Part 3

And there was Sir David Brewster who could “scan with more than an eagle’s eye, the mighty creations in the bosom of space, and Hugh Miller, that huge geological hammer, inscribed with Hebrew characters. It is a very noticeable fact, that those minds that have most largely influenced the thought and progress of civilized nations have not in the main borrowed their light from an illustrious and wealthy ancestry, but have risen from the ranks and been found chiefly among the humble sons of poverty and toil. The genius of Scotland has been nourished and developed amid hard and hostile conditions. It has grown strong and rooted itself deeply amid tempests and storms! not amid the soft and voluptuous ease of effeminate luxury. It has given to the world the brightest trophies of sciences, philosophy, oratory, and song. Its sons have been scattered among all people; but as a rule they have commanded the respect and enlisted the effections of all among whom their lot has been cast. They have ever felt the force of that fine sentiment expressed by the greatestk of their poets.

“Is no in title nor in rank Its no in wealth like Lunnom Bonk To purchase peace and rest. Its no in makin’ muckle mare Its no in books, it no in lair To make us truly blest. If happiness has not its seat and centre in the breast, We may be wise, or rich, or great, but never can be blest. Nae treasurers nor pleasures Can make us happy lang The hearts aye the part aye That makes us rich or wrang.”

End of Project Gutenberg's Oat Meal: The War Winner, by James Ritchie Grieve