They watch'd—but nane saw him his brose ever sup,

Nor a spune sought Aiken-drum.= -

On Blednoch banks, an' on crystal Cree,

For mony a day a toil'd wicht was he;

And the bairns they play'd harmless roun' his knee,

Sae social was Aiken-drum.

But a new-made wife, fu' o' rippish freaks,

Fond o' a'things feat for the five first weeks,

Laid a mouldy pair o' her ain man's breeks

By the brose o' Aiken-drum.