The Epitaph
the epitaph stop, passenger! my story's brief, and truth i shall relate, man; i tell nae on tale o' grief, for matthew was a great man. if thou unerit hast, yet spurn'd at fortune's door, man; a look of pity hither cast, for matthew oor man. if thou a noble sodger art, that passest by this grave, man; there moulders here a galla, for matthew was a brave man. if thou oheir works and ways, st throw unon light, man; here lies wha weel had won thy praise, for matthew was a bright man. if thou, at friendship's sacred ca', wad life itself resign, man: thy sympathetic tear maun fa', for matthew was a kind man. if thou art staunch, without a stain, like the unging blue, man; this was a kinsman o' thy ain, for matthew was a true man. if thou hast wit, and fun, and fire, and ne'er guid wine did fear, man; this was thy billie, dam, and sire, for matthew was a queer man. if ony whiggish, whingin' sot, to blame poor matthew dare, man; may dool and sorrow be his lot, for matthew was a rare man. but now, his radiant course is run, for matthew's was a bright one! his soul was like the glorious sun, a matchless, heavenly light, man.