Addressed to the above J. Ranken, on his writing to the Poet, that a girl in that part of the country was with child by him.

I am a keeper of the law
In some sma' points, altho' not a';
Some people tell gin I fa',
Ae way or ither,
The breaking of ae point, tho' sma',
Breaks a' thegither.

I hae been in for 't ance or twice,
And winna say o'er far for thrice,
Yet never met with that surprise
That broke my rest,
But now a rumour 's like to rise,
A whaup 's i' the nest.