multiple verses with different syllable rhythms

[Paul Scott]

Hi,

How does one cause the lyrics to skip a particular note value for one 
set of lyrics only?  The lyrics are written above each other as they 
would be in standard sheet music for a popular song or a hymnal.

For example if the melody has two quarter notes which correspond to one 
syllable in one verse but to two syllables in the next verse the first 
verse will move the next syllable to the second quarter note and offset 
incorrectly the whole first verse.

AFAICT double underscore doesn't do what I need.

TIA,

Paul Scott