Nae man can tether time or tide; The hour approachesTam maun ride; That hour, o'night's black arch the key-stane, That dreary hourTam mounts his beast in.
An atheist's laugh 's a poor exchange For Deity offended!
As Tammie glow'red, amazed and curious, The mirth and fun grew fast and furious.
Now simmer blinks on flowery braes, And o'er the crystal streamlet plays.
The best-laid schemes o' mice an' men, Gang aft a-gley, And leave us nought but grief and pain, For promised joy.
Misled by fancy's meteor ray, By passion driven; But yet the light that led astray Was light from heaven.