7
Forc'd by your confounded girning—
Farewell, Meg! for I'm awa."
Then poor Maggy's tears and clamour
Gush'd afresh, and louder grew;
While the weans wi’ mournfu' yamour,
Round their sabbing mother flew.
"Thro' the yirth I'll waunner wi' you—
Stay, O Watty! stay at hame:
Here upo' my knees I'll gi'e you
Ony vow you like to name.
See your puir young lammies pleading,
Will you gang and break our heart?
No a house to put our head in!
No a friend to take our part!"
Ilka word came like a bullet;
Watty's heart began to shake;
On a kist he laid his wallet,
Dighted baith his een and spake.
"If anee mair I cou'd, by writing,
Lea' the sodgers and stay still,
Wad ye swear to drap your fliting!”
"Yes, O Watty! yes I will."
"Then," quo' Watty, "mind be honest;
Aye to keep your temper strive:
Gin you break this dreadfu' promise,
Never mair expect to thrive.
Marget Howe? this ⟨hour⟩ ye solemn
Swear, by ever thing that's gude,
Ne'er again your spouse to scal' him,
While life warms your heart and blood.
