Page:Christ's kirk on the green (1).pdf/14

 14 CHRIST'S KIRK Canto II

Auld Steen led out Maggy Forſyth, He was her ain good-brither; And ilka ane was unco blythe, To ſee auld ſo'k ſae clever. 108 Quoth Jack wi' laughing like to rive, What think ye o' my mither? Were my dad dead, let me ne'er thrive But ſhe was get anither 112 Goodman this day.

Tam Lutter had a mockle diſh, And be wiſht ilka tune, He laid his lugs in't like a fiſh, And ſuckt till it was done; 116 His bags were liquor'd to his with, His face was like a moon : And he cou'd get nae part to piſh In, but his ain twa ſnoon, 120 For thrang that day.

The Letter-gae o' haly rime, Sat up at the board-head, And a' he ſaid was thought a crime To contradict indeed; 124 For in clark-lear he was right prime, And cou'd baith write and read, And drank ſae firm till near a ſtyme He could keek on a bead, 128 Or book that day.

When he was ſtrute, twa ſturdy chiets, Be's oxter and be's collar,

118. His face was like a moon.) Round, full and ſhining. When one is ſtaring full of drink, he's ſaid to have a face like a full moon. 121. The Letter-gae o haly rhime.) The reader or church precentor, who lets go, i. e. gives out the tune to be ſung by the reſt of the congregation, 126. Baith write and read.) A rarity in thoſe days. 128. Keek on a bead ) Pray after the Roman Catholic man- ner, which was the religion then in faſhion.