In the Edinburgh Evening Courant of May 19, 1817, it is said that “the statue of Sir William Wallace, erected by the Earl of Buchan at Dryburgh, was designed exactly from the authentic portrait of him, painted in water-colours during his residence in France, which was purchased by the father of the late Sir Philip Ainslie of Pilton, knight. The hero is represented in the ancient Scottish dress and armour, with a shield hanging from his left hand, and leaning lightly on his spear with his right.”
I shall conclude these miscellaneous notices with the just and beautiful reflection made by a statistical writer. After remarking that the principle cascade, in one of the rivulets in the parish of Greenock, “bears the name of Wallace, our brave and disinterested patriot,” he subjoins: “How many monuments, far more durable than statues or columns, has grateful posterity bestowed throughout Scotland on this distinguished friend of liberty! In this part of the country, steep precipices, high falls of water, huge rocks, and Roman stations and encampments, not unfrequently bear his name.” Stat. Acc. V. 566.
The editor takes the liberty of subjoining, as a slender tribute to the memory of one to whom our country owes so much, a few verses written a considerable number of years ago, in consequence of a visit to a place in the vicinity of Lanark, which has acquired celebrity from having afforded Wallace a temporary shelter from the fury of his enemies.
ADDRESS TO CARTLANE CRAIGS.
Ye Cartlane Craigs, your steepy sides
Let Nature’s votaries explore,
To learn what fossils here she hides,
Or find some plant unknown before.
A far more precious vein I seek;