Peggy monologue — The Gentle Shepherd: A Pastoral Comedy

Nae mair of that;--Dear Jenny, to be free, There's some men constanter in love than we: Nor is the ferly great, when nature kind Has blest them with solidity of mind. They'll reason calmly, and with kindness smile, When our short passions wad our peace beguile. Sae, whensoe'er they slight their maiks at hame, 'Tis ten to ane the wives are maist to blame. Then I'll employ with pleasure a' my art, To keep him chearfu', and secure his heart. At even, when he comes weary frae the hill, I'll have a' things made ready to his will. In winter, when he toils thro' wind and rain, A bleezing ingle, and a clean hearth-stane. And soon as he flings by his plaid and staff, The seething pot's be ready to take aff. Clean hagabag I'll spread upon his board, And serve him with the best we can afford. Good-humour and white bigonets shall be Guards to my face, to keep his love for me.