For a’ that, an’ a’ that,
An’ twice as muckle’s a’ that;
I’ve lost but ane, I’ve twa behin’,
I’ve wife eneugh for a’ that.
[Footnote 2: Homer is allowed to be the
oldest ballad-singer on record.—R.B.]
I never drank the Muses’ stank,
Castalia’s burn, an’ a’ that;
But there it streams an’ richly reams,
My Helicon I ca’ that.
For a’ that, &c.
Great love Idbear to a’ the fair,
Their humble slave an’ a’ that;
But lordly will, I hold it still
A mortal sin to thraw that.
For a’ that, &c.
In raptures sweet, this hour we meet,
Wi’ mutual love an’ a’ that;
But for how lang the flie may stang,
Let inclination law that.
For a’ that, &c.
Their tricks an’ craft hae put me daft,
They’ve taen me in, an’ a’ that;
But clear your decks, and here’s—“The Sex!”
I like the jads for a’ that.