And besides these recognitions, almost to be called official, Dandie was made welcome for the sake of his gift through the farmhouses of several contiguous dales, and was thus exposed to manifold temptations which he rather sought than fled.

He had figured on the stool of repentance, for once fulfilling to the letter the tradition of his hero and model.

His humorous verses to Mr.Torrance on that occasion--"Kenspeckle here my lane I stand"-- unfortunately too indelicate for further citation, ran through the country like a fiery cross--they were recited, quoted, paraphrased, and laughed over as far away as Dumfries on the one hand and Dunbar on the other.
These four brothers were united by a close bond, the bond of that mutual admiration--or rather mutual hero-worship--which is so strong among the members of secluded families who have much ability and little culture.
Even the extremes admired each other.

Hob, who had as much poetry as the tongs, professed to find pleasure in Dand's verses; Clem, who had no more religion than Claverhouse, nourished a heartfelt, at least an open-mouthed, admiration of Gib's prayers; and Dandie followed with relish the rise of Clem's fortunes.

Indulgence followed hard on the heels of admiration.