Ballads on Mr. Herons Election, 1795

and my son maitland, wise as brave,

my footsteps follow'd still.

the douglas and the heron's name,

we set nought to their score;

the douglas and the heron's name,

had felt our weight before.

but douglasses o' weight had we,

the pair o' lusty lairds,

for building cot-houses sae fam'd,

and christenin' kail-yards.

and there redcastle drew his sword,

that ne'er was stain'd wi' gore,

save on a wand'rer lame and blind,

to drive him frae his door.

and last cam creepin' collieston,

was mair ihan wrath;

ae knave was stant in his mind—

to keep that knave frae scaith.