5
White the wa's wi' roof new theekit,
Window broads just painted red;
Lown 'mang trees and braes it reekit.
Haflins seen and haflins hid.
Down below a flowery meadow
Joined the burnie's winding line
Here it was that Howe the widow
That same day set up her sign.
Brattling down the brae, and near its
Bottom, Will first marvelling sees,
"PORTEN, ALE, & BRITISH SPIRITS,"
Painted bright between twa trees.
Huzza, Tam! here's walth for drinking:
Wha can this new comer be?
Hout, quo Tam, there's drouth in thinking,
Let's in, Will, and syne we'll see.
Nae mair time they took to speak or
Think of ought but reaming jugs,
Till three times in humming liquor,
Ilk lad deeply laid his lugs.
Slockened now, refreshed and talking,
In cam Meg (weel skilled to please),
Sirs, ye're surely tired wi' walking,--
Ye maun taste my bread and cheese.
Thanks, quo Will, I canna tarry,
Pick-mirk night is setting in;
Jean, puir thing's her lane and eery--
I maun to the road and rin.
