Page:Tale of three bonnets (NLS104185475).pdf/3



HEN men of mettle thought it nonſenſe To heed that cleping thing ca'd conſcience, And by free-thinking had the knack, Of jeering ilka word it ſpake; And, as a learned author ſpeaks, Employ'd it like a pair of breeks, To hide their lewd and naſty sluices, Whilk eith ſlipt down, for baith theſe uſes, Then Duniwhiſtle, worn with years, And gawn the gate of his forbears, Commanded his three ſons to come, And wait upon him in his room: Bade Briſtle ſteek the door: and ſyne, He thus began--
 * Duniwhiſtle.- -- Dear bairns of mine,

I quickly maun ſubmit to fate, And leave you three a good eſtate. Which