Whiles seen on a hill-top, whiles lost in a vale,

Till they baith looked like motes on the welkin sae blue.

The minister by the road-side sat him down,

As vexed and as wearied as man weel could be;

Syne pu’d aff his wig, rubbed the sweat frae his crown,

And puffed, steghed, and graned like a man gaun to dee.

When an auld farmer carle, on his yaud trotting by,

Accosted Mess John as he sat in despair;

Made a bow like a corn-sack, and as he drew nigh,

Raised his twa waukit loofs, cryin’ “What brought ye there?