Chapter X · Chapter 10

used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one

From this reading If the Scottish bard found it a hard experience that 'The best laid schemes of mice and men Gang oft agla' in staid old Scotland, how would he have sung if his lot had been cast amid the vicissitudes of frontier life on an American prairie?

to gain with effort

From this reading We speak of the uncertainties of all earthly expectations where society organized, helps man in a thousand ways to achieve his plans; but there is nothing settled in a new country: everything is in embryo, and therefore disappointments are indefinitely multiplied.

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading If the Scottish bard found it a hard experience that 'The best laid schemes of mice and men Gang oft agla' in staid old Scotland, how would he have sung if his lot had been cast amid the vicissitudes of frontier life on an American prairie?

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading When the immigrant arrives at his destination, he soon finds that his most reasonable projects prove to be the veriest air-castles, and that his reliance must be on Providence and his own strong arm.

(quantifier) used with either mass or count nouns to indicate the whole number or amount of or every one of a class

From this reading We speak of the uncertainties of all earthly expectations where society organized, helps man in a thousand ways to achieve his plans; but there is nothing settled in a new country: everything is in embryo, and therefore disappointments are indefinitely multiplied.

a native or inhabitant of the United States

From this reading If the Scottish bard found it a hard experience that 'The best laid schemes of mice and men Gang oft agla' in staid old Scotland, how would he have sung if his lot had been cast amid the vicissitudes of frontier life on an American prairie?

in the middle of; surrounded by

From this reading If the Scottish bard found it a hard experience that 'The best laid schemes of mice and men Gang oft agla' in staid old Scotland, how would he have sung if his lot had been cast amid the vicissitudes of frontier life on an American prairie?

the form of “a” used before a word that begins with a vowel sound

From this reading If the Scottish bard found it a hard experience that 'The best laid schemes of mice and men Gang oft agla' in staid old Scotland, how would he have sung if his lot had been cast amid the vicissitudes of frontier life on an American prairie?

used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together

From this reading If the Scottish bard found it a hard experience that 'The best laid schemes of mice and men Gang oft agla' in staid old Scotland, how would he have sung if his lot had been cast amid the vicissitudes of frontier life on an American prairie?

the form of “be” used with you, we, they, or a plural noun

From this reading We speak of the uncertainties of all earthly expectations where society organized, helps man in a thousand ways to achieve his plans; but there is nothing settled in a new country: everything is in embryo, and therefore disappointments are indefinitely multiplied.

a human limb; technically the part of the superior limb between the shoulder and the elbow but commonly used to refer to the whole superior limb

From this reading When the immigrant arrives at his destination, he soon finds that his most reasonable projects prove to be the veriest air-castles, and that his reliance must be on Providence and his own strong arm.

third-person singular of “arrive” — reach a destination; arrive by movement or progress

From this reading When the immigrant arrives at his destination, he soon finds that his most reasonable projects prove to be the veriest air-castles, and that his reliance must be on Providence and his own strong arm.

at the same time that; because; in the way that

From this reading This state of things is specially trying to the man of small means and unaccustomed to physical toil, as was the case with Mr. Payson.

in or near a particular place or position

From this reading "NO WHISKEY AT THIS RAISING!"

a lyric poet

From this reading If the Scottish bard found it a hard experience that 'The best laid schemes of mice and men Gang oft agla' in staid old Scotland, how would he have sung if his lot had been cast amid the vicissitudes of frontier life on an American prairie?

used with a past participle to form the passive, or with -ing for continuous tenses

From this reading When the immigrant arrives at his destination, he soon finds that his most reasonable projects prove to be the veriest air-castles, and that his reliance must be on Providence and his own strong arm.

the past participle of “be”

From this reading If the Scottish bard found it a hard experience that 'The best laid schemes of mice and men Gang oft agla' in staid old Scotland, how would he have sung if his lot had been cast amid the vicissitudes of frontier life on an American prairie?

the supreme effort one can make

From this reading If the Scottish bard found it a hard experience that 'The best laid schemes of mice and men Gang oft agla' in staid old Scotland, how would he have sung if his lot had been cast amid the vicissitudes of frontier life on an American prairie?

