DGR sent the epigram in a a rough
recollection
” of one of the epigrams of James Hannay (1827-1873) who, DGR tells Scott, is about to publish a book of epigrams titled Nettle Flowers. Hannay never published such a book and the epigram is probably DGR's own, though its reference (and the identity of Higg) is obscure. In the letter DGR says the lines are “meant for someone you know” but once again the reference is not clear. In the letter DGR also praises Hannay's 1854
The poem was written as part of DGR's letter, which is the only known manuscript.
First published in William Bell Scott's Autobiographical Notes