This page has been validated.
23
There was a sage call'd Albumazor,Whase wit was gleg as ony razor:Frae this great man we learn'd the skillTo bring these gentry to our will;And they appear, when we've a mind,In ony shape of human kind:Now, if you'll drap your foolish fear,I'll gar my Pacolet appear.'
Hab fidg'd and' leugh, his elbuck clew,Baith fear'd and fond a sp'rit to view:At last his courage wan the day,He to the scholar's will give way.
Bessy by this began to smellA rat, but kept her mind to'r sell:She pray'd like howdy in her drink,But mean time tipt young James a wink.James frae his e'e an answer sent,Which made the wife right weel content:Then turn'd to Hab, and thus advis'd:'Whate'er you see be nought surpris'd,But for your saul move not your tongue;And ready stand with a great rung:Syne as the sp'rit gangs marching out,Be sure to lend him a found rout:I bidna this by way of mocking,For nought delytes him mair than knocking.'
Hab got a kent—stood by the hallan,And straight the wild mischievous callanCries, "Radamanthus Husky Mingo,Monk, Horner, Hippock, Jinko Jingo,Appear in likeness of a priest;No like a deel, in shape of beast,With gaping chasts to fleg us a'ːWauk forth, the door stands to the wa'.'
Then frae the hole where he was pent,The priest approach'd right weel content;With silent pace strade o'er the floor,
