That e'er he nearer comes oursel

'S a muckle pity. great

The clachan yill had made me canty, village age, cheerful

I wasna fou, but just had plenty; full

I stacher'd whyles, but yet took tent aye staggered, heed

To free the ditches; clear

An' hillocks, stanes, an' bushes kent aye

Frae ghaists an' witches.

The rising moon began to glowre stare