When I took our Nance to church

[From Beadle's half-dime singer's library; no. 11]

When I Took Our Nance to Church!
Published by E. H. Harding, 229 Bowery, N.Y. Music and words, 10 cents.

I'm a jolly squire well known down here, and I hail from Devonshire,
And a happy life with Nance my wife, I live from year to year; 
And as we sit by the fireside and children round us play,
It makes me think of days gone by, and about our wedding day.

The bulls did dance, the cows did prance, the pigs all grunted in the sty,
The dogs did bark, the pretty little lark sung merrily in the sky; 
The cocks did crow to let folks know, the hens all cackl'd on the perch,
And the ducks and drake such a row did make. when I took our Nance to church.

Nance was a farmer's daughter, we met, 'twas on the green
She was dancing round the May-pole and call'd the Village Queen; 
She consented I might see her home, as I took her pretty arm, 
And made love to her all the way until I reach'd the farm. 

I remember one fine moonlight night as we stood by the old farm gate,
I kiss'd our Nance's rosy cheek and said, "I'll know my fate;" 
I met the farmer going home and told him what I meant,
He said, " Well, squire, with all my heart, to your marriage I'll consent." 

The pretty birds did gayly sing, 'twas on a summer's day,
And the wedding-bells did merrily ring as to church we both did stray,
The lads and lasses round the church they quickly did advance, 
And wished long life and happiness to me and to our Nance.