This epigram was supposedly written by Burns on the back of a small sketch when he was visiting an artist in Edinburgh. The painter was working on a picture of Jacob’s dream at the time.

'Epigram on Said Occasion' was inspired by William Campbell of Netherplace, Mauchline who died in 1786. In its partner piece, Epitaph on a Henpecked Country Squire, Burns mocks and pities Campbell ...