It has been noted that the Scotch have a sense of humor, “because it is a gift.” Burns’ sense of humor secures for him a high place among humorists, and though coarse in his expressions, he is not intentionally vulgar.
HOLY WILLIE’S PRAYER
Holy Willie was a small farmer, leading elder to Dr. Auld, austere in speech, scrupulous to all outward appearances, a professing Christian. He experienced, however, “a sore fall”; he was “found out” to be a hypocrite after Burns’ castigation, and was expelled the church for embezzling the money of the poor of the parish. His name was William Fisher.
O Thou, wha in the Heavens dost dwell,
Wha, as it pleases best thysel’,
Sends ane to Heaven and ten to Hell,
A’ for thy glory,
And no for onie guid or ill
They’ve done afore thee.
I bless and praise thy matchless might,