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 AND THE SLAE. 23 XLIV. While Danger and Despair retir'd, Experience came in and speir'd What all the matter mean'd? With him came Reason, Wit and Skill, Then they began to spier at will, Where make ye to, my friend? To pluck yon lusty cherry loe, Quoth he, and quite the slae. Quoth they, is there nae mair ado, Ere ye win up the brae; But to it, and do it, Perforce the fruit to pluck ? Well, brother, some other Were better to conduct.

XIV. We grant ye may be gude eneuch, But yet the hazard of you heuch Requires a graver guide: As wise as ye are may gae wrang, Therefore take counsel ere ye gang, Of some that stand beside. But wha were yon three, ye forbade Your company right now? Quoth Will, three preachers, to persuade The poison'd Slae to pow: They trattled, and prattled, A long half hour and mair; Foul fall them, they call them, Dread, Danger and Despair.