Spirit of the age. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1849-1865, 1852-12-22
BR 9 RIO B 5

Mr.. EDIroR: In these days of Spirit
Stirring scenes, | trust the following anec-
dote, full of humor, may not prove entirely
uninteresting to your readers. 1t is taken
from the life of the poet Campbell. He was
then a Student at the University of GIasgow,
and whilst he was remarkable for his p%recoci.
ty Of intellect, energy and devotion to his
studies, he was no less noted for a keen sense
of the ludicrous. 1t was his last spree atthe
University.
"a respectable Apothecary, named Fife,
had n shop in the Trougate, with this notice
in his window, printed in large letters
"EARs PIERCED BYA FGFE,''-meaning the
operation to which young ladies submit for
the sake of wearing earrings. Mr.. Flies
next-door neighbor was a worthy citizen of
the name of Drum, n spirit dealer, whose
windows exhibited various samples Of whis-
KEY, rum, and other stimulating liquors.
These two industrious tradesmcn had long
lived upon terms of mutual goodwill ; but
very shortly before this epoch, jealousy in
trade appeared to have made them rather
shy in their intercourse. More customers
were caught by the palate than by the ear ;
and this did not escape Mr.. Flies observa-
ton. They were both we'll known to the stu.
dents and every one wished to see them once
more united in the bonds of good ~neighbor-
hood. Campbell affirmed, inspite of appear
anoes, that they were naturally inseparable.
This opinion he preached to his brother Dar-
iel and so much were both interested in the
matter, that they ven into the Trougate,
anG took Il more than common interest in
looking at the spirit and drug shops. They
were soon joined by a third party-after-
wards a most grave and learned Senator
who entered warmly into their feelings, and
gave them some frie IDLY hints. A thin fiji
deal was then found by Daniel, on his faith
er's premises,and prepared by a rather hasty
process. for the end in view. Thomas, ever
then, had a turn for printing, and to hin
was confded the task Of imparting to tn
timber certain letters and words, which wer
to be expressed in dramatic language.
BY twelve o'clock the same night their pla
was ready for execution, and they steppe
quietly into the street, carrying the plan
with them. Even then, it was scarcely dark
but there were no gas-lights, and few Lar
terms in those old-fashioned nights, and the
proceeded without molestation to the Tro1
gate. The only man who could have sec
them was Duncan McAlpine-for Dune;
was only n "watchman," and not obliged
see those who had no wish to be seen.
Next morning, by five o'clock, there W
quite a mob of the carly population in t
Trougate-many of them laughing hearth
and pointing to the shop of Mr.. Drum, al
that Of his next ~neighbor, Mr.. Fife. Amor
the crowd, Campbell and his two a~ssociat
were enjoying the scene, and the compile
success of their nights adventure. One he
after another was popped out of the casemc
opposite, till at last Mr.. Drum himself, a
then Mr.. Fife opened their doors, to ascerta
the cause of all the laughter and talking.
The cause was soon manifcst-for, advance
a few steps into the street, and looking
thoy saw a long ~sign-board, stretching FRI
window to window Of the two contiguo
shops, with this inscription from 'Othell
in flaming capitals
The spirit-strring Drum-The ear-pic
ing Fife"
Hitherto, indeed they had pursued "
distinct c%allings; but to their utter surpr
sudden co-partnership had been struck
ring the night, and Fife and Drum were L
united in the same martial line. A gl
sensation was produced-the partnership
dissolved on the spot the false standard
demolished, and diligent search made for
pign-painter. A grave charge was set
Campbell was at last found, and openly
eused as principal in the lettering 2 and
three were menaced with fine and impri
ment. The sentence, however-which c