Page:Scotland's skaith, or, The history o' Will and Jean.pdf/11

11 "Wha was ance like Willie Gairlace,
 * Wha in neeboring town or farm?

Beauty's bloom shone in his fair face,
 * Deadly strength was in his arm!

When he first saw Jeanie-Miller,
 * Wha wi' Jeanie cou'd compare?

Thousands had mair braws and siller,
 * But ware ony hauf sac fair?"

See them now, how chang'd wi' drinking!
 * A' their youthfu' beauty gane!—

Daver'd, doited daiz'd, and blinking,
 * Worn to perfect skin and bane!

In the cauld month o' November,
 * (Claise, and cash, and credit out)

Cow'ring owre a dying ember,
 * Wi' ilk face as white's a clout;

Bond and bill, and debts a stoppit,
 * Ilka sheaf selt on the bent;

Cattle, beds, and blankets roupit,
 * Now to pay the laird his rent:

No anither night to lodge here,
 * No a friend their cause to plead,

He ta'en on to be a sodger,
 * She wi' weans to beg her bread.

"O' a' the ills poor Caledonia
 * E'er yet pree'd, or e'er will taste,

Brew'd in Hell's black Pandemonia,
 * WHISKY'S ill will skaith her maist."