3
What's the matter, Watty, wi' you?
Trouth your chafts are fa’ing in!
Something's wrang-- I'm vext to ſee you
Gudeſakes! but ye're deſp'rate thin."
"Ay quo' Watty, things are alter't,
But it's paſt redemption now!
For, O! I with I had been halter'd
When I marry'd Maggy Howe!
I've been poor, and vext, and raggy,
Try't wi' troubles no that ſma';
Them l bore-- but marrying Maggy,
Laid the capstane o' them a'!
Night and day ſhe's ever yelpin.
Wi' the weans ſhe ne'er can gree;
When ſhe's tir'd wi' perfect ſkelpin';
Then she flees like fire on me!
See ye, Mungo, then ſhe'll claſh on
Wi' her everlaſtin clack,
Whyles I've had my nieve, in paſſion,
Liftet up to break her back!"
"O' for gudeſake, keep frae cuffets!"
Mungo ſhook his head and ſaid;
"Weel I ken what ſort o' life it's!
Ken ye, Watty how I did?
After Beſs and I were kippl't,
Soon ſhe grew like ony bear!
Brak my ſhins, and when I tippl't,
Harl't out my very hair!
For a wee I quietly knuckl't,
But whan naething would prevail,
Up my claes and cash I buckl't,
Beſs, for ever, fare you well!
