The poem
“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.”