Robert Burns (1759–1796). Poems and Songs.
The Harvard Classics. 1909–14. |
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| 152. Extempore in the Court of Session |
| | | | | Tune—“Killiercrankie.” |
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LORD ADVOCATE
HE clenched his pamphlet in his fist, | |
| He quoted and he hinted, | |
| Till, in a declamation-mist, | |
| His argument he tint it: | |
| He gapèd for’t, he grapèd for’t, | 5 |
| He fand it was awa, man; | |
| But what his common sense came short, | |
| He eked out wi’ law, man. | |
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MR. ERSKINE
Collected, Harry stood awee, | |
| Then open’d out his arm, man; | 10 |
| His Lordship sat wi’ ruefu’ e’e, | |
| And ey’d the gathering storm, man: | |
| Like wind-driven hail it did assail’ | |
| Or torrents owre a lin, man: | |
| The BENCH sae wise, lift up their eyes, | 15 |
| Half-wauken’d wi’ the din, man. | |
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