Page:Scotland's skaith, or, The history o' Will and Jean.pdf/9

 9 Now grown mauchless, douf, and sweer aye, To look near his farm or wark; Saw him tyne his manly spirit, Healthy bloom, and spriglatly e'e; And o' luve and hame grown wearit, Nightly frae his family flee; Wha cou'd blame her heart's complaining? Wha condemn her sorrows meek? Or the tears that now ilk e'ening Bleach'd her lately crimson'd cheek? Will, wha lang had rued and swither'd, (Aye asham'd o' past disgrace) Mark'd the roses as they wither'd Fast on Jeanie's lovely face ! Mark'd, and felt wi' inward rackin' A' the wyte lay on himsel' -- Swore neist night he'd mak a breakin', D-n'd the Club and News to h-! But, ales! when habit's rooted, Few hae pith the root to pu'; Will's resolves ware aye nonsuited, Promis'd aye, but aye gat fou; Aye, at first, at the convening, Moraliz'd on what was right, Yet on clavers entertaining Doz'd and drank till broad day-light. Things at length grew near an ending, Cash rins out; Jean, quite unhappy