_Glaud._ Then, since my master orders, I obey. This Bonny Fundling, ae clear morn of May, Close by the lee-side of my door I found, All sweet and clean, and carefully hapt round, In infant-weeds of rich and gentle make. What cou'd they be, thought I, did thee forsake? Wha, warse than brutes, cou'd leave expos'd to air Sae much of innocence sae sweetly fair, Sae helpless young? for she appear'd to me Only about twa towmands auld to be. I took her in my arms, the bairnie smil'd With sic a look wad made a savage mild. I hid the story: She has pass'd sincesyne As a poor orphan, and a niece of mine. Nor do I rue my care about the we'an, For she's well worth the pains that I have tane. Ye see she's bonny, I can swear she's good, And am right sure she's come of gentle blood: Of whom I kenna.--Nathing ken I mair, Than what I to your Honour now declare. _Sir Will._ This tale seems strange!---- _Pat._ ----The tale delights my ear: _Sir Will._ Command your joys, young man, till truth appear. _Mause._ That be my task.--Now, Sir, bid all be hush: Peggy may smile;--thou hast nae cause to blush. Long have I wish'd to see this happy day, That I might safely to the truth give way; That I may now Sir William Worthy name, The best and nearest friend that she can claim: He saw't at first, and with quick eye did trace His sister's beauty in her daughter's face. _Sir Will._ Old woman, do not rave,--prove what you say; 'Tis dangerous in affairs like this to play. _Pat._ What reason, Sir, can an old woman have To tell a lie, when she's sae near her grave? But how, or why, it should be truth, I grant, I every thing looks like a reason want. _Omnes._ The story's odd! we wish we heard it out. _Sir Will._ Mak haste, good woman, and resolve each doubt. [_Mause goes forward, leading Peggy to Sir William._] _Mause._ Sir, view me well: Has fifteen years so plow'd A wrinkled face that you have often view'd, That here I as an unknown stranger stand, } Who nurs'd her mother that now holds my hand? } Yet stronger proofs I'll give, if you demand. } _Sir Will._ Ha! honest nurse, where were my eyes before? I know thy faithfulness, and need no more: Yet, from the lab'rinth to lead out my mind, Say, to expose her who was so unkind? [_Sir William embraces Peggy, and makes her sit by him._] Yes, surely thou'rt my niece; truth must prevail: But no more words, till Mause relate her tale. _Pat._ Good nurse, go on; nae musick's haff sae fine, Or can give pleasure like these words of thine.