the

And spread its scaly store,

With trembling hands and pleading words She told them o'er and o'er.

But lightly laugh'd the young guidwife,
"We're no sae scarce o' cheer;
Tak up your creel, and gang your ways,-
I'll buy nae fish sae dear."

Bending beneath her load again,

A weary sight to see;

Right sorely sigh'd the poor fish-wife, "They're dear fish to me!