CAESAR
But then, to see how ye're negleckit,
How huff'd, and cuff'd, and disrespeckit,
Lord, man! our gentry care sae little
For delvers, ditchers and sic cattle;
They gang as saucy by poor folk
As I wad by a stinking brock. [badger]
I've noticed, on our Laird's court-day,
An' mony a time my heart's been wae.
Poor tenant bodies, scant o' cash,
How they maun thole a factor's snash; [endure, abuse]
He'll stamp and threaten, curse and swear,
He'll apprehend them; poind their gear: [seize, property]
While they maun stan', wi' aspect humble, [must]
An' hear it a', an' fear an' tremble!
I see how folk live that hae riches;
But surely poor folk maun be wretches!
LUATH
They're no' sae wretched's ane wad think,
Though constantly on poortith's brink: [poverty's]
They're sae accustom'd wi' the sight,
The view o't gi'es them little fright.
Then chance and fortune are sae guided,
They're aye in less or mair provided;
An' though fatigued wi' close employment,
A blink o' rest's a sweet enjoyment.
The dearest comfort o' their lives,
Their grushie weans an' faithfu' wives; [growing]
The prattling things are just their pride,
That sweetens a' their fireside.
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