L.
Reading edition
LINES
WRITTEN ON A WINDOW.
[Burns traced these words with a diamond, on the window of the King’s Arms Tavern, Dumfries, as a reply, or reproof, to one who had been witty on excisemen.]
Ye men of wit and wealth, why all this sneering ‘Gainst poor Excisemen? give the cause a hearing; What are you, landlords’ rent-rolls? teasing ledgers: What premiers—what? even monarchs’ mighty gaugers: Nay, what are priests, those seeming godly wise men? What are they, pray, but spiritual Excisemen?