149. Mr. William Smellie: A Sketch. Burns, Robert. 1909-14. Poems and Songs. The Harvard Classics

Robert Burns (1759–1796). Poems and Songs.
The Harvard Classics. 1909–14.

149. 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	5
A head for thought profound and clear, unmatch’d;
Yet tho’ his caustic wit was biting-rude,
His heart was warm, benevolent, and good.