"True," said the baillies, "and as there is the town of Nelson near us, we might add, 'Glasgow to Nelson nine miles,' so that the column might serve for the milestone and a monument."
Husband! Husband! Cease Your Strife!
"Husband, husband, cease your strife,
Nor longer idly rave, sir!
Tho' I am your wedded wife,
Yet, I'm 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-by, allegiance!"
"Sad will 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'm near it;
When you lay me in the dust,
Think, think how you'll 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." [[2]]