Front matter (continued 2)
Reading edition
The bee doth love the sweetest flower, So doth the blossom the April shower.
[Pg 166]
One, two, buckle my shoe
One, two, Buckle my shoe; Three, four, Shut the door; Five, six, Pick up sticks; Seven, eight, Lay them straight; Nine, ten, A good fat hen; Eleven, twelve, Who will delve? Thirteen, fourteen, Maids a-courting; Fifteen, sixteen, Maids in the kitchen; Seventeen, eighteen, Maids a waiting; Nineteen, twenty, My plate's empty.
[Pg 167]
Six little mice sat down to spin
Six little mice sat down to spin, Pussy passed by, and she peeped in. "What are you at, my little men?" "Making coats for gentlemen." "Shall I come in and bite off your thread?" "No, no, Miss Pussy, you'll bite off our head."
Jocky was a piper's son
OCKY was a piper's son, And he fell in love when he was young, And the only tune he could play Was, "Over the hills and far away;" Over the hills and a great way off, And the wind will blow my top-knot off.
[Pg 168]
There was a piper had a cow
There was a piper had a cow, And he had nought to give her; He pulled out his pipes, and played her a tune, And bade the cow consider. The cow considered very well, And gave the piper a penny, And bade him play the other tune— "Corn rigs are bonny."
Mary, Mary, quite contrary
ARY, Mary, Quite contrary, How does your garden grow? Silver bells, And cockle-shells, And pretty maids all of a row.
[Pg 169]
"Pretty maids all of a row."
[Pg 171]
[Pg 170]
There was a crooked man
HERE was a crooked man, and he went a crooked mile, He found a crooked sixpence against a crooked stile: He bought a crooked cat, which caught a crooked mouse, And they all lived together in a little crooked house.
There was a jolly miller
There was a jolly miller Lived on the river Dee: He worked and sung from morn till night, No lark so blithe as he, And this the burden of his song For ever used to be— I jump mejerrime jee! I care for nobody—no! not I, Since nobody cares for me.
[Pg 172]
Who killed Cock Robin?
Who killed Cock Robin? "I," said the sparrow, "With my bow and arrow, I killed Cock Robin."
Who saw him die? "I," said the fly, "With my little eye, I saw him die."
Who caught his blood? "I," said the fish, "With my little dish, I caught his blood."
[Pg 173]
Who'll make his shroud? "I," said the beetle, "With my thread and needle, I'll make his shroud."
Who'll bear the torch? "I," said the linnet, "Will come in a minute, I'll bear the torch."
Who'll be the clerk? "I," said the lark, "I'll say Amen in the dark, I'll be the clerk."
[Pg 174]
Who'll dig his grave? "I," said the owl, "With my spade and shovel, I'll dig his grave."
Who'll be the parson? "I," said the rook, "With my little book, I'll be the parson."
Who'll be chief mourner? "I," said the dove, "I mourn for my love, I'll be chief mourner."
[Pg 175]
Who'll sing his dirge? "I," said the thrush, "As I sing in a bush, I'll sing his dirge."
Who'll carry his coffin? "I," said the kite, "If it be in the night, I'll carry his coffin."
Who'll toll the bell? "I," said the bull, "Because I can pull, I'll toll the bell."
[Pg 176]
All the birds of the air Fell sighing and sobbing, When they heard the bell toll For poor Cock Robin.
Diddle diddle dumpling
IDDLE diddle dumpling, my son John, Went to bed with his breeches on, One stocking off, and one stocking on; Diddle diddle dumpling, my son John.
Pussy-cat, pussy-cat
Pussy-cat, pussy-cat, where have you been? I've been up to London to look at the queen. Pussy-cat, pussy-cat, what did you there? I frightened a little mouse under the chair.
[Pg 177]
Pussy-cat Pussy-cat
[Pg 179]
Billy, Billy, come and play
ILLY, Billy, come and play, While the sun shines bright as day." "Yes, my Polly, so I will, For I love to please you still." "Billy, Billy, have you seen, Sam and Betsy on the green?" "Yes, my Poll, I saw them pass, Skipping o'er the new-mown grass." "Billy, Billy, come along, And I will sing a pretty song." "O then, Polly, I'll make haste, Not one moment will I waste, But will come and hear you sing, And my fiddle I will bring."
[Pg 180]
I had a little hen
HAD a little hen, the prettiest ever seen, She washed up the dishes, and kept the house clean; She went to the mill to fetch me some flour, She brought it home in less than an hour; She baked me my bread, she brewed me my ale, She sat by the fire and told me a fine tale.
Lady bird, lady bird
Lady bird, lady bird, fly away home, Your house is on fire, your children have flown. All but one, and her name is Ann, And she has crept under the pudding-pan.
[Pg 181]
Hushy baby, my doll
USHY baby, my doll, I pray you don't cry, And I'll give you some bread and some milk by-and-by; Or, perhaps you like custard, or maybe a tart,— Then to either you're welcome, with all my whole heart. But how, my dear baby, shall I make you eat Of the bread, or the milk, or the custard, or meat? For those pretty red lips seem shut up so fast, I much fear they won't open to taste the repast. Ah! but then, my sweet child, you'll surely not cry, Oh no, not one tear is there now in your eye; Come kiss me, my dear, then, although you're but wood, For I'm sure now you smile, and look very good.
