Sir W.—I pledge ye, neibour, e'en but little way.
Symon.—Ye're welcome here to stay a' night wi' me.
And tak sic bed and board as we can gie.
Sir W.—That's kind unsought.—Weel gin[40] ye hae a bairn.
That ye like weel, an wad his fortune learn,
I shall employ the farthest o' my skill,
To spae it faithfully, be't good or ill.
Symon (pointing to Patie).—Only that lad: alake! I hae nae mae
Either to mak me joyfu' now or wae.
Sir W.—Young man, let's see your hand; what gars[41] ye sneer?
Patie.—Because your skill's but little worth, I fear.
Sir W.—Ye cut before the point: but, Billy, bide,
I'll wager there's a mouse-mark on your side.
This being the case, all are astonished at the old man's knowledge, who goes on to predict that Patie, one of these days, will be a rich laird.
Elspa.—Hear, ye gudeman, what think ye now?
Symon.—I dinna ken! Strange auld man, what art thou?
Fair fa[42] your heart, it's guid to bode o' wealth
Come, turn the timmer to laird Patie's health.