On a window at the King's Arms Tavern, Dumfries

written in 1795

Ye men of wit and wealth, why all this sneering 'Gainst poor Excisemen? give the cause a hearing: What are your landlords' rent-rolls? Taxing ledgers: What premiers, what? Even Monarchs' mighty gaigers: Nay, what are priests? those seeming godly wisemen: What are they, pray? but spiritual Excisemen.