used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before

From this reading We speak of the uncertainties of all earthly expectations where society organized, helps man in a thousand ways to achieve his plans; but there is nothing settled in a new country: everything is in embryo, and therefore disappointments are indefinitely multiplied.

an occurrence of something

From this reading This state of things is specially trying to the man of small means and unaccustomed to physical toil, as was the case with Mr. Payson.

put or send forth

From this reading If the Scottish bard found it a hard experience that 'The best laid schemes of mice and men Gang oft agla' in staid old Scotland, how would he have sung if his lot had been cast amid the vicissitudes of frontier life on an American prairie?

a politically organized body of people under a single government

From this reading We speak of the uncertainties of all earthly expectations where society organized, helps man in a thousand ways to achieve his plans; but there is nothing settled in a new country: everything is in embryo, and therefore disappointments are indefinitely multiplied.

the place designated as the end (as of a race or journey)

From this reading When the immigrant arrives at his destination, he soon finds that his most reasonable projects prove to be the veriest air-castles, and that his reliance must be on Providence and his own strong arm.

plural of “disappointment” — a feeling of dissatisfaction that results when your expectations are not realized

From this reading We speak of the uncertainties of all earthly expectations where society organized, helps man in a thousand ways to achieve his plans; but there is nothing settled in a new country: everything is in embryo, and therefore disappointments are indefinitely multiplied.

of or belonging to or characteristic of this earth as distinguished from heaven

From this reading We speak of the uncertainties of all earthly expectations where society organized, helps man in a thousand ways to achieve his plans; but there is nothing settled in a new country: everything is in embryo, and therefore disappointments are indefinitely multiplied.

(botany) a minute rudimentary plant contained within a seed or an archegonium

From this reading We speak of the uncertainties of all earthly expectations where society organized, helps man in a thousand ways to achieve his plans; but there is nothing settled in a new country: everything is in embryo, and therefore disappointments are indefinitely multiplied.

all things; all of a situation

From this reading We speak of the uncertainties of all earthly expectations where society organized, helps man in a thousand ways to achieve his plans; but there is nothing settled in a new country: everything is in embryo, and therefore disappointments are indefinitely multiplied.

plural of “expectation” — belief about (or mental picture of) the future

From this reading We speak of the uncertainties of all earthly expectations where society organized, helps man in a thousand ways to achieve his plans; but there is nothing settled in a new country: everything is in embryo, and therefore disappointments are indefinitely multiplied.

undergo or live through a difficult experience

From this reading If the Scottish bard found it a hard experience that 'The best laid schemes of mice and men Gang oft agla' in staid old Scotland, how would he have sung if his lot had been cast amid the vicissitudes of frontier life on an American prairie?

plural of “find” — a productive insight

From this reading When the immigrant arrives at his destination, he soon finds that his most reasonable projects prove to be the veriest air-castles, and that his reliance must be on Providence and his own strong arm.

set up or found

From this reading If the Scottish bard found it a hard experience that 'The best laid schemes of mice and men Gang oft agla' in staid old Scotland, how would he have sung if his lot had been cast amid the vicissitudes of frontier life on an American prairie?

a wilderness at the edge of a settled area of a country

From this reading If the Scottish bard found it a hard experience that 'The best laid schemes of mice and men Gang oft agla' in staid old Scotland, how would he have sung if his lot had been cast amid the vicissitudes of frontier life on an American prairie?

an association of criminals

From this reading If the Scottish bard found it a hard experience that 'The best laid schemes of mice and men Gang oft agla' in staid old Scotland, how would he have sung if his lot had been cast amid the vicissitudes of frontier life on an American prairie?

the past form of “have”, used to form the past perfect

From this reading If the Scottish bard found it a hard experience that 'The best laid schemes of mice and men Gang oft agla' in staid old Scotland, how would he have sung if his lot had been cast amid the vicissitudes of frontier life on an American prairie?

not easy; requiring great physical or mental effort to accomplish or comprehend or endure

From this reading If the Scottish bard found it a hard experience that 'The best laid schemes of mice and men Gang oft agla' in staid old Scotland, how would he have sung if his lot had been cast amid the vicissitudes of frontier life on an American prairie?

