It spak right howe: ‘My name is Death, hollow

But be na fley'd.’—Quoth I, ‘Guid faith, frightened

Ye're maybe come to stap my breath;

But tent me, billie: heed, fellow

I red ye weel, tak care o' skaith, advise, harm

See, there's a gully!’ big knife

‘Gudeman,’ quo' he, ‘put up your whittle, knife

I'm no design'd to try its mettle;

But if I did—I wad be kittle ticklish

To be mislear'd—if mischievous