Page:Witty and entertaining exploits of Geo. Buchanan.pdf/25

Rh longer from court than the time allowed, the king sent him several messages to return, to which he returned no answer. At last the king sent him a letter, threatening that if he did not appear before him in the space of twenty days he would send his Lyon Heralds for him; to which George returned the following answer:— :My honoured liege, and sovereign king,
 * Of your boasting great 1 dread nothing;
 * On your feud or favour I’ll fairly venture,
 * Or that day I’ll be where few kings enter.

And also gave him many good admonitions and directions concerning the government of his kingdom and the well-being of his soul; which drew tears from the king’s eyes when he read it.

A celebrated attendant upon the Sheriff, well known for his activity in the execution of his orders, as well as for taking a bit comfortable guzzel when finances would afford it, was one Sabbath day snugly seated in the pew behind the Baillies at church. Will had not been there long till he was soon lull’d into sweet slumbers, and fancied himself seated along with his companions over a good imperial half-mutchkin, and in a short time the reckoning came a-paying, when some of the party insisted it was already paid; however, Will happened not to be of that opinion, and true to his integrity, bawled out with all his might in the midst of the sermon, “No, no, by my faith it’s no pay’t, we have had just a’e half-mutchkin, and twa bottles o’ ale, and there’s no a sardin o’t pay’t.”