Page:Ancient and modern history of Buckhaven in Fife-shire.pdf/21

 you may never die, nor yet grow sick, nor nae-body kill you ; ye're the best Lord I ken, for we thought as to be dead men and sogers; ye're wiser than as the witches in Fife. It was an old custom in Bucky-harbour, when they got a hearty drink, that they went down to dance among the boats. One, two or three of the oldest went into a boat to see the rest dance. Whenever they admitted a burger, there was always a dance. One day they admitted glyed Rob Thomson, from the island of May, and after he was admitted, they got account from Wise Willy that glyed Rob was a witch, which made them all stop their dancing, and Rob was cried on to make answer to this weighty charge. Glyed Rob cried, None of you shall stir a fit for two hours, I'se warrand you. So Rob spang'd and jumped over the boat several times, and put them in great terror! So that Rob was obliged to go back to the May, and carry coals to the light-house. It was reported that glyed Rob was born in Bucky, and that his father was Willy Thomson's son, who was banished for a slave to the May, to carry coals; he would not take with him, because he had but ae eye. After that, there was no more dancing at admitting of burgers, but the old usual way over a scate's rumple, and then drink till they were blind fu'.