Dunlossit, Carluke

Dear Jess, the task is mine again
To tak' my long discairded pen
A wee bit note in rhyme to sen'
O' thanks sincere
And wish ye health again to spen'
A guid New Year.

And since oor thanks are mair than due
For Ne'erday gifts received from you
I've fished it oot to try anew
Its tale to tell
But och, its roosted nearly through
Jist like mysel'.

Weel first, of Aunty Jenny's bag
That's started her to boast and brag
And ta'en the place o' her auld rag
To keep her sillar
That seems to ever langer lag
Ere it comes till 'er.

When gangs sailin' ower the street
And high falootin' neebours meet
Wha may pretend they dinna see't
But ah, jist chance them
When weel they ken--a bag sae sweet
Wad much inhaunce them.

But let me drap this gentle hint
That current coinage frae the mint
She'll hae but little to put in't
As far's I ken
Buit fou or toom--to that extent
She'll only spen'.

If it be sae---its seldom fou
And such occasions rare and few
Yet nane the less oor thanks are due
In heaped up measure
And these we here accord to you
Wi' muckle pleasure.

Aboot mysel though unca shy
Richt prood I'll be to wear my tie
That plainly will to a' imply
That I am drest
Although my thanks I don't deny
Are ill expressed.

O' your good health we're pleased to learn
Your mither--Archie--and the bairn
But read wi' grave and sad concern
What few wad guess
Your venture by the Endrick burn
Proves nae success.

But though an evil wind has balwn
Its darkest aye when near the dawn
And better luck may yet be gawn
When clouds will scatter
Wi' fortunes favours thicker sawn
And purer water.

And may you soon hae brighter views
And thirty-six bring better news
And a' the lang disputed dues
In peace adjurned
And justice, wi' goodwill infuse
For a' concerned.

Uncle Davie