[As he finishes, the music announces the coming of Holy Willie, the canting parson of Scotch bigotry, upon whose appearance the lovers separate, Nell a little disconcerted, Burns returning to his plough. Holy Willie sees them, with a great gesture of disapproval. When they have gone, he sings the following part of his prayer.]
Holy Willie:
O Thou that in the heavens does dwell,
Wha, as it pleases best Thysel’,
Sends ane to heaven, and ten to hell,
A’ for Thy glory,
And no’ for ony guid or ill
They’ve done before Thee!
Lord, bless Thy chosen in this place,
For here Thou hast a chosen race: