1795

  a man's a man for a' that

  tune—“for a' that.”

  is there for honest poverty

  that hings his head, an' a' that;

  the coward slave—we pass him by,

  we dare be poor for a' that!

  for a' that, an' a' that.

  our toils obscure an' a' that,

  the rank is but the guinea's stamp,

  the man's the gowd for a' that.

  what though on hamely fare we dine,

  wear hoddin grey, an' a that;

  gie fools their silks, and knaves their wine;

  a man's a man for a' that:

  for a' that, and a' that,

  their tinsel show, an' a' that;

  the honest man, tho' e'er sae poor,

  is king o' men for a' that.

  ye see yon birkie, ca'd a lord,

  wha struts, an' stares, an' a' that;

  tho' hundreds worship at his word,

  he's but a coof for a' that:

  for a' that, an' a' that,

  his ribband, star, an' a' that:

  the man o' independent mind

  he looks an' laughs at a' that.

  a prince can mak a belted knight,

  a marquis, duke, an' a' that;

  but an honest man's abon his might,

  gude faith, he maunna fa' that!

  for a' that, an' a' that,

  their dignities an' a' that;

  the pith o' sense, an' pride o' worth,

  are higher rank than a' that.

  then let us pray thate it may,

  (ase it will for a' that,)

&ems