[A composite volume : containing The ballads and songs of Ayrshire ...

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THE AUIiD FLECKIT CO'V.
then belonged, was remarkable for his daring,
being often singly opposed
to a large body of Emeralders. Gradually ascending the rising ground,
in the rear of the kirk, with his face to the foe, he wielded his stick with
such dexterity that the brae soon became covered with disabled opponents,
whom he struck down one by one as they approached. He frequently
fought their best men in pitched battles, and as often and successfully
headed the Scots against the Irish in a melee. Several individuals are still
alive who took an active and distinguished part in these affrays. C
and the " Fighting T s" were much celebrated. One of the latter,
now we believe in America—when most people, save the bands of Irishmen
who remained for the purpose of attacking such obnoxious Scotsmen
as himself, had left the fair—has been known, more than once, to break
in amongst them on horseback, and canter away, after laying twenty or
thirty on the sward, without sustaining the slightest injury. Such tantalizing
displays of coolness were chiefly undertaken,
as he facetiously remarked,
to provoke the Patlanders, and keep their temper in play till next
meeting. Such scenes are characteristic of the past, not of the present.
The "glory" of Kirkdamdie, like that of Donnybrook, has happily departed.
In place of thirty or forty tents, four or five are now sufficient
and almost no business whatever is transacted. It is apparently maintained
more from respect to use and wont, than from any conviction of its
utility. History of Ayrshire.
The author of " Kirkdamdie Fair" is not known.
Feae the well we get water, frae the heugh we get feul,
Frae the rigs we get barley, frae the sheep we get woo',
I
Frae the bee we get hinney, an' eggs frae the chuckie,
5 An' plenty o' milk frae our auld flecket cow.
\ An' O, my dear lassie, be guid to auld fleckie,
\ Wi' the best o' hay-fodder, and rips frae the mow,
100