Page:History of Will and Jean.pdf/11

11 Jean, at first, took little heed o’ Weekly clubs ’mang three or four; Thought, kind soul! that Will had need o’ Heartsome hours when wark was owre. But when now the nightly meetings Sat and drank frae six till twa— When she found that hard-earned gettings Now on drink were thrown awa’. Saw her Will, wha ance sae cheerie Raise ilka morning we the lark, Now grow useless, dowf, and sweer aye To look near his farm or wark; Saw him tine his manly spirit, Healthy bloom, and sprightly e’e; And o’ love and hame grown wearit, Nightly frae his family flee— Wha could blame her heart’s complaining ? Wha condemn her sorrows meek ? Or the tears that now ilka e’ening Bleached her lately crimsoned cheek ; Will, wha lang had rued and swithered, (Aye ashamed o’ past disgrace), Marked the roses as they withered Fast on Jeanie’s lovely face. But, alas ! when habit’s rooted, Few ha’e pith the root to pu’ Will’s resolves were aye nonsuited— Promised aye, but aye got fu’; Aye at first at the convening, Moralised on what was right; Yet owre clavers entertaining, Dozed and drank till braid daylight.