[Pg 182]
Cock a doodle doo!
OCK a doodle doo! My dame has lost her shoe; My master's lost his fiddling stick, And don't know what to do.
Cock a doodle doo! What is my dame to do? Till master finds his fiddling stick, She'll dance without her shoe. Cock a doodle doo! My dame has lost her shoe, And master's found his fiddling stick, Sing doodle doodle doo!
[Pg 183]
Cock a doodle doo! My dame will dance with you. While master fiddles his fiddling stick, For dame and doodle doo. Cock a doodle doo! Dame has lost her shoe; Gone to bed and scratched her head, And can't tell what to do.
There was an old woman
There was an old woman had three sons, Jerry and James and John: Jerry was hung, James was drowned, John was lost, and never was found; And there was an end of her three sons, Jerry and James and John!
[Pg 184]
When the wind is in the east
When the wind is in the east, 'Tis neither good for man nor beast; When the wind is in the north, The skilful fisher goes not forth; When the wind is in the south, It blows the bait in the fishes' mouth; When the wind is in the west, Then 'tis at the very best.
[Pg 185]
"When the wind is in the east"
[Pg 187]
Where should a baby rest?
HERE should a baby rest? Where but on its mother's arm— Where can a baby lie Half so safe from every harm? Lulla, lulla, lullaby, Softly sleep, my baby; Lulla, lulla, lullaby, Soft, soft, my baby. Nestle there, my lovely one! Press to mine thy velvet cheek; Sweetly coo, and smile, and look, All the love thou canst not speak, Lulla, lulla, lullaby, Softly sleep, my baby; Lulla, lulla, lullaby, Soft, soft, my baby.
[Pg 188]
Let us go to the woods
ET us go to the woods," says Richard to Robin, "Let us go to the woods," says Robin to Bobbin, "Let us go to the woods," says John all alone, "Let us go to the woods," says every one. "What to do there?" says Richard to Robin, "What to do there?" says Robin to Bobbin, "What to do there?" says John all alone, "What to do there?" says every one. "We will shoot a wren," says Richard to Robin, "We will shoot a wren," says Robin to Bobbin, "We will shoot a wren," says John all alone, "We will shoot a wren," says every one. "Then pounce, pounce," says Richard to Robin, "Then pounce, pounce," says Robin to Bobbin, "Then pounce, pounce," says John all alone, "Then pounce, pounce," says every one. [Pg 189] "She is dead, she is dead," says Richard to Robin, "She is dead, she is dead," says Robin to Bobbin, "She is dead, she is dead," says John all alone, "She is dead, she is dead," says every one. "How shall we get her home?" says Richard to Robin, "How shall we get her home?" says Robin to Bobbin, "How shall we get her home?" says John all alone, "How shall we get her home?" says every one. "In a cart with six horses," says Richard to Robin, "In a cart with six horses," says Robin to Bobbin, "In a cart with six horses," says John all alone. "In a cart with six horses," says every one. "How shall we get her dressed?" says Richard to Robin, "How shall we get her dressed?" says Robin to Bobbin, "How shall we get her dressed?" says John all alone, "How shall we get her dressed?" says every one. [Pg 190] "We will hire seven cooks," says Richard to Robin, "We will hire seven cooks," says Robin to Bobbin, "We will hire seven cooks," says John all alone, "We will hire seven cooks," says every one.
Hickory, Dickory, Dock
ICKORY, Dickory, Dock, The mouse ran up the clock, The clock struck one, The mouse ran down, Hickory, Dickory, Dock.
[Pg 191]
A Frog he would a-wooing go
A Frog he would a-wooing go, Heigho, says Rowley, Whether his mother would let him or no. With a rowley powley, gammon and spinach, Heigho, says Anthony Rowley!
So off he set with his opera hat, Heigho, says Rowley, And on the road he met with a rat. With a rowley powley, gammon and spinach, [Pg 192] Heigho, says Anthony Rowley!
"Pray, Mr. Rat, will you go with me," Heigho, says Rowley, "Kind Mrs. Mousey for to see?" With a rowley powley, gammon and spinach, Heigho, says Anthony Rowley! When they reached the door of Mousey's hall, Heigho, says Rowley, They gave a loud knock, and they gave a loud call. With a rowley powley, gammon and spinach, Heigho, says Anthony Rowley! [Pg 193] "Pray, Mrs. Mouse, are you within?" Heigho, says Rowley, "Oh, yes, kind sirs, I'm sitting to spin." With a rowley powley, gammon and spinach, Heigho, says Anthony Rowley! "Pray, Mrs. Mouse, will you give us some beer? Heigho, says Rowley, For Froggy and I are fond of good cheer." With a rowley powley, gammon and spinach, Heigho, says Anthony Rowley! "Pray, Mr. Frog, will you give us a song? Heigho, says Rowley, But let it be something that's not very long." With a rowley powley, gammon and spinach, Heigho, says Anthony Rowley! [Pg 194] "Indeed, Mrs. Mouse," replied Mr. Frog, Heigho, says Rowley, "A cold has made me as hoarse as a hog." With a rowley powley, gammon and spinach, Heigho, says Anthony Rowley! "Since you have caught cold, Mr. Frog," Mousey said, Heigho, says Rowley, "I'll sing you a song that I have just made." With a rowley powley, gammon and spinach, Heigho, says Anthony Rowley! [Pg 195] But while they were all a merry-making, Heigho, says Rowley, A cat and her kittens came tumbling in. With a rowley powley, gammon and spinach, Heigho, says Anthony Rowley!
