1.
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.
2.
I hae been in for't ance or twice,
And winna say o'er far for thrice,
Yet never met wi' that surprise
That broke my rest.
But now a rumour's like to rise -
A whaup's i' the nest!

I am a keeper of the law
In some small points, although not all;
Some people tell me, if I fall
One way or other,
The breaking of one point, though small,
Breaks all together (the whole).

I have been in for it once or twice,
And would not say over far for thrice,
Yet never met with that surprise
That broke my rest.
But now a rumour is like to rise -
A curlew is in the nest!