To John Kennedy, Dumfries House（2 / 2）

and spunkie ance to mak us mellow,

an' 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 to you!

hae, there's my haun', i wiss you weel,

an' gude be wi' you.

robt. burness.

mossgiel, 3rd march, 1786.