the epitaph

    stop, passenger! my story's brief,

    and truth i shall relate, man;

    i tell nae common tale o' grief,

    for matthew was a great man.

    if thou uncommon merit hast,

    yet spurn'd at fortune's door, man;

    a look of pity hither cast,

    for matthew was a poor man.

    if thou a noble sodger art,

    that passest by this grave, man;

    there moulders here a gallant heart,

    for matthew was a brave man.

    if thou on men, their works and ways,

    canst throw uncommon 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 unchanging 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.