I needed London mair then than London needed me, and 'twas no for me to be prood and sit twiddlin' my thumbs till times changed.
I was nervous, I'll admit, when I reached the great toon.

I was wrong to lash mysel', maybe, but it means a great deal to an artist to ha' the stamp o' London's approval upon him.

'Tis like the hall mark on a bit o' siller plate.

Still and a' I could no see hoo they made oot I was sae foolish to be tryin' for London.

Mebbe they were richt who said I could get no opening in a London hall.