Robert Burns

To Mr. John Kennedy

Now Kennedy, if foot or horse
E’er bring you in by Mauchline Corss,
Lord! man, there’s lasses there wad force
    A hermit’s fancy,
And down the gate in faith they’re worse
    And mair unchancy.

But, as I’m sayin’, please step to Dow’s
And taste sic gear as Johnny brews,
Till some bit callan brings me news
    That you are there,
And if we dinna had a bouze
    I’se ne’er drink mair.

It’s no I like to sit an’ swallow,
Then like a swine to puke an’ wallow,
But gie me just a true good fallow
    Wi’ right ingine,
And spunkie ance to make us mellow,
    And then we’ll shine.

Now if ye’re ane o’ warl’s folk,
Wha rate the wearer by the cloak,
An’ sklent on poverty their joke,
    Wi’ bitter sneer,
Wi’ you no friendship I will troke,
    Nor cheap nor dear.

But if, as I’m informed weel,
Ye hate as ill’s the very deil,
The flinty hearts that canna feel-
    Come, Sir, here’s tae you;
Hae! there’s my haun’; I wiss you weel,
    And gude be wi’ you.

Robt. Burness.
Mossgiel