The cat she seized the rat by the crown; Heigho, says Rowley, The kittens they pulled the little mouse down. With a rowley powley, gammon and spinach, Heigho, says Anthony Rowley! [Pg 196] This put Mr. Frog in a terrible fright; Heigho, says Rowley, He took up his hat, and he wished them good-night. With a rowley powley, gammon and spinach, Heigho, says Anthony Rowley!
But as Froggy was crossing over a brook, Heigho, says Rowley, A lily-white duck came and gobbled him up. With a rowley powley, gammon and spinach, Heigho, says Anthony Rowley! [Pg 197] So there was an end of one, two, and three, Heigho, says Rowley, The Rat, the Mouse, and the little Frog-gee! With a rowley powley, gammon and spinach, Heigho, says Anthony Rowley!
When I was a bachelor
When I was a bachelor I lived by myself, And all the meat I got I put upon a shelf, The rats and the mice did lead me such a life, That I went to London, to get myself a wife. The streets were so broad, and the lanes were so narrow, I could not get my wife home without a wheelbarrow, The wheelbarrow broke, my wife got a fall, Down tumbled wheelbarrow, little wife, and all.
[Pg 198]
Goosey, goosey, gander
Goosey, goosey, gander, Whither shall I wander? Upstairs and downstairs, And in my lady's chamber;
There I met an old man That would not say his prayers; I took him by the left leg, And threw him downstairs.
[Pg 199]
Robin the Bobbin
Robin the Bobbin, the big bouncing Ben, He ate more meat than fourscore men; He ate a cow, he ate a calf, He ate a butcher and a half; He ate a church, he ate a steeple, He ate the priest and all the people!
Rock-a-bye, baby
Rock-a-bye, baby, thy cradle is green; Father's a nobleman, mother's a queen; And Betty's a lady, and wears a gold ring; And Johnny's a drummer, and drums for the king.
[Pg 200]
Tom, Tom, the piper's son
OM, Tom, the piper's son, He learned to play when he was young, But all the tunes that he could play, Was "Over the hills and far away." Over the hills, and a great way off, And the wind will blow my top-knot off. Now Tom with his pipe made such a noise, That he pleased both the girls and boys, And they stopped to hear him play, "Over the hills and far away." Tom with his pipe did play with such skill, That those who heard him could never keep still; Whenever they heard they began for to dance, Even pigs on their hind legs would after him prance.
[Pg 201]
Those that heard him could never keep still.
[Pg 203]
As Dolly was milking the cow one day, Tom took out his pipe and began for to play; So Doll and the cow danced "the Cheshire round," Till the pail was broke, and the milk ran on the ground. He met old Dame Trot with a basket of eggs, He used his pipe, and she used her legs; She danced about till the eggs were all broke, She began for to fret, but he laughed at the joke. He saw a cross fellow was beating an ass, Heavy laden with pots, pans, dishes, and glass; [Pg 204] He took out his pipe and played them a tune, And the jackass's load was lightened full soon.
A pie sate on a pear-tree
PIE sate on a pear-tree, A pie sate on a pear-tree, A pie sate on a pear-tree, Heigh O, heigh O, heigh O! Once so merrily hopped she, Twice so merrily hopped she, Thrice so merrily hopped she, Heigh O, heigh O, heigh O! Shoe the horse, and shoe the mare; But let the little colt go bare.
[Pg 205]
Doctor Faustus was a good man
Doctor Faustus was a good man, He whipped his scholars now and then;
When he whipped them he made them dance, Out of Scotland into France, Out of France into Spain, And then he whipped them back again!
Sing! sing! What shall I sing? The cat's run away with the pudding string.
[Pg 206]
The fox and his wife
HE fox and his wife they had a great strife, They never ate mustard in all their whole life; They ate their meat without fork or knife, And loved to be picking a bone, e-ho! The fox jumped up on a moonlight night; The stars they were shining, and all things bright; Oh, ho! said the fox, it's a very fine night For me to go through the town, e-ho! The fox when he came to yonder stile, He lifted his lugs and he listened awhile! Oh, ho! said the fox, it's but a short mile From this unto yonder wee town, e-ho! The fox when he came to the farmer's gate, Who should he see but the farmer's drake; [Pg 207] I love you well for your master's sake, And long to be picking your bone, e-ho! The grey goose she ran round the haystack, Oh, ho! said the fox, you are very fat; You'll grease my beard and ride on my back From this into yonder wee town, e-ho! Old Gammer Hipple-hopple hopped out of bed, She opened the casement, and popped out her head; Oh! husband, oh! husband, the grey goose is dead, And the fox is gone through the town, oh! Then the old man got up in his red cap, And swore he would catch the fox in a trap; [Pg 208] But the fox was too cunning, and gave him the slip, And ran through the town, the town, oh! When he got to the top of the hill, He blew his trumpet both loud and shrill, For joy that he was safe Through the town, oh! When the fox came back to his den, He had young ones both nine and ten, "You're welcome home, daddy; you may go again, If you bring us such nice meat From the town, oh!"
