Was ae day nibbling on the tether, one

Upon her cloot she coost a hitch, hoof, looped

An' owre she warsled in the ditch; over, floundered

There, groaning, dying, she did lie,

When Hughoc he cam doytin by. doddering

Wi glowrin' een, an' lifted han's, staring

Poor Hughoc like a statue stan's;

He saw her days were near-hand ended,

But wae's my heart! he could na mend it!

He gapèd wide, but naething spak;