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Les diagrammes suivants illustrent la m^thode. 1 2 3 1 2 3 4 5 6 ^•wr QOMPSQN A ,^'ii^ i: CA.NJ!lT>IA.1^ gmes antr ^mp, BT A. WANLESS. '%s I ■■ jt TORONTO: jnOMPtQM ft CO.. PRINT1B8. COLONIST OmCX. 48 KING STRUT MMKf. lt»7. li ■Jf*"! TABLE OF CONTENTS. Paqk. The flight of the Wifle 1 The banks of the Dye 5 The Poor of the Parish a The stream o' Watch 7 The Pride o' my Life 8 Lammermoor 9 A stout heart to a stey brae 10 The Courtship 11 The Trysting tree 18 The Muska-too 14 The Toronto Lasses IB Mary 17 Sweet William 18 Watty Drone 19 The Wife that I would hae 23 Ane Moumfu' Tale 24 My Thoughts they ever wander 27 • Old Trafalgar 28 The weary waes o' Drink 34 The Drinking o't 43 Leisure and Love 45 My Love, she winna smile on me 46 The Wallace Monument 47 The auld Scotch Sang 48 The wonderful history of a Love-sick Gentleman 49 Geordie Ha' 58 Weep with me for my True Ltver 59 Thirty days among Uie stones 60 Maclaurn, my lad...., 63 The tables turned 64 The iron bar Battle 73 Tobacco 78 Written in severe illness 83 Mar's Monody 84 T enoi] hear not i flew. evi(i( anotl the^ mine eithe ^l '^^p^ i ! miipi'''ifiwyfi ! | ' ffi-^ ' ii^ '''' ''i \^' ^t)e dFUfifit 0' tfte CJaifie. The following Poem is founded on a tradition current enough in the Lainmormoor Hilla in Scotland. I have heard two different versions of the story, " that it was not the guidwife that flow but it was the guidman that flew." I have decided in favor of the guidwife, on this evidence, " that the guidman could barely lift a'e fit after another, let alane fleeing poor body " ; on the other hand the guidwife was represented to be " a yald, wiery, deter- mined sort of a woman, fit enough to attempt anything, either reasonable or unreasonable " : — A wifie liv'd, just at her hame. An unco queer wanchancie dame. Had strange-spun notions in her cantel 'Bout fleeing in Elijah's mantle ; Both young and auld she would attack And spier what they kent o' its mak*. At last she got the riddel redd, Whilk made the wifie wonderous glad ; To wark she set to make its marrow. Meanwhile I on gae wi' my story. Ae night she watch' d the starry race, - (Their courses brawly she could trace,) She stood, she glowr'd, till her guidman Did reason, syne did on her ban — s At last his anger was sae fed, '. * * ■'4 :ci%' T. :r vsOfttjfl Perforce he droye her into bed ! When in the bed she rav'd and ranted, Like ane that had gane clean demented ; For still the thought ran in her mind, That she would flee upon the wind — That she would scale the clouds o' heaven, And see how a* the folks were livin' ! Gin the Moon had aye her man o* wark, Gin he be healthy, stout and stark. And yerking aye wi* clock-wark licks, 'Mang roots o' trees and dauds o' sticks ; Or gin he sometimes taks a nod. As some do in the house o' God. What kind o' beds were in the fashion, The tent, or folding kitchen cushion ; Or gin they no use beds ava, But dose in downie glen or shaw — Aside some glassy, rippling fountain, Or by some grassy flower-clad mountain ; What kind o' dress the bodies wear. Gin claith wi' them be cheap or dear. The styles o' bonnets, shawls and cloaks, Gin they wear cotton or silk frocks ; What kinds o' drink, what kinds o' meat The queer outlandish bodies eat. A' this and more, meant to unravel, While on investigating travel. The sun by this began to skelly. Brought in a morning mild and mellow, When up the wifie sprang to steer • \r ■" '''"'WJ^'lipflW^ iijiKimiMnrmpKr :»*'^i»«1f!'lf|«|!*Trp^W*^^ I ' 8 Upon her lang plan'd mad career ; She sets her fleeing graith to rights. Consisting of twa miller's wechts, On shoulder blades she tied them steeye^ The sirrie strata clouds to cleave — Three bladders frae string apron svrung, Elijah's mantle on she flung, For travel, she was travel stockit, Had bread and cheese stow'd in her pocket ; For a drap brose at night to mak, A wallet's bouk swung frae her back, Her spleuchan, and her cutty pipe, Wi' tinj.|fipi| w i| > j i fJ i ifwip.'i"t i ^^^ ^•1 iF^l ' i jim w |,i i i,»j) ; f i --^(■^^ But faith she's ta'en the Shealing hill ; He saw her on the tapniost tower, Set right her wechts awa to scour, He saw her flaffer ! saw her flee ! He saw her hank upon a tree ! The mantle fastened 'mang the branches, The bladders ravel'd round her hanches, To soar she tried ance and again, But a' her trying was in vain. The guidman then lay down to pray, He didna ken weel what to say, To ease her fa', awa he sped, Aneath the tree he laid her bed, It wasna weel spread out, till sweep. Fell bag and baggage in a heap ! He bit his tongue wi' very wrath, (He ne'er was kent to swear an aith,) He flung awa her cheese and bread, He crack'd the bladders owre her head, The mantle he did rend in shreds. The wechts he tore frae shoulder blades, The bottle, spleuchan, wallet, pipe. He made play birr wi' a' his might. He rais'd her up, he gat a wattle, Upon her back he down came rattle. She roar'd aloud wi' down-right pain, " I'll never try to flee again ' ! Wi' this the quarrel was cemented, Syne hame they gaed both mair contented. Now a* ye folks whate'er ye be. It; ' t .? !f» •^^•f«», Tak tent and ne'er attempt to flee; Let wisdom bo your chiefcHt guide, Let reason o'er your ways preside, Be cautious, ne'er o ershoot the mark, But grope your way as in the dark, Or else ye'U get, I'll lay a groat As great a fall's the Wifie got. The BUD bft d B ua fc-do¥m 'lu^atk yon dark fp^wmng And H^y^t^nitirn'flAT^ p;i](^^ ]jfl|i fa^^ away, ^ •ifj^ tho so&g of the Uew^bird was wooing the wbod- To breathe their calm dirge o'er the vanishing day. The moon had climb'd up in the distant horizon, And the twinkling stars gleam'd bright from the sky, jA^A the zephyrs of heaven play'd balmy around me — As I roam'd pn the. banks of the clear winding Dye. ., -7 The hazel was bendmg adown in the streamlet, — ' Its tassels wav'd meek in the moon's silvery beam, And the cliffs of the rocks hung silent and dreary, As if wafted to sleep by the lull of the stream. Glide on in thy course, tfiWSmdem of l^Bftuty ! ' ^^^^ ^ X»k how dM«H^ thy murmur now falls on mine ear; IvCl^^-'^ | Though %liy tanks are wreath'd o'fer with the-4fnff«la-of Yet no longer the glow of enchantment they wear. »U '» ' . ''■! " ' ^»f«T»»jf«r*" Ur^p'i Suj^/I-" P I. How bright thou re-paintest the dreams of my boyhood, Each wave of thy stream Bpeaks of one that is gone ; Each sigh of the winds, as they ripple thy bosom, Brings a tear for the joys that for over are flown. No more can these joys again gladden my bosom — No^more can X4ifiten to nature's sweet song, / ISv my heart no more throbs with y thpilt - rf emotion 8ince thou, my sweet Mary, for ever art gone ! CKj-i'^y] \,\)Vj^C> tA' ^L^'^rv\\(^,v. A avcX 'UtvJL ^f^t ^oot 0' tte ^at(0l). Tbtt Poor o' the Parish arc mickle to mane-r- In a but or a ben they dwall by their lane ; Their friends are but few and but little they care, How the auld bodies fend or the auld bodies fare. The back-end o* life e'en has mickle to dree, The youthfu* ne'er dream what auld age has to see, The warld's high hopes in their bosoms they cherish. They ne'er hae a thocht being Poor o' the Parish. The Poor o' the Parish are laden wi' care, Their eldin's but scant and their cleedin's but bare ; Yet they grudge na the rich wha in luxury shine, But blest wi' contentment — they never repine. There's auld Eppie, poor bodie, she works at her stockin, On the gate o' the grave wi' eild she is rockin', But she reads on the Buik, its a' that can nourish. The hearts o' the weary the Poor o' the Parish. I Sho gangs to the Kirk cicedit barely enevoh, But hur heart Ib wcel clad wi' the robe* o' the truth; Aft down owro her cheek the silent tears fa', Ab she hoarkine o' him \fha dee'd for us a*. ' Her hairnies that's livin' are awa like the frem'd, The guidman o' her bosom death lung syne has claim'd ; But their's ano ever near never backward to cherish, The blighted laigh lot o' the Poor o' the Parish. She langs for to dwall in those mansions above, Where the poor are made rich through a Saviour's love, Where nae sorrow can enter nae grief can oppress. Where a' is ae day o' unchangeable bliss. Aye ! their's ane high abune wha kens a' our ken What wi' gie wi* our hearts its to him that wi' len* ; Ye grit be nae scrimp 'twill gie life a relish ; To be couthie and kind to the Poor o' the Parish. ?' Cf)e Stream o' Wiatti, How clearly rins the stream o* Watch, 'Mang monie a brae and broomy dell ; Its bonnie banks nae stream can match. By it I lo'ed sweet Jeanie Bell. Jeanie I did lo'e thee weel. There's no a heart could lo'e thee mair; Howtcft uftkeft'd a kisr-Pd steal ; Thou wert mine a', mine only care. -i k ¥ 1 i;-: i^'f4t a 'W'^^'^vvp;?'' ''!" "'««ir ■((«■» it p ^:-'^. •"? But now I gang a' wae and lane, My Jeanie's frae me ta'en awa' ; I'll never see my love again, My heart has now nae joy ava. Watch ! how clearly rinH thy stream, 'Mang monie a brae and broomy dell ! !Py thee I dreamed life's fondest dream, I woo'd, to tine, sweet Jeanie Bell. i Cje ^^ntie o* mg Eife, M Lanely I stray'd on the hanks of the Don, Mourning o'er joys that forever are flown, No hope in my bosom, no kind smile to cheer ; Since the pride o' my life lies cauld in her bier ! I thought on the days, o' the days no lang gane, When I dream' d nae of sorrow, of hardship or pain, Wi' contentment and hope, when naething look'd drear- Now the pride o' my life lies cauld in her bier ! Pure was her heart, free frae warld's guile, Kind was her words, and sweet was her smile ; Dispairing I mourn, nae comfort is near, Since the pride o' my life lies cauld in her bier ! The winter may languish, the spring may return, The birds may sing cheerfu' on ilka green thorn, Nae pleasure to me, though the sun shineth clear, Since the pride o' my life lies cauld in her bier ! 