The works of Alexander Pennecuik of New-Hall, M.D.; containing the description of Tweeddale, and miscellaneous poems. A new edition, with copious notes, forming a complete history of the county to the present time. To which are prefixed, memoirs of Dr Pennecuik, and a map of the shire of Peebles, or Tweeddale |
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| THE MOCK MARRIAGE OF CANTSWALS. |
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 | The works of Alexander Pennecuik |  |
350
THE MOCK MARRIAGE OF CANTSWALS.
James Forsyth, Gardner, having got Meggie Stothart with bairn, in Lintoun parish, they make an appointment to marry at Newland Kirk, and the neighbouring gentry being convened, the bride in the church, dinner all in readiness, they are interrupted by the minister of Lintoun, Mr Hay.
Fy, Mr William, fy for shame,Eternally thou'lt bear the blame,
I'm sure thy looks more love discovers,
Than thus to part two longing lovers,
For Meggie came right brisk and blythe,
To join her gear with James Forsyth.
Two limbs she had without compare,
But what they bore was far more fair;
A comely body and a face,
Would make a Dominie stick the grace.
The gardner, like an active blade,
Lent her a trial of his spade;
Which made the couple sweetly 'gree,
That James should labour Meggie's lea;
He fell to work like a brisk fellow,
And soon made Meggie's garden mellow.
“Dear James,” quoth she, “the flesh is frail,
I ken you now both tap and tail:
So, if you love me, do not tarry,
But hasten to the kirk and marry:
The day's but short, the pleasure sweet,
Let's say the grace and fall to meat;
This sinful course must be forsaken,
For many a graceless meal we've taken;
So, dearest, lest fresh warm temptation,
Make us relapse in fornication,
Invite your friends, put all in order,
Get Peter's Pass , then cross my border.”
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That lovely pair were countermined,
The meat was dressed, nothing neglected,
Blaw-wrang, the piper, was expected;
All things were ordered as was fitting,
The bride into the kirk was sitting,
The neighbour gentry were well met,
And at a covered table set;
When suddenly there raise a fray,
By Mar-the-Marriage, Mr Hay,
Who did oppose the match with vigour,
Beyond all Presbyterian rigour.
“Fy, brother,” says he, “you'll be blam'd,
To marry folk not thrice proclaim'd,
And it does not become your station,
To meddle with my congregation:
My hand, dear Bride, ere ye do that,
Must be at your testificate.”
If thus kind James and I should part;
And, ah! for sorrow, shame, and lack,
To come from church unmarried back:
Yet faith this night, if I have life,
I'll fare as well as your young wife,
And call to mind, if this must be,
Who us denied the remedy;
I'll ask an instrument upon it,
So James take leave, and lift your bonnet.
This clos'd our trist, all was miscarried,
And bonny Maggy's still unmarried.
| The works of Alexander Pennecuik | |