Page:Horse of knowledge and his water box.pdf/3

3 Our merchants a’ wi’ weary'd backs,

Ahint their counters gaunt an’ rax,

waiting war’s relax;

And (sorry post!)

Are aft oblig’d to part their packs

Below prime cost.

Whilst haberdashers, snabs an’ taylors,

Wrights, masons, coopers, smiths and nailors,

Soap, candle, tea and spirit dealers,

Hing fair their lugs,

Pawn-brokers, auctioneers and jailors

Turn fat as hogs.

To match this luckless dint o’ trade,

Ait meal three guineas ilka lade,

Potatoes scarcely to be had,

Frost-bit the kail,

A rise on snuff—baith dear an’ bad

Whisky and ale. A 2