Classic Poem

Mossgiel, 3rd March, 1786.
Now Kennedy if foot or horse
E'er bring you in by Mauchline Corss,
L — d 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 Johnnie brews,
Till some bit callan bring me news
That you are there,
And if we dinna hae a bouze
Ise 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 vera de'il
The flinty heart that canna feel —
Come Sir, here 's tae you:
Hae there 's my haun', I wiss you weel
And Gude be wi' you.