with critical observations and biographical notices, by Robert Burns

94
sprightly J and forcibly expressive.— Maggie's tongue
wags out the nicknames of Rob the Piper with all
the careless lightsomeness of unrestrained gaiety.
Wha wad na be in love
Wi' bonny Maggie Lauder ?
A piper met her gaun to Fife,
And speir'd what was't they ca'd her ;
Right scornfully she answered him.
Begone, you hallanshaker !*
Jog on your gate, you bladderskate,f
My name is Maggie Lauder.
Maggie, quo' he, and by my bags,
I'm fidgin' fain to see thee ;
Sit down by me, my bonny bird,
In troth I winna steer thee :
* Hallanshaker is what the old people call a rambling mischiev-
ous fellow; one who sods up the burns, ties the doors, and
works other pranks of innocent merriment. The hallan is a
bundle composed of the longest broom, entwisted with willows,
placed moveable to ward the wind from the door. The partition
which divided the spence from the hall was frequently named a
" Hallan," being formed of similar materials.
t Bladderskate. This ought to be blether-skyte. *' Ye blether-
ing lowne"— " Ye vile skyte," are terms of familiar reproach still
in use, and are innocently applied to those satiric rogues who
have