Nellie And May, Sisters Were They - song lyrics 
American Old-time song lyrics from www.traditionalmusic.co.uk 
Nellie and May, Sisters Were They. Copyright, 1893, by T. B. Harms & Co. Words and Music by John T. Kelly. 
I will tell to you a story which the shades of life will show, How oft it's caused a silent tear to start; 'Tis of two young sisters, Nell and May, who parted long ago; It tells another tale of broken heart; We all our joy and sorrow have, our future paths lie strange; Nellie's rich, a happy wife, poor May, oh! what a change! She loved unwise, the story goes, at last was led astray; Like a withered rose she's fallen by the way. Nellie and May, sisters were they, both from the same old home; Nellie was grand, wealth at command, May was an outcast, unknown! 
There a slender form, a faded dress with face of beauty still, Now slowly enters at the mansion door; Where two sisters meet, one sobs aloud, her pleading cries are shrill "Oh, sister Nell, have pity I implore!" My little May the past forget, in dreams you now awake! Our dear mother must not know, her poor old heart would break; She reels, then falls in Nellie's arms; God sent her sweet repose; She is dead; alas! her "Book of Life" I close. Nellie and May, sisters were they, both from the same old home. Nellie was grand, wealth at command, May was an outcast, unknown!