Classic Poem

ON THE APPROACH OF RENT-DAY .

Ye open-minded, if it be your will,
And if ye ha'e a wee, wee while to spare,
O dinna let your hearts be hard and chill,
But listen to auld Widow Salmon's prayer.

Four score o' years I've been a dweller here,
And mony ups and mony doons I've seen;
I canna weel keep in the gatherin' tear,
As aft I think on what I ance ha'e been.

The pomp o' riches never was my share;
But health and strength and happiness were mine;
A humble livin' — and I socht nae mair —
Was a' I got frae Providence divine.

The mornin's blush but flutters ower the sky;
The early dews but kiss, and leave the lea;
Sae health and youth and happiness did fly,
And left me here to fecht wi' povertie

There was a time — it ne'er will be again —
When I was strong and fit to win my bread;
Though willin' yet to work, my strength is gane,
And I hae hardly where to lay my head.

The howlin' blast around my garret blaws,
And awsome shudders nichtly ower me creep!
The eerie wind comes whistlin' through the wa's,
And wi' its frichtsome crune disturbs my sleep.

My garret barely fends me frae the storm,
Yet wi' sma' comforts I am weel content;
But oh, I'll ha'e to leave it at the Term —
I dinna ha'e the means to pay the rent!

Ye feelin' hearted, if it be your will,
O help me, if ye ha'e a mite to spare!
To meet the term-day it will beat my skill!
The payin' o' my rent is a' my care!

O help me, while your helpin' is o' use —
I may na trouble you the next term-day;
Soon, soon I'll leave my garret for a hoose
Of many mansions, and nae rent to pay!