Page:Christ's kirk on the green (1).pdf/11

 Canto II. ON THE GREEN. 11

Quoth Hutcheon, I am well content, I think ye may do war; To this time towmond l'fe indent, Our claiths o' dirt will far: 20 Wi' mevels I'm amaiſt fawn faint, My chafts are dung a char; Then took his bonnet to the bent, And daddit aff the glar, 24 Fou clean that day.

Tam Taylor, wha in time of battle, Lay as gin ſome had fell'd him: Got up now wi' an unco rattle, As nane there durſt a quell'd him; 28 Bauld Beſs flew till him wi' a brattle, And ſpite o's teeth, ſhe held him Cloſe by the craig, and wi' her fatal Knife, Thor'd ſhe would geld him, 32 For peace that day.

Syne dwi' se conſent thook hands, As they ſtood in a ring: Some redd their hair, ſome ſet their bands, Some did their fark-tails wring; Then for a hap to ſhew their brands, They did their minſtrel bring, Where clever houghs like willi-wands, At ilka blytheſome ſpring, 40 Lap high that day.

Claud Peky was na very blate, He ſtood nae lang a dreigh; For by the wame he gripped Kate, And gar'd her gie a ſkreigh: Had aff, quoth ſhe, ye filthy flate, Ye ſtink o' leeks, O ſigh!

17. Quoth Hutcheon.) Vide Canto I. line 1. He's brave and the firſt man for an honourable peace. 25. Tam a Taylor.) Vide Canto I. line 169. He's a coward, but would appear valiant when he finds the reſt in peace.