In the present piece, however, the
satirical spirit is almost overcome by kindliness and benevolent
humor, and few of his poems are more characteristic of this side of
his nature.
ADDRESS TO THE DEIL
O thou! whatever title suit thee,
Auld Hornie, Satan, Mick, or Clootie, [Hoofie]
Wha in yon cavern grim an' sootie,
Clos'd under hatches,
Spairges about the brunstane cootie, [Splashes, dish]
To scaud poor wretches! [scald]
Hear me, auld Hangie, for a wee, [Hangman]
An' let poor damned bodies be;
I'm sure sma' pleasure it can gie,
Ev'n to a deil,
To skelp an' scaud poor dogs like me, [spank, scald]
An' hear us squeal!
Great is thy pow'r, an' great thy fame;
Far kenn'd an' noted is thy name;
An', tho' yon lowin' heugh's thy hame, [flaming pit]
Thou travels far;
An' faith! thou's neither lag nor lame, [backward]
Nor blate nor scaur. [shy, afraid]
Whyles rangin' like a roarin' lion
For prey, a' holes an' corners tryin';
Whyles on the strong-wing'd tempest flyin',
Tirlin' the kirks; [Stripping]
Whyles, in the human bosom pryin',
Unseen thou lurks.
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