used with a past participle to form the perfect tenses

From this reading If the Scottish bard found it a hard experience that 'The best laid schemes of mice and men Gang oft agla' in staid old Scotland, how would he have sung if his lot had been cast amid the vicissitudes of frontier life on an American prairie?

a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned, as the subject

From this reading If the Scottish bard found it a hard experience that 'The best laid schemes of mice and men Gang oft agla' in staid old Scotland, how would he have sung if his lot had been cast amid the vicissitudes of frontier life on an American prairie?

plural of “help” — the activity of contributing to the fulfillment of a need or furtherance of an effort or purpose

From this reading We speak of the uncertainties of all earthly expectations where society organized, helps man in a thousand ways to achieve his plans; but there is nothing settled in a new country: everything is in embryo, and therefore disappointments are indefinitely multiplied.

belonging to a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned

From this reading If the Scottish bard found it a hard experience that 'The best laid schemes of mice and men Gang oft agla' in staid old Scotland, how would he have sung if his lot had been cast amid the vicissitudes of frontier life on an American prairie?

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading If the Scottish bard found it a hard experience that 'The best laid schemes of mice and men Gang oft agla' in staid old Scotland, how would he have sung if his lot had been cast amid the vicissitudes of frontier life on an American prairie?

on condition that; in the event that

From this reading If the Scottish bard found it a hard experience that 'The best laid schemes of mice and men Gang oft agla' in staid old Scotland, how would he have sung if his lot had been cast amid the vicissitudes of frontier life on an American prairie?

a person who comes to a country where they were not born in order to settle there

From this reading When the immigrant arrives at his destination, he soon finds that his most reasonable projects prove to be the veriest air-castles, and that his reliance must be on Providence and his own strong arm.

inside something, or within a place, period, or state

From this reading If the Scottish bard found it a hard experience that 'The best laid schemes of mice and men Gang oft agla' in staid old Scotland, how would he have sung if his lot had been cast amid the vicissitudes of frontier life on an American prairie?

to an indefinite extent; for an indefinite time

From this reading We speak of the uncertainties of all earthly expectations where society organized, helps man in a thousand ways to achieve his plans; but there is nothing settled in a new country: everything is in embryo, and therefore disappointments are indefinitely multiplied.

the form of “be” used with he, she, it, or a singular noun

From this reading We speak of the uncertainties of all earthly expectations where society organized, helps man in a thousand ways to achieve his plans; but there is nothing settled in a new country: everything is in embryo, and therefore disappointments are indefinitely multiplied.

a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned

From this reading If the Scottish bard found it a hard experience that 'The best laid schemes of mice and men Gang oft agla' in staid old Scotland, how would he have sung if his lot had been cast amid the vicissitudes of frontier life on an American prairie?

set down according to a plan

From this reading If the Scottish bard found it a hard experience that 'The best laid schemes of mice and men Gang oft agla' in staid old Scotland, how would he have sung if his lot had been cast amid the vicissitudes of frontier life on an American prairie?

a characteristic state or mode of living

From this reading If the Scottish bard found it a hard experience that 'The best laid schemes of mice and men Gang oft agla' in staid old Scotland, how would he have sung if his lot had been cast amid the vicissitudes of frontier life on an American prairie?

(often followed by “of”) a large number or amount or extent

From this reading If the Scottish bard found it a hard experience that 'The best laid schemes of mice and men Gang oft agla' in staid old Scotland, how would he have sung if his lot had been cast amid the vicissitudes of frontier life on an American prairie?

an adult person who is male (as opposed to a woman)

From this reading We speak of the uncertainties of all earthly expectations where society organized, helps man in a thousand ways to achieve his plans; but there is nothing settled in a new country: everything is in embryo, and therefore disappointments are indefinitely multiplied.

thing or person that acts to produce a particular effect or achieve an end

From this reading This state of things is specially trying to the man of small means and unaccustomed to physical toil, as was the case with Mr. Payson.

the force of workers available

From this reading If the Scottish bard found it a hard experience that 'The best laid schemes of mice and men Gang oft agla' in staid old Scotland, how would he have sung if his lot had been cast amid the vicissitudes of frontier life on an American prairie?