5¥ I ' IMftN^teiMtAitui iitJ-'^Vr-*-'--' > ««r- I "i««**PiW?*r'1(BW!^< t I 9 f When the wearysome day steals awa into night, The moon and the stars may shine bonnie and bright, The howl of the tempest to me is mair dear, Since the pride o' my life lies cauld in her bier ! welcome the day, thrice welcome the hour. When nae longer I'll wander forsaken and poor — The cauld hand of death I never will fear, Since the pridu o' my life lies cauld in her bier ! Eammctmoor. Lamtaermoor ! land of the glen and the mountain ! Land where the thistle waves proud o'er the plain ! Land of the streamlet thalal«3 and the fountain! I weary to hie to thy mountains again ! *Mang thy heathery braes the lark sings sac cheerie, Ilka dell rings wi' nature's sweet sang, The mavis and blackbird never grow weary, A singing sae blithesome the summer-day lang. Aft hae I wander'd adown by the plantin' That leads to the haugh where ripples the Dye, Aft hae I listen'd the wee birdies chantin*. As if ilka ane wad in Lielody vie. There the hazel, the slae, and the red cheekit rowan, O'ershadows the primrose adown in the dell. Sweet on the haugh growsl the cowslip and gowan, And Scotia's ain flower the bonnie blue-bell ! ^tt A'.M ■i I, ip ^fjf — ^ %r•••:».. .-Klif, 18 €f)e Ccg0tmg Cree. When gloamin' comes wi' star-gilt wings, And swains rejoice frae labour free, The heart loups light wi' tender hope — When thinking on the Try sting Tree. My love is sweet as April morn, A sparkling lustre fills her ee ; wha could paint her modest look When first she kent the Trysting Tree. The Mavis lo'es the fragrant thorn, The Lammie lo'es the dewy lea, But nane can tell life's chiefest bliss That never kent the Trysting Tree. The moon when gliding frae a cloud. Looks happy when her chains are free. But ! a cloud comes o'er the heart. When we maun leave the Trysting Tree. 'Tis then the heart is fu' o' wae, The tear o' truth bedims the e'e, As aft we say the word " farewell " Aneath the lanely Trysting Tree. Wha can forget the happy hours ? 1*11 mind them till the day I dee — The sweetest hours o' a' my life Were spent aneath the Trysting Tree. B ii;.^...OB»...„^ ' |pf t fff y ii« y ^. ' .-- ' i"! !^ ^< t' i yy ' ^ mi ■, i f'I" h i w »— "nwii»that ye were back ; I hae heard tell o' a big beast, As big's an Ayrshire coo, It has a stang as lang's my leg. And they ca't the musk-a-too." Quo' Jock : " m letters that's been sent To me frae Uncle Tam, Nae mention's made o' sic a brute, I'm sure ye maun be wrang ; I hae made up my mind to sail. Though I should dearly rue," Will nods his head and winks his ee, "Jock! beware o' the musk-a-too." " I've gat a book wi' twa big maps, That's wrote by Mr. Hogan, •*T>riM(«lp«NI«**«ai • ^ f^^m ' w^ mmm h u He tells how they hack down the trees, What fun they hae at loggin', What craps they raise frae aff the ground And how the oxen plough," " But Jock does he say aught about The muckle musk-a-too?" *' He speaks about a great big thing, The like o't ne'er was seen, Can rive tree roots frae out the ground, It's ca'd a stump machine. He speaks about the mighty trees, The like there never grew," ** But Jock, what says he 'bout the nests the muckle musk-a-too ?',* ** He speaks about the apple tree. Sic craps the orchards grow. He hints the like that you and I No kens the way to dow;" " Now Jock gane ye do want to live, Just tak a cautious view, Stop where ye are, ne'er be a mark For the muckle musk-a-too !" " He speaks about the bonnie horse, How folks in winter sleigh, How they can travel ower the snaw A hunder' miles a day, And yet for a' the supple beasts A cart can teughly poo," > 1 A I ■^■fMw-y»^jlVy'lf^,'-^> "^'Y'T^'''''^ I'^'-'f * . )[| ,l| i j lll| | Wii mumim ¥■ ; ( ,i. I ** Ah Jock, tak tent, ayo keep in mind The muckle musk-a-too !" "I see," quo Will, "yo're bound to gang- Daft gouks maun gang their gate ; But sure am I, sae Boon's ye're there, Ye'll meet a dreadfu' fate. They'll watch ye as ye gang ashore — They'll sting ye black and blue ; Its an unco death in a foreign land To be killed by a musk-a-too." "But tent ye Will, I hae a gun That never mist its mark, I'll loa( ■ her weel, wi' bullets three ; I'll at the brutes play yerk ; And when they st'c I bring ane down, The rest they will play boo, I'll learn the folks in Canada How to kill the musk-a-too." & €f^e Toronto ILa00e0. Ye may wander far and wide. Ye may visit monie places. But ye'll never find the land Can match the braw Toronto lasses ! they are fair, divinely fair. The seal o' beauty stamps their faces — Where is the heart that couldna lo'e The bonnie braw Toronto lasses ? ■ M B— 11 H II I ^«^ir 17 Amang them a' there's ano I lo'o, I canna name her countless graces, She's fairer than the fairest fair a' the braw Toronto laHses ! But maun I pine, for ever pine, She winna hearken my addresses ; I'll e'en gae woo some other flower, Amang the braw Toronto lasses. 4 .? iHats. I'm far awa' frae thee M^y, '^ ^ *-^ "-^ I'm far awa' frae thee, Yet ne'er let fa' another tear , . Ye're dear as dear can be Mm*j ! ^ fi^*tA t i^Cx^iA Yestreen a bird was liltin' ower. Its sang upon a tree Mwpy ; ^^^ ^ It brought to mind yon bonnie sang Ye sang ae e'en to me Mniry. I'm far awa', &c. I listened to its warbling notes, k Till dreams cam ower my mind Mary, <^^'^*^ I thought I saw the Queen *o' love Thy brows wi' garlands bind Mary. ^">*^- I'm far awa, &;c. I 1 :^ "•—^mmmmm'^f'm '^ 18 I thought my heart would break wi* joy, • Yo look'd sao Bwcot and fair Mary, i^U*^ But soon yc glided frae my sight And filled mo wi' despair Mary ! fAj,tj t I'm far awa, &c. The day will daw', when we will meet,/ Our lovo will never dec Mary — v/v*a* There's ae kind hand will guide the bark. Across the deep, deep sea Mary ! I'm far awa,'&c. SlDeet S^EItlltam. 'Twas the dark hour o* midnight. The rude winds did blaw, A* nature was clad In a white wreath o* snaw, When we sat a watchin' Wi' monie a mane, Our bonnie sweet William A gaun awa hame. My heart was a breakin Wi' sorrow and wae. His mother and me Did kneel down and pray, "^mmmfmrnav^ '"- 'm^mfmmf'm^Fyi imi ' ii 'ig n' 19 there's nacbody kona What grief owi»w n i M i i ii I li'liil wwiyiwww u iii i ii .u )i |ii ^i )pg ii p i, m, Hill 'F^*fi#^f^'V?%f^r 21 I'll neither clip or shave nae mair," Sac smash'd his rasors and his hone. Thus did the luckless Watty Drone. He'd gang about frao house to ha', His tongue might clip a clout in twa, At ony place was held a splore He was the first to join the core — The folks at first did kick and clout him, At last they couldna do without him. His wife watch'd a' wi' mournfu' mane. Aye fleetch'd him to his wark again ; He warn'd her just to stop her prattle Or he'd encounter her in battle, And if she fell in mortal strife He soon wad get another wife. On ae fair night when twa or three Had set themselves to hae a spree, Nae thing wad serve, when half-seas gone, But they wad send for Watty Drone. Ane o' the gouck -i was soon elected, To say his presence was expected. The night afore he'd had a broost, This night he'd early gane to roost, He hears a rap, he loud does roar, ** Wha's that a reelin' at my door ?" The chield soon tauld him what was wanted, Auld Watty frae his bed soon canted ; It wasna lang e'er he sat crouse. Within the Black-bull public house, Wi' drink they did the bodie ply, v, Mi mmmm ijip^J^ 22 They rais'd his spirits mountain high, He jok'd, he crack'd, he sang, he spouted, He danc'd, he sprang, he roar'd, and shouted. Ah ! little does a body think. When sense is drown' d wi' waughts o' drink, What they maun suffer ; how the brain. Reels round as if 'twad rend in twain. Wat changed his tune : he'd try a tussle, Wi* ony that wad fecht or wrestle — Amang them a' nae ane wad say That he wad venture on the fray ; Ae chield spoke wH, ihat held the cash, ^ A fechting Watty we'll no fash, But if ye'll rin around the table, A hundred times as fast's ye're able, Aye roarin' out wi' a your might, •Here Watty rins bajth day and night," And for ye're pains ye'll get a pound, When ye hae gain'd the hindmost round ! It was nae lang, as fast as able. He rins and yells around the table — To gain the cash he was fu' sure, When ane o' them slips out the door, Wha rins and tells auld Watty's wife, To haste and save her Watty's life ! She hurries up unto the door. She hears within his eldritch roar ! She sees him spinning round the table Ten times mair fast than he was able ! "0 Wat!" she cries, "ye're mad outright," » i t tm^ w wrtiwiMrwgw rt^^-.