They that wash on Friday, wash in need; And they that wash on Saturday, oh! they're sluts indeed.
[Pg 209]
Robert Barnes, fellow fine
OBERT BARNES, fellow fine, Can you shoe this horse of mine?" "Yes, good Sir, that I can, As well as any other man;
There's a nail, and there's a prod, And now, good Sir, your horse is shod."
[Pg 210]
Twinkle, twinkle, little star
WINKLE, twinkle, little star, How I wonder what you are,
Up above the world so high, Like a diamond in the sky. [Pg 211] When the blazing sun is gone, When he nothing shines upon, Then you show your little light, Twinkle, twinkle, all the night. Then the traveller in the dark Thanks you for your tiny spark: How could he see where to go, If you did not twinkle so? In the dark blue sky you keep, Often through my curtains peep, For you never shut your eye, Till the sun is in the sky. As your bright and tiny spark Lights the traveller in the dark, Though I know not what you are, Twinkle, twinkle, little star.
[Pg 212]
On Christmas eve I turned the spit
N Christmas eve I turned the spit, I burnt my fingers, I feel it yet; The cock sparrow flew over the table, The pot began to play with the ladle; The ladle stood up like a naked man, And vowed he'd fight the frying-pan; The frying-pan behind the door Said he never saw the like before; And the kitchen clock I was going to wind, Said he never saw the like behind.
Multiplication is vexation
Multiplication is vexation, Division is just as bad; The Rule of Three perplexes me, And Practice drives me mad.
[Pg 213]
Elizabeth
Elizabeth, Eliza, Betsy, and Bess,
Went over the water to rob a bird's nest, They found a nest with five eggs in it, They each took one, and left four in it.
Jack be Nimble
ACK be nimble Jack be quick, Jack jump over the candlestick.
[Pg 214]
Good people all, of every sort
OOD people all, of every sort, Give ear unto my song: And if you find it wondrous short, It cannot hold you long. In Islington there was a man, Of whom the world might say, That still a Godly race he ran, Whene'er he went to pray. A kind and gentle heart he had, To comfort friends and foes; The naked every day he clad, When he put on his clothes. And in that town a dog was found: As many dogs there be— Both mongrel, puppy, whelp, and hound, And curs of low degree. [Pg 215] This dog and man at first were friends, But, when a pique began, The dog, to gain some private ends, Went mad, and bit the man. Around from all the neighbouring streets The wondering neighbours ran; And swore the dog had lost his wits, To bite so good a man. The wound it seemed both sore and sad To every Christian eye; And while they swore the dog was mad, They swore the man would die. But soon a wonder came to light, That showed the rogues they lied— The man recovered of the bite; The dog it was that died.
[Pg 216]
There was an old woman
There was an old woman who lived in a shoe, She had so many children she didn't know what to do; She gave them some broth without any bread, She whipped them all round, and sent them to bed.
"She whipped them all round."
Monday's bairn
ONDAY's bairn is fair of face, Tuesday's bairn is full of grace, Wednesday's bairn is full of woe, Thursday's bairn has far to go, Friday's bairn is loving and giving, Saturday's bairn works hard for its living, But the bairn that is born on the Sabbath day Is bonny and blythe and good and gay.
[Pg 219]
Punch and Judy
Punch and Judy Fought for a pie, Punch gave Judy A knock in the eye. Says Punch to Judy, "Will you have any more?" Says Judy to Punch, "My eyes are too sore."
I will sing you a song
WILL sing you a song, Though 'tis not very long, Of the woodcock and the sparrow, Of the little dog that burned his tail, And he shall be whipped to-morrow.
[Pg 220]
The little clock
HERE'S a neat little clock, In the schoolroom it stands, And it points to the time With its two little hands And may we, like the clock, Keep a face clean and bright, With hands ever ready To do what is right.
Cross patch, draw the latch
ROSS patch, Draw the latch, And sit by the fire and spin; Take a cup, And drink it up, Then call your neighbours in.
[Pg 221]
There was a lady loved a swine
There was a lady loved a swine, Honey, quoth she, Pig-hog, wilt thou be mine? Grunt, quoth he. [Pg 222] I'll build thee a silver stye Honey, quoth she; And in it thou shalt lie; Grunt, quoth he. Pinned with a silver pin, Honey, quoth she, That you may go out and in; Grunt, quoth he. Wilt thou now have me, Honey, quoth she; Grunt, grunt, grunt, quoth he, And went his way.
Robin-a-Bobbin
Robin-a-Bobbin Bent his bow, Shot at a pigeon, And killed a crow.
[Pg 223]
In marble walls
N marble walls as white as milk, Lined with a skin as soft as silk; Within a fountain crystal clear, A golden apple doth appear. No doors there are to this stronghold, Yet thieves break in and steal the gold.
