The four friends (Horton C. Allison)
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(Posted 2023-09-14) CPDL #75386:
- Editor: David Anderson (submitted 2023-09-14). Score information: Letter, 5 pages, 848 kB Copyright: Personal
- Edition notes:
General Information
Title: The four friends
Composer: Horton C. Allison
Lyricist: Anonymous
Number of voices: 4vv Voicing: SATB
Genre: Secular, Partsong, Humorous Song
Language: English
Instruments: A cappella
First published: 1871 The Musical Standard
Description: Lyrics are attributed to "Pax."
External websites:
Original text and translations
English text
Four merry friends together met,
There never was a gayer set,
hey sang and talked and as they quaffed
The ruby wine they gaily laughed,
Till one got up and gave a toast
In words like these: “My friends, I boast
My love is fairer maid to be,
Than that of either of you three.”
Each friend then answered, “Nay, but mine
Is fairer far than thine, or thine!”
Then there arose an angry noise,
Among this set of merry boys.
Each boon companion loudly said
His was the best and fairest maid,
From words ere long they came to blows,
And now, alas, those friends are foes.