Thou would be found deep drowned in Doon,

Or catch'd wi' warlocks in the mirk,

By Alloway's auld haunted kirk.

Ah, gentle dames! it gars me greet,[[164]]

To think how monie counsels sweet,

How monie lengthened, sage advices

The husband frae the wife despises! . .

Nae man can tether time or tide;

The hour approaches Tam maun[[165]] ride;

That hour, o' night's black arch the key-stane,