If all the world were water
If all the world were water, And all the sea were ink, What should we do for bread and cheese? What should we do for drink?
[Pg 224]
God bless the master of this house
GOD bless the master of this house, The mistress bless also, And all the little children That round the table go; And all your kin and kinsmen, That dwell both far and near: I wish you a merry Christmas, And a happy new year.
Birds, beasts, and fishes
HE Dog will come when he is called The Cat will walk away; The Monkey's cheek is very bald; The Goat is fond of play. The Parrot is a prate-apace, Yet knows not what he says: The noble Horse will win the race, Or draw you in a chaise. [Pg 225] The Pig is not a feeder nice, The Squirrel loves a nut, The Wolf would eat you in a trice, The Buzzard's eyes are shut. The Lark sings high up in the air, The Linnet in the tree; The Swan he has a bosom fair, And who so proud as he? Oh, yes, the Peacock is more proud, Because his tail has eyes; The Lion roars so very loud, He'd fill you with surprise. The Raven's coat is shining black, Or, rather, raven-grey: The Camel's bunch is on his back, The Owl abhors the day. [Pg 226] The Sparrow steals the cherry ripe. The Elephant is wise, The Blackbird charms you with his pipe, The false Hyena cries. The Hen guards well her little chicks, The Cow—her hoof is slit: The Beaver builds with mud and sticks, The Lapwing cries "Peewit." The little Wren is very small, The Humming-bird is less; The Lady-bird is least of all, And beautiful in dress. The Pelican she loves her young, The Stork its parent loves; The Woodcock's bill is very long, And innocent are Doves. [Pg 227] The streaked Tiger's fond of blood, The Pigeon feeds on peas, The Duck will gobble in the mud, The Mice will eat your cheese. A Lobster's black, when boiled he's red, The harmless Lamb must bleed; The Cod-fish has a clumsy head, The Goose on grass will feed. The lady in her gown of silk, The little Worm may thank; The sick man drinks the Ass's milk, The Weasel's long and lank. The Buck gives us a venison dish, When hunted for the spoil: The Shark eats up the little fish, The Whale produces oil. [Pg 228] The Glow-worm shines the darkest night, With Lantern in his tail; The Turtle is the cit's delight, And wears a coat of mail. In Germany they hunt the Boar, The Bee brings honey home, The Ant lays up a winter store, The Bear loves honey-comb. The Eagle has a crooked beak, The Plaice has orange spots; The Starling, if he's taught, will speak; The Ostrich walks and trots. The child that does not these things know, Might well be called a dunce; But I in knowledge quick will grow, For youth can come but once.
[Pg 229]
Snail, Snail
Snail, Snail, come out of your hole, Or else I'll beat you as black as a coal.
Snail, Snail, put out your horns, Here comes a thief to pull down your walls.
As I was going to sell my eggs
As I was going to sell my eggs I met a man with bandy legs; Bandy legs and crooked toes, I tripped up his heels, and he fell on his nose.
[Pg 230]
A Farmer went trotting upon his grey mare
A farmer went trotting upon his grey mare, Bumpety, bumpety, bump! With his daughter behind him so rosy and fair, Lumpety, lumpety, lump! A raven cried "Croak!" and they all tumbled down, Bumpety, bumpety, bump! The mare broke her knees, and the farmer his crown, Lumpety, lumpety, lump! The mischievous raven flew laughing away, Bumpety, bumpety, bump! And vowed he would serve them the same the next day, Lumpety, lumpety, lump!
[Pg 231]
My little brother
I love you well, my little brother, And you are fond of me; Let us be kind to one another, As brothers ought to be.
You shall learn to play with me, And learn to use my toys; And then I think that we shall be Two happy little boys.
[Pg 232]
There was an old woman lived under a hill
HERE was an old woman lived under a hill, She put a mouse in a bag and sent it to the mill; The miller did swear by the point of his knife, He never took toll of a mouse in his life.
When I was a little boy
When I was a little boy, I washed my mammy's dishes, I put my finger in my eye, And pulled out golden fishes.
Hickety, pickety
Hickety, pickety, my black hen, She lays eggs for gentlemen; Gentlemen come every day To see what my black hen doth lay.[Pg 233]
"... My black hen, Lays eggs for gentlemen."
[Pg 235]
[Pg 234]
I had a little husband
I had a little husband, No bigger than my thumb; I put him in a pint pot, And there I bid him drum. I bought a little horse, That galloped up and down; [Pg 236] I bridled him, and saddled him, And sent him out of town. I gave him some garters, To garter up his hose, And a little handkerchief,
To wipe his pretty nose.
Wash me and comb me
Wash me and comb me, And lay me down softly, And lay me on a bank to dry, That I may look pretty When somebody comes by.
