NASMYTH once dined with Burns; and both having exceeded the bounds of moderation, they agreed not to go to bed, but to make an expedition to the Pentland Hills.
After an all-night ramble, they breakfasted at Roslin. Their hostess, Mrs. David Wilson, supplied the breakfast in the Scotch style. Burns, in gratitude to her, scrawled on the reverse side of a wooden platter the verses –
“My blessings on you, honest wife,
I ne’er was here before,
You’ve walth o’ gear for spoon and knife;
Heart could not wish for more.
–
Heaven keep you clear of sturt and strife,
Till far ayont four-score;
And by the Lord o’ death and life,
I’ll ne’er gae by your door.”
