But ere the key-stane she could make,
The fient[[176]] a tale she had to shake,
For Nannie, far before the rest,
Hard upon noble Maggie pressed,
And flew at Tam wi' furious ettle;[[177]]
But little wist she Maggie's mettle—
Ae spring brought aff her master hale,[[178]]
But left behind her ain gray tail;
The carlin[[179]] claught[[180]] her by the rump,
And left poor Maggie scarce a stump.