Robert Burns (1759–1796). Poems and Songs.
The Harvard Classics. 1909–14.
97 . To John Kennedy, Dumfries House
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E’er bring you in by Mauchlin corse,
(Lord, man, there’s lasses there wad force
A hermit’s fancy;
An’ down the gate in faith they’re worse,
An’ mair unchancy).
An’ taste sic gear as Johnie brews, Till some bit callan bring me news That ye are there; An’ if we dinna hae a bouze, I’se ne’er drink mair. Then like a swine to puke an’ wallow; But gie me just a true good fallow, Wi’ right ingine, And spunkie ance to mak us mellow, An’ then we’ll shine. 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. Ye hate as ill’s the very deil The flinty heart that canna feel— Come, sir, here’s to you! An’ gude be wi’ you.
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