Robert Burns: Collected Lyrics
361 / 519
Public-domain lyrics

The Calf

Robert Burns

“The Calf” as printed in The Poetical Works of Robert Burns (1887).

Robert Burns: Collected Lyrics Text 361 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

Right, Sir! your text I'll prove it true,

Tho' Heretics may laugh;

For instance; there's yoursel just now,

God knows, an unco Calf!

Verse 2

And should some Patron be so kind,

As bless you wi' a kirk,

I doubt na, Sir, but then we'll find,

Ye're still as great a Stirk.

Verse 3

But, if the Lover's raptur'd hour

Shall ever be your lot,

Forbid it, ev'ry heavenly Power,

You e'er should be a Stot!

Verse 4

Tho', when some kind, connubial Dear,

Your but-and-ben adorns,

The like has been that you may wear

A noble head of horns.

Verse 5

And, in your lug, most reverend James,

To hear you roar and rowte,

Few men o' sense will doubt your claims

To rank amang the Nowte.

Verse 6

And when ye're number'd wi' the dead,

Below a grassy hillock,

Wi' justice they may mark your head—

'Here lies a famous Bullock!'

Credits

Written by Robert Burns

Words by Robert Burns (died 1796). 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), “The Calf”

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. The credited author died in 1796.

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.
Keep tracing

More from Robert Burns: Collected Lyrics.

01A Rose-budPublic-domain lyrics02A red, red RosePublic-domain lyrics03Address to a LadyPublic-domain lyrics04AdieuPublic-domain lyrics