A Portrait of Robert Burns Robert Burns

1787 · Poem

Mr. William Smellie


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’dA head for thought profound and clear, unmatch’d;Yet tho’ his caustic wit was biting-rude,His heart was warm, benevolent, and good.8
Rattlin’, Roarin’ Willie9
As I cam by Crochallan,I cannilie keekit ben;Rattlin’, roarin’ WillieWas sittin at yon boord-en’;Sittin at yon boord-en,And amang gude companie;Rattlin’, roarin’ Willie,You’re welcome hame to me!17
Year
1787
Form
Poem
Location
Edinburgh
Source
Project Gutenberg #1279 — Poems and Songs of Robert Burns