Charlie, thanks for posting these lyrics. I think this is a song that tells a great story.
For lack of a tune, I did as you suggested and worked up one of my own, a variation of "Patrick Sheenal".
I also interchanged the second and third lines of the first verse for better rhyme and changed the meter in a few lines for smoother flow. Also I will combine the first two verses into one and bridge the third and do the same with the next six. I hope the author dosen't object but I think that this works well. If I sing it in public I will be sure to credit Mr. Harper.
      Thanks again,
            Sandy