Adieu.
[Written by Burns aa a farewell to the brethren of St. James's Lodge, Tarbolton, when the poet contemplated going to the West Indies.—Tune, "Good night an' joy be wi' you a'."]
Adieu! a heart-warm fond adieu!
Dear brothers of the mystic tie!
Ye favour'd, ye enlighten'd few,
Companions of my social joy!
Though I to foreign lands must hie,
Pursuing fortune's sliddry ba',
With melting heart, and brimful eye,
I'll mind you still, though far awa'.
Oft have I met your social band,
And spent the cheerful festive night;
Oft, honour'd with supreme command,
Presided o'er the sons of light;
And by that hieroglyphic bright,
Which none but craftsmen ever saw!
Strong memory on my heart shall write
Those happy scents when far awa'!
May freedom, harmony, and love,
Unite you in the grand design,
Beneath the omniscient eye above,
The glorious architect divine!
That you may keep th' unerring line,
Still rising by the plummet's law,
Till order bright completely shine—
Shall be my prayer when far awa'.
And you, farewell! whose merits claim,
Justly, that highest badge to wear!
Heaven bliss your honour'd, noble name,
To masonry and Scotia dear!
A last request permit me here,
When yearly ye assemble a',
One round, I ask it with a tear,
To him, the bard, that's far awa'.