Each spring—its various bias:
Then at the balance let's be mute,
We never can adjust it;
What's done we partly may compute,
But know not what's resisted.
[216] well-going.
[217] hopper.
[218] idle.
[219] unlucky.
[220] exchange.
[221] ear.
[222] perhaps.
[XLVII.] HOLY WILLIE'S PRAYER.
The hero of this daring exposition of Calvinistic theology was William Fisher, a farmer in the neighbourhood of Mauchline, and an elder in Mr. Auld's session. He had signalized himself in the prosecution of Mr. Hamilton, elsewhere alluded to; and Burns appears to have written these verses in retribution of the rancour he had displayed on that occasion. Fisher was afterwards convicted of appropriating the money collected for the poor. Coming home one night from market in a state of intoxication, he fell into a ditch, where he was found dead next morning. The poem was first published in 1801, along with the "Jolly Beggars".
Oh Thou, wha in the heavens dost dwell,
Wha, as it pleases best thysel',