Lanely Bield, 16th January 1886.
THE AULD BLASTED TREE.
The blasted ash tree that langsyne grew its lane,
Whilk Ramsay has pictured in his pawky strain,
Wi’ Bauldy aboon’t on the tap o’ the knowe,
Glowrin’ doon at auld Mause[45] in aneath, spinnin’ tow,
Is noo whommilt doon ower the Back Buckie Brae,
Baith helpless, an’ lifeless, an’ sair crummilt away,
’Mang the bonnie blue speedwell that coortit its beild,