but haud your nine-tail cat a wee,

till ance you've heard my story.

your pity i will not implore,

for pity ye have nane;

justice, alas! has gi'en him o'er,

and mercy's day is gane.

but hear me, sir, deil as ye are,

look something to your credit;

a coof like him wad stain your name,

if it were kent ye did it.