-r-' "Here Watty rins baith day and night!" She stood, she cried till she was hoarse, Which ne'er stopp'd Watty in his course — Ae time when he cam round about. She gae ae wild unearthly shout, Her hands around his throat she clasped, His e'en turn'd up, he stood, he gasped — " Here Watty rins," he tried to roar. As down he tumbled on the floor ! J a.v»v-' ^^^^ t«e^ wi' very rage he ground, '^ He cries, "ye jade, I've lost the j pound!" m ** Cfie WiiU tf)at I toouITr (ae. 1 wadna hae nae high bred dame. To be a wife to me. Though deckt in a' the gaudy gloss. That rank and riches gie. 1 wadna gie a plack for her. Though she was e'er sae fair, Her scrimpit heart, I trow ne'er kent. The joys o' love to share. I wadna hae nae flirtish queen That romps about the streets, Wha's heart turns like the weather cock To ilka Joe she meete. -.-; ;;;-.-.iia-'--JKa'i'.^wr;tr*_i.-*S'i***w«'>c*-»* IfiCi'-.f*. O' ■ v» f 'i W i M ^ " fS^ ■■ • .. f.. — ^■-■.■,, ii ^-y.. -n-j,, ! „m f t . 24 She'll tell ye that she Iocs ye weel, Tak tent and turn your sail; Keek round the corner and ye'll find, Another on her trail. Just watch them wool afore they part, Ye'll hear them pledge a vow, Ye'll hear a smack, the blinded gouk's A kissing at her mou'. Kind fortune gie me Mary dear. That's aye sae frank and douce, Wha's laith to see her minnie do Ae turn about the house. She's aye sae kind to ilka ane, She's mair than kind to me, I ken she lo'os me unco weel — My wifie soon she'll be. Ill f • Si^ sane JHournfu' CaU» V. 'Twas in the time when gentle spring. Cam' smiling after winter blae, When birds began their sangs o' love. And flowers bedeck' d baith bank and brae. When Willy trysted his ain love — His love sae leal and true — To gang wi' him to the dimple brae, The craw-berries for to pou. WKHIW^Oi II I 1W I J j ■ ], ■ t''*''W''W|WWIPp^ll|||^|jpf.j, \ The lark sang blithesome in the lift, The bee hummed i' the heather bell, The burn glinted clear to the kiss o' the sun. As it stream'd by the Dimple Hill. Now they hae pou'd the crawberrie, And they hae pou'd the slae, They thought na how the time had flewn. Till it came the fa' o' day. Now he has said " my ain true love We're now lonesome and alane, I weary, weary, for the day When ye will be a' my ain." ** Your cheeks are red as ony rose, As ere in garden grew. Your bonnie e'en sae mild and meek Wad shame the violet blue." " Your breath's as sweet's the breath o' May. When balmy breezes blaw. Your raven hair hangs o'er a neck That's whiter than the snaw." " But what I prize far far abune. Is your heart sae leal and true," And afore they left the Dimple Hill They've plighted a loving vow. Yet he has spoke o' a weary thought. He never could wile away, A bode o* ill haunts his troubled mind — It haunts him night and day. .HI, , w I M I-' mstmmf o^** mmmumftli 26 She smil'd sac sweet and she has said, " Oh ! banish these dreams awa, And ne'er bode ill o' the comin' time 0' the day that ye never saw." Now they came down frae the Dimple brae, To gang hame by the winding rill, And they hae come to the Rowan tree, That hangs o'er the Nicherin pool. Now she has said "there's a bonnie bunch That hangs on yon rowan tree." And he has said " my ain true love, I will pou that bunch for thee." He clamb high to the tapmost branch, The red rowans for to cull. But the fickle branch it broke in twa. And he fell in the deep, deep pool ! "0 save ! save ! my own true love," And she sprang in him to save — It wasna lang ere the waters ran O'er the lovers' watery grave ! And aye sin syne, I mind it weel. When bairnies at the schule Where'er wi' gade the charge was aye "Keep awa frae the Nicherin pooL" Ic •'. \ • \'^^.-^'.-i^'irt.- ■ " i w i - wwpmnUfWWHWIWW^' 27 £Bv! CljougSt^ tfteg ebcc toaniicr. My thoughts they ever wander, To thee that's gone awiry — To thee that's left this scene of f^trifO; For realms of cloudless day. My thoughts are now no more of earth, They ever follow thee ; No comfort can the world bring — Thou wert the world to me. Now weary wends the wae-clad hours, That once went sweetly by, When thou wert near wi' winning smile, No care would venture nigh. Methinks I see that dove-like eye, That brow so placid fair ; Methinks I see thee bend the knee, To God in humble prayer. How aft I think upon thy ways. For they were ways of love ; Thy chiefest care was how to serve. That God who dwells above. To those that pined 'neath ills of earth, Thy hand was ever near To aid their wants, with heaven-taught mind The comfortless to cheer. When death on thee did lay his hand, Thou never did'st repine ; 5! .15 I ■»;iir.-r."«*.t»'-.t'as' 7iTrH~- ~ I l l 11 II I i n — i iii i i j i i i iii j. "«i"!i"iiiiii.ummiiii«ii»i .. 28 For In thy heart there dwelt a hope- A light from love divine. Thy spirit gently stole away, Cohl (loath thou didst not dree ; I'm weary of the ways of earth, I long to dwell with thee ! [liii. i I r l^l/iudi (Dlti iZTrafalgar. To our village there came at the end of the war, A sailor whose isu>h»«« was Old Trafalgar ; For serving his country, one shilling per day. Did the government quarterly unto him pay. He'd ae leg shot awa, he'd a ball through his breast, What remained of his body was worthy a rest. In his youth to the sea he had run awa, For reading or writing he ne'er car'd a straw ; He thought for a time that man's chiefest lot, Was to stand for to shoot — or stand to be shot. At length when disabled and through wi' the strife, He thought he would now cast about for a wife ; He saw a bit lassie that suited his taste, With no mickle ado she his offer embraced. When the bargain was msAe wi' her mother's con- sent, Awa for the minister Trafalgar went — The minister star'd, 'bout the job wasna carein', minHMP «■■<•> I MX m i M i l l » "w" ?» m ii M^ | ." i i| W 't >» i n mpy . 3 war, ay, y- (Ugh his est. iw; fot, 3hot. strife, rife; 's con- lein', D««tt^ it queer that a cripple like him shoukl ^^c pairin'. He questioned him teugh 'bout faith and the law, 'Bout the ane or the ither he kent nothing ava. He speer'd if ho kent who commanded the Ark, "Wi' that sailor," quo' he, •' I ne'er had a lark." Some mair names he did mention o' the folks o' lang syne, Trafalgar enc^uired if they sail'd in the line. The minister thought it would be the best course, To buckle the twasome for better or worse. As the lassie had been for awhile at the school, If anxious to learn she might gie him a spell. The business was settled, they were made man and wife, He swore 'twas the happiest day of his life ! 'Twa three months they lived canty fu couthio and leal. She recanted at length to an even-down diel ! Sometimes all unkent she wad screw aff his leg. Then aff frae his chair he could ne'er move a peg ! By great perseverance she found out ilka spot, 0' his body that had got a cut or a shot, And aye on these places she wad yerk him sair As helpless he sat in his big armed chair ! He resolv'd to 'bout ship, he e'en did withdraw. Now he liv'd as if he ne'er kent her ava, Yet the neighbours observ'd the course he had taen. In a measure had sadly eflfected his brain. '^i •i i I i li-U^ . ■ !'~\:Vi,*:>U»' ■- ' ■1!'