plural of “mouse” — any of numerous small rodents typically resembling diminutive rats having pointed snouts and small ears on elongated bodies with slender usually hairless tails

From this reading If the Scottish bard found it a hard experience that 'The best laid schemes of mice and men Gang oft agla' in staid old Scotland, how would he have sung if his lot had been cast amid the vicissitudes of frontier life on an American prairie?

used to form the superlative

From this reading When the immigrant arrives at his destination, he soon finds that his most reasonable projects prove to be the veriest air-castles, and that his reliance must be on Providence and his own strong arm.

a form of address for a man

From this reading This state of things is specially trying to the man of small means and unaccustomed to physical toil, as was the case with Mr. Payson.

greatly increased as by multiplication

From this reading We speak of the uncertainties of all earthly expectations where society organized, helps man in a thousand ways to achieve his plans; but there is nothing settled in a new country: everything is in embryo, and therefore disappointments are indefinitely multiplied.

used to say something is necessary, or almost certainly true

From this reading When the immigrant arrives at his destination, he soon finds that his most reasonable projects prove to be the veriest air-castles, and that his reliance must be on Providence and his own strong arm.

not of long duration; having just (or relatively recently) come into being or been made or acquired or discovered

From this reading We speak of the uncertainties of all earthly expectations where society organized, helps man in a thousand ways to achieve his plans; but there is nothing settled in a new country: everything is in embryo, and therefore disappointments are indefinitely multiplied.

not any; not one

From this reading "NO WHISKEY AT THIS RAISING!"

not one thing; not anything

From this reading We speak of the uncertainties of all earthly expectations where society organized, helps man in a thousand ways to achieve his plans; but there is nothing settled in a new country: everything is in embryo, and therefore disappointments are indefinitely multiplied.

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading If the Scottish bard found it a hard experience that 'The best laid schemes of mice and men Gang oft agla' in staid old Scotland, how would he have sung if his lot had been cast amid the vicissitudes of frontier life on an American prairie?

many times at short intervals

From this reading If the Scottish bard found it a hard experience that 'The best laid schemes of mice and men Gang oft agla' in staid old Scotland, how would he have sung if his lot had been cast amid the vicissitudes of frontier life on an American prairie?

(used especially of persons) having lived for a relatively long time or attained a specific age

From this reading If the Scottish bard found it a hard experience that 'The best laid schemes of mice and men Gang oft agla' in staid old Scotland, how would he have sung if his lot had been cast amid the vicissitudes of frontier life on an American prairie?

touching and supported by a surface

From this reading If the Scottish bard found it a hard experience that 'The best laid schemes of mice and men Gang oft agla' in staid old Scotland, how would he have sung if his lot had been cast amid the vicissitudes of frontier life on an American prairie?

formed into a structured or coherent whole, particularly on a large scale

From this reading We speak of the uncertainties of all earthly expectations where society organized, helps man in a thousand ways to achieve his plans; but there is nothing settled in a new country: everything is in embryo, and therefore disappointments are indefinitely multiplied.

have ownership or possession of

From this reading When the immigrant arrives at his destination, he soon finds that his most reasonable projects prove to be the veriest air-castles, and that his reliance must be on Providence and his own strong arm.

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading This state of things is specially trying to the man of small means and unaccustomed to physical toil, as was the case with Mr. Payson.

involving the body as distinguished from the mind or spirit

From this reading This state of things is specially trying to the man of small means and unaccustomed to physical toil, as was the case with Mr. Payson.

plural of “plan” — a series of steps to be carried out or goals to be accomplished

From this reading We speak of the uncertainties of all earthly expectations where society organized, helps man in a thousand ways to achieve his plans; but there is nothing settled in a new country: everything is in embryo, and therefore disappointments are indefinitely multiplied.

a treeless grassy plain

From this reading If the Scottish bard found it a hard experience that 'The best laid schemes of mice and men Gang oft agla' in staid old Scotland, how would he have sung if his lot had been cast amid the vicissitudes of frontier life on an American prairie?

plural of “project” — any piece of work that is undertaken or attempted

From this reading When the immigrant arrives at his destination, he soon finds that his most reasonable projects prove to be the veriest air-castles, and that his reliance must be on Providence and his own strong arm.

be shown or be found to be

From this reading When the immigrant arrives at his destination, he soon finds that his most reasonable projects prove to be the veriest air-castles, and that his reliance must be on Providence and his own strong arm.

