Victor was a little baby Into this world he came: His father took him On his knee and said "Don't dishonour the family name." Victor looked up at his father Looked up with big round eyes His father said "Victor, my only son Don't you ever tell lies." It was a frosty December It wasn't the time for fruits His father fell dead Of heart disease While lacing up his boots. It was a frosty December When into his grave he sank His uncle found Victor A post at the Midland Counties Bank It was a frosty december Victor was only eighteen But his figures were neat And his margins straight And his cuffs were always clean He took a room at the Peveril A respectable boarding-house And Time watched Victor Day after day As a cat will watch a mouse. Victor went up to his bedroom Set the alarm bell Climbed into his bed Took his Bible and read Of what happened to Jezebel. It was the First of April Anna to the Peveril came Her eyes, her lips,her breasts Her hips and her smile Set men aflame. It was the Second of April She was wearing a coat of fur Victor met her upon the stairs And fell in love with her. The first time He made his proposal She laughed, said "I'll never wed": The second time There was a pause Then she smiled And shook her head. Anna looked into the mirror Pouted and gave a frown Said "Victor's as dull As a wet afternoon But I've got to settle down." The third time He made his proposal As they walked by the Reservoir She gave him a kiss Like a blow on the head Said "You are my heart's desire." They were married early in August She said "Kiss me, you funny boy" Victor took her in his arms And said "Oh, my Helen of Troy." The clerks were talking of Anna The door was just ajar One said "Poor old Victor But where ignorance is bliss etcetera." Victor looked up at the sunset
As he stood there all alone Cried: "Are you in heaven, Father?" But the sky said "Address not known." Victor looked up at the mountains The mountains all covered with snow Cried: "Are you pleased with me, Father?" And the answer came back No. Victor came to the forest, cried "Father Will she ever be true?" And the oaks and the beeches Shook their heads And they answered "Not to you." Victor came to the meadow Where the wind went sweeping by Cried:"O Father I love her so" but the wind said "She must die." Victor came to the river Running so deep and so still Crying "O Father, what shall I do?" And the river answered "k**." Anna was sitting at table Drawing cards from a pack Anna was sitting at table Waiting for her husband To come back. Victor stood in the doorway He didn't utter a word; She said "What's the matter darling?" He behaved As if he hadn't heard. There was a voice In his left ear There was a voice In his right There was a voice At the base of his skull saying "She must die tonight." Victor picked up a carving-knife His features were set and drawn. Said "Anna, it would have been Better for you If you had not been born." Anna jumped up from the table Anna started to scream But Victor came Slowly after her Like a horror in a dream She dodged behind the sofa She tore down the curtain rod But Victor came slowly after her Said "Prepare to meet Thy God." He stood there above the body He stood there holding the knife And the blood rand down The stairs and sang "I am the Resurrection And the Life." They tapped Victor On the shoulder They took him away in a van He sat quiet As a lump of moss saying "I am the Son of Man." Victor sat in a corner Making a woman of clay. Saying "I am the Alpha and Omega I shall come to judge The earth one day."