Page:Four funny tales.pdf/23



There was a ſage call'd Albumazor, Whafe wit was gleg as ony razor: Frae this great man we learn'd the ſkill To bring theſe gentry to our will; And they appear, when we've a mind, In ony ſhape of human kind: Now, if you'll drap your fooliſh fear, I'll gar my Pacolet appear.'

Hab fidg'd and' leugh, his elbuck clew, Baith fear'd and fond a ſp'rit to view: At laſt his courage wan the day, He to the ſcholar's will give way.

Beſſy by this began to ſmell A rat, but kept her mind to'r fell: She pray'd like howdy in her drink, But mean time tipt young James a wink. James frae his e'e an anſwer ſent, Which made the wife right weel content: Then turn'd to Hab, and thus advis'd: 'Whate'er you ſee be bought ſurpris'd, But for your ſaul move not your tongue; And ready ſtand with a great rung: Syne as the ſp'rit gangs marching out, Be ſure to lend him a found rout: I bidna this by way of mocking, For nought delytes him mair than knocking.'

Hab got a kent-ſtood by the hallan, And ſtraight the wild miſchievous callan Cries, "Radamanthus Huſky Mingo, Monk, Horner, Hippock, Jinko Jingo, Appear in likeneſs of a prieſt; No like a deel, in ſhape of beaſt, With gaping chafts to fleg us a'ː Wauk forth, the door ſtands to the wa'.'

Then frae the hole where he was pent, The prieſt approach'd right weel content; With ſilent pace ſtrade o'er the floor,