The protective care of God or nature as a spiritual power. (Sự quan phòng, thiên ý phù hộ.)

From this reading When the immigrant arrives at his destination, he soon finds that his most reasonable projects prove to be the veriest air-castles, and that his reliance must be on Providence and his own strong arm.

the event of something being raised upward

From this reading "NO WHISKEY AT THIS RAISING!"

showing reason or sound judgment

From this reading When the immigrant arrives at his destination, he soon finds that his most reasonable projects prove to be the veriest air-castles, and that his reliance must be on Providence and his own strong arm.

certainty based on past experience

From this reading When the immigrant arrives at his destination, he soon finds that his most reasonable projects prove to be the veriest air-castles, and that his reliance must be on Providence and his own strong arm.

plural of “scheme” — an elaborate and systematic plan of action

From this reading If the Scottish bard found it a hard experience that 'The best laid schemes of mice and men Gang oft agla' in staid old Scotland, how would he have sung if his lot had been cast amid the vicissitudes of frontier life on an American prairie?

one of the four countries that make up the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland; located on the northern part of the island of Great Britain; famous for bagpipes and plaids and kilts

From this reading If the Scottish bard found it a hard experience that 'The best laid schemes of mice and men Gang oft agla' in staid old Scotland, how would he have sung if his lot had been cast amid the vicissitudes of frontier life on an American prairie?

the dialect of English used in Scotland

From this reading If the Scottish bard found it a hard experience that 'The best laid schemes of mice and men Gang oft agla' in staid old Scotland, how would he have sung if his lot had been cast amid the vicissitudes of frontier life on an American prairie?

established or decided beyond dispute or doubt

From this reading We speak of the uncertainties of all earthly expectations where society organized, helps man in a thousand ways to achieve his plans; but there is nothing settled in a new country: everything is in embryo, and therefore disappointments are indefinitely multiplied.

limited or below average in number or quantity or magnitude or extent

From this reading This state of things is specially trying to the man of small means and unaccustomed to physical toil, as was the case with Mr. Payson.

an extended social group having a distinctive cultural and economic organization

From this reading We speak of the uncertainties of all earthly expectations where society organized, helps man in a thousand ways to achieve his plans; but there is nothing settled in a new country: everything is in embryo, and therefore disappointments are indefinitely multiplied.

in the near future

From this reading When the immigrant arrives at his destination, he soon finds that his most reasonable projects prove to be the veriest air-castles, and that his reliance must be on Providence and his own strong arm.

express in speech

From this reading We speak of the uncertainties of all earthly expectations where society organized, helps man in a thousand ways to achieve his plans; but there is nothing settled in a new country: everything is in embryo, and therefore disappointments are indefinitely multiplied.

in a special manner

From this reading This state of things is specially trying to the man of small means and unaccustomed to physical toil, as was the case with Mr. Payson.

characterized by dignity and propriety

From this reading If the Scottish bard found it a hard experience that 'The best laid schemes of mice and men Gang oft agla' in staid old Scotland, how would he have sung if his lot had been cast amid the vicissitudes of frontier life on an American prairie?

the territory occupied by one of the constituent administrative districts of a nation

From this reading This state of things is specially trying to the man of small means and unaccustomed to physical toil, as was the case with Mr. Payson.

having strength or power greater than average or expected

From this reading When the immigrant arrives at his destination, he soon finds that his most reasonable projects prove to be the veriest air-castles, and that his reliance must be on Providence and his own strong arm.

the imperial dynasty of China from 960 to 1279; noted for art and literature and philosophy

From this reading If the Scottish bard found it a hard experience that 'The best laid schemes of mice and men Gang oft agla' in staid old Scotland, how would he have sung if his lot had been cast amid the vicissitudes of frontier life on an American prairie?

