Page:Whole proceedings of Jockey and Maggy's courtship.pdf/22

 John enters before the Justice with a red, red face, like a well paid arse, fa's down on his knee's, saying Guide'en Mr Justice, Sir James, an't please your honour, ye mauna put me in prison, for I'm no a malefactor, but a poor honest kintryman, that was born under an ill planet, my mither says; I had the ill luck o' a misfortune to fa' foul wi' fornication, an got, my mither's lass wi' bairn the last year, an they are gaun to father't on me the year.

The Justice smiling, answer'd, indeed John, I think it is very just and reasonable, that ye be accountable this year for your last years labour.

Jock Ay, ay, Sir, I hae labour'd very fair since my father died, but our plough canna get gaun for frost this four days.

Just. Ay, but John that's no what I mean, 'tis the child you got last year ye must be answerable for this.

Jock A-deed, Sir, there was twa o' them, but there is ane o' them dead.

Just. A-well then John, you'll have the more to give the one that's alive.

Jock O but, Sir, it's my ain wean that's dead, the ane I got wi' my wife; I dinna ken whether the tither be mine or no.

Just. Your's or no Sir, when ye told me ye got it: if ye should get it wi' a beggar wife at the back o' a dyke, what's that to the purpose? When it is of your getting you must maintain it.