Robert Burns – Kirk and State Excisemen Poem

The Bard of Scotland Kirk and State Excisemen Robert Burns Poetry

Ye men of wit and wealth, why all this sneering
‘Gainst poor Excisemen? Give the cause a hearing:
What are your Landlord’s rent-rolls? Taxing ledgers!
What Premiers? What ev’n Monarchs? Mighty Gaugers!
Nay, what are Priests? (those seeming godly wise-men,)
What are they, pray, but Spiritual Excisemen!