Page:John Falkirk's cariches (3).pdf/6

 put away a site for the 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 the 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 person is preferred, the first left the weak to the worst; and she whom he does not love lie puts away, 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.

Q. What is their ill-breeding and bad manners?

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.