THO 1 womens minds, like winter winds,
May shift, and turn, an a that,
The noblest breast adores them maist
A consequence I draw that.
Chorus For a that, an a that,
And twice as meikles a that;
The bonie lass that I loe best
Shell be my ain for a that.
Great love I bear to a the fair,
Their humble slave, an a that;
But lordly will, I hold it still
A mortal sin to thraw that.
For a that, &c.
But there is ane aboon the lave,
Has wit, and sense, an a that;
A bonie lass, I like her best,
And wha a crime dare ca that?
For a that, &c.
In rapture sweet this hour we meet,
Wi mutual love an a that,
But for how lang the flie may stang,
Let inclination law that.
For a that, &c.
Their tricks an craft hae put me daft.
Theyve taen me in, an a that;
But clear your decks, and heresThe Sex!
I like the jads for a that.
For a that, &c.
Note 1. A later version of I am a bard of no regard in The Jolly Beggars. [back]