! "ff) gi'! mmmgnn^ -'l i ti K i mm m t^ ' m mv i»«- -^ r !! ?: i 80 ilM At the door of the Anchor he'd sit and rehearse This wonderful story construed into verse : *'In tlio time o' the war I was, barely landed, When pressed to the ship Lord Nelson com- manded ; Next morning we sail'd all upon the salt sea, I was dowie and downcast as mortal could be. Ae day in deep sorrow my whole body was stor'd, When a loud cry was raised, "there's a man over- board." Without ever thinking, without doffing my clo^^hes, I had hold of the drowning man fast by the nodo. A boat was soon lower'd, there rose a loud yell, The man I had sav'd was Lord Nelson hinisel! When the water ran out him, with tears in his eye. He call'd mo the bravest man under the sky. He piped for a while when his grief had got vent, On the spot I was christened a first Lieutenant, After that every thing wad be done in disorder, Unless it was done express to my order. Ae day he did spy through his lang keeking ghiss, A Dutch man-o'-war — we were order'd to chase — When within half a league, he beckoned me quick. He told me to gang and board the Dutch ship ; " My Lord I will take it, if I don't succeed, I'll gie ye full power to chop off my head." He said " .Tack, do your best what way I don't care. When folk do their best they, can e'en do nae mair." ■■ "■'flp'l'rl' com- lon't nae 81 A pitch-fork I got, some powder and matchea, The ship 1 did board — men were a' under hatches, I set fire to the powder, to the hatch I did steal, For the Dutch, like oursel's, arc as sly as the diel ! Ae sailor keeks up, he ne'er thought o' the plot, Wi' the fork I did catch him right bang in the throat ! And out o'er the ship I made him play flee. Ere ever he kent he was drowned in the sea ; Another keeks up to look for his mate. Afore ever he dreamt he met the same fate. Another keeks up, just in the same fashion, To keek up again he ne'er had occasion. At this trade 1 did work till it came the sixth bell, When the Dutch ship was taken and mann'd by mysel' ! I sail'd back to our ship, 1 explained to my lord How I forked the Dutchmen clean overboard ; He took me ben to his cabin, he show'd me a sack, Fill'd with gold pieces bang up to the neck. * Quo' he, "my brave boy, I'm glad that I kent ye, With this sack o' gold I now do present ye. If e'er ye should spend it — by the pod o' the main, Just come back to me and I'll fill it again." Here Trafalgar sigh'd — " his lordship is shot, No more sacks o' gold will e'er fall to my lot. Come landlord some drink as ye value my life. By Jove I spy coming my hollicat wife. i v i 1: 32 Come lads stand around me, I've e*en got my nuitch, She could kill mo, mysol', and a nation o' Dutch." His wife thus hcgan, *'yo base sailor tyko, Yo think yc are safe in the midst o' that bike; But I'll learn you that when ye'vo a wife, Ye'ro obliged to maintain her a' the days o' her life." The landlord addressed her, "gang awa frae my door, For here I will hae nao kind o' uproar. If he lacks a limb ye e'en lack a heart," The lads in the circle took Trafalgar's part. Trafalgar sat quakin, no ae word \vad ho say. He wished he was ^ thousand^ miles out -- ",Mmm^m,lPn*li>M m! ^^ 1 m 38 my her r (H; The landlord laid low with the hnor in his e'c ; Sho apyn Trafal^jar's wife, with a face full of rage, In M hattic of \vor n » I *> , f^f)r-i"'' 34 )ji I I 1 V * i 'I A doctor was sent to examine her limb; Wi' cautious care he handled her structure, He pronounc'd that her limb had a compounded fracture. ,^^^^ He began a long, learn'd, wise dissertation, The finis thereof was the word "amputation!" She turn'd up her e'en, her reason grew dim, While the Doctor instanter did whang aff her limb, When she came to her senses she did pray and beg That the Doctor {igain should fix on her log. Trafalgar replied 'tween a jeer and a whine, " Gin ye like ye may now hae a trial o' mine." In conclusion I now to the Reader may say, * | There's truth in the maxim ilk dog has its day ! 11 ! i w A Tale o' Tntth, In a bonnie glen in Scotland, Rins a wimpling, winding burn ; Nature in her countless beauties, Meets the eye on ilka turn. There the rugged rocks hang frowning High abune the glen below ; FiiiC the fissures grow the hazel And the primrose white as snow. "«^'( rfmtlWIlitiiiiiiwMii iia • I ' W — r II ■««*•«««.>■• ""•11"^" N i iii H ii| i y #i i »«»m»wm>»» "m^ - -' mBKyni ' . uimi i i »iMj . ' ^" i WiW W HI BIi .ff/ i il iiw if 'i • ? f if' I ; 86 In the school he'd saj his lesson, The master aye gae him applause ; Nae need had he for admonition, Nae need had he to thole Ine tause ! When a dolt wad stick his question, The master sent him to his side ; There he'd answer what was failed in, Wi' a kind o' manly pride. Years flew by, now little Willy Had creep 'd near to man's estate ; Learning was his eident pleasure. At his books baith ere and late. Ae e'en he wandcr'd by the burnie, In a kind o' lonesome mood ; There he spy'd a lovely maiden, Budding into womanhood. She stood beside the winding streamlet, Tears o' grief fell frae her e'e, As she sang a doleful ditty. About her parents 'cross the sea. Willy's heart within did flutter, Wish'd that he her griefs could share; Nigh he drew unto the maiden, Speer'd at her what was her care. She tauld him that her loving parents, Sought a hame across the deep ; She wadna go, but stop in Scotland, Stop at hame to mourn and weep. .'»y^ytKp>^i>Wik'.> While he gazed the tear o' kindness, Fell unbidden frae his e'e. First fond love ! what hidden raptures, 'Rose within ilk others heart ! They wander' d 'mang the broom and breckans, They linger'd as if loth to part. He aft unthinking pou'd the roses, Blooming on the banks sae green ; He aften gazed with heartfelt wonder, On her love bewitching e'en. The sun had sunk, the evening shadows Gently stole out o'er the glen ; They parted, yet no word at parting, If they e'er should meet again. They aften met, they aften wander' d To the spot where first they met ; They aften vow'd, though far asunder, Ne'er ilk other to forget. Now autumn came, syne burly winter, Sough'd and sigh'd out o'er the glen ; Drifting snaw o' virgin whiteness, Mist and sleet, and plashing rain. J tB>m»1ifi» >i» m iii i I - ■ ^1 38 Spring time came sae coy and fickle, Snawdraps peeped in bielded howes ; The sun shone out wi' dazzling brightness, Melting snaw frae budding boughs. Willy aften met wi' Jeanie, Now they dread the parting day ; Aft he pressed wi' loving fondness. For her ne'er to go away. But stay at hame in bonnie Scotland, To be to him a loving wife ; Live in the glen 'mang peace and plenty. Free frae th' world's grovelling strife. Jeanie thought, she pray'd, and ponder'd. In secret many a tear she shed. When sad news came frae Toronto, Her father slumber' d wi' the dead. That her mother too was ailing. That she maun haste and come away, To cheer her in the land o' strangers. To be to her a helping stay. Jeanie's heart amaist was breaking, Jeanie grat frae e'en to morn ; She tauld her mornfu' tale to Willy, Wish'd that she had ne'er been born. He listen'd while a silent sorrow. Stole across his loving heart ; He took her hand, he kiss'd her fondly, Saying "never can we part." "^■■I" ■V-jT^TT-" 39 " With thee I'll cross the wide, wide ocean, I'll love, I'll toil for thee and thine ; Ere we part sweet Jeanie promise That je Avill ever be mine." Jeanie sigh'd, yet look'd fu' kindly, Vow'd she'd act a fuitliful part ; ^^ While youtliful joy and mournful sadness, Play'd alternate in her heart. Ae blithesome day she doffed her mournings, Tears fell down her cheeks like rain. When Willy clasped her to his bosom, Claiming her as now his ain. Afore they left the glen sac lonely. Many a friend came far and near ; When they spoke the "fareAvell to ye," Many shed a sorrowing tear. Need we speak about the voyage. The fickle bark became a wreck ; How beset with many hardships. Safely landing at Quebec. Sailing up the great St. Lawrence, To Toronto syne they came ; There they found their lonely parent. Pressed wi' grief and mickle pain. Langsome she wi' death did wrestle, Nae kind care her life could save ; Free frae pain her body moulders, In the cold and lonely grave. * M •^ ^SSm. *9f^ •nmmmnmm i im i nj iKi I ■^tr'- i-J^Rlei-;;^- f I ! ,; 40 Troubles ne'er come sirigle-lianded ; Jeaiiie on a sick bed biy — Willy ceaselessly watched o'er her, Tended her baitli night and day. The siller too was getting scanty, V- "V^ule far frae lianie and kith and kin'; Ilki^enny was out-ganging — No a'e penny coming in. Willy cheered his dailitig ,Jeanie, Against fortune ne'er to mune, Litth" thought she that her Willy — Had no ae i)lack to ca* liis ain. Ere inonie weeks they sair did suffer, llaneing weel their scanty store, When ae e'ening 'bout the gloamin' — A rap came gently to the door. Wha was it but kind McPherson, Chief est o' St. Andrew's sect, He had heard about the strangers How they pined 'midst cauld neglect. He had brought to them some siller, Kindly speered how they did fare ; Syne he placed the suffering Jeanie — Under Telfer's skilly care. Ere awhile her eye grew brighter, Health resumed its happy sway, Now her nights nae mair are sleepless, Pleasant thoughts the live-long day. I I'^^Mt'ijA'*! 