Scottish Text Society publications > Old series > Poems of Alexander Montgomerie

THE CHERRIE AND THE SLAE.
93
43-
Quoth Danger, “ since I understand
That counsall can be no command,
I have no more to say ;
Except, if that you thinke1 it good,
Take counsel yet, ere ye conclude,
Of wiser men then2 they:
They are but rackles, young and rash,
Suppose they thinke us fleit:
If of our fellowship ye fash,
Goe with them hardly beit.
God speed you, they lead you,
Who have 3 not meekle wit;
Expel us, yeeil tell us,
Heereafter comes not yet.”4
44-
While Danger and Despare retir’de,
Experience came in, and spear’de
What all the matter meande ;
With him came Reason, Wit, and Skill.
Then they began to aske5 at Will,
“ WTiere make you to, my friend ? ”
“ To pluck yon lustie Cherrie, loe ! ”
Quoth he, “ and quyte the slae.”
Quoth they, “ is there no more adoe,
Ere yee win up the brae,
But doe it, and to it,6
Perforce your 7 fruite to pluck ?
Well, brother, some other
Were better to conduct.
1 E.W.2 he thocht. 2 E.W.2 nor. 3 E.W.2 That hes.
5 E.W.2 speir. 8 E.W.2 Bot to it, and do it.
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4 Cf. p. 42.
7 E.W.2 the.