Page:Margaret and the minister; a true tale (1).pdf/5

 Which smiles frae them at table drew,

As far’s gude breeding wad allow.

Sae soon as they the kail had supp’d,

To glancin’ knives an’ forks they gripp‘d

Wi‘ them to weel fill’d plates fell keenly;

Ate—took a drink—an’ crackit frien‘ly.

But Margret only was a hearer,

She was sae blate; nought seem‘d to cheer her

Sae mony things appearing new,

Cam‘ ilka minute in her view,

And fill'd her mind sae fu‘ o‘ dread,

Cracking was clean out o‘ her head.

In course, the Pastor, her example,

That brought her there to feed her ample,

Stic notic’d twa or three times take

Out o‘ a‘ dish slaik after slaik

O' MUSTARD; which she judg‘d to be

Gravie, or some delicious brie;

For Margret never did peruse it,

Kenn‘d na‘ name, nor how to use it;

But now determin'd to partake o‘t,

She wi‘ a tea-spoon took a slaik o't,

Heedless she supped up the whole,

Then instantly she looked droll,

Dung doited in a moment‘s space,

She hung her head and threw her faee!

Threw down her knife an' fork displeas'd.

Syne wi‘ baith hands her nose she seiz‘d,

While it did bite an‘ blin’ her een;

The like o‘t sure was never seen;

For startin’ up as fast as able;

The haill gear tumbl‘d aff the table!

The crash o‘ crock‘ry ware resounded,