Page:Monk and the miller's wife (1).pdf/3

 But, clack-clack-clack, he heard a mill, Whilk led him by the lugs theretil. To tak the thread of tale alang, This mill to Halbert did belang: Nor leſs this note your notice claims, The ſcholar's name was Maſter James. Now, ſmiling muſe, the prelude paſt, Smoothly relate a tale ſhall laſt As lang as Alps and Grampian hills, As lang as wind or water mills. In enter'd James, Hab ſaw and kend him, And offer'd kindly to befriend him With ſic good cheer as he cou'd make, Baith for his ain and father's ſake. The ſcholar thought himſelf right ſped, And gave him thanks in terms wiel bred. Quoth Hab, I canna leave my mill As yet- but ſtep ye weſt the hill A bow-ſhot, and ye'll find my hame : Gae warm ye, and crack with our dame, 'Till I ſet aff the mill, ſyne we Shall tak what Beſſy has to gae. James, in return, what's handſome ſaid, O'er lang to tell, and aff he gade. Out of the houſe ſome light did ſhine, Which led him till't as with a line. Arriv'd, he knock'd, for door were ſteekit; Straight thro' a 'window Beſſy keekit, And cris, " Wha's that gies folk a fright, At ſic untimeous time of night?" James, with good humour, maiſt diſcreetly, Tald her his circumſtances completely. "I dinna ken ye," quoth the wife, " And up and down the thieves are rife; Within my ane. I'm but a woman, Sae I'll unbar my door to no man;