splendid, that Mr. Hamilton, the professor
of divinity, reproved him for speaking language unintelligible to a
popular audience; and he censured one of his expressions as indecent, if
not profane. This rebuke is reported to have repressed his thoughts
of an ecclesiastical character, and he probably cultivated with new
diligence his blossoms of poetry, which, however, were in some danger of
a blast; for, submitting his productions to some who thought themselves
qualified to criticise, he heard of nothing but faults; but, finding
other judges more favourable, he did not suffer himself to sink into
despondence. He easily discovered that the only stage on which a poet
could appear with any hope of advantage was London; a place too 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. Thomso