Poems and Songs of Robert Burns: Mr. William Smellie-A Sketch

Updated May 6, 2020 | Infoplease Staff

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.

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