Far from home

on these northern roads

he admires the metaphysicks

of the silver moon.

In 1773 as part of their tour of Scotland and the Hebrides
Samuel Johnson and James Boswell visited Lord Monboddo
at his house in Mearns Shire. Upon their departure they were
guided to the high road by Lord Monboddo’s African servant
Mr Gory. When parting Dr Johnson asked Gory whether he was baptised.
after confirming he was Gory was rewarded with a shilling.