Page:Monk and the miller's wife (2).pdf/8

 Hab fidg'd and leugh, his elbock clew, Baith feard and fond a sp'rit to view: At last his courage wan the day― He to the scholar's will gae way. Bessy be this began to smell A rat, but kept her mind to 'rsell: She pray'd like howdy in her drink, But meantime tipt young James a wink. James frae his eye an answer sent, Which made the wife right weel content: Then turn'd to Hab, and thus advis'd, "Whate'er you see, be nought surpris'd. But for your saul move not your tongue, And ready stand wi' a great rung, Syne as the sp'rit gangs marching out, Be sure to lend him a sound rout: I bidna this by way o' mocking, For nought delytes him mair than knoeking." Hab got a kent―stood by the hallan, And straight the wild mischievous callan Cries, “ Radamanthus Husky Mingo, Monk, Horner, Hipoek, Jinko, Jingo, Appear in likeness o' a priest, No like a deil in shape of beast, Wi' gaping chafts to fleg us a': Wauk forth, the door stands to the wa'." Then frae the hole where he was pent, The priest approaeh'd right weel content, Wi' silent pace strade ower the floor, 'Till he was drawing near the door; Then to eseape the cudgel ran, But was nae miss'd by the guidman, Wha lent him on the neek a lounder, That gart him over the threshold founder. Darkness soon hid him frae their sight― Ben flew the miller in a fright; “I trow," quoth he, "I laid weel on; But, wow! he's like our ain Mess John!"