Robert Burns

“ Tho' fortune's frown still hunts me down, with all her wonted malice; O
I make indeed my daily bread, but ne'er can make it farther; O
But as daily bread is all I need, I do not much regard her, O.
When sometimes by my labour I earn a little money, O
Some unforeseen misfortune comes generally upon me; O
Mischance, mistake, or by neglect, or my good-natur'd folly; O
But come what will, I've sworn it still, I'll ne'er be melancholy, O.
All you who follow wealth and power, with unremitting ardour, O
The more in this you look for bliss, you leave your view the farther ”

“ Some cause unseen still stept between, to frustrate each endeavour; O
Sometimes by foes I was o'erpower'd; sometimes by friends forsaken; O
And when my hope was at the top, I still was worst mistaken, O.
Then sore harass'd, and tir'd at last, with fortune's vain delusion ”