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading If the Scottish bard found it a hard experience that 'The best laid schemes of mice and men Gang oft agla' in staid old Scotland, how would he have sung if his lot had been cast amid the vicissitudes of frontier life on an American prairie?

used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind

From this reading If the Scottish bard found it a hard experience that 'The best laid schemes of mice and men Gang oft agla' in staid old Scotland, how would he have sung if his lot had been cast amid the vicissitudes of frontier life on an American prairie?

in or at that place or location

From this reading We speak of the uncertainties of all earthly expectations where society organized, helps man in a thousand ways to achieve his plans; but there is nothing settled in a new country: everything is in embryo, and therefore disappointments are indefinitely multiplied.

for that reason; as a result

From this reading We speak of the uncertainties of all earthly expectations where society organized, helps man in a thousand ways to achieve his plans; but there is nothing settled in a new country: everything is in embryo, and therefore disappointments are indefinitely multiplied.

any movable possession (especially articles of clothing)

From this reading This state of things is specially trying to the man of small means and unaccustomed to physical toil, as was the case with Mr. Payson.

used for a person or thing that is near, or that has just been mentioned

From this reading "NO WHISKEY AT THIS RAISING!"

the cardinal number that is the product of 10 and 100

From this reading We speak of the uncertainties of all earthly expectations where society organized, helps man in a thousand ways to achieve his plans; but there is nothing settled in a new country: everything is in embryo, and therefore disappointments are indefinitely multiplied.

used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive

From this reading We speak of the uncertainties of all earthly expectations where society organized, helps man in a thousand ways to achieve his plans; but there is nothing settled in a new country: everything is in embryo, and therefore disappointments are indefinitely multiplied.

work hard

From this reading This state of things is specially trying to the man of small means and unaccustomed to physical toil, as was the case with Mr. Payson.

hard to endure

From this reading This state of things is specially trying to the man of small means and unaccustomed to physical toil, as was the case with Mr. Payson.

unusual or unfamiliar

From this reading This state of things is specially trying to the man of small means and unaccustomed to physical toil, as was the case with Mr. Payson.

plural of “uncertainty” — being unsettled or in doubt or dependent on chance

From this reading We speak of the uncertainties of all earthly expectations where society organized, helps man in a thousand ways to achieve his plans; but there is nothing settled in a new country: everything is in embryo, and therefore disappointments are indefinitely multiplied.

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading When the immigrant arrives at his destination, he soon finds that his most reasonable projects prove to be the veriest air-castles, and that his reliance must be on Providence and his own strong arm.

plural of “vicissitude” — a variation in circumstances or fortune at different times in your life or in the development of something

From this reading If the Scottish bard found it a hard experience that 'The best laid schemes of mice and men Gang oft agla' in staid old Scotland, how would he have sung if his lot had been cast amid the vicissitudes of frontier life on an American prairie?

the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun

From this reading This state of things is specially trying to the man of small means and unaccustomed to physical toil, as was the case with Mr. Payson.

structure consisting of a sloping way down to the water from the place where ships are built or repaired

From this reading We speak of the uncertainties of all earthly expectations where society organized, helps man in a thousand ways to achieve his plans; but there is nothing settled in a new country: everything is in embryo, and therefore disappointments are indefinitely multiplied.

the speaker together with one or more other people

From this reading We speak of the uncertainties of all earthly expectations where society organized, helps man in a thousand ways to achieve his plans; but there is nothing settled in a new country: everything is in embryo, and therefore disappointments are indefinitely multiplied.

at the time that

From this reading When the immigrant arrives at his destination, he soon finds that his most reasonable projects prove to be the veriest air-castles, and that his reliance must be on Providence and his own strong arm.

in or at the place that

From this reading We speak of the uncertainties of all earthly expectations where society organized, helps man in a thousand ways to achieve his plans; but there is nothing settled in a new country: everything is in embryo, and therefore disappointments are indefinitely multiplied.

a liquor made from fermented mash of grain

From this reading "NO WHISKEY AT THIS RAISING!"

in the company of; together with

From this reading This state of things is specially trying to the man of small means and unaccustomed to physical toil, as was the case with Mr. Payson.

used for something imagined, polite, or habitual in the past

From this reading If the Scottish bard found it a hard experience that 'The best laid schemes of mice and men Gang oft agla' in staid old Scotland, how would he have sung if his lot had been cast amid the vicissitudes of frontier life on an American prairie?