Page:Ancient and modern history of Buck-haven in Fife-shire (2).pdf/16

(16) PART. III

NOW Wiſe Willy was ſo admired for his juſt judgment in cutting off the ſow‘s nose, that my Lord in a mocking manner, made him burly bailie of Buckhine. Lang Sandy was provoſt, and John Thrums the weaver, was dean of guild, but Witty Eppie had ay the caſting vote in a' their courts and controverſies.

There happened one day a running horſe to ſtand at one of their doors, and a child going about, the horſe trampled on the child’s foot, which cauſed the poor child to cry, the mother came running in a paſſion; crying a w e be to you for a 'orſe it ere ye was born of a woman, filthy barbarian brute it true is. etting your muckle iron luſe on my bairn‘s

wee ſittie, odd ſtir, All rive the hair out o‘ your head, gripping the horſe by the mane, and the twa lugs, cuſſing his haſts as if he had been fellow creature, crying, Be-go laddie, I'll gar you as good, I'll tak you before Wiſe Willy the bailie, and he will cut off your hand wi' de iron luſe, and dan you will be cripple, and gang through the kintry on a barrow, or on twa ſhule ſtaffs like Rab the Randy, an a meal-pock about your neck; Her neighbour wife hearing and ſeeing what paſt, cried, A ye fool taupy, what gars you ſay that orſe was born o’ a woman, do you think that a orfe has a ſadder or a midder like you or me, or ony ither body about. A what way do they come to the warld dan? A ye fool taupy, divna they whalp like the louſes, ae auld 'orſe hobbles on anither anes buck, and dat