Is there for honesty poverty
That hings his head, an` a` that;
The coward slave - we pass him by,
We dare be poor for a` that!
For a` that, an` a` that,
Our toils obscure an` a` that,
The rank is but the guinea`s stamp,
The man`s the gowd for a` that.
What though on hamely fare we dine,
Wear hoddin grey, an` a` that?
Gie fools their silks, and knaves their wine,
A man`s a man for a` that.
For a` that, an` a` that,
Their tinsel show, an` a` that,
The honest man, tho` e`er sae poor,
Is king o` men for a` that.
Ye see yon birkie ca`d a lord,
Wha struts, an` stares, an` a` that;
Tho` hundreds worship at his word,
He`s but a coof for a` that.
For a` that, an` a` that,
His ribband, star, an` a` that,
The man o` independent mind
He looks an` laughs at a` that.
A price can mak a belted knight,
A marquise, duke, an` a` that;
But an honest man`s aboon his might,
Gude faith, he maunna fa` that!
For a` that, an` a` that,
Their dignities an` a` that,
The pith o` sense, an` pride o` worth,
Are higher rank than a` that.
Then let us pray that come it may,
(As come it will for a` that,)
That Sense and Worth, o`er a` the earth,
Shall bear the gree, an` a` that.
For a` that, an` a` that,
That man to man, the world o`er,
Shall brithers be for a` that.