He pleads with the Session for at least a limited licence.
‘... I humbly pray
Our lads may be allowed to play,
At least till new-house debts be paid off,
The cause that I’m the maist afraid of;
Which lade lies on my single back,
And I maun pay it ilka plack.’
1736.
Else let the legislature relieve him of the burden of his house,
‘By ordering frae the public fund