Extempore, in the Court of Session

written in 1787

Lord Advocate He clench'd his pamphlets in his fist, He quoted and he hinted, Till in a declamation-mist, His argument he tint it: He gaped for 't, he graped for 't, He fand it was awa, man; And what his common sense came short, He eked out wi' law, man. Mr Erskine Collected, Harry stood awee, Then open'd out his arm, man; His lordship sat wi' ruefu' e'e, And ey'd the gathering storm, man: Like wind-driv'n hail it did assail, Or torrents owre a lin, man; The bench sae wise lift up their eyes, Half-wauken'd wi' the din, man.