As they begood to think o’ bed,

An opportunity I grippit,

Borrow’t, no askin’, some ane’s plaid,

An’ furth into the rain I slippit.

An’ though the gate I hardly kent,

I’ trustfu’ love’s instinct confidin’,

I, darklin’, stayvelt owre the bent,

An’ fan’ the cot, but ither guidin’.

An’ nearin’ that wee hoose at last,

O’ monie a fletherin’ wordie thinkin’,