I AM A BARD.
Tune—"For a' that, and a' that.
| This is the song of "the wight o' Homer's craft" in the "Jolly Beggars." |
I am a bard of no regard
Wi' gentle folks, and a' that;
But Homer-like, the glowrin' byke,
Frae town to town I draw that.
For a' that, and a' that,
And twice as muckle's a' that;
I've lost but ane, I've twa behin'—
I've wives eneugh for a' that.
I never drank the Muses' stank,
Castalia's burn, and a' that;
But there it streams, and richly reams,
My Helicon I ca' that.
For a' that, &c.
Great love I bear to a' the fair,
Their humble slave, and 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, and a' that;
But for how lang the flie may stang,
Let inclination law that.
For a' that, &c.
Their tricks and craft have put me daft.
They've ta'en me in, and a' that;
But clear your decks, and here's—"The Sex!"
I like the jads for a' that.
For a' that, and a' that,
And twice as muckle's a' that;
My dearest bluid to do them gude.
They're welcome till't for a' that.