versified note to dr. mackenzie, mauchline

    friday first's the day appointed

    by the right worshipful anointed,

    to hold our grand procession;

    to get a blad o' johnie's morals,

    and taste a swatch o' manson's barrels

    i' the way of our profession.

    the master and the brotherhood

    would a' be glad to see you;

    for me i would be mair than proud

    to share the mercies wi' you.

    if death, then, wi' skaith, then,

    some mortal heart is hechtin,

    inform him, and storm him,

    that saturday you'll fecht him.

    robert burns.

    mossgiel, an. m. 5790.