He was foolish enough however to lay out his gains in the erection of a theatre which was prohibited by the magistrates, as an injury to good morals. So that Allan lost his cash and his pains together, and not only so, but his good temper. This exposed him to much obloquy, in part perhaps deserved. He was somewhat Jacobinical in his views, and hated the Presbyterian clergy, who were afraid of him, as "a half papist," and a some what licentious writer. Hence he lampooned them with great severity, in consequence of which he was pretty well lampooned in his turn. After all Allan was a true poet, and by no means a bad man. He was honest, kind-hearted and cheerful. Some of his poetical strains indicate much elevation and tenderness of spirit. In personal appearance he was somewhat peculiar. The following amusing description he has given of himself: "Imprimis, then, for tallness, I Am five foot and four inches high, A black a viced[63] snod dapper fellow, Nor lean, nor overlaid wi' tallow; With phiz of a morocco cut, Resembling a late man of wit, Auld gabbet Spec[64] who was sae cunning, To be a dummie ten years running. Then for the fabric of my mind, 'Tis mair to mirth than grief inclined: I rather choose to laugh at folly Than show dislike by melancholy; Well judging a sour heavy face Is not the truest mark of grace. I hate a drunkard or a glutton, Yet I'm nae fae[65] to wine and mutton: Great tables ne'er engaged my wishes When crowded with o'er many dishes; A healthfu' stomach, sharply set, Prefers a back-say,[66] piping het, I never could imagine 't vicious Of a fair fame to be ambitious; Proud to be thought a comic poet, And let a judge of numbers know it, I court occasion thus to show it." [Footnote 63: Of a dark complexion.] [Footnote 64: Does this mean Spectator?] [Footnote 65: Foe.] [Footnote 66: Sirloin.] Allan never suffered his poetry to interfere with his business. Indeed he abandoned verse altogether in the latter part of his life, rightly judging that he might not equal his earlier productions, and feeling moreover that other and more serious engagements demanded his attention. The following epistle to Mr. Smibert, an eminent painter and intimate friend, dated Edinburgh, 10th May, 1736, is highly characteristic; "MY DEAR OLD FRIEND:--