I will not wind a lang conclusion,
     With complimentary effusion;
     But, whilst your wishes and endeavours
     Are blest with Fortune's smiles and favours,
     I am, dear sir, with zeal most fervent,
     Your much indebted, humble servant.

     But if (which Pow'rs above prevent)
     That iron-hearted carl, Want,
     Attended, in his grim advances,
     By sad mistakes, and black mischances,
     While hopes, and joys, and pleasures fly him,
     Make you as poor a dog as I am,
     Your humble servant then no more;
     For who would humbly serve the poor?
     But, by a poor man's hopes in Heav'n!
     While recollection's pow'r is giv'n--
     If, in the vale of humble life,
     The victim sad of fortune's strife,
     I, thro' the tender-gushing tear,
     Should recognise my master dear;
     If friendless, low, we meet together,
     Then, sir, your hand--my Friend and Brother!




Versified Note To Dr. Mackenzie, Mauchline

     Friday first's the day appointed
     By the Right Worshipful anointed,

     To hold our grand procession;
     To get a blad o' Johnie's morals,
     And taste a swatch o' Manson's barrels