[Pg 237]
Come take up your hats, and away let us haste
OME take up your hats, and away let us haste, To the Butterfly's Ball, and the Grasshopper's Feast. The trumpeter, Gad-fly, has summoned the crew, And the revels are now only waiting for you. On the smooth shaven grass, by the side of a wood, Beneath a broad oak which for ages had stood, See the children of earth, and the tenants of air, To an evening's amusement together repair. [Pg 238] And there came the Beetle so blind and so black, Who carried the Emmet, his friend, on his back. And there came the Gnat and the Dragonfly too, With all their relations, green, orange, and blue. And there came the Moth, with her plumage of down, And the Hornet with jacket of yellow and brown; And with him the Wasp, his companion, did bring, But they promised that evening to lay by their sting. [Pg 239] Then the sly little Dormouse peeped out of his hole, And led to the Feast his blind cousin the Mole: And the Snail, with her horns peeping out of her shell, Came, fatigued with the distance, the length of an ell. A mushroom the table, and on it was spread A water-dock leaf, which their table-cloth made. The viands were various, to each of their taste, And the Bee brought the honey to sweeten the feast. [Pg 240] With steps most majestic the Snail did advance, And he promised the gazers a minuet to dance; But they all laughed so loud that he drew in his head, And went in his own little chamber to bed. Then, as evening gave way to the shadows of night, Their watchman, the Glow-worm, came out with his light. So home let us hasten, while yet we can see, For no watchman is waiting for you or for me.
[Pg 241]
I had a little pony
I had a little pony, They called him Dapple Grey, I lent him to a lady, To ride a mile away. She whipped him, she lashed him, She drove him through the mire, I wadna gie my pony yet For all the lady's hire.
Diddle-y-diddle-y-dumpty
Diddle-y-diddle-y-dumpty, The cat run up the plum-tree, Half-a-crown To fetch her down, Diddle-y-diddle-y-dumpty.
[Pg 242]
See, Saw, Margery Daw
EE, Saw, Margery Daw, Sold her bed and lay upon straw; Was not she a dirty slut, To sell her bed and lie in the dirt!
Great A, little a, Bouncing B, The cat's in the cupboard, and she can't see.
[Pg 243]
There was a jovial beggar
HERE was a jovial beggar, He had a wooden leg, Lame from his cradle, And forced for to beg. And a-begging we will go, we'll go, we'll go; And a-begging we will go! A bag for his oatmeal, Another for his salt; And a pair of crutches, To show that he can halt. And a-begging we will go, we'll go, we'll go; And a-begging we will go! A bag for his wheat, Another for his rye; A little bottle by his side To drink when he's a-dry. And a-begging we will go, we'll go, we'll go; And a-begging we will go! [Pg 244] Seven years I begged For my old Master Wild, He taught me to beg When I was but a child. And a-begging we will go, we'll go, we'll go; And a-begging we will go! I begged for my master, And got him store of pelf; And now, Jove be praised! I'm begging for myself. And a-begging we will go, we'll go, we'll go; And a-begging we will go! In a hollow tree I live, and pay no rent; Providence provides for me, And I am well content. And a-begging we will go, we'll go, we'll go; And a-begging we will go! [Pg 245] Of all the occupations, A beggar's life's the best; For whene'er he's weary, He'll lay him down and rest. And a-begging we will go, we'll go, we'll go, And a-begging we will go! I fear no plots against me, I live in open cell; Then who would be a king, When beggars live so well? And a-begging we will go, we'll go, we'll go; And a-begging we will go!
Now what do you think
Now what do you think Of little Jack Jingle? Before he was married He used to live single.
[Pg 246]
Bobby Shaftoe
Bobby Shaftoe's gone to sea, Silver buckles on his knee; He'll come back and marry me, Bonny Bobby Shaftoe! Bobby Shaftoe's young and fair, Combing down his yellow hair, He's my love for evermore, Bonny Bobby Shaftoe.
For want of a nail
For want of a nail, the shoe was lost, For want of the shoe, the horse was lost, For want of the horse, the rider was lost, For want of the rider, the battle was lost, For want of the battle, the kingdom was lost, And all from the want of a horseshoe nail!
[Pg 247]
Rub-a-dub-dub
UB-A-DUB-DUB Three men in a tub, And who do you think they be? The butcher, the baker, The candlestick-maker; Turn 'em out, knaves all three!
There was an old woman called Nothing-at-all
There was an old woman called Nothing-at-all, Who rejoiced in a dwelling exceedingly small; A man stretched his mouth to its utmost extent, And down at one gulp house and old woman went.
[Pg 248]
Jacky, come give me thy fiddle
ACKY, come give me thy fiddle, If ever thou mean to thrive. Nay; I'll not give my fiddle To any man alive. If I should give my fiddle, They'll think that I'm gone mad; For many a joyful day My fiddle and I have had.
Young Lambs to sell
Young Lambs to sell! Young Lambs to sell! If I'd as much money as I can tell, I never would cry—Young Lambs to sell!
[Pg 249]
"Young Lambs To Sell"
[Pg 251]
[Pg 250]
Johnny Pringle had a little pig
Johnny Pringle had a little pig, It was very little, so not very big: As it was playing on a dunghill, In a moment poor piggy was killed. So Johnny Pringle, he sat down and cried, Betsy Pringle, she lay down and died. There is the history of one, two, and three, Johnny Pringle, Betsy Pringle, and little Piggy.
Yet didn't you see
Yet didn't you see, yet didn't you see, What naughty tricks they put upon me: They broke my pitcher, And spilt my water, And huffed my mother, And chid her daughter, And kissed my sister instead of me.
