Page:Thrummy cap (2).pdf/2

 T H R U M MY C A P;

A TALE. In ancient times far i' the north, A hundred miles ayont the Forth, Upon a stormy winter day, Twa men forgather'd on the way: Ane was a sturdy bardoch chiel, An' frae the weather happit weel, Wi' a mill'd plaiding jockey coat, And eke he on his head had got A thrummy cap baith large and stout, Wi' flaps ahind as weel's a' snont, Whilk button'd close aneath his chin, To keep the cauld frae getting in; Upon his legs he had gammashes, Whilk sodjers term their spatterdashes; And on his hand, instead of glo'es, Large doddy mittens, whilk he'd roose For warmness; and an aiken stick, Nae verra long, but unca thick, Intil his nieve, he drave awa And car'd for neither frost nor snaw. The tither was just the reverse-- O'elaes and courage baith were scarce: Sae in our tale as we gae on, I think we'll ca' him Cow'rdly John. Sae on they gade at a gude scow'r,. Cause that they saw a gath'ring shower