Lines Written On A Banknote

    lines written on a banknote

    wae worth thy power, thou cursed leaf!

    fell source o' a' my woe and grief!

    for lack o' thee i've lost my lass!

    for lack o' thee i scrimp my glass!

    i see the children of affliction

    unaided, through thy curst restriction:

    i've seen the oppressor's cruel smile

    amid his hapless victim's spoil;

    and for thy potence vainly wished,

    to crush the villain in the dust:

    for lack o' thee, i leave this much-lov'd shore,

    never, perhaps, to greet old scotland more.

    r.b.