but haud your nine-tail cat a wee,
till ance you've heard my story.
your pity i will not implore,
for pity ye have nane;
justice, alas! has gi'en him o'er,
and mercy's day is gane.
but hear me, sir, deil as ye are,
look something to your credit;
a coof like him wad stain your name,
if it were kent ye did it.