Dedication, pp.iii-iv.

[Tea-Table Miscellany Contents]

To ilka lovely British lass, 

Frae ladies Charlotte, Anne, and Jean, 

Down to ilk bony singing Bess, 

Wha dances barefoot on the green. 

– 

DEAR LASSES, 

YOUR most humble slave, 

Wha ne’er to serve you shall decline, 

Kneeling wad your acceptance crave, 

When he presents this sma’ propine. 

– 

Then take it kindly to your care, 

Revive it with your tunefu’ notes: 

Its beauties will look sweet and fair, 

Arising saftly through your throats. 

– 

The wanton wee thing will rejoice, 

When tented by a sparkling eye, 

The spinnet tinkling with her voice, 

It lying on her lovely knee. 

– 

While kettles dringe on ingles dour, 

Or clashes stay the lazy lass; 

Thir sangs may ward you frae the sowr, 

And gayly vacant minutes pass. 

– 

E’en while the tea’s fill’d reeking round, 

Rather than plot a tender tongue, 

Treat a’ the circling lugs wi’ sound, 

Syne safely sip when ye have sung. 

– 

May happiness had up your hearts, 

And warm you lang with loving fires: 

May pow’rs propitious play their parts, 

In matching you to your desires. 

– 

   Edinb. January 

     1. 1724. 

A. RAMSAY.