Page:John Falkirk's cariches (2).pdf/6

6 put away a wife for one fault, got another for her with two as bad. Q. What was the reason, that in those days a man could put away his wife for pissing the bed, but not for sh-g it ? A. Because he could push it away with his foot and lie down. Q. What is the reason now a-days, that men court, cast, marry, and re-marry so many wives, and only but one in public at last ? A. Because private marriage is become as common as smuggling, and cuckolding no more thought of than for a man to ride a mile or two upon his neighbour's mare: men get will and wale of wives; the best portion and properest per- son is preferred, the first left the weak to the worst, and she whom he does not love he puts a- way, and lies down with whom he pleases. Q. How will one know the bairns of our town by all others in the kingdom ? A. By their ill-breeding and bad manners. What is their ill-breeding and bad man- ners ? A. If you ask them a question in civility, if it were but the road to the next town, they'll tell you to follow your nose, and if you go wrong, curse the guide.