Nora and Nancy

Verse 1

Frank he was a fine young farmer - and a ladies-man

Summoned was he to his father - for a Sunday afternoon at three

Well he knew this could mean trouble – for the time and place

Were those chosen for a formal – very often awkward face-to-face

Chorus

Not four but three – whatever can it be?

Maybe it concerns my deepest feelings

Not one but two – whatever shall I do?

Maybe fate my pathway is revealing

Verse 2

Father said “Sit down my son - listen to what I say

Village gossip tongues are wagging and some dreadful news has come my way

You’ve been “carrying-on” - this behaviour will not do

One girl for most men is plenty - why then do you feel the need for two?

Not four but…

Verse 3

There’ll be no “ifs and buts” - a decision must be made

You must quickly wed one of them – lest the other soon would feel betrayed

With his answer Frank was ready – dare those words be said?

“Father, I have thought it over – both of them I must decide to wed.”

Not four but…

Verse 4

“Now then, Father, strictly speaking – mindful of your view

Shortly I will marry Nancy – but I know I’ll marry Nora too”

Though his Father sternly ruled him – Frank his own mind knew

In his dreams the angels told him – “Years may pass, but you will wed the two”

Not four but…

Verse 5

Frank was true in word and action – married young Nancy

When she died ‘though he was sixty – Frank sought Nora for his bride to be

Would she be there? Dare he hope? – His heart was full of woe

She came to him healed his sorrow – together they their sweetest years did know

Not four but…

Coda

Maybe fate my pathway is revealing