Page:Monk and the miller's wife (3).pdf/5



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I sent him to the barn," quoth she, Gae quickly bring him in," quoth he. James was brought in—the- wife was bank'd The priest stood close—the miller drack’d— Then ask’d his sunken gloomy spoase, What supper had she in the house, That might be suitable to gie Ane of their lodger’s quality. Quoth she, ‘ You may well ken gudeman. Your feast comes frae the potdge Pottage, (quoth Ha)} ye sensele'-s tawpie! Think ye this youth's And that his gentle stomach’s master To worry up a pint of plaster.’ Like our mill knaves that lift the Whase kytes can streek like raw plaidin? Swithe roast a hen, or some chickens, And send for ale free Maggy Picken's. Hout I, (quoth she) ye may weel Tis ill brought butt that When but last owk, nae farder gane, The laird got a’ to pay his kain.' Then James, wha had as good a Of what was in the house as Bess, With pawkie smile, this plea to end, To please himsel, and 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 ony great man’s table Whate’er I like to make a meal of; Either in part, or yet the hale of ; And if ye please, I’ll shaw my airt- Crles Halbert, ‘ Faith, wi’a’my heart