Page:Rab and Ringan, a tale (1).pdf/2

 The following Tale, was recited by the Author, at the Panthéon, in a debate on the Queſtion, " Whether is Diſſidence, or the Allurements of Pleaſure, the greatest Bar to Progreſs in Knowledge."

RAB AND RINGAN,

A TALE.

ECH: but 'tis awfu' like to riſe up here,

Whar fie a fight o' learnt fouks' pows appear!

Sae mony piercing een a' fixt on ane,

Is maiſt enough to freeze me to a ſtane!

But 'tis ae mercy-mony thanks to fate,

Pedlars are poor, but unco ſeldom blate.

This queſtion, Sir, has been right weel diſputet,

And meikle, weel-a-wat's been ſaid about it :

Chiels, that preciſely to the point can ſpeak,

And gallop o'er lang blauds o' kittle Greek,

Hae ſent frae ilka ſide their ſharp opinion,

And peel'd it up as ane wad peel an ingon,

I winna plague you lang wi' my poor ſpale,

But only crave your patience to a Tale :

By which ye'll ken on whatna ſide I'm ſpinnin',

As I perceive your hinmoſt minute's rinnin'.


 * The queſtion had been ſpoken to on both ſides before this Tale was recited, by which was the laſt opinion given on the debate.