and adjudicated by the Presbytery of Ayr, as is stated in Burn's own commentary on the poem. (In the Presbyterian polity of the Church of Scotland, a presbytery is a regional council of ministers and elders. It may function as a court when complaints against members, or more likely, ministers are brought to it.) Hamilton won the case. Hence, Holy Willie complains bitterly to God not only against Hamilton himself but also against the Presbytery: "Lord, hear my earnest cry and pray'r, Against that Presbyt'ry o' Ayr!" Willie Fisher never recovered from the ignominy of this public defeat, and, legend has it, was found dead in a ditch with a bottle of whisky. Burns' commentary appears in an early manuscript of the poem and is often printed with the poem in modern editions: See also The Holy Tulzie References External links Entry at Robertburns.org A Recital Holly Willie's Prayer including Epitaph on Holly Willie Poetry by Robert Burns 1785 poems Church of Scotland