; but as he passed along
the street, with the gaping curiosity of a newcomer, his attention
was upon everything rather than his pocket, and his magazine of
credentials was stolen from him.

His first want was a pair of shoes. For the supply of all his
necessities, his whole fund was his "Winter," which for a time could
find no purchaser; till at last Mr. Millan was persuaded to buy it
at a low price; and this low price he had for some time reason to
regret; but, by accident, Mr. Whately, a man not wholly unknown
among authors, happening to turn his eye upon it, was so delighted
that he ran from place to place celebrating its excellence. Thomson
obtained likewise the notice of Aaron Hill, whom, being friendless
and indigent, and glad of kindness, he courted with every expression
of servile adulation.

"Winter" was dedicated to Sir Spencer Compton, but attracted no
regard from him to the author; till Aaron Hill awakened his
attention by some verses addressed to Thomson, and published in one
of the newspapers, which censured the great for their neglect of
ingenious men. Thomson then received a present of twenty guineas,