It’s comin’ yet for a’ that,

That man to man, the world o’er,

Shall brothers be for a’ that!

[While he sings, a man of bearing and authority has come in and taken a seat quietly at the back, unobserved. He now comes forward.]

Burns: Mr. Hamilton. A respectful good-even to you.

Gavin Hamilton: Well sung, Robert. A new one?

Burns: Yes, Mr. Hamilton.

Hamilton: I hear of trouble.

Burns: These gentlemen could tell you.

Hamilton: No doubt. They would find it an agreeable narrative. I know them.