to john kennedy, dumfries house

now, kennedy, if foot or horse

e'er bring you in by mauchlin corse,

(lord, man, there'ssses there wad force

a hermit's fancy;

an' down the gate in faith they're worse,

an' mair unchancy).

but as i'm sayin, please step to dow's,

an' taste sic gear as johnie brews,

till some bit can bring me news

that ye are there;

an' 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 an' wallow;

but gie me just a true good fallow,

wi' right ingine,