Page:Scotland's skaith, or, The sad effects of drunkenness (2).pdf/7

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Drink maun aye hae conversation, Ilka social soul allows; ! But in this reforming nation Wha can speak without the News?

Maggie's club, wha could get nae light On some things that should be clear, Found e'er lang the fault, and ae night. Clubb'd and gat the GAZETTEER.

Twice a week to Maggie's cot-house, Swith by post the papers fled; Thoughts spring up like plants in hot-house Every time the news are read.

Ilk ane's wiser than anither,-- Things are no gaun right, quo Tam, Let us aftener meet thegither, Twice a owk's no worth the gaun.

See them now in grave convention, To mak a' things square and even, Or at least wi firm intention To drink six nights out o' seven.

‘Mid this sitting up and drinking, Gathering, a' the views that fell, Will, wha wasna yet past thinking, Had some battles wi himsel.

On ae hand, drink's deadly poison Bare ilk firm resolve awa; On the ither, Jean's condition Rave his very heart in twa.