17
of the North-eastern horizon, thinking of his former greatness, and as if anxious to get one last glimpse of chivalrous France. In the course of the year that follows—1819—four great characters made their debut on the world's stage, who were destined to play leading parts in the great Drama, viz.: Our beloved Sovereign Queen Victoria, His Royal Highness Prince Albert, Myself, and His Royal Highness the Duke of Cambridge! Shakespeare says "that some are born great, some achieve greatness, and some have greatness thrust upon them." That truth is well illustrated in the four individuals above named. Her Majesty, the Queen, may be said to have been born great; Prince Albert by his marriage; and the Duke by his appointment to the Commander-in-chief-ship of the Army, may be said to have had greatness thrust upon them, while I have achieved my greatness by my own inherent talents and steadiness of purpose.
The next great point of importance after the period of birth is the place where the illustrous person made his debut. The spot where I was born was in the Tenement, No. 26 Queen Street, Paisley. Besides myself, Paisley has given birth to many whom the world delights to honour; and she has many in her midst just now who will yet be seen and acknowledged as
"Stars in the literary firmament."
