And aye the ale was growing better;

The landlady and Tam grew gracious,

Wi' favours secret, sweet, and precious;

The souter tauld his queerest stories;

The landlord's laugh was ready chorus;

The storm without might rair and rustle, roar

Tam did na mind the storm a whistle.

Care, mad to see a man sae happy,

E'en drown'd himsel amang the nappy.