`` It 's true , '' said I. `` I 'm by with it . O , let me get into the bield of a house -- I 'll can die there easier . '' I had no need to pretend ; whether I chose or not , I spoke in a weeping voice that would have melted a heart of stone . `` Can ye walk ? '' asked Alan . `` No , '' said I , `` not without help . This last hour my legs have been fainting under me ; I 've a stitch in my side like a red-hot iron ; I cannae breathe right . If I die , ye 'll can forgive me , Alan ? In my heart , I liked ye fine -- even when I was the angriest . '' `` Wheesht , wheesht ! '' cried Alan . `` Dinna say that ! David man , ye ken -- '' He shut his mouth upon a sob . `` Let me get my arm about ye , '' he continued ; `` that 's the way ! Now lean upon me hard . Gude kens where there 's a house ! We 're in Balwhidder , too ; there should be no want of houses , no , nor friends ' houses here . Do ye gang easier so , Davie ? '' `` Ay , '' said I , `` I can be doing this way ; '' and I pressed his arm with my hand . Again he came near sobbing .
`` Davie , '' said he , `` I 'm no a XXXXX man at all ; I have neither sense nor kindness ; I could nae remember ye were just a bairn , I couldnae see ye were dying on your feet ; Davie , ye 'll have to try and forgive me . ''
Alan Ay Balwhidder David Davie Dinna Wheesht bield kens right