And my fause luver staw my rose,

But, ah! he left the thorn wi’ me.

[As she finishes, Mrs. Fergus appears at the door, and stands looking in the direction that Burns has taken.]

Mrs. Fergus (singing, to Burns):

My bottle is a holy pool,

That heals the wounds o’ care an’ dool;

And pleasure is a wanton trout,

An ye drink it dry, ye’ll find him out.

Are you alone, Mrs. Burns?

[Coming into the room.]