178 AI^EXANDER WIIvSON : POET-NATURAUST 



Ilka word came like a bullet, 

 Watty's heart begoud to shake ; 



On a kist^^ he laid his wallet, 



Dighted^® baith his een and spake, — 



"If ance mair I cou'd, by writing, 

 Lea' the sogers, and stay still; 



Wad you swear to drop your flyting?'* 

 "Yes, O Watty ! yes, I will." 



"Then," quo Watty, "mind, be honest; 



Aye to keep your temper strive; 

 Gin you break this dreadfu' promise, 



Never mair expect to thrive; 



"Marget Howe ! this hour ye solemn 

 Swear by everything that's gude. 



Ne'er again your spouse to scal'^^ him. 

 While life warms your heart and blood ; 



"That you'll ne'er in Mungo's seek me ; 



Ne'er put drucken to my name : 

 Never out at e'ening steek^^ me ; 



Never gloom when I come hame ; 



"That ye'll ne'er like Bessy Miller, 

 Kick my shins, or rug^^ my hair; 



Lastly, I'm to keep the siller ;^2 

 This upon your saul you swear?" 



"0-h!" quo' Meg; "Awell," quo' Watty, 

 Farewell ! faith, I'll try the seas ;" 



"O stand still," quo' Meg, and grat^^ aye; 

 "Ony, ony way ye please." 



«^ Chest. 28 Wiped. » Scold. '»I,ock. 



" Pull. 33 Silver. 88 Cried. 



