O! why should old age so much wound us?[2] There is nothing in it all to confound us: For how happy now am I, With my old wife sitting by, And our bairns and our oys all around us; For how happy now am I, &c. II. We began in the warld wi' naething, And we 've jogg'd on, and toil'd for the ae thing; We made use of what we had, And our thankful hearts were glad, When we got the bit meat and the claithing; We made use of what we had, &c. III. We have lived all our lifetime contented, Since the day we became first acquainted: It 's true we 've been but poor, And we are so to this hour, But we never yet repined or lamented; It 's true we 've been but poor, &c. IV. When we had any stock, we ne'er vauntit, Nor did we hing our heads when we wantit; But we always gave a share Of the little we could spare, When it pleased a kind Heaven to grant it; But we always gave a share, &c. V. We never laid a scheme to be wealthy, By means that were cunning or stealthy; But we always had the bliss-- And what further could we wiss?-- To be pleased with ourselves, and be healthy; But we always had the bliss, &c. VI. What though we cannot boast of our guineas? We have plenty of Jockies and Jeanies; And these, I 'm certain, are More desirable by far Than a bag full of poor yellow steinies; And these, I am certain, are, &c. VII. We have seen many wonder and ferly, Of changes that almost are yearly, Among rich folks up and down, Both in country and in town, Who now live but scrimply and barely; Among rich folks up and down, &c. VIII. Then why should people brag of prosperity? A straiten'd life we see is no rarity; Indeed, we 've been in want, And our living 's been but scant, Yet we never were reduced to need charity; Indeed, we 've been in want, &c. IX. In this house we first came together, Where we 've long been a father and mither; And though not of stone and lime, It will last us all our time; And I hope we shall ne'er need anither; And though not of stone and lime, &c. X. And when we leave this poor habitation, We 'll depart with a good commendation; We 'll go hand in hand, I wiss, To a better house than this, To make room for the next generation; We 'll go hand in hand, I wiss, &c. Then why should old age so much wound us? &c. [2] This tune requires O to be added at the end of each of the long lines, but in reading the song the O is better omitted. STILL IN THE WRONG. I.