Allan Ramsay. [A biography.] - National Library of Scotland

ALLAN RAMSAY 67
and is obviously an imitation of Horace's Ode to
Thaliarchus. All the sunny glow of the great Roman's
genius seems reflected in this revival of his sentiments,
albeit under varying physical conditions, well-nigh three
hundred and fifty lustra afterwards. The lines cleave
to the memory with a persistence that speaks volumes
for the catholicity and appropriateness of the thoughts
' Look up to Pentland's tow'ring tap,
Buried beneath big wreaths o' snaw,
O'er illva cleugh, ilk scaur, and slap,
As high as ony Roman vva'.
Driving their ba's frae whins or tee,
There's no ae gowfer to be seen
Nor doucer fouk, wysing a-jee
The biassed bowls on Tamson's green.
Then fling on coals, and ripe the ribs,
And beek the house baith butt and ben ;
That mutchkin stoup it bauds but dribs.
Then let's get in the tappit hen.
Guid claret best keeps out the cauld,
An' drives awa' the winter soon :
It makes a man baith gash and bauld,
An' heaves his saul ayont the moon.
Leave to the gods your ilka care ;
If that they think us worth their while,
They can a rowth o' blessings spare.
Which will our fashous fears beguile.'
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