verses to collector mitchell

  friend of the poet, tried and leal,

  wha, wanting thee, might beg or steal;

  alake, alake, the meikle deil

  wi' a' his witches

  are at it skelpin jig and reel,

  in my poor pouches?

  i modestly fu' fain wad hint it,

  that one—pound—one, i sairly want it;

  if wi' the hizzie down ye sent it,

  it would be kind;

  and while my heart wi' life-blood dunted,

  i'd bear't in mind.

  so may the auld year gang out moanin'

  to see the newe laden, groanin',

  wi' double plenty o'er the loanin',

  to thee and thine:

  domestic peace andforts crownin'

  the hale design.