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proceed, which he did in all haste, and said as follows—
My belly rumbled and then I farted.
(George gripping the money answered)
A fool and his money is soon parted.
Then they all cried out that he was fairly beaten, and what George had said was really true, but he would never lay any more wagers concerning poetry.
George being now far advanced in years, and being weary of the great fatigue and folly of the court fashions, a short time before his death, he had a great desire to go and visit his native country, and the plaee of his nativity; therefore he petitioned the king for leave to do so, which was granted. So he set out for Seotland, and went to the parish of Buchanan, in the west, where he visited all his relations and friends. But George staying longer from court than the time allowed, the king sent him several messages to return, to which he returned no answer. At last the King sent him a letter, threatening, that if he did not appear before him in the space of twenty days, he would send his Lyon Heralds for him; to which George returned the following answer:
My honoured Liege, and sovereign King,
of your boasting great I dread nothing;
On your feud and favour I'll fairly venture,
Or that day I'll be where few King's enter.
And he also gave him many good admonitions and directions concerning the government of his kingdom, and the well-being of his soul, which drew tears from the king's eyes when he read it.
FINIS.
