Page:Lament for Abercrombie.pdf/8

 The workman wha has toil'd a' day,
 * Sits down at night frae labour free:

See care is fled—his smile how gay,
 * When owre a pint o' barley bree.

Gif ony ane in barlock-hood,
 * Should wi' his neighbour disagree,

Let them baith gang in jovial mood,
 * And settle't owre the barley bree.

For barley drink, wad they hat think,
 * Is cheaper than a lawyer's fee;

Tho' sairly vext, aye mind the text—
 * It's best to take a pint and gree.’

I've seen a chiel could hardly spetk,
 * When ne'er a drap was in his e'e,

But he could lecture for a week,
 * Just gie him ayo the barley bree.

When I've a bawbee in my pouch,
 * I aftea bin it frank and free:

Then care can never make me crouch.
 * The life of man is barley bree.