But the minstrel declined this invitation also.

He was engaged for the night, he said, to a dance in the neighbourhood, and vented a round execration on the laziness or drunkenness of his comrade, who had not appeared at the place of rendezvous.
'I will go with you instead of him,' said I, in a sudden whim; 'and I will give you a crown to introduce me as your comrade.' 'YOU gang instead of Rob the Rambler! My certie, freend, ye are no blate!' answered Wandering Willie, in a tone which announced death to my frolic.
But Maggie, whom the offer of the crown had not escaped, began to open on that scent with a maundering sort of lecture.

'Oh Willie! hinny Willie, whan will ye learn to be wise?
There's a crown to be win for naething but saying ae man's name instead of anither.

And, wae's me! I hae just a shilling of this gentleman's gieing, and a boddle of my ain; and ye wunna, bend your will sae muckle as to take up the siller that's flung at your feet! Ye will die the death of a cadger's powney, in a wreath of drift! and what can I do better than lie doun and die wi' you?
for ye winna let me win siller to keep either you or mysell leevin.' 'Haud your nonsense tongue, woman,' said Willie, but less absolutely than before.

'Is he a real gentleman, or ane of the player-men ?' 'I'se uphaud him a real gentleman,' said the woman.
'I'se uphaud ye ken little of the matter,' said Willie; 'let us see haud of your hand, neebor, gin ye like.
I gave him my hand.