Page:Thrummy Cap, a tale (NLS104186669).pdf/2



N ancient times far i' the north,

A hunder miles ayont the Forth,

Upon a ſtormy winter day,

Twa men forgather'd o' the way,

Ane was a ſturdy bardoch chiel,

An' frae the weather happit weel,

Wi' a weel mill'd pla ding jockey coat,

And eke he on his head had got

A Thrummy cap, baith large and ſtout,

Wi' flaps ahind, as weel's a ſnout,

Whilk button'd cloſe aneath his chin,

To keep the cauld frae getting in;

Upon his legs he had gammaſhes,

Whilk ſodgers term their ſpatter daſhes,

And on his hands inſtead o' gloves,

Large soddy mittens, whilk he'd rooſe,

For warmneſs and an' an aiken ſtick,

Nae verra lang but unca thick,

Intil his nieve, he drave awa',

And car'd for neither froſt nor ſna',

The tither was juft the reverſe

O claiſe and courage baith was ſcarce:

Sae in our tale as we gae on,

I think we'll ca' him cow'rdly John,

Sae on they gade at a guid ſcow'r,

Cauſe that they ſaw a gath'ring ſhow'r,