The above was most kindly sent to me by a gentleman well known in west
Cumberland who has, from boyhood, been a keen and judicious observer
of the peculiarities of thought and speech prevailing amongst his
unsophisticated and unlettered neighbours; and who has also favoured
me with extensive contributions to my stock of anecdotes illustrating
the humorous side of rustic life in our common county. This remarkable
piece possesses a higher value than any of _my_ dialect productions,
amongst which it appears, as being the veritable words used by one
speaking the Cumberland vernacular and nothing else; and also as an
exposition and powerful expression of the opinions on the doctrine
referred to that prevails amongst his class, who are generally very
matter-of-fact, and impatient of anything that transcends their power
of apprehension or that goes beyond the grasp of their every-day
sense. The old man’s self-laudation, when put upon his mettle, is
perhaps the most characteristic point in the sketch.