Robert Burns: Collected Lyrics
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Public-domain lyrics

Lines inscribed on a platter

Robert Burns

“Lines inscribed on a platter” as printed in The Poetical Works of Robert Burns (1887).

Robert Burns: Collected Lyrics Text 217 1887 · historical text
Public domainScottish songSong lyrics
Complete public-domain lyrics

This text comes from The Poetical Works of Robert Burns, a historical songbook transcribed on Wikisource and reproduced from the pinned revision linked below.

Verse 1

My blessings on ye, honest wife,

I ne'er was here before:

Ye've wealth o' gear for spoon and knife

Heart could not wish for more.

Verse 2

Heaven keep you clear of sturt and strife,

Till far ayont four score,

And by the Lord o' death and life,

I'll ne'er gae by your door!

Credits

Written by Robert Burns

Words by Robert Burns. Historical text published in The Poetical Works of Robert Burns (1887); public domain. No claim to a modern recording or arrangement.

Source & text edition

The Poetical Works of Robert Burns (1887), “Lines inscribed on a platter”

Every text in this 1887 collected edition is by Robert Burns (1759-1796), who died more than 230 years ago, so the text is in the public domain worldwide; the edition carries a Wikisource PD-old determination and a pre-1931 United States publication.

How to read this historical text and its source

Read the source on Wikisource

View copyright evidence · Transcription terms (CC BY-SA 4.0)

Retrieved 2026-10-25. Line spacing and section labels are adapted for reading. The displayed text follows the linked edition. Editorial notes and abstract artwork are by 52lyrics.
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