The works of Robert Burns Volume 1 - Softcover

This historic book may have numerous typos and missing text. Purchasers can download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. Not indexed. Not illustrated. 1834 Excerpt: ...kittle kimmer, I, Rob, am here. Do ye envy the city Gent, Behint a kist to lie and sklent, Or purse-proud, big wi' cent, per cent. And muckle wame, In some bit brugh to represent A Bailie's name? Or is't the paughty, feudal Thane, Wi' ruffl'd sark and glancing cane, Wha thinks himsel nae sheep-shank bane, But lordly stalks, While caps and bonnets aff are ta'en, As by he walks? "0 Thou wha gies us each guid gift! Gie me o' wit and sense a lift, Then turn me, if Thou please, adrift Thro' Scotland wide; Wi' cits nor lairds I wadna shift, In a' their pride!" Were this the charter of our state, "On pain o' hell be rich and great," Damnation then would be our fate, Beyond remead; But, thanks to Heav'n! that's no the gate We learn our creed. For thus the royal mandate ran, When first the human race began, "The social, friendly, honest man, Whate'er he be, 'Tis he fulfils great Nature's plan, And none but he!" O mandate glorious and divine! The ragged followers of the Nine, Poor, thoughtless devils! yet may shine In glorious light, While sordid sons of Mammon's line Are dark as night. Tho' here they scrape, and squeeze, and growl, Their worthless nievefu' of a soul May in some future carcase howl The forest's fright; Or in some day-detesting owl May shun the light. Then may Lapraik and Burns arise, To reach their native, kindred skies, And sing their pleasures, hopes, and joys, In some mild sphere, Still closer knit in friendship's ties, Each passing year! TO THE SAME. SEPT. 13th, 1785. Guid speed and furder to you Johny, Guid health, hale ban's, and weather bonny; Now when ye're nickan down fu' canny The staff o' bread, May ye ne'er want a stoup o' bran'y To clear your head. May Boreas never thresh your rigs, Nor kick your rickles aff...