Robert Burns (1759–1796). Poems and Songs.
The Harvard Classics. 1909–14.
40 . Reply to an Announcement by J. Rankine
I
In some sma’ points, altho’ not a’;
Some people tell me gin I fa’,
Ae way or ither,
The breaking of ae point, tho’ sma’,
Breaks a’ thegither.
And winna say o’er far for thrice; Yet never met wi’ that surprise That broke my rest; But now a rumour’s like to rise— A whaup’s i’ the nest!