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neareſt, an was at Sir James the juſtice's lang or John was brought into judgment.
(John enters before the juſtice, with a red, red face.)
Goode'en Mr Juſtice, Sir James, an it pleaſe your honour, ye maunna put me in priſon, for am no a malefactor, but a poor honeſt klntry-man, that has been born in an ill plannet; my mither ſay'ſt, I had the ill luck of a misfortune to fa' full wi' furnication, an got my mither's laſs wi' bairn the laſt year, an they are gawn to father it on me the year again.
The juſtice ſmilling, anſwered, indeed John I think it is but very juſt and reaſonable that ye be accountable this year for your laſt year's labour.
Jock. Ay, ay, ſtir, I have laboured very fair ſince my father died, but our plough canna get gane for froſt this four days.
Juſt. Ay, but John, that's no what I mean, it's the child you got laſt year, ye muſt be anſwerable for this.
Jock. A deed ſtir, there was twa of them but there's ane of them dead.
Juſt. A well than John, you'll have the more to give the one that is alive.
Jock. O! but ſir it's my ain wean that's dead, the ane I got wi' my wife, I dinna ken whither the tither be mine or no.
