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.”