[Pg 252]
Hot-cross Buns!
Hot-cross Buns! Hot-cross Buns! One a penny, two a penny Hot-cross Buns!
Hot-cross Buns! Hot-cross Buns! If ye have no daughters, Give them to your sons.
[Pg 253]
Jack Jingle
Jack Jingle went 'prentice To make a horseshoe, He wasted the iron Till it would not do. His master came in, And began for to rail; Says Jack, "The shoe's spoiled, But 'twill still make a nail." He tried at the nail, But, chancing to miss, Says, "If it won't make a nail, It shall yet make a hiss." Then into the water Threw the hot iron, smack. "Hiss!" quoth the iron; "I thought so," says Jack.
[Pg 254]
Hey ding-a-ding
Hey ding-a-ding, I heard a bird sing, The parliament soldiers Are gone to the king.
Willy boy, where are you going?
Willy boy, Willy boy, where are you going? I will go with you, if that I may. I'm going to the meadow to see them a mowing, I'm going to help them make the hay.
[Pg 255]
Little Nancy Etticoat
Little Nancy Etticoat, In a white petticoat, And a red nose; The longer she stands, The shorter she grows.
He that would thrive
He that would thrive, Must rise at five; He that hath thriven, May lie till seven; And he that by the plough would thrive, Himself must either hold or drive.
[Pg 256]
I had a little nut tree
HAD a little nut tree, nothing would it bear But a silver apple and a golden pear; The King of Spain's daughter came to see me, And all for the sake of my little nut tree. I skipped over water, I danced over sea, And all the birds in the air couldn't catch me.
An apple pie
An apple pie, when it looks nice, Would make one long to have a slice, But if the taste should prove so, too, I fear one slice would scarcely do. So to prevent my asking twice, Pray, mamma, cut a good large slice.
[Pg 257]
I Had a Little Nut Tree
[Pg 259]
[Pg 258]
I saw three ships come sailing by
I saw three ships come sailing by, Sailing by, sailing by, I saw three ships come sailing by, On New-Year's Day in the morning. And what do you think was in them then, In them then, in them then? And what do you think was in them then, On New-Year's Day in the morning. Three pretty girls were in them then, In them then, in them then, Three pretty girls were in them then, On New-Year's Day in the morning. And one could whistle, and one could sing, And one could play on the violin, Such joy there was at my wedding, On New-Year's Day in the morning.
[Pg 260]
Oh, who is so merry
Oh, who is so merry, so merry, heigh ho! As the light-hearted fairy, heigh ho! heigh ho! He dances and sings To the sound of his wings, With a hey and a heigh and a ho! Oh, who is so merry, so airy, heigh ho! As the light-hearted fairy, heigh ho! heigh ho! His nectar he sips From a primrose's lips, With a hey and a heigh and a ho! Oh, who is so merry, so merry, heigh ho! As the light-footed fairy, heigh ho! heigh ho! His night is the noon And his sun is the moon, With a hey and a heigh and a ho!
[Pg 261]
One, two, three, four, five
NE, two, three, four, five, I have caught a fish alive; Six, seven, eight, nine, ten, I have let it go again. Why did you let it go? Because it bit my finger so. Which finger did it bite? The little one on the right.
Little Polly Flinders
Little Polly Flinders Sat among the cinders, Warming her pretty little toes! Her mother came and caught her, And whipped her little daughter, For spoiling her nice new clothes.
[Pg 262]
A curious discourse
A curious discourse about an Apple-pie, that passed between the Twenty-five Letters at Dinner-time. Says A, Give me a good large slice. Says B, A little Bit, but nice. Says C, Cut me a piece of Crust. Says D, It is as Dry as Dust. Says E, I'll Eat now, fast who will. Says F, I vow I'll have my Fill. Says G, Give it to me Good and Great. Says H, A little bit I Hate. Says I, I love the Juice the best. And K the very same confessed. Says L, There's nothing more I Love. Says M, It makes your teeth to Move. N Noticed what the others said. O Others' plates with grief surveyed. P Praised the cook up to the life. Q Quarrelled 'cause he'd a bad knife. Says R, It Runs short, I'm afraid. S Silent sat, and nothing said. T thought that Talking might lose time. U Understood it at meals a crime. W Wished there had been a quince in. Says X, Those cooks there's no convincing. [Pg 263] Says Y, I'll eat, let others wish. Z sat as mute as any fish. While ampersand, he licked the dish.
The man in the moon
The man in the moon Came tumbling down, And asked his way to Norwich; He went by the south, And burnt his mouth, With supping cold pease-porridge.
[Pg 264]
There were three jovial Welshmen
There were three jovial Welshmen, As I have heard them say, And they would go a-hunting Upon St. David's day. All the day they hunted, And nothing could they find; But a ship a-sailing, A-sailing with the wind. One said it was a ship. The other he said "Nay;" The third said it was a house, With the chimney blown away. And all the night they hunted, And nothing could they find, But the moon a-gliding, A-gliding with the wind. [Pg 265] One said it was the moon, The other he said "Nay;" The third said it was a cheese, And half o' it cut away.
