7
Owre the seas I march this morning,
Listed, tested, sworn and a',
Forced by your confounded girnin—
Farewell, Meg! for I'm awa':'
Then poor Maggy's tears and clamour
Gush afresh, and louder grew,
While the weans, wi' mournfa' yamour,
Round their sabbing mother flew.
‘ Through the yirth, I'll waunner wi' you--
Stay, O Watty! stay at hame;
Here upon my knees I’ll gi'e ye,
Ony vow ye like to name.
See your poor young lammies pleadin',
Will ye 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 begoud 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 sogers and stay still,
Wad ye swear to drap yer flyting?’
‘ Yes, O Watty, yes, I will.’
‘ Then, quo' Watty, mind, be honest
Aye to keep your temper strive;
Gin ye break this dreadfu' promise,
Never mair expect to thrive.
Margaret Howe, this hour ye solemn
Swear by everything that's gude,
Ne'er again your spouse to scal' him,
Whilelife warms your heart and blood.
