XXXVI.
Reading edition
SPOKEN,
ON BEING APPOINTED TO THE EXCISE.
[Burns took no pleasure in the name of gauger: the situation was unworthy of him, and he seldom hesitated to say so.]
Searching auld wives’ barrels, Och—hon! the day! That clarty barm should stain my laurels; But—what’ll ye say! These movin’ things ca’d wives and weans Wad move the very hearts o’ stanes!