Page:Monk and the miller's wife (2).pdf/5

 But how was I assur'd, when dark, That he had been nae thievish spark, Or some rude rambler gotten a dose, That a weak wife could ill oppose?" "And what cam o' him? speak nae langer, Cries Halbert in a Highland anger. “I sent him to the barn," quoth she: “Gae quickly bring him in," quoth he. James was brought in the wife was bawked― The priest stood close―the miller cracked― Then ask'd his sulken gloomy spouse, What supper had she in the house, That might be suitable to gie Ane o' their lodger's qualitie? Quoth she, “Ye may weel ken, guidman, Your feast comes frae the pottage-pan: The stoved and roasted we afford, Are aft great strangers on our board." "Pottage!" quoth Hab, ye senseless tawpie! Think ye this youth's a gillie-gawpie? And that his gentle stamock's master To wory up a pint o' plaster? Like our mill-knaves that liſt the laiding, Whase kytes can streek out like raw plaiding. Swith roast a hen, or fry some chickens; And send for ale frae Maggy Pickens." "Hout I," quoth she, " ye may weel ken, 'Tis ill brought butt that's na there ben; When but last owk, nae farder gane, The laird gat a' to pay his kain." Then James, wha had as guid a guess O' what was in the house as Bess, Wi' pawky smile, this plea to end, To please himseľ and ease his friend, First open'd wi' a slee oration, His wondrous skill in conjuration. Said he, “By this fell art I'm able To whop aff any great man's table