To John Kennedy.

Now, Kennedy, if foot or horse         E'er bring you in by Mauchline Cross,         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 ye are there,         And if we dinna hae a bouze             I'se ne'er drink mair.         It's no I like to sit an' swallow,         Then like a swine to puke and wallow,         But gie me just a true good fellow,             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 nae 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 heart that canna feel             Come, Sir, here's tae you!         Hae, there's my haun, I wiss you weel,             And gude be wi' you.     ROBERT BURNESS.     Mossgiel, 3 March, 1786.