Robert Burns

Verses Addressed to J. Rankine

I am a keeper of the law
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.

I hae been in for’t ance or twice,
And winna say owre far for thrice,
Yet never met with that surprise
       That broke my rest;
But now a rumour’s like to rise,
       A whaup’s i’ the nest.