Page:Monk and the miller's wife (2).pdf/4

 Thus, after meikle clitter clatter, James fand he couldna mend the matter; And since it might nae better be, Wi' resignation took the key, Unlock't the barn, clam up the mou, Where was an opening near the hou, Through whilk he saw a glent o' light, That gae diversion to his sight: By this he quickly could discern A thin wa' sep'rate house and barn, And thro' this rive was if the wa', A' done within the house he saw: He saw (what ought not to be seen, And scarce gae credit to his een) The parish priest, of reverend fame, In active courtship with the dame― He saw the wife, as fast as able, Spread a clean servite on the table, And sync frae the ha' fire, bring ben A pyping het young roasted hen, And twa guid bottles stout and clear― Ane o' strong ale, and ane o' beer. But, wicked luck! just as the priest Shot in his fork in chucky's breast, Th' unwelcome miller gae a roar, Cried "Bessy, haste ye ope the door." Wi' that the haly traitor fled, And darn'd himsel' behint a bed, While Bessy huddl'd a' things by, That nought the miller might espy; Syne loot him in―but out of tune, Speer'd why he left the mill sae soon, "I come," said he, "as manners claims, To crack and wait on master James, Whilk I should do, tho' ne'er sae bizzy: I sent him here guidwife, where is he?" "Ye sent him here," quoth Bessy, grumbling, "Kenn'd I this James? A cheil cam rambling