Anonymous

“ But Jamie, whan ye wale a wife,
⁠Lay beauty a’ aside, man;
The pleasures o’ a virtuous wife
⁠Are beyond a bonny bride, man:
Think on their wild deceitful ways,
Their painted cheeks, and bonny claes ”

“ Content throws her crimson on us at the loom.
The sword and the scales of strict justice we bear,
And, like good Free-Masons, still act by the square;
In our souls no mean passion shall ever find room,
For honour and honesty wait on the loom. ”

“ For when a man and bairns they get,
⁠It’s rags in place o’ braws, man.
But whan a wife ye gang to seek,
Look for ane that’s mild and meek,
Wi’ modesty on ilka cheek,
And then ycur joys will be complete
⁠Until the day ye die, man. ”