Page:History of Will and Jean.pdf/16

 14 Nipped wi' cauld—wi' hunger fainting- Baith lie speechless on the lea! Help!" quo' Jeanie, loud lamenting - "Help my lammies, or they'll die !" "Wha' thus travels, cauld and hungry, Wi' young bairns sae late at e'en? Beggars !” cried the voice mair angry; "Beggars ! wi' their brats, ween." "Beggars now alas ! who lately Helped the beggar and the poor!” " Fy! gudeman," cried ane discreetly, "Taunt nae poortith at our door." Sic a night and tale thegither Plead for mair than anger's din ; "Rise Jock," cried the pitying mither- “Rise, and let the wretched in." Beggars now, alas ! who lately Helped the beggar and the poor!” "Enter !" quo' the youth fu' sweetly, While up flew the open door : “Beggar, or what else, sad mourner! Enter without fear or dread; Here, thank God! there's aye a corner To defend the houseless head. For your bairnies cease repining; If in life, ye'll see them soon.' Aff he flew; and brightly shining, Through the dark clouds brak the moon PART IV. Here, for ae' night's kind protection, eave we Jean and weans a while ; Tracing Will in ilk direction, Far frae Britain's fostering isle.