Part 2 (2/2)

To hide what he would not have her see-- ”You are worth the whole world, Nan,” said he.

”Then you're no beggar,” said sweet, bold Nan, ”You're the whole world richer than any man.”

A girl queen wearing a crown of gold Set a precedent, the tale is told,

But no royal prince this world has seen Ever felt so proud as John, I ween,

As he clasped her hands in new-born hope-- And never noticed they smelt of soap.

Only the sunflowers looking on, So he kissed the maid--oh, foolish John!

As he went out through the garden gate Ned Brown was coming to learn his fate.

He was riding John's own chestnut mare, But, somehow, John didn't seem to care.

The two men met at top of the hill, And eyed each other as rivals will.

Ned thought of the home he'd won from John, ”Poor beggar!” he said, as he rode on.

John thought of all he had won from Ned, ”You poor, poor beggar!” was what he said.

Why? Under the heavens clear and blue Only our John and the sunflowers knew.

THE WOOING O' KATIE.

McLeod of Dare called his son to him.

McLeod of Dare looked stern and grim,

For he was sending on mission grave His son, and though he knew him brave

The old man trembled lest he should make In heedless youth a grave mistake.

'Twas not for the country, nor for the king, Nay, 'twas a more important thing

Than country, or clan, or feud, or strife, The young man went to woo a wife.

He listened, did Neil, with scanty grace, Haughty gloom on his handsome face,

While the old man told him where to go, And what to say, and what to do.

”The morrow ye'll go for a lang, lang stay Wi' your rich uncle, Donald Gray.

”He'll gie ye a welcome wairm and true, And mate his only child wi' you.

”She's weel worth winning, for in her hand She hauds the deed o' a' his land.

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