The epigrams, epitaphs, elegies, and other occasional verses thrown off by Burns and diligently collected by his editors need little discussion. They not infrequently exhibit the less generous sides of his character, and but seldom demand rereading on account of their neatness or felicity or energy. One may be given as an example:
ON JOHN DOVE, INNKEEPER
Here lies Johnie Pigeon:
What was his religion
Whae'er desires to ken
In some other warl' world
Maun follow the carl Must, old fellow
For here Johnie Pigeon had none!
Strong ale was ablution;
Small beer, persecution;