Robert Burns (1759–1796). Poems and Songs.
The Harvard Classics. 1909–14.

439 . Song—My Spouse Nancy

“HUSBAND, husband, cease your strife,

Nor longer idly rave, Sir;

Tho’ I am your wedded wife

Yet I am not your slave, Sir.”

“One of two must still obey,

Nancy, Nancy;

Is it Man or Woman, say,

My spouse Nancy?’

“If ’tis still the lordly word,

Service and obedience;

I’ll desert my sov’reign lord,

And so, good bye, allegiance!”

“Sad shall I be, so bereft,

Nancy, Nancy;

Yet I’ll try to make a shift,

My spouse Nancy.”

“My poor heart, then break it must,

My last hour I am near it:

When you lay me in the dust,

Think how you will bear it.”

“I will hope and trust in Heaven,

Nancy, Nancy;

Strength to bear it will be given,

My spouse Nancy.”

“Well, Sir, from the silent dead,

Still I’ll try to daunt you;

Ever round your midnight bed

Horrid sprites shall haunt you!”

“I’ll wed another like my dear

Nancy, Nancy;

Then all hell will fly for fear,

My spouse Nancy.”