1.
O, leave novels, ye Mauchline belles -
Ye're safer at your spinning wheel!
Such witching books are baited hooks
For rakish rooks like Rob Mossgiel.
2.
Your fine Tom Jones and Grandisons
They make your youthful fancies reel!
They heat your brains, and fire your veins,
And then you're prey for Rob Mossgiel.
3.
Beware a tongue that's smoothly hung,
A heart that warmly seems to feel!
That feeling heart but acts a part -
'Tis rakish art in Rob Mossgiel.
4.
The frank address, the soft caress
Are worse than poisoned darts of steel:
The frank address and politesse
Are all finesse in Rob Mossgiel.

O, leave novels, you Mauchline belles -
You are safer at your spinning wheel!
Such witching books are baited hooks
For rakish rooks like Rob Mossgiel.

Your fine Tom Jones and Grandisons
They make your youthful fancies reel!
They heat your brains, and fire your veins,
And then you are prey for Rob Mossgiel.

Beware a tongue that is smoothly hung,
A heart that warmly seems to feel!
That feeling heart but acts a part -
It is rakish art in Rob Mossgiel.

The frank address, the soft caress
Are worse than poisoned darts of steel:
The frank address and politesse
Are all finesse in Rob Mossgiel.