EPIGRAM TO MISS AINSLIE IN CHURCH

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Rachel Ainslie was the sister of Robert Ainslie, the poet’s companion on his tour of the Border country. Robert Burns met the young lady during that trip and sat next to her when he accompanied the family to church. He was amused to see her looking up the text on obstinate sinners espoused by the firebrand preacher, the Rev Dr Bowmaker.

“Fair maid, you need not take the hint,

Nor idle texts pursue:

'Twas guilty sinners that he meant,

Not Angels such as you.”

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