THE CLOCK AND THE DIAL .

A E day a Clock wad brag a Dial,
And put his qualities to trial;
Spake to him thus: " My neighbour, pray
" Can'st tell me what 's the time of day? "
The Dial said, " I dinna ken. " —
" Alake! what stand ye there for then? " —
" I wait here till the sun shines bright,
" For nought I ken but by his light. " —
" Wait on, " quoth Clock, " I scorn his help;
" Baith night and day my lane I skelp:
" Wind up my weights but anes a week,
" Without him I can gang and speak;
" Nor like an useless sumph I stand,
" But constantly wheel round my hand:
" Hark, hark! I strike just now the hour,
" And I am right — ane, twa, three, four. "

While thus the Clock was boasting loud,
The bleezing sun brak thro' a cloud:
The Dial, faithfu' to his guide,
Spake truth, and laid the thumper's pride:
" Ye see, " said he, " I 've dung you fair,
" 'Tis four hours and three quarters mair.
" My friend, " he added, " count again,
" And learn a wee to be less vain;
" Ne'er brag of constant clavering cant,
" And that you answers never want;
" For you 're not ay to be believ'd,
" Wha trust to you may be deceiv'd.
" Be counsell'd to behave like me;
" For when I dinna clearly see,
" I always own I dinna ken,
" And that 's the way of wisest men. "