'I > I m 41 For Willy gat a situation, In a King [Street clothing Store, Though his wages werena micklo. They kept starvation frae the door. Time flew on and Willy, cident, In men's trust he daily grew ; Honesty ynd upright dealing, Steadily he kept in view. When ane is weighed and prov'd a sample, ! the genuine honest brand — Soon they get a routh o' friendship — If in need, a helping hand. His master, and a few that kent him, Gae him goods to start a store ; Soon his shop is stock'd wi' plenty, Wi' his name abune the door! Jeanie help'd him in his business ; Siller he began to raak ; When on the very road to fortune, 'Willy took a downward tak. At night he felt a kind uneasy, Felt a kind o' hankerin' queer. Gin he wasna wi' some cnmj^ Crackin' o'er a glass o' beer. First the beer and syne the whiskey ; Drinking has its set degrees. Syne a dose o' burning branif. .Ati;l««flifrit-l*i»to»~a ■ 42 See him now bewitched, besotted, Stagg(!ring nightly to his hamc; Sec his weeping, watching, Jeauie Striving for to hide their shame! Drunk at night and dry to-morrow — Then the heart is drown'd wi' care ; Aft he swore unto his Jeanie, He wad never drink nae mair ! But just ae drap to soothe his stomach ; When the pith o' that is gone — He tapers off, but in the tupering, Deluded Willy tapers on ! ! that drink ! that f(ill-destroycr, Ruining body soul and a' When will our country's Legislature, Pass a Prohibition Law ? First he only drank at cenings, Now he drinks the lee lang day : When bills o' payment wad be pressing, Willy aye was out the way ! Wha can deny drink leads to ruin ; See him turned frae out his store — Mark him now, blotch'd and besotted, Turn'd e'en frae the tavern door ! Sons of men ! gie up your drinking ! There is a time to be too late — There is a time of earthly warning, Ere death shall seal man's future fate ! "3ai.:^:.:.'vSi 43 Drink loaves the dregs o' monie troubles; Shatter'd body, weak tit best, Mind in tortures, soul uneasy — Cannot find a soothing; rest! Ghastly phantoms hover round you, Demons hideous to the view. Rising, beckoning, breathing o'er you, Fiends of every shape and hue ! Satan stands as if to catch you — Voices tremble in your ear, Dread of death your vitals shiver With a torturing hell-bound fear ! Drink has lost its strength, its value, Water ! water ! now at length, The burning thirst that rages in you, The very ocean could not quench ! Sons of men ! gie up your drinking, This damning vice its power outbrave ; Lest ye unheeding like our Willy, Untimely fill a drunkard's grave ! €f)e Biinfemg o*t ! the weary drinking o't, Farewell for aye the drinking o't, There's no ae drap gangs o'er my crap, I scunner at the drinking o't. OMhi^« »fli^'^*Wl!tS^i#&'«*W''-=^.i . Ji^^.Y:%i:ii^!^^'^:\ 44 My wife has sat for nijrlits and grat When I waH never tliitiking o't, While in some house I'd be fu' erouse Contented wi' the drinking o't. 0! the weary, &c. The sun mightrglower the day out o'er, I didna mind the blinking o't, I'd sit and smoke and laugh and joke, But ne'er forget the drinking o't, ! the weary, &c. A friend or twa might steal ava, I couldna bide the jinking o't. Some mair wad come, I aye gat sorjic To help niv wi' the drinking o't. ! the weary, &c. Within^my brain there grow a pain, My e'en wad try the winking o't ; I couldna sleep but aff wad creep To cure them wi' the drinking o't. ! the weary, &c. At last the gear did disappear, Drouth^couldna thole the clinking o't, I swore an aith, till my last breath, Ne'er mair to|[fash^the drinking o't.> And now farewell the drinking o't, Farewell for aye the drinking o't, There's no ae drap gangs o'er my crap, I scunner at the drinking o't. T 45 %mnu anti llobc. •? 3rap, ** Onng awa m yc l.-issle, ^i<" me nunc o' yo'rc havers, I'm tired o' your .sighing, your greeting and blavers, A liussie like you, 1 may uikm) weel ban — Caiina tliolo l\va tlirei; years without a guid-man !" "Had your father been living I'm sure he'd ganc gitc, He'd misca'd mo and gien me the ^vhole o' the witc, lie wad rage round the house, he wad breed sic a splorc We wad baith hae been glad to flee out at the door." " Gang awa wi' ye lassie, wad ye leave me my lane? Wad ye leave me to drag out a life time o' pain? Had ye ae spark o' sense, wad ye do sae I ween? Ye wad stay wi' your mither till death clos'd her e'en." " It canna be lang v,n this earth I can dow, Its time enough then to get wedded 1 trow ; But tak tent o' my words, aye on them rely, Sae as ye mak your bed sae will ye lye." Sweet Jessie sat greeting, her heart was sac W'ae, For weel she loe'd Johnie for many a day, She thought she wad gie the bit ring back again. And ne'er gie her mither mair sorrow or pain. But Johnie came 'n, he spoke kind to the mither, 'Twas nae lang tro they made up to live a' thegither ; The auld mither got canty, she forgot a' the strife. She's a hame for auld age a' the days o' her life. « KJrt'ymijlir'l-Trllf'fprtif-f-t'fi .^-^-^■^^.■t^->-.*-^-^»^.'. u wBH ii nmm H ii| H |i >W «j-'J iw9 ftailA"i ' I. m i m — n I I II ■ 1 1^ M l I' li M f m "" imp— »—'»<"*iww*'/«i/ A/V We'll luui a proud, proud nionument, In the land o' froedoin's birth ; In honor 0' the bravest brave That over breathed on earth ! In memory o' great Walhice Wight, Whoso daring dauntless heart Would never wince to foreign sway, Or Scotia's cause dcHcrt. When cauld and chill was freedom's hand, And faint and fainter grew Her flittering breath, great Wallace rose And loud her trumpet blew ! The droukit thistle raised its head That erst hung pensylie, As if it kend auld Scotia's boast — -'HVha dares to meddle me ',' ? . T-be eagle frae the lonesome cliff Soar '4 proudly to the sky ; He watch'd its flight, ne cried aloud, " Freedom can never die " ! ^^.^A^r^ >u. ProHftfy he led his warriors forth ^x .y €> I with him to fight, with him to die — jr(\' ^/j{] "^ H(^L J To die, but never yield. ^ .i<»«y^Mm>lniiHii niHr iiii» mi t n w < i'i < «> i ijii i i Bj )i i/, i i) > . <)H l lt*r;»J«^' ^yyippHUBP H i j wm. ^ir i f i j "->-w»-ifi^fini« I I l'\ It i « ! i " 48 Disgrace be ever on the name Of him, to latest hour, Who brought the dauntless patriot chief Within a tyrant's power. Who can forget our patriot's deeds ? His name shall never die, For closely knit in unison Is Wallace and Liberty ! Cfte aula Scotcij Sang. " Come Mary bring the sang book down, Lay by your spinning wheel. And sing yon auld Scotch sang to me. Last night ye sang sae weel." Quo Mary " father there's a sang Was wrote by Andrew Graham, I like to croon it to mysel'. Afore folk I think shame." "But gin ye like I'll sing it o'er," "Yes sing the sang" quo he ; " But when I sing it father dear, Ye winna frown at me." " I winna frown my Mary dear, Your courtship lang I kent, ki ^ Last night he speer'd if you might wed, I gae him my consent." I! S^..tf=>., '^*^'*Hl*!^'8ljM^*^?1»*l^|Mi'^)^';,5*^"*'> ' y tw,^". ' * !■■ '«i|l|i ni l ". 1 1 II «| I I HlBl^ l K V 1 ! i,4 f 50 If he had read the letter o'er, The lady gone to see, It might have spared me pen and ink To write this history. He took the letter from the hoy In livery so neat, Thrust it into the fire, then kick'd The hoy into the street. The hoy ran to the gentlewoman, He told a piteous tale ; To go with letters more to him, She never could prevail. If e'er by dire necessity (The thought o't could not brook,) To pass that way, the little boy Swift to his heels betook. The gentlewoman was perplex 'd, Most grevious to behold, A^ she did love this gentleman, As misers love their gold. All day she sighed about the house, She could not sleep at night, But in her dressing gown would sit, And weep with all her might. At length there came to visit her, A lady friend most fair ; She told this lady that her cup Ran over with despair. .• ¥ .!^tmtm'''>' m n ii miimm,pm^ T'wv^v.ip^ 'TfT^ " 51 She told her how this gentleman Her letter did destroy, But did not say one word how he Did kick the little boy. Her eye grew bright,— she says " my dear, Will you go with this note, And when I die, in my last will Ye shall not be forgot." The lady said that she would go, Whatever would befal : If she had sent the little boy, He would not move at all. She held the letter in her hand, Post meridian four o'clock ; On the door of this great gentleman She gave one double knock. The gentleman forthwith desired The lady at the door To step into the parlor, Where she ne'er was before. He took the letter from her hand, He look'd most wond'rous kind ; The lady messenger knew not What thoughts were in his mind. He spoke awhile with tender speech, Told her to come next day, And he would answer tell to her, What he had got to sav. ^^ 3. i , - i . i wm ii n iii i.iii. 1 . >fWip n » y,W Ppi j |*i >" iiii m iiiiiB W it'tmmm'mmm m mm t m'imitmi n t m tn mm f i ^i m -^ mmmn' t *-* mii' mfn ,* »*itiy *• "Wt 52 She rose from off the cushioned seat, She curtseyed manifold ; And he did bow a bow full low, Most pleasing to behold. She went back to the gentlewoman, Told what was said by he ; Moreover fully did relate All that was said by she. The gentlewoman then began To conjure in her mind Most pleasing thoughts that now, at*length, He had grown wond'rous kind. Next day the lady messenger Did rap upon his door, She was bowed into the parlor, Where she had been before. He spoke to her a full half hour, But nothing of the note ; She did remind him of the same. Which he had quite forgot. He told her for to come next day, His hand was on his heart ; He kiss'd the lady messenger Before she did depart. But now unto the gentlewoman She told not all her mind ; She knew full well that those in love Are subject to be blind. \ I ...-., »!*■■.* AH *;:„'. -ri«^-- H II||| | »-W. wr j iiiilm.- ingth, -«>.r»r« H |li H . H WI||l II U . ii| „ .». . . r i | i W^ «i.|»l | |W « »< i T. ■ l-i " . I I M > HHHH.I |, ll .