_Mause._ Then, it was I that sav'd her infant-life, Her death being threatned by an uncle's wife. The story's lang; but I the secret knew, How they pursu'd, with avaritious view, Her rich estate, of which they're now possest: All this to me a confident confest. I heard with horror, and with trembling dread, They'd smoor the sakeless orphan in her bed! That very night, when all were sunk in rest, At midnight hour, the floor I saftly prest, And staw the sleeping innocent away; With whom I travel'd some few miles ere day: All day I hid me,--when the day was done, I kept my journey, lighted by the moon, Till eastward fifty miles I reach'd these plains, Where needful plenty glads your chearful swains; Afraid of being found out, I to secure My Charge, e'en laid her at this shepherd's door, And took a neighbouring cottage here, that I, Whate'er should happen to her, might be by. Here honest Glaud himsell, and Symon may Remember well, how I that very day Frae Roger's father took my little crove. _Glaud._ [_with tears of joy happing down his beard._] I well remember't. Lord reward your love: Lang have I wish'd for this; for aft I thought, Sic knowledge sometime should about be brought. _Pat._ 'Tis now a crime to doubt,--my joys are full, With due obedience to my parent's will. Sir, with paternal love survey her charms, And blame me not for rushing to her arms. She's mine by vows; and would, tho' still unknown, Have been my wife, when I my vows durst own. _Sir Will._ My niece! my daughter! welcome to my care, Sweet image of thy mother good and fair, Equal with Patrick: Now my greatest aim Shall be, to aid your joys, and well match'd flame. My boy, receive her from your father's hand, With as good will as either would demand. [_Patie and Peggy embrace, and kneel to Sir William._] _Pat._ With as much joy this blessing I receive, As ane wad life, that's sinking in a wave. _Sir Will._ [_raises them._] I give you both my blessing: may your love Produce a happy race, and still improve. _Peg._ My wishes are compleat,--my joys arise, While I'm haff dizzy with the blest surprise. And am I then a match for my ain lad, That for me so much generous kindness had? Lang may Sir William bless these happy plains, Happy while Heaven grant he on them remains. _Pat._ Be lang our guardian, still our Master be; } We'll only crave what you shall please to gi'e: } The estate be your's, my Peggy's ane to me. } _Glaud._ I hope your Honour now will take amends Of them that sought her life for wicked ends. _Sir Will._ The base unnatural villain soon shall know, That eyes above watch the affairs below. I'll strip him soon of all to her pertains, And make him reimburse his ill got gains.