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An’ when they reach’d the kirkeyard style,
He cry'd—"O list to me;
An 'set ane harmless murdert boy,
Frae lanelie wand’rin’ free!"
The sturdie miller aft heard tell
That sic a sprite was seen:
Thoch laith to bide ane ghastlie ca’,
At last he’s courage ta’en,
An’ ’bout himsell wi’ hazell staff,
He made ane roundlie score;
Then said—"My lad, in name o’ Gude,[1]
What doe ye wander for?"
The laddie ga’e ane eldritch screech—
Ane wulsome look an’ bauld;
An’ aye's he spak the thunder roll’d,
An’ fire-fiauchts ne’er devaul’d.
"There, there’s the cairn!" the laddie scream’d,
"Whare life was ta’en frae me;
For whilk ane guiltless hireman died
Hie on yon wither’d tree—
Whase life the murd’rer swore awa,
To save’s ain infamie:
- ↑ In the art of "laying ghaists," this is ever an important precautionary proceeding, because it is superstitiously believed, that if the conjuror describe the circle in the name of the Deity, no spirit can enter it; but, if that particular be neglected, the circle is made in vain, and there are then a thousand to one chances o' his being attacked by the spirit, and deprived of life!
