Holy Willie: I’ll trouble you, Mr. Hamilton, to keep your offensive observations to yourself.

Hamilton: But why, when I part with them so suitably in your company?

[A Sheriff’s Officer comes in.]

The Officer: Are you Robert Burns?

Burns: I am.

The Officer (serving a warrant): In the King’s name.

Hamilton: What is this?

Burns: I’m a ruined man, Mr. Hamilton. Mr. Armour’s daughter—I can’t pay—and he won’t let me wed her as I would.

Armour: He will not. And he will bid you good-night.

[He goes, Holy Willie and the Factor with him.]