Page:Scotland's skaith, or, The sad effects of drunkenness (2).pdf/12



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Far frae ilk kent ſpot ſhe wandered, Skulking like a guilty thief; Here and there uncertain daundered, Stupified wi ſhame and grief.

But ſoon ſhame for bygane errors, Fled owre faſt for ee to trace, Whan grim death, wi a' his terrors, Cam owre ilk ſweet bairnie's face.

Spent wi toil, and cauld, and hunger, Baith down drapt,and down Jean ſat! Daiſed and doited now nae langer Thought and felt; but burſting grat.

Gloaming faſt wi murky ſhadow, Crap owre diſtant hill and plain; Darkened wood, and glen, and meadow, Adding fearful thoughts to pain.

Round and round, in wild diſtraction, Jeanie turned her tearful ee, Round and round for ſome protection! Face nor houſe ſhe couldna ſee.

Dark and darker grew the night aye, Loud and fair the cauld winds thud; Jean now ſpied a ſma bit lightie Blinking through a diſtant wood.

Up wi frantic haſte ſhe ſtarted, Cauld nor fear ſhe felt nae mair; Hope, for ae bright moment, darted Through the gloom of dark deſpair.