Robert Burns (1759–1796). Poems and Songs.
The Harvard Classics. 1909–14. |
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| 439. Song—My Spouse Nancy |
| | | | | Tune—“My Jo Janet.” |
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| “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, | 5 |
| Nancy, Nancy; | |
| Is it Man or Woman, say, | |
| My spouse Nancy?’ | |
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| “If ’tis still the lordly word, | |
| Service and obedience; | 10 |
| 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, | 15 |
| My spouse Nancy.” | |
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| “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.” | 20 |
| “I will hope and trust in Heaven, | |
| Nancy, Nancy; | |
| Strength to bear it will be given, | |
| My spouse Nancy.” | |
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| “Well, Sir, from the silent dead, | 25 |
| 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; | 30 |
| Then all hell will fly for fear, | |
| My spouse Nancy.” | |
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