Mr. William Smellie - A Sketch

Shrewd Willie Smellie to Crochallan came;

The old cock'd hat, the grey surtout the same;

His bristling beard just rising in its might,

'Twas four long nights and days to shaving night:

His uncomb'd grizzly locks, wild staring, thatch'd

A head for thought profound and clear, unmatch'd;

Yet tho' his caustic wit was biting-rude,

His heart was warm, benevolent, and good.

Rattlin', Roarin' Willie^[1]

As I cam by Crochallan,

I cannilie keekit ben;

Rattlin', roarin' Willie

Was sittin at yon boord-en';

Sittin at yon boord-en,

And amang gude companie;

Rattlin', roarin' Willie,

You're welcome hame to me!

[1] William Dunbar, W. S., of the Crochallan Fencibles, a convivial club.