Page:Four excellent old songs.pdf/6

(6) BURNS’ HONEST MAN.

tho‘ on hamely fare we dine,

Wear hodden grey, and a’ that;

Gi'e fools their silk, & knaves their wine,

A man’s a man for a’ that.

For a’ that, and a' that,

Their tinsel show, and a’ that;

An honest man, tho’ ne’er so poor,

Is chief o’ men for a’ that.

Ye see yon birkie, ca’d a lord,

Wha struts, and stares, and a’ that,

Tho’ hundreds worship at his word,

He’s but a cuif for a’ that.

For a' that, and a' that,

His ribbon, star, and a’ that;

A man of indepent mind

can look and laugh at a’ that.

The King can mak’ a belted Knight,

A Marquis, Duke, and a’ that,

But an honest man’s aboon his might,

Guid faith he mauna fa’ that.

For a’ that, and a’ that,

His dignities, and a' that.

The pith o’ sense, and pride o’ worth,

Are grander far than a’ that.