Previous work: Verses intended to be written below a noble Earl's picture
We cam' na here to view your warks, In hopes to be mair wise, But only, lest we gang to hell, It may be nae surprise: But when we tirl'd at your door, Your porter dought na bear us; Sae may, shou'd we to hell's yetts come, Your billy Satan sair us!
This is a poem by Robert Burns. It was written in 1787 and is read here by David Hayman.
Between August 25th and September 16th, 1787, Burns toured the Highlands with his ill-tempered friend, William Nicol. The trip turned up a trove of old songs and inspired several original pieces. Mostly the Bard was warmly welcomed; not this time however, perhaps because it was a Sunday. Here in peevish response, is the poet up to one of his regular ploys; scratching a poem on glass. Inns in Stirling and Falkirk were left similar souvenirs of his poetic progress.
Donny O'Rourke
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