^|0ff ^pmr9'|ft|$l>'|l'^IK(|^>''^^ 58 Next day the lady messenger Again she did employ, Far better for her, if she could Have coaxed the little boy. Day after day 'twas still the same, He could not answer give ; In sad suspense, the gentlewoman Had much ado to live. One day the lady messenger Did not again return ; The gentlewoman now was left All wretched and forlorn. Again she did entreat the boy The gentleman to see ; He went his way, and as he went He wept distractedly. He went into a towering church, As he did pass that way, He saw the lady messenger Bedeck'd in bride's array. But when he saw the gentleman Of very large estate, Out from the church he ran like fire, Lest he might break his pate. He told the gentlewoman al! What he did there espy, She then lay down upon her couch. But could not wink an eye. '«>«<>«« «Mt» ■ i i i wi »n M ii »W ri Ml)IIWatfc* 'i l l » ;i>ifc ift i' ill> fi r Wi > >) li>>| W i*ii* ' li l l»i lf'' ''xi »■» i m >ii I 1 1 1 n mnpfim w i n n' , ' """ ♦•-—-'-■^ri' n »i'^ " ■»»I WI ^ ■^ipf. I i 64 Next morn the boy went to her room, He rapped there full sore, But all that he could say or do, She would not ope the door. He then ran for a blacksmith, Who did the door assail ; The gentlewoman lay in bed As dead as a door nail ! The lawyers sooth undid her will — The truth I must relate^ — She left all to the gentleman Of very large estate ! To the little boy she did leave nought. Though he bled in her cause : I think we must fall on some plan To equalize the laws. PART SECOND. M: Hii r The little boy one day did come Right joyful unto me, And from his tale I now resume This marvellous history. The bridal party left the church, The bride looked bravely fine, The bridegroom pressed the company To come with them and dine. " T*** ^^ uTtw^mfj^j^, I"! 65 They henceforth went into his house, Joy shone in every face, No kind of care did them perplex, That mortal man could trace. The board was spread most plenteously With wines pure from the grape ; The boy told me, to aid its strength, It had sailed round the Cape. At night the dancing did begin. Both polka and strathspey ; The company looked round and saw The bride had stolen away. The bridegroom ran about the house, He ran most furiously. But not one vestige of his wife Or her remains found he. At length all in a cellar deep. The truant bride they found. With hair on end, with blood-shot eye She lay on the cold ground. They raised her up, a piercing yell Came from her parched tongue, They looked aghast, for with the shout The very barrels rung. They laid her on a bed of down. She groaned in agony ; The only words she uttered were " I cannot walk with thee." ^^■ i>,-*'i»,ift»Ai!-*WftV*H--*'. -* i*iit .•^- 'mmmi0im ■ »*m %9 Vi-^. r'-tfn s*!«-^e I r - 56 She lay in bed for days and weeks, The doctors went in vain ; She lay, but did not seem to have The slightest twinge of pain. She thought her limbs were made of straw : They forced her for to rise ; Whene'er they placed her on her shanks, She fell before their eyes. Whene'er she fell down they raised her up — Such pranks they never saw — They told her for to walk — she said, " How can I walk on straw.*' A private consultation they Did with the bridegroom hold ; He said if they would her restore He'd fee them manifold. To many schemes they did resort, To make the lady rise, But all their tricks and deep laid plans, The lady did despise. They placed her in an arbour. They set her on a chair. She sat, but while she sat, her limbs Were dangling in the air. They set fire to the arbour, The flames wreath'd her around ; She sat and roar'd, but did not place One foot upon the ground. •f'tftlilMlilHltlf"" uttdi A«i ... . ,w.-.,ii».^ ..fn' , , jhii|h.'.i| j^;iy,iii.:^j.|,.^„ . ^^j j^ |j jjp^^ . , j H i M, ii H!»j i iHii » jii y jy ■vmm"' yi w: ap — 57 They snatch'd her from amongst the fire, She tendered them her thwnks, But all the doctors said or did, She would not use her shanks. At length they thought upon a plan, To drive her to a place Where murders were committed oft Upon the human race. They equipt a band of armed men, They placed them in the wood ; Some represented Littlejohn, Some, famous Robin Hood. They drove her to this lonesome place, They did the coach surround, They fired off guns, they laid the males As dead upon the ground. She leapt from out the coach at length. She sprang o'er dyke and ditch. She ran and roared, as if pursued By some outlandish witch. She ran and ran, but where she ran No mortal e'er could trace ; But if she runs unto this day. There ne'er was such a race. The gentleman grew sick at heart, His conscience prick'd him sore ; He sent to tell the little boy He ne'er would kick him more. ^jv'-.i^^^i, '^^'^i-'tfrfMiF- 'f- -"' Hit ' -T ■ r i ^hr ^-iftin "f ' - ' ' ^'I'lliifc'hUr^'KiiritiTr^WWi^ri^^jiiiilW'ri is ,'>8 He made his will that very day, lie died that very niglit ; The boy got all that he poHsessed No more need I indite. (Beortiif Via'- Nae youngster gets the honnio lass, Nae youngster gets the braw — Iler father's coax'd her o'er to wed Auld doited Geordio Ila'. i Auld Geordio came across the ford Ae night at gloamin fa' ; Her mother grat, her father swore, When tkey saw (ireordie Ha'. " What's this about ?" auld Geordie said, "What's this about ava?" They tald him that their wilfu bairn Would ne'er be ,Luckie Ha'. " That canna be," auld Geordie said " I gave ye hundreds twa — The bargain's made and in a week She shall be Luckie Ha'." " Guid faith ye're right, for Jock your son Has stown the g«tT^s awa ; He's ta'cn the lass to Lammerton And made her Luckie Ha'." \l ; ''■$ J ivvi'i Uirif ^ff^'M^ m 1 1 / * '^9., Ucf^ Auld (Jcordic then in wrath did say, *Mjrio back the hundnids twa; I wmh ihoy buith had broke tlu'ir nocka Afore thoy ran awa." Iler father Raid ** that eanna be, That cannji. be ava, When Jock did .steal the lass away, lie stole the gear and a'." Vs 1 i^ 9 i V >5 mi N^ n a; ^NTs^ asaeep ! mXttTfi ! tout) m foe mj? true Eobrr. I have no joy, no glint of gkdness, A heart of grief, a heart of sadness, Death from me my love did sever. She lonely sleeps by the Grand River. Weep ! weep ! with me for my true lover. She lov'd me well, no heartless loving ; Her youthful heart knew no deceiving ; Can I forget ? forgot her never, Though cold she lies by the Grand River. Weep ! weep ! with me for my true lover. How oft I've met her by the shallows, Where the stream glides 'neath the willows ; There oft' we've vow'd to love for ever, VowM youth's first vows by the Grand River Weep ! weep ! with me for my true lover '3 ^"^ ^ i i i r^ 60 Aft we've watch'd the moonbeams gleaming O'er the waters onward streaming ; Ah ! little thought me I would ever Weep o'er her grave by the Grand River Weep ! weep ! with me for my true lover. Full oft we've watch'd the fire-fly glimmer In the calm still nights of summer ; No rudo storms the trees would shiver, All, all was peace by the Grand River. Weep ! weep ! with me for my true lover. My life is now a life of mourning. No flow'rets fair my path adorning ; My only care it shall be ever To watch her grave by the Grand River. Weep ! weep ! with me for my true lover. Ct)ttt|) bap among tt)e %Xmi%. Toronto now is drown'd in woe, Her tears may well in anguish flow ; Her graceful gallant is brought low, For lack o' gear ; She scarce can overcome the blow, I mickle fear. Wha now will lead the citv fashion ? Wha now will be the observation f He was the ane that could gae dashin' Alang the street : There's no ane fit to fill his station, Or walk his beat. '■'-;-V|^--»-'^ . 1 61 There's nano can wear Ins rings and chain, Hifl ftilver-headed bamboo cane, His studa in dickey, without stain, Up to his ears : Our grief maun tliolc till anco again lie re-appears. He rul'd the roost in nionie ways ; The lasses sounded loud his praise, He set their hearts a' in a blaze, By day or night But now alas ! for thirty days He's out their sight. His ways and manners were sae takin', Wad sing them sangn o' his ain ma kin,' Their tender hearts would gang (tuak,, ouakin' To list his tones : Now G t's sent him to the breakin' 0' A 's stones. 'Twas grand indeed to hoar him sing , But see him at the Highland fling. His very toe to nose he'd bring, His fingers snap. Then round and round he . ^A play spring Wi' artful knack. The mothers smiled, the lat^scs sighed, They ane and a' hi^ ^orm envied ; Encore, encore ! they often cried, While his ain gender, Their very hearts within them died p With envious wonder. i * V , | , w ,ii . l ^i i u i I . I I I II I iji 1 1, u w m ill H i l ii J n' I I .