The Complete Works of Robert Burns: Containing his Poems, Songs, and Correspondence. / With a New Life of the Poet, and Notices, Critical and Biographical by Allan Cunningham, Volume 2 Papyras Classics

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Chapter 15

XVII. The Book-Worms

[Burns wrote this reproof in a Shakspeare, which he found splendidly bound and gilt, but unread and worm-eaten, in a noble person’s library.]

Through and through the inspir’d leaves,
Ye maggots, make your windings;
But oh! respect his lordship’s taste,
And spare his golden bindings.