An' bleak December's winds ensuin',

Baith snell an' keen! bitter

Thou saw the fields laid bare an' waste,

An' weary winter comin' fast,

An' cozie here, beneath the blast,

Thou thought to dwell,

Till crash! the cruel coulter past

Out thro' thy cell.

That wee bit heap o' leaves an' stibble stubble

Has cost thee mony a weary nibble!