Sudden fortunes, indeed, are sometimes made in such places, by what is called the trade of speculation.

And, in the third place (for I'll speak the truth and shame the deil) as I could not thole the gibes and idle tongues of a wheen fools that, for their diversion, would be asking me, How the wife and bairns were; and if I had sent my auldest laddie to the school yet?

a mixo-barbaric form of language

They in pleasing passen all.