Page:History of Buckhaven.pdf/14

14 Janet. The poor o' the parish, said she, fient a hait ye gae them but wee pickles o' pease meal, didna I see't in their pocks: and the minister's wife gies naething ava to unco beggars but bids them gang hame to their ain parishes; and yet ye'll take the purse frae poor folk for naething but playing the loon awee or they married, an' syne cock them up to be looked on and laughed at by every body; a deil speed you and your justice, sir. Hute tute, ye're a' coming on me like a wheen colly dogs hunting awa a poor ragged chapman frae the door. So out she goes cursing and greeting Sandy is next called upon, and in he goes.

Minister. Now Saunders, you must tell us how the child was gotten.

Sandy. A now Mess John, sir, ye hae bairns o' you ain, how did you get them. But yours are a' laddies, and mine is but a lassie, if you'd tell me how you got your laddies, I ll tell you how I got my lassie, and then we'll be baith alike good o' the business.

The minister looks at him, and says, Hute, tute, Saunders, lay down four pound ane a groat and come back to-morrow to the stool, and give satisfaction to the congregation; ye had more need to be seeking repentance for that abominable sin of uncleanness, than speaking so to me.

Sandy. Well here is your siller, sir, I hae gotten but poor penny worths for't, and so ye tell me to