Scotland/Scots > Wilson's tales of the Borders and of Scotland > Volume 3

95
BATTLING, ROARING WILLIE.
been bestowed upon the real one—with this exception,
that he was plied with fully more liquor than it would
have been altogether becoming to have pressed upon an
anointed sovereign. In this, however, Willie himself saw
nothing derogatory, and therefore continued to swallow all
that was offered him, till he got, as was usual to him in
such cases, into most exuberant spirits, when he began to
entertain the company with some of his choicest songs and
stories, and with the usual effect of “ setting the table in a
roar.” Willie was, in short, in a fair way of becoming, if
not king of Scotland, at least king of the company; and
had attained about mid career in his bright track of jolli¬
fication, when a messenger entered, and informed the
master of the house that a person desired to see him on
business of importance. The laird, instantly obeying the
summons, withdrew. In a few minutes, however, he re¬
turned ; and, with an air of surprise and perplexity, said,
addressing the company, but more particularly Willie—
“ Gentlemen, here is a very strange matter. Here has a
person arrived at my house, who insists on it that he is the
king, and demands admittance.”
“ Admittance!” roared out Willie, evidently a good deal
discomposed by the communication—“ on no account admit
him, laird. Tie the impostor neck and heel, and throw him
into the nearest burn! Pack him off instantly.”
“Nay, nay, sir,” replied the laird; “I think we had
better admit him, and leave it to you and him to decide
which of you has the best claim to the dignity.” And
before Willie could make any farther objection, James him¬
self was ushered into the apartment.
On his entrance—
“ Where,” he exclaimed, with a fierce frown—“ where
is the impudent varlet that has been imposing on the
credulity of my subjects, by assuming my incognito? Art