Chapter 254 of 984
XLII.
The Complete Works of Robert Burns: Containing his Poems, Songs, and Correspondence.: With a New Life of the Poet, and Notices, Critical and Biographical by Allan Cunningham · Robert Burns, Allan Cunningham
XLII.
THE INVITATION.
[Burns had a happy knack in acknowledging civilities. These lines were written with a pencil on the paper in which Mrs. Hyslop, of Lochrutton, enclosed an invitation to dinner.]
The King's most humble servant I, Can scarcely spare a minute; But I am yours at dinner-time, Or else the devil's in it.
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XLIII.
THE CREED OF POVERTY.
[When the commissioners of Excise told Burns that he was to act, and not to think; he took out his pencil and wrote "The Creed of Poverty."]
In politics if thou would'st mix, And mean thy fortunes be; Bear this in mind--be deaf and blind; Let great folks hear and see.
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