Hector Macneil was born in 1746, and died in 1818. He was brought up to mercantile pursuits, but did not succeed in business. He cultivated in secret his passion for the muses, and published at intervals several poetical effusions, among which were "The Harp, a Legendary Poem,"--"The Links of the Forth, or a Parting Peep at the Carse of Sterling," and "Scotland's Skaith, or the History of Will and Jean," his most natural and successful production. Though not successful in lyrical effusions, or in song writing, he is the author, we believe, of that exquisite ballad, "Bonny Wee Mary o' Castlecary." He also wrote some prose tales, in which he laments the effects of modern changes and improvements. In the latter years of his life, he resided in comparative comfort, at Edinburgh, enjoying the congenial society of its refined and literary circles. "Scotland's Skaith (curse) or the History of Will and Jean," is intended to depict the ruinous effects of intemperance, and the possibility of reform, with the happiness thence resulting. A happy couple, in humble life are gradually drawn into the vortex of intemperance, and at last are reduced to the deepest extremities. The husband enlists as a soldier, and the wife is compelled, with her children, to beg her bread. In the commencement of the poem Willie is represented as passing a rustic alehouse, whose attractions prove too much for him. The situation of the alehouse, and the commencement of Willie's career as a drunkard, are admirably described. The rhythm of the poem is peculiarly harmonious and lively. In a howm[85] whose bonnie burnie, Whimpering rowed its crystal flood, Near the road where travellers turn aye, Neat and bield[86] a cot house stood. White the wa's, wi' roof new theckit,[87] Window broads[88] just painted red; Lown[89] 'mang trees and braes it reekit,[90] Hafflins[91] seen and hafflins hid. Up the gavel[92] end thick spreading, Crap the clasping ivy green, Back owre firs the high craigs cleadin,[93] Raised around a cosey screen. Down below a flowery meadow; Joined the burnies rambling line, Here it was that Howe the widow That same day set up her sign. Brattling[94] down the brae, and near its Bottom, Will first marvelling sees 'Porter, ale, and British spirits,' Painted bright between twa trees. 'Godsake Tam! here's walth for drinking! Wha can this new-comer be?' 'Hout,' quo Tam, 'there's drouth in thinking-- Let's in Will, and syne[95] we'll see.' [Footnote 85: Hollow, or glen.] [Footnote 86: Sheltered.] [Footnote 87: Thatched.] [Footnote 88: Boards.] [Footnote 89: Serene and lonely.] [Footnote 90: Smoked.] [Footnote 91: Half.] [Footnote 92: Gable.] [Footnote 93: Clothing.] [Footnote 94: Rattling, or running.] [Footnote 95: Then.]