WILL AND JEAU. Part First. WHA was ance like Willie Gairlace? Wha in neeboring town or farm? Beauty's bloom shone in his fair face, Deadly strength was in his arm! Wha wi' Will could rin or wrastle? Throw the sledge or toss the bar? Hap what wou'd, he stood a castle, Or for safety, or for war. Warm his heart, and mild as manfu', Wi' the bauld he bauld could be: But to friends wha had their handfu', Purse and service aye ware free.. Whan he first saw Jeanie Miller, Wha wi Jeanie cou'd compare?Thousands had mair braws and siller, But ware ony half sae fair? Saft her smile raise like May morning, Sweet! wi' opening charms adorning Kind and gentle was her nature; Sic was Jean whan Will first, mawing, Light he bare her, pale as ashes, Such was Will, when poor Jean, fainting. Drapt into a lover's arms; Waken'd to his saft lamenting; Sigh'd, and blush'd a thousand charms. Soon they loo'd and soon ware buckl'd, Nane took time to think and rue:Youth and worth and beauty coupl'd, Luve had never less to do. Three short years flew by fu' canty, Jean and Will thought them but ane; Ilka day brought joy and plenty, Ilka year a dainty wean. Will wrought sair, but aye wi' pleasure; Jean the hale day span and sang; Will and weans her constant treasure,Blest wi' them, nae day seem'd lang. Trig her house, and oh! to busk aye Ilk sweet bairn was a' her pride! But at this time NEWS and WHISKY Sprang nae up at ilk roadside. Luckless was the hour whan Willie, Sax miles frae their hame and mair. Simmer's heat had lost its fury; Labor rang wi' laugh and clatter, Will and Tam, wi' hearts a' lowpin, On they travell'd, warm and drouthy, The mair they crack'd, the mair ilk youth aye Fortune, wha but seldom listens In a howm, whase bonnie burnie Near the road whar travellers turn aye, White the wa's wi' roof new theekit, Window broads just painted red; Lown 'mang trees and braes it reekit, Haflins seen and haflins hid, Up the gavel-end thick spreading, Back ower, firs the high craigs cleadin, Down below, a flow'ry meadow Here it was that Howe, the widow, Brattling down the brae, and near its Bottom, Will first marv'ling sees, "PORTER, ALE, and BRITISH SPIRITS," Painted bright between twa trees. |