Persuasions #9, 1987 Pages 23-24
Verses KATHLEEN GLANCY Edinburgh, Scotland Colonel Brandon (To be sung to the tune of “The Flowers that
Bloom in the Spring”) Though once Colonel Brandon was sad, tra la The moment he wed Marianne, He just frolicked about like a lad, tra la And laughed till they all thought him mad, tra la And became quite a different man. (Repeat) For ever from then, if he was flannel-clad He’d say nothing of it, which made his wife glad. Tra la la la la la, etc. She said “Willoughby he was a cad, tra la I’m far better off with my mate. As my husband he isn’t so bad, tra la He’ll make quite an excellent dad, tra la So I’m really content with my fate. (Repeat) There’s many a good tune, or even ballade, Played on an old fiddle, and I’ve got a Strad.” Tra la la la la la (etc.) With grateful acknowledgement to W.S. Gilbert and Arthur Sullivan Mr. Norris in Heaven With a hesitant step Mr. Norris Approaches the great Pearly Gates. And to meet him – can this be St. Peter? A small elderly gentleman waits. “They have sent me, my dear Mr. Norris, To say welcome to heaven to you; And the reason, dear sir, I was chosen? What you suffered on earth I did too. What you suffered, my poor Mr. Norris, Is too well known to me too, I fear: In my last several years on yon planet I said hardly a word but ‘Yes, dear.’ So I started a small private club here For the men who were, during their lives Nagged and lectured both morning and evening By confoundedly henpecking wives. It’s a haven of peace, Mr. Norris, With ethereal walls ten foot thick, Fully soundproof, dear sir, I assure you, Made of best ectoplasmical brick. We let no woman in whatsoever. When your lady ascends to this clime (If she does) you need scarce ever see her – In the club you can spend all your time. Say you’ll join us, I pray, Mr. Norris! Come along, my dear sir, don’t be nervous! I’ll propose you myself as a member – I, Sir Lewis de Bourgh, at your service.” |