6
For I defy the meikle deil,
An'a' his works I wat fu' weel ;
Fat sorrow then maks you sae eery?
Fling by your fears and come be cheery.
Landlord gin ye'll mak up that bed,
I promise I'll be very glad,
Within the same a' night to lye,
If that the room be warm and dry.
The Landlord says, Ye's get a fire,
An' candle toon gin ye desire,
Wi' beuks to read, and for your bed,
I'll orders gie to get it made.
John says, as I'm a Christian man,
Who never likes to curse nor ban,
Nor steal, nor lie, nor drink, nor whore,
I'll never gang within its door,
But sit by the fire-side a' night;
An' gang awa whene'er 'tis light.
Says Thrummy till him, wi' a glow'r,
Ye cowardly gowk, I'll mak ye cow'r,
Come up the stair alang wi' me,
And I shall caution for you be.
Then Johnny faintly gae consent,
An' up stairs to the room they went,
Where soon they gat baith fire and light:
To haud them hearty a' the night;
The Landlord likewise gae them meat,
As meikle as they both could eat;
Shew'd them their bed an' bade them gang
To it, whene'er they did think lang:
And wishing them a guid repose,
Straight syne to his ain bed he goes.