«! > '. I f 62 But mark him driving forth his groys, His arms akimbo in the chaise, His scented meerschaum sheds a haze About his pow ; With quizzing glass how he can gaze, And beck and bow. The Police caught him on the street, Ae night o'erpower'd wi' drink and weet ; Wi' anxious word he did entreat That he might gae : They lock'd him up that he might meet G 1 next dav. •/ Before the court they did him take, He long'd for drink his thirst to slake, *' Sae as ye brew sae will ye bake," Kind G- i-. — t says, *' And if ye canna pay the stake, Tak thirty days." And there before the police chief. The dashing swell wi' pent up grief Tald how the drink play'd the mischief. By foul or fair, He swore if he would grant reprief, He'd drink nae mair. But G 1 started on the banter, He said it was a sad miscanter; Speer'd if his name was liab the Ranter, Wi' paukie bother, And when he last play'd up his chanter To Maggy Lauder. "fW^W" ^rwpav* 63 Wha can, like G 1, scan a case? He'll read your crimes juat in your face, Lay down the law wi' courtly grace And couthie manners, Syne send ye aif your nerves to brace, Wi' knapping hammers. ifftaclaurn mj) ItatJ. Gang awa to your blankets, Maclaurn my lad, Slip awa to your blankets, Maclaurn my lad, Dinna rage round the house as if yo were mad, Gang awa 'mang your blankets, Madaurn my lad. Though your jo has recanted and shown the white feather. Got buckled and booked and awa wi' another. Will your grievin' hae ony effect on the jad, Slip awa 'mang your blankets, Maclaurn my lad. Though aft yo hae gien her a routh o' sweet kisses, A fig about that, there's plenty mair lasses, Sae cock up your crest, and no look sae sad, Slip awa 'mang your blankets, Maclaurn my lad. If your tired o' your life, rin awa to the lake And drown yersel' there for the dear lady's sake, Then brawly ye'll drift 'mang the suckers and shad, — Better drift 'neath yere blankets, Maclaurn my lad. y l ■) ll l l » >lH ! » > wili | i |»i< i)| l MUmn- W Hi I m i>' I ■ ■ I ?-/ ^ ■ Y,- I I 64 Gin ye no like to drown, tak the rope frae the naig And hang yersel up by the heft o' the craig ; Then what will befa' yere mither and dad — , \ Better kick 'mang the blankets, Maclaurn my lad. They hae coax'd the Maclaurn awa to his bed — He dream't he was booked, and buckl'd, and wed, That his wife was the diel wi' a scorpion's tongue, Wha gae weight to her words wi, the rap o' a rung. He thought in his sleep he was changed to a wife, Had a hous fu' o' gets, and a hous fu' o' strife ; 'Mang his troubles he roars, wi' a grunt and a grane, **I wish I was ance mair a maiden again." " Sleep sound in yere blankets, Maclaurn my lad. Just sleep by yersel,' Maclaurn my lad ; Be content wi' yere lot, be thankfu' and glad, That nhe*8 still her nainsel, Maclaurn my lad." :1 W I Cije CatJles Curnetj. Ae wintry day the norland blast, Bicker'd fierce o'er hill and dale ; In our snug cot my wife and I — Sat supping our lang kail. Quo she, " The hand o' Providence, A routh o' gifts doth yield — There's many anc this day I trow Has neither meat nor bield." " -^ -?fr •^•^r ■~.*^ ■»*, . V, ™ 66 Wi* that she laid aside her spoon, And V«-tled up the fire; I drew mj bonnet o'er my lugs, Syne gade out to the byre. I keeked up the moorland road, A weary sight I saw, A Mother and twa little bairns. Were draggling through the snaw. I warsled up the trackless road, As fast as I could wend, Ae bairn she held upon her breast, The other by the hand. My wife soon changed their draggled claes, She made a broust o' tea. The mother spoke her heartfelt thanks, While tears fell frae her e'e. Her raven hair now mixed wi' grey, Flowed round a brow once fair. Her looks betold a tale o' grief, A weary load o' care. We made a bed a-but the house. They needed rest and sleep ; While 'bout her wark my ain guidwife — On tip-toe step did creep. About the wanderers much we thought. Yet little did we speak ; My wife would sigh while aft a tear, Would trickle down her cheek. I I -'S f r-^^mmrfntf r 66 When morning came I ventured out, The cocks forgot to craw, The drift birled frae the lift, aboon A wilderness of snaw. The kye I fothered, syne I gaed, Awa back to the house, About my wife the auldest bairn, Was rinning round fu' crouse. The little wee bit toddling thing, Was mair than earthly fair, Red rosy cheeks and snaw-white skin, Wi' locks o' gowden hair. The Mother sat beside the fire Wi' the youngest on her knee, It looked at me wi' doubtful looks, Syne laughed wi' pawkie glee. The mother speered about the storm. Somehow my heart was glad, When I replied wi' a kind smile — " She was fair storm-sted." Her waesome voice spak' words o' thanks, The auldest laddie ran, He took me by the hand and lisp'd — " I wish I was a man." Why do ye wish that ye were sae ? We a* did glower at him, When he replied " I'll hae a house To fend my mother in." .;-UuMu>..l.. Rf^wJI^^^^ ' f^HM ., 61 The Mother said, " if your father Still had been to the fore, We needna hae been forced to seek Our bread frae door to door." Her words bespoke a woman's heart, An independent pride ; I drew a stool unto the fire — And sat down by her side. I edged in twa-three cannie words, How we should ne'er repine, But look for comfort from on high. And aid through the Divine. Although wi' carking care our minds — Upon our sufferings brood, The trials dealt us in this life Are surely sent for good. My words, they seemed to hearten her, She looked less mournfully, She thus began to tell her tale Unto my wife and me. " My Father dwells beside the Tweed, Near by a woodland grove, My Mother died before I knew A Mother's tender love. " Thrice happy were my youthful years, No thought of care had I, I was my Father's boast and pride — ' The apple of his eye." * i 41 J I: J I 68 ,1 r i ft '\ ( ( .1 ;' * I " My Mother ! oft ho did recall Her image to my mind, Her Christian love, her ways and words, Her heart so pure and kind. " How oft we sat beside her grave While tears bedimmed mine eye, Methought I've often heard her voice In whispers from the sky. " Brothers' nor sisters' love had I, No one my faults to chide — Where'er my father went I would Be ever at his side. " My Father changed, no more he gaed Unto the lone churchyard. And me alas ! at length he grew Amaist to disregard. ** Sixteen summers then had fled Of my dull eerie life — One day I heard my Father soon Would wed another wife. ** Ere long she came, and with her'came Her darling only son ; Between the twa no peace had I, My troubles were begun. *' I had no kindly friend, to whom My sorrows to impart. My hours were hours of wretchedness— A living, vacant heart. jf' ■• I ..-«i "f jiCiift v .<.. ..-,■..,■, ,*i,. ,-,., ..^ — »...^„»,. 'TWfW^W^'ll'W'*'^^'*'''^' "T ' ' ' > 69 ** One day, beside the silvery Tweed, Beneath an aged aik, I sat and wept, methought my heart With agony would break. ** I fell asleep, I dreamt a dream — A fearful, sickening dream, And starting up, while in my sleep, I plunged into the stream. " One of my father's serving men Had heard my piercing scream — With hasty step he snatched me from The bosom of the stream." '* He laid me on the grassy bank. With fond and kindly care. He held my brow, and gently strok'd The water from my hair. " He watch'd me with a wistful eye, So gentle and so kind, The fearful death I had escaped Was banished from my mind." " He drew his arm around my neck, He clasped me to his breast. He spoke o' love, I in return My maiden love confess'd." " In secret oft, full oft we met, I knew another life. In secret I was won and wed, In secret made a wife." i ■ •<^4»iv.w i |yviiyjB ! 't Wt> g. ' MJi,^ii' ' i i i ir' V '' i» . ».. . — 70 *' This could not last, one night I did Upon my father wait, Confessed the truth— with bitter wrath lie turned us from his gate. *' We knew hut little of the world, With love our hopes were bound, We went, hia bitter words did fall Like water on the ground." " We journeyed to a distant town, My husband found employ : In midst of pure felicity, Came homo our eldest boy." *' An evil hour came round at length, My John was wiled away. To serve his country and his Queen, They would not let me gae." " Within one week my husband dear Was severed from my side, — He fell in battle, now I'm thrown Upon the world wide." "Again I'll seek my father's face," (The tears stood in her eye) " If he should spurn me from his door. I'll lay me down and die." My wife then look'd with scanning eyes The stranger's face upon, Quo she, " I'm sure your maiden name Is Mary Alison." v j!i\ 'M I li 71 " yes r^ she replied, n,^ „if, ,^^ Her p,pe ,igaimt the wa' ^ Sho ctopea her round the ^eek, Ones " surely this cowes a'. •• Nae higher than my knee,-. Gu^fauh, its true we dinna ken What we are born to «ee. " "Andwh«ti,„^i^ Ye were n>arried to our Joek, ' ■ '^''*""' -^ ^'""^Wy gien a knock. She gangs awa into the door, WhJe I did listening stand. She gjes a scrcam-afore r wist Jocfc grasps ,ne by the hand ! Ho looks around he sees his wife "ur senses were bereft, t>'«W I trow will ne'er again -«e known beneath tlie hft. When we h,d ,„^^ „^^^^ ^ Jock gae us a Jang sereed- «ow he upon the battle field , VVas taken up for dead. How they consigned him to his grave AH M a darksome pit— ^ ' He kent what they were gaun to do He roars, 'Trnji^i^^ I m I %■ .