Page:Tales of my landlord (Volume 4).djvu/137

 naething else will please you, write down that I cannot deny but I was there."

"Well, sir," said the Duke," and do you think that the rising upon that occasion was rebellion or not?"

"I'm no just free to gi'e my opinion, stir, on what might cost my neck; but I doubt it will be very little better."

"Better than what?"

"Just than rebellion, as your honour ca's it," replied Cuddie.

"Well, sir, that's speaking to the purpose. And are you content to accept of the King's pardon for your guilt as a rebel, and to keep the church, and pray for the King?"

"Blithely, stir; and drink his health into the bargain, when the ale's gude."

"Egad," said the Duke, "this is a hearty cock.—What brought you into such a scrape, mine honest friend?"

"Just ill example, stir, and a daft auld jaud of a mother, wi' reverence to your Grace's honour."