The works of Allan Ramsay edited by Burns Martin ... and John W. Oliver [... and Alexander M. Kinghorn ... and Alexander Law] |
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The Chamaeleon.
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 | The works of Allan Ramsay |  |
47
The Chamaeleon.
Twa Travellers, as they were wa'king,'Bout the Chamaeleon fell a ta'king,
(Sic think it shaws them mettl'd Men,
To say I've seen, and ought to ken;)
Says ane, 'Tis a strange Beast indeed,
Four-footed, with a Fish's Head;
A little Bowk, with a lang Tail,
And moves far slawer than a Snail;
Of Colour like a Blawart blue;—
Reply'd his Nibour, That's no true;
For well I wat his Colour's Green,
If ane may true his ain twa Een;
For I in Sun-shine saw him fair,
When he was dining on the Air.—
Excuse me, says the ither Blade,
I saw him better in the Shade,
And he is Blue.—He's Green I'm sure.—
Ye lied.—And ye're the Son of a Whore.—
Frae Words there had been Cuff and Kick,
Had not a Third come in the Nick,
Wha tenting them in this rough Mood,
Cry'd, Gentlemen, what! are ye wood?
What's ye'r Quarrel, and't may be speer't?
Truth, says the tane, Sir, ye shall hear't:
The Chamaeleon, I say, he's Blue;
He threaps he's Green.—Now, what say you?
Ne'er fash ye'r sells about the Matter,
Says the sagacious Arbitrator,
He's Black.—Sae nane of you are right,
I view'd him well with Candle-light;
And have it in my Pocket here,
Row'd in my Napkin hale and feer.
Fy! said ae Cangler, What d'ye mean?
I'll lay my Lugs on't, that he's Green.
48
I'd swear he's Blue with my last Breath.
He's Black, the Judge maintain'd ay stout;
And to convince them, whop'd him out:
But to Surprise of ane and a',
The Animal was White as Snaw,
And thus reprov'd them, “Shallow Boys,
“Away, away, make nae mair Noise;
“Ye're a' three wrang, and a' three right,
“But learn to own your Nibours Sight
“As good as yours.—Your Judgment speak,
“But never be sae daftly weak
“T'imagine ithers will by Force
“Submit their Sentiments to yours;
“As things in various Lights ye see,
“They'll ilka ane resemble me.”
| The works of Allan Ramsay | |