While pointers round impatient burn'd,

Frae couples freed;

But oh! he gaed and ne'er return'd!

Tam Samson's dead!

In vain auld age his body batters;

In vain the gout his ancles fetters;

In vain the burns cam down like waters, brooks, lakes

An acre braid!

Now ev'ry auld wife, greeting clatters weeping

‘Tam Samson's dead!’