Complete Songs Of Robert Burns - online book

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228            TONE-POETRY OF ROBERT BURNS
Tune -.—For a' that, an' a' that [Bremner's Scots Reels, 1759, P- 52-]
I am a bard, of no regard Wi' gentle folks an' a' that;
But Homer-like, the glowran byke, Frae town to town I draw that.
Chorus.
For a' that, -an' a' that,
An' twice as muckle's a' that; I've lost but ane, I've twa behin', Tve wife eneughfor a1 that.
I never drank the Muses' stank, Castalia's burn, an' a' that;
But there it streams, an' richly reams, My Helicon I ca' that.
Great love I bear to all the fair, Their humble slave an' a' that;
But lordly will, I hold it still A mortal sin to thraw that.
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.
Their tricks an' craft hae put me daft, They've taen me in, an' a' that;
But clear your decks, an' here's ' the Sex!' I like the jads for a' that.
For a' that, an' a' that,
An' twice as muckle's a' that;
My dearest bluij, to do themguid, They're welcome till't for a' that.
[No. 253.]
RECITATIVO.
So sung the bard — and Nansie's
wa's Shook with a thunder of applause Re-echoed from each mouth! Theytoom'd their pocks, tbeypawn'd
their duds, They scarcely left to coor their fuds To quench their lowan drouth :
Then owre again, the jovial thrang,
The poet did request To lowse his pack and"wale a sang, A ballad o' the best ; He rising, rejoicing,
Between his twa Deborahs,
Looks round him, an' found them
Impatient for the chorus:—