Extempore Epistle To Mr McAdam Of Craigengillan

Sir, o'er a gill I gat your card,
I trow it made me proud;
See wha taks notice o' the Bard!
I lap and cried fu' loud.

Now deil-ma-care about their jaw,
The senseless, gawky million;
I'll cock my nose aboon them a',
I'm roos'd by Craigengillan.

'Twas noble, Sir; 'twas like yoursel,
To grant your high protection:
A great man's smile ye ken fu' well,
Is ay a blest infection.

Tho', by his banes wha in a tub
Match'd Macedonian Sandy!
On my ain legs thro' dirt and dub,
I independent stand ay.

And when those legs to gude, warm kail
Wi' welcome canna bear me;
A lee dyke-side, a sybow-tail,
And barley-scone shall chear me.

Heaven spare you lang to kiss the breath
O' mony flowery simmers!
And bless your bonie lasses baith,
I'm tald they're loosome kimmers!

And God bless young Dunaskin's laird,
The blossom of our gentry!
An' may he wear an auld man's beard,
A credit to his country!