Robert Burns (1759–1796). Poems and Songs.
The Harvard Classics. 1909–14.

282 . Extemporaneous Effusion on being appointed to an Excise Division

SEARCHING auld wives’ barrels,

Ochon the day!

That clarty barm should stain my laurels:

But—what’ll ye say?

These movin’ things ca’d wives an’ weans,

Wad move the very hearts o’ stanes!