Old woman, old woman, will you go a-shearing?
“Speak a little louder sir, I’m rather thick of hearing.”

Old woman, old woman, are you fond of spinning?
“Pray speak a little louder sir, I only see you grinning.”

Old woman, old woman, will you go a-walking?
“Speak a little louder sir, I scarcely hear you talking?”

Old woman, old woman, are you good at weaving?
“Pray speak a wee bit louder sir, my hearing is deceiving.”

Old woman, old woman, will you do my knitting?
“Hearing’s getting better now, come near to where I’m sitting.”

Old woman, old woman, will you kiss me dearly?
“I thank you very kindly, sir, I hear you now quite clearly.”