A collection of ancient and modern Scottish ballads, etc

39t
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The farmer now comes ben the house^
Whilk o' then- gabbin makes a truce,
'The lads and lasses a' grow douse^
And spare their din ;
For true's tlie tale, " Well kens the mouse
When pussie's in !'*
And syne he does his orders gi'e.
And says, " Ye'll busy need to be.
The fallowing yon field, I see,
Taks unco force
But gae awa' e'en now," quo' he,
" And meat the horse."
While I descrive this happy spot,
The supper mauna be forgot :
—
Now lasses round the ingle trot
To mak the brose.
And swankies they link aff the pot.
To hain their joes.
The dishes set on unspread table.
To answer nature's wants are able.
Round caps and plates the cutties sable
Are flung ding dang
The lads and lasses to enable
Their wames to pang.
They a' thrang round tiie lang board now^,
Whare there is meat for ilka mou'
Hire-men their hats and bonnets pu'
Upo' their face.
But gentle foiiks think shame to bow.
Or say a grace.
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