Verses Addressed to J Ranken
written in 1785
I am a keeper of the law In some sma' points, altho' not a'; Some people tell me gin I fa', Ae way or ither, The breaking of ae point, tho' sma', Breaks a' thegither. I hae been in for't ance or twice, And winna say o'er far for thrice, Yet never met with that surprise That broke my rest, But now a rumour's like to rise, A whaup's i' the nest.
Verses Addressed to J Ranken - meaning Summary
Principle and Small Breaches
The poem presents a speaker who describes himself as a guardian of rules in minor matters, who accepts that some acquaintances claim that a single small breach can invalidate everything. He admits to past lapses but was untroubled until a fresh rumor threatens his peace. The closing image, a whaup's i' the nest
, suggests a disruptive presence that could expose or escalate a minor fault. Overall the poem reflects on reputation, the social consequences of small transgressions, and anxiety provoked by gossip.
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