If mortal means could nick her thread,

Sma’ crime it wad appear to me;

Ca’t murder—or ca’t homicide,

I’d justify ’t, an’ do it tae.

But how to fell a withered wife

That’s carved out o’ the tree of life,

The timmer limmer dares the knife

To settle her annuity.

I’d try a shot—but whar’s the mark?

Her vital parts are hid frae me;