A collection of ancient and modern Scottish ballads, etc

346
THE MONK AND MILLER^S WIFE.
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[Notwithstanding tliat this tale of Ramsay's is a copy of
the preceding admirable poem, yet the execution is skill-
fully managed, and the spirit of the original kept up
throughout. As a sure test of its merit, it ranks high
among the popular tales of our language.]
r^ow lend your lugs, ye benders. fine,
Wha ken the benefit of wine
And you wha laughing, scud brown ale.
Leave jinks a w^ee, and hear a tale.
An honest miller won'd in Fife,
That had a young and wanton wife,
Wha sometimes thoi'd the parish-priest
To mak her man a twa-horn'd beast
He paid right mony visits till her
And to keep in with Hab the miller.
He endeavour'd aft to mak him happy.
Where'er he kend the ale v/as nappy.
Such condescension in a pastor,
Knit Halbert's love to him the faster ;
And by his converse, troth 'tis true,
Hab learn'd to preach when he was fou.
Thus all the three were wonder pleas'd.
The wife well serv'd, the man well eas'd.
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