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would hold five guineas, that he would give him a word or line which he could not metre at the first answer, and to answer it directly as soon as he was done speaking; but George ordered him first to table the money, and then to proceed, which he did in all haste, and said as follows:---

My belly rumbled, and then I farted. (George gripping the money, answered,) A fool and his money is soon parted.

Then they all cried out he was fairly beaten, and what George had said was really true; but he would never lay any more wagers concerning poetry. George being now far advanced in years, and being weary of the great fatigue and folly of the court fashions, a short time before his death, he had a great desire to go and visit his native country, and the place of his nativity; therefore he petitioned the King for leave to do so, which was granted. So he set out for Scotland, and went to the parish of Buchanan, in the west, where be visited all his relations and friends. But George staying longer from court than the time allowed, the King sent him several messages to return, to which he return'd no answer. At last the King sent him a letter, threatning, 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 honour'd Liege, and sovereign King, Of your boasting great I dread nothing; On your feud and favour I'll fairly venture, Or that day I'll be where few Kings enter.

And he 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.

FINIS.