3
"Ay, quo' Watty, things are alter't,
but its past redemption now!
For O I wish 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 I 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 flies like fire on me!
See ye, Mungo, then she'll clash on
wi' her everlasting 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 is!
ken ye, Watty how I did?
After Bess and I were kippit,
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 knucklt,
but when naething would prevail,
Up my claes and cash I buckl't;
Bess, for ever fare ye well!
Then her din grew less and less aye;
haith I gart her change her tune;
