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The Collected Writings of Dougal Graham, "Skellat" Bellman of Glasgow, Vol. 2 of 2 cover

The Collected Writings of Dougal Graham, "Skellat" Bellman of Glasgow, Vol. 2 of 2

Chapter 28: THE COMICAL AND WITTY JOKES OF JOHN FALKIRK.
By Dougal Graham
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About This Book

A volume gathers short chapbook tales, songs, ballads, and comic sketches rendered in Scots vernacular that depict courtships, domestic quarrels, funerals, practical jokes, and mock-sermons. Its pieces alternate dialogue-driven episodes and lyrical or satirical interludes, showcasing local customs, superstitions, gossip, and the foibles of everyday folk. Interspersed are parodic catechisms, epitaphs, and humorous wills, with a glossary to aid readers; the tone ranges from bawdy humour to affectionate caricature of small‑town life.

THE COMICAL AND WITTY JOKES OF JOHN FALKIRK.

[The text here used is from an edition bearing the following matter on the title-page:—‘The Comical and Witty Jokes of John Falkirk the merry Piper; When in Courtship to an old Fiddler’s Widow, who wanted all the Teeth. With a Copy of the Love-Letter he sent her, who is commonly called F—ting Betty.

Here’s a Piper on a merry pin,
Selling his words instead of win,
In courtship with an old fiddler’s jigg,
As weather beaten as his wigg;
Swears by his chanter he can win her bread,
Though never a tooth be in her head.

Edinburgh: Printed in the Year 1777.’ It has been collated with an undated edition published by Morren of Edinburgh. On the title of this latter edition the widow is called ‘Flinging Betty.’ The 1777 edition is an 8 pp. 12mo., containing only the ‘Jokes’; but in Morren’s Edition the ‘Jokes’ follow the ‘Cariches.’ The two were generally printed separately, although they are occasionally to be seen together.]