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Title
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Thomas and Nancy
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Singer
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Haydon, Shadrach [Shepherd]
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Song Lyrics
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Verse 1
The boatswain's shrill whistle had sounded,
When young Thomas and Nancy must part;
The heart in her bosom high bounded,
The tears from her blues eyes did start.
Verse 2
'O Nancy, my dear, I must leave you,
The signal for sailing is made;
Our parting dear, let it not grieve you,
Nor, that I should prove false, be afraid.'
Verse 3
The vessel floats swift o'er the billow,
Like a sea bird she breasted the foam;
Young Thomas then lay on his pillow,
Thought of Nancy, his parents and home.
Verse 4
He prest to his lips his love's token,
And vowed to be constant and true;
He thought of the words she had spoken,
'Be constant, dear Thomas, adieu.'
Verse 5
The storm rose and loud pealed the thunder,
And the lightning flashed over the wave;
Till a rock dashed the vessel asunder,
And the crew found a watery grave.
Verse 6
To the beach then poor Nancy she hurried,
And beheld a most pitiful scene;
The corpse of young Thomas was carried,
To the spot where so happy they'd been.
Verse 7
Then she kissed his cold lips in her sorrow,
And her tears showed the depths of her grief;
And, ere the sun set on the morrow,
Death gave to poor Nancy relief.
Verse 8
Near the shade of the willow that's weeping,
Beside an old church in the vale;
In one grave these lovers lie sleeping,
Where sorrow nor care can assail.
Verse 9
And maidens, now they are departed,
Bring flowers to deck the cold grave;
For Nancy was fond and true hearted,
And young Thomas, her lover, was brave.
