to john kennedy, dumfries house
now, kennedy, if foot or horse
e'er bring you in by mau corse,
(lord, man, there's sses there wad force
a hermit's fancy;
an' dowe in faith they're worse,
an' mair uncy).
but as i'm sayin, please step to dow's,
an' taste sic gear as johnie brews,
till some bit bring me news
that ye are there;
an' if we dinna hae a bouze,
i'se ne'er drink mair.
it's no i like to sit an' swallow,
then like a swio puke an' wallow;
but gie me just a true good fallow,
wi' right ingine,
and spunkie ao mak us mellow,
an' then we'll shine.
now if ye're ane o' warl's folk,
wha rate the wearer by the cloak,
an' sklent on poverty their joke,
wi' bitter sneer,
wi' you nae friendship i will troke,
nor cheap nor dear.
but if, as i'm informed weel,
ye hate as ill's the very deil
the flinty heart that a feel—
e, sir, here's to you!
hae, there's my haun', i wiss you weel,
an' gude be wi' you.
robt. burness.
mossgiel, 3rd march, 1786.