Whit dae they show us, thae
wha hae little or naethin tae show:
Lysippus, Calamis, Apelles,
Parhassius, Mentor, Mys,
Phidias and Praxiteles?
Noo an then they whuspir, noo an then.

Whit can we hear o them
whas wark naebiddy kens noo:
Cornificius, Bibaculus, Ticidas,
Caecilius, Calvus, Cinna,
whas scrannels widna plug a lug?
Noo an then they whuspir, noo an then.

We arena breathin fur
thi toomity stane
that faas aroond
some feenisht flame,
an skulls dinna suit a laurel croon:
bettir luvd noo nor i thi groond.