I'm naebody noo

I'm naebody noo, though in days that are gane,

Whan I'd hooses, and lands, and gear o' my ain,

There war' mony to flatter, and mony to praise,

And wha but mysel' was sae proud in those days!

Ah! then roun' my table wad visitors thrang,

Wha laugh'd at my joke, and applauded my sang,

Though the tane had nae point, and the tither nae glee,

But of coorse they war' grand when comin' frae me!

Whan I'd plenty to gi'e, o' my cheer and my crack,

There war' plenty to come, and wi' joy to partak',

But whanever the water grew scant at the well,

I was welcome to drink all alane by mysel'.

Sae lang as my bottle was ready and free,

Friends in dozens I had who then crooded to prie,

They sat ower the toddy until they war' fou,

Noo I drink by mysel', for I'm naebody noo.

Whan I'd nae need o' aid, there were plenty to' proffer,

And noo whan I want it, I ne'er get the offer:

I could greet whan I think hoo my siller decreast,

In the feasting o'those wha came only to feast.

The fulsome respec' to my gowd they did gi'e,

I thought a' the time was intended for me;

But whanever the end o' my money they saw,

Their friendship, like it, also flicker'd awa'.

My advice ance was sought for by folks far and near,

Sic great wisdom I had ere I tint a' my gear,

I'm as weel able yet to gi'e counsel that's true,

But I may jist haud my wheesht, for I'm naebody noo.