* THE REMONSTRANCE *

Noo man, hoo can ye think it richt

To waste your time, nicht after nicht,

An’ hunker in the failin’ licht

Wi’ moody broo,

Like some puir dwinin’ thewless wicht

Wi’ death in view?

I've taul’ ye aft aneuch it's nae

As if ye'd aught‘ at's new to say,

Or said auld things some better way,

Or like some callants

Gat fouk to praise your sangs an’ pay

Ye for your ballants.

Instead o’ vreetin’ like a clerk

Till bed-time brings alang the dark,

Ye should be sportin’ in the park

An’ hear the clamour

Wad greet ye, should ye pass my mark

Wi’ stane or hammer.

Or tak’ a daunder roon’ the braes

An’ hear the blackies pipe their lays,

The liftward laverock's sang o’ praise,

An’ syne, my billie,

Mak’ nae mair verses a’ your days —

Shut doon your millie.