^•^'JlAac^li&lK: 72 They took him to the hospital — lie lay 'tween death and life, Health gain'd the day, and death at last Gae up his battle strife. He got discharged, he also got A pension frao the crown, Ho leapt for joy, for he thought The pot would now boil brown. At length his native land he reached, He sought his wife in vain, — He sought her east, he sought her west. In sunshine and in rain. He sought her at her father's ha.' With anxious boding dread, He found her father was no more For six weeks he'd been dead. <;« "Dead! dead," his wife with tears exclaim'd, Quo Jock, " and what is mair, ^ He's left ye houses land and gear, Ye're now his lawful heir." We stared at ilk wi' gaping mouths, Our senses were bereft i. Sic joy I trow will ne'er again ,^ . Be known beneath the lift. f '•"*'«*<«*■-».» m.^,,, ^ . p»ii i iwii |i^.|ip i< pi | i <^ip|tiw>wwi|i||f 73 ^f)c Ifron^ljar UattU, $'f' slaim'd, .5'.;-'' When summer show'rs begrcet the sky To flood the gentle rippling Dye, She rushes down m headlang pace As wave wi' wave ran at a race. Ae day sic like she down came dashin* Quoth I, "the morn I'm at the fishin','* I set to rights my rod and reel, My heckling hooks and fishing creel. The morn came fair by bank and brae, She toddled on her gentle way Her brulzie o'er she look'd like ano Humbly repenting o' a sin, Or like some cannie country wife Set clear o' some bit gossip strife. In twa-three hours I ply'd riae weel, As haflins fill'd my willow creel, When 'neath a cloud the sun kecked out, I couldna catch another trout : I set me down upon a stane, To watch gin he would hide again ; Frae out my flask I took a drink, Which brought my truant mind to think That I would shankit to " The Den," To see the king o' drunken men, To see gin Vulcan's ta'en to total. Or sicker stickin' to the bottle, (He was a youth o' chance begottin' % .4 mmmmm # 74 Ho kept the session k^^undays sitti^ ' For kith or kin ho ne'er had nane ; Sonic thought he eanie to earth his lane, To swear, your very heart wouhl harrow, ScekJYetholm town to fin y fi^ ""< «'>' S T 7d L led, Sonu'timoH he'd press upon him soir, Then hack wouhl flit ten pace c^r niair Then wliuflf he'd jilt to left or right, Win Rab a risle n' his miglit. The reek stoam'd aff fra(! VuIcan'M pow As if his carcase was alowc! — He fought as if a nation's war, Was centered in his iron bar ! But Murdy nielled ns Vulcan wlioel'd, And sair tlie claws o' Vulcan peeh'(l, Wi' this he lent him sic a lounder, Brought llohin down as flat's a flounder. 1 forward ran wi' headlong pace, Flung water into Murdy 's face — He oped his e'en, gat up his lane Rah Murdy soon cam' round again ! Sac soon's his e'en on Vulcan rested. He clenched his hands, shot out his brisket — " Ye tanker backit, Twinlaw cairn I'll feclit ye now without the airn, I'll fecht," roared he — by this the Laird Possession had of Vulcan's beard. The Laird cries out, '* to end this pliskie We'll hae anither gill o' whisky," Sae he to Vulcan gies a crown. Saying " get some drink ye ill far'd loon," Vulcan ran off, his every action, Bespoke a wholesale satisfaction. Meanwhile the Laird conversed wi' Murdy — " This day ye must not take the sturdy, i; -r^■■ *-.■■■ ■ b..4iMh ^♦'**wfcM''"'>i*y.M»-»l>^>iilti ' hl'ifiUtmtdklUItt^ iiyi>«^[^ii;^pM»|t«>i#ilil«iWy|f»»«|W i >l| ia >ii im It 76 I' 'i ■if :*■ ■• I ■-* i I' I End weel the ploy sae weel begun, We e'en will hae a routh o' fun, Be sure abide by my decidal. Right well ye'U straight up Vulcan's bridal.'* It was nae lang ere Vulcan landed, Wi' as much drink's a crown .-ommandcd. The Laird spake thus — " Ye men o'^mettle I'm no just pleased about this battle. Will ye stand fast, wi' nae mair clatter, To a bit play to end the matter — That he Avha wades the Iligfoot weil He shall be crown'd the bravest chiel, A guid fat sheep irysel' I'll gie, To him wha carries afl' the gree ; Vulcan wades first, then Murdy brave, Shall breast the elemental wave." To this the Warriors baith consented. They baith seem'd wel enough contented. We emptied ilka drinking team — Syne aflf we gade unto the stream ; We landed there 'mang dinsome clatter, And Vulcan soon took to the water, As Vulcan waded to the neck — The Laird began to bow and beck — To Murdy, wha seized Vulcan's chatties, Quick on a horse awa he brattles ! The Laird roars out *' o' wae o' waes ! Murdy's right aff wi' Vulcan's claes !" Then frae the water out sprang he, Wi' anger, he could barely see. ^ -vir^yi^.mx- '■■1 • :■! •3 77 The Laird roars out " why do ye stand Hae, there's a horse at your command, And ride as riding for a wager Like ony moor-stell-hunting ganger." It wasna lang, just in a crack — Vulcan sat steeve upon horseback, The horse did snort and blaw and book, It wasna used wi' bare legged folk. Straight up the haugh awa he sprang,\ The very birds forgot their sang, The corbies croaked ower his head — Nae doubt expecting soon a feed, The hares ran aff amang the hills, The rabbits flew into their holes ! He yell'd on Murdy, but in vain The hills re-echoed back the strain ! Murdy man, wi' a your caperin' Ye might hae dropt his- smithy apron ! The Laird fell down wi' glee exhausted ; 1 flung awa my gaud and basket. And after them awa did wend, To see how the affiiir would end. Fast, fast they ride,— guid-forsake-us They're straight awa to Lockermacus ! Rab's gain'd the brig, he's ower the water ; Fast through the ford did Vulcan splatter, Rab looks behind, wi' downright fright. He fain would vanish out 0' sight. Fast now did Vulcan on him rush. He at him made a fiendish dash, ■ . '-'"■' ^'■""'•^ t rr i r'iifti^'iit ii # i i i r i tr B ii i m .^iM4*.«J-lM »■• 70 There's Burns, poor fellow, king o' men, Could school the deil, e'en in his den, And man's frail heart, baith but and ben. Could praise or slight : But no ae word wad condescen*, 'Bout thee to write. How braw he painted jcutty-sark, Wi' Satan bodging o^ the ark ; Within a near hand gun shot mark, Tam n^ght wi' ease Hae thrown to him, -vVi' kind remark, A pipe o' peace. He might hae ta'en a puff or twa, His cantle he might gi'en a claw, Although his back be at the wa' Withou|t a joke, In the decreet might faund some flaw, To easej our yoke. He might, 'tween ilka hornpipe reel, Hae glamed the fussel and the steel, A clout he might hae; torn fu' weel, Aff Cutty's sark : Cats aye are grey to I touch or feel. When in the dark. When folk are dowff or screachin' glad, Or just like a March hare, run mad, Or lasses whingin' 'bout their lad That's promise broke. There's naething will the passions sad Like a guid smoke. ... i iii ii rw i il itr ii il ii i i ii i r i r l T iiit ii - i n i ttt t tm i HU i 80 1 f When friends gang Lc^me to their last sleep. When o'er your nerves the tremors creep, When bairns gie their first earthly cheep, Come wrong or right, Fast fill your pipe, and blaw the smeek Wi* a* your might. Although your heart be at your mouth ; Ambitions dreams frae early youth, Dashed frae your very lips forsooth, Midst granes and sighs ; While tears fa' fast wi' chokin* sough Frae baith your eyes. Tak my advice, ne'er taste the bicker, 'Twill only bring your downfa' quicker ; May ill befa' the cursed liquor; 'Tween you and me, It aft has tint me o' my supper, And last bawbee Gif I had only held to smokin' At mony a dance and mi 't-y yokin', Next morn I needna hae yeen chokin* To weet rAy whistle, But early at my wark been knockin*, Wi' eident bustle. King Jamie wrote anent the weed, He blasted it in thought and deed ; 'Bout other things he had mair need To watch and pray — The lasses feckly turned his head, I've e'en heard say. ' J-frf^t v ,^ ii ii n i iii p;ipwnM > M -, il 81 It's just the way o' this vile race, 'Gainst matters sma' they'll set their face ; Sma' sins bring blasts o' dire disgrace : Hook in high ,/iaces ; Oh ! then ye are the king, the ace, Ane o' the graces. It aft lias come across my noddle, Though ane should flitch a single bodle, Aff to the big house he maun toddle For lack o'clink, Ye've miss'd the mark o' being a model, Your name shall stink. Be a great man, do as you like. Though ye should rob the country's bike, Ye' re then a clever scheming tyke, Your name shall last : *< Rax down the tinder box and strike I'll hae a blast." Hech ! Raleigh man we greatly bless thee, I kenna weel how to address thee, Although Queen Bess did sair distress thee; I'm "UYC the weed Gae thee fell spunk, ere they could class thee Amang the dead. Ae thing T hate to see, bit bairns, I maist could blotter out their hairns, Wi' pipe in cheel^, wi' e'en like starns, Tli^y puff their best ; As the auld cocks craw, the young anes learn To oack their crest. uMMK^att^$H0tf^i^ill^Uii/fil^i^ AffiURt^^%li«iStii'#>i|jlNh*»tMav. >9fppii<W i»U^!^ W i «i'i l W I « < >^ i i) .. , -^VM..' -K,'?s^'»(»3jr!^.-"« tAf-'asiWS-' 'WI* < P W" ' f ipiPippiTPw>»*iiik-