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THE GREEN BAG
THE SCOTTISH LAW STUDENT BY "GAEL.' I wonder why I canna read, Why a' my thoughts awa' recede Frae books an' law, an' take no heed O' Shelley's case, An' seek alway with utmost speed Her bonnie face.
I'd rather be upon the braes, These warm an' bonnie springtime days, An' hear the birdies sing their lays, An' with her bide, Than study up assaults, affrays Or homicide.
I canna think on estates tail, Statute de donis old an' stale, Frae a' sic things I take leg bail, Maist a' the while, An' seek her house in yonder dale, To see her smile.
I know folk winna call it wise : It's foolishness I'll na disguise : But sic soft light is in her eyes, With it a-shining, For law nae power within me lies To be a-pining.
I canna burn the midnight oil; I canna like a student toil; Frae a' sic things I do recoil, An' 'tis no sport To hear about a foolish broil Or sit in court.
I fear I'll meet with degredation, When asked in my examination To give some rule or illustration Or draw a pleading, An' well I know it's my salvation To be a-reading.
I'll gae to work without delay; This foolishness it winna pay; I'll study seven hours a day, An' win a prize : — Gin to her graces a' I may But shut my eyes. HUMBOLDT, IOWA, March, 1908.
