But to the Easy Club[1] must be assigned the honour of having stimulated the nascent genius of the poet to achieve something that would convey to its members the fact that it was no ordinary tradesman who solicited admission into the charmed circle of the Society. James Ross, whose zeal for the poetic young wigmaker's social recognition was now materially increased, used all his influence to obtain for his son-in-law an _entrée_ into the Club of which he was himself a member. Questionable, indeed, it is, when we consider the exclusive character of the association in question, the high social position of its members, and their avowed Jacobitical tenets, if even the influence of James Ross, powerful though it was, would alone have secured for Ramsay admission. But an inspiration, as happy as it was original, prompted him to embody his petition for admission into the Club in a poetical address. Such a course was of itself sufficient to recommend him to men like Dr. Ruddiman and Dr. Pitcairn. The poem, addressed to 'The Most Happy Members of the Easy Club,' proceeded, in a felicitous strain of gentle satire, blended with genial humour not unlike Gay at his best, to plead his own cause why he should be admitted as 'an _Easy_ fellow.' His application was successful, and he was duly enrolled as a member. The following lines extracted from it will exhibit the character of the piece, which takes rank as the earliest of his published poems-- 'Were I but a prince or king, I'd advance ye, I'd advance ye; Were I but a prince or king, So highly I'd advance ye! Great wit and sense are ever found Among ye always to abound; Much like the orbs that still move round, No ways constrained, but easy. Were I but, etc. Most of what's hid from vulgar eye, Even from earth's centre to the sky, Your brighter thoughts do clearly spy, Which makes you wise and easy. Were I but, etc. All faction in the Church or State, With greater wisdom still you hate, And leave learn'd fools there to debate,-- Like rocks in seas you're easy. Were I but, etc. I love ye well--O let me be One of your blythe Society; And like yourselves I'll strive to be Aye humorous and easy. Were I but, etc.