Tae the Beggin'

Of a' the trades that I do ken, the beggin' is the best,

For when a man is weary he can aye sit doon and rest.

I'll gang tae the cobbler and get him tae sort ma shoon

An inch thick around the bottom and clooted weel around.

And I will tae the greasy cook fae him I'll buy a hat

Weel pressed an' weather beaten an' glitterin' wi' fat.

But afore that I begin my trade, I'll let my beard grow strong

Nor pare my nails this year or day cos beggars wear them lang.

I'll put nae watter on my hands an' little on my face

For still the loner that I am, the mair my trade I'll grace.

When I come tae the fairm toon I'll say wi' hat in hand

Will the beggar man get quarters here, alas I canna stand.

No some will gie me beef an' breid an' some will gie me cheese

An' oot an' in among the folk I'll gaither some bawbees.

If beggin' be as good as a trade, an' sure I hope it may

It's time that I was oot o' here an' haudin' doon the brae.