Page:Watty and Meg, or, The wife reformed (3).pdf/7

 "Ay, ye’ve aft said that, and broken

a' your vows ten times a week;

No, no, Meg, see there's a token

glittering on my bonnet cheek.

Owre the seas I march this morning,

listet, testet, sworn an'a',

Forced by your confounded girning,

farewel, Meg, for I'm awa'."

Then poor Maggy's tears and clamour

gushed afresh and louder grew,

While the weans, wi' mournfu yammer,

round their sabban mother flies,

"Thro' the yirth I'll wauner wi' you,

stay, O Watty, stay at hame;

Here upon my knee, I'll gie you

ony vow you like to name,

See your poor young lammies pleadin',

will ye gang and break our hearts!

No a house to put our head in,

no a friend to tak our part."

Ilka word came like a bullet,

Watty's heart begeud to shake;

On a kist he laid his wallet,

dighted baith his e'en and spake:

"If ance mair I could, by writing,

lea' the sodgers and stay still,

Wad you swear to drap your flyting;

"Yes, O Watty, yes I will,"

'Then' quo' Watty," mind, be hones',

aye to keep your temper strive;