'Twad be owre lang a tale to tell
How mony stories past,
An' how they crowded to the yill, [ale]
When they were a' dismist;
How drink gaed round, in cogs an' caups, [wooden drinking vessels]
Amang the furms and benches;
An' cheese an' bread, frae women's laps,
Was dealt about in lunches, [full portions]
An' dawds that day. [lumps]
In comes a gawsie, gash guidwife, [jolly, sensible]
An' sits down by the fire,
Syne draws her kebbuck an' her knife; [Then, cheese]
The lasses they are shyer.
The auld guidmen, about the grace,
Frae side to side they bother,
Till some are by his bonnet lays,
An' gi'es them't like a tether, [rope]
Fu' lang that day.
Waesucks! for him that gets nae lass, [Alas!]
Or lasses that hae naething!
Sma' need has he to say a grace,
Or melvie his braw claithing! [make dusty]
O wives, be mindful, ance yoursel
How bonnie lads ye wanted,
An' dinna for a kebbuck-heel
Let lasses be affronted
On sic a day! [such]
Now Clinkumbell, wi' rattlin' tow, [Bell-ringer, rope]
Begins to jow an' croon; [swing, toll]
Some swagger hame the best they dow, [can]
Some wait the afternoon.
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