The Hart he loves the high wood
The Hart he loves the high wood, The Hare she loves the hill, The Knight he loves his bright sword, The Lady—loves her will.
I had a little moppet
I had a little moppet, I kept it in my pocket, And fed it with corn and hay, There came a proud beggar Who swore he would have her, And stole little moppet away.
[Pg 266]
Wee Willie Winkie
Wee Willie Winkie runs through the town, Upstairs and downstairs in his nightgown, Rapping at the window, crying through the lock, "Are the children in their beds, for now it's eight o'clock?"
There was a little woman
There was a little woman, as I've been told, Who was not very young, nor yet very old, Now this little woman her living got, By selling codlins, hot, hot, hot!
Around the green gravel
Around the green gravel the grass grows green, And all the pretty maids are plain to be seen; Wash them with milk, and clothe them with silk, And write their names with a pen and ink.
[Pg 267]
Buttons a farthing a pair
Buttons a farthing a pair, Come, who will buy them of me? They're round and sound and pretty, And fit for the girls of the city. Come, who will buy them of me, Buttons a farthing a pair?
As little Jenny Wren
As little Jenny Wren Was sitting by the shed, She waggled with her tail, And nodded with her head. She waggled with her tail, And nodded with her head, As little Jenny Wren Was sitting by the shed.
[Pg 268]
Three blind mice
Three blind mice, see how they run! They all ran after the farmer's wife,
Who cut off their tails with the carving-knife, Did you ever see such a thing in your life? As three blind mice.
[Pg 269]
The north wind doth blow
The north wind doth blow, And we shall have snow, And what will poor Robin do then? Poor thing! He'll sit in a barn, And to keep himself warm, Will hide his head under his wing. Poor thing!
[Pg 270]
Bless you, burny-bee
Bless you, bless you, burny-bee: Say when will your wedding be? If it be to-morrow day, Take your wings and fly away.
The rose is red
The rose is red, the violet blue, The gilly-flower sweet, and so are you These are the words you bade me say For a pair of new gloves on Easter-day.
Simple Simon met a pieman
Simple Simon met a pieman Going to the fair; Says Simple Simon to the pieman, "Let me taste your ware."
[Pg 271]
Simple Simon
[Pg 273]
Says the pieman to Simple Simon, "Show me first your penny." Says Simple Simon to the pieman, "Indeed, I have not any."
Simple Simon went a-fishing, For to catch a whale; All the water he had got Was in his mother's pail.
[Pg 274]
Yankee Doodle
Yankee Doodle went to town, Upon a little pony; He stuck a feather in his hat, And called it Macaroni.
Tweedle-dum and Tweedle-dee
Tweedle-dum and Tweedle-dee Resolved to have a battle, For Tweedle-dum said Tweedle-dee Had spoiled his nice new rattle. [Pg 275] Just then flew by a monstrous crow, As big as a tar barrel, Which frightened both the heroes so, They quite forgot their quarrel.
Here's Sulky Sue
Here's Sulky Sue, What shall we do? Turn her face to the wall Till she comes to.
[Pg 276]
Jack Sprat had a cat
Jack Sprat Had a cat, It had but one ear; It went to buy butter, When butter was dear.
A long-tailed pig
LONG-TAILED pig, and a short-tailed pig, Or a pig without e'er a tail, A sow pig, or a boar pig, Or a pig with a curly tail.
[Pg 277]
As I was going up Pippen Hill.
As I was going up Pippen Hill Pippen Hill was dirty; There I met a pretty miss, And she dropped me a curtsey. Little miss, pretty miss, Blessings light upon you! If I had half-a-crown a day, I'd spend it all on you.
[Pg 278]
Lavender blue and rosemary green
Lavender blue and rosemary green, When I am king you shall be queen; Call up my maids at four o'clock, Some to the wheel and some to the rock, Some to make hay and some to shear corn, And you and I will keep ourselves warm.
Hey, my kitten, my kitten
Hey, my kitten, my kitten, And hey, my kitten, my deary! Such a sweet pet as this Was neither far nor neary. Here we go up, up, up, And here we go down, down, downy; And here we go backwards and forwards, And here we go round, round, roundy.
[Pg 279]
"Here we go backwards and forwards."
[Pg 281]
Polly put the kettle on
OLLY, put the kettle on, Polly, put the kettle on, Polly, put the kettle on, And we'll all have tea. Sukey, take it off again, Sukey, take it off again, Sukey, take it off again, They're all gone away.
There was a little boy went into a barn
There was a little boy went into a barn, And lay down on some hay; An owl came out and flew about, And the little boy ran away.
[Pg 282]
The old woman and her pig
N old woman was sweeping her house, and she found a little crooked sixpence. "What," said she, "shall I do with this little sixpence? I will go to market, and buy a little pig."
As she was coming home, she came to a stile; but the pig would not go over the stile. She went a little farther, and she met a dog. So she said to the dog—
"Dog, dog, bite pig! Pig won't get over the stile; And I shan't get home to-night." But the dog would not.
She went a little farther, and she met a stick. So she said—
"Stick, stick, beat dog! Dog won't bite pig; [Pg 283] Pig won't get over the stile; And I shan't get home to-night." But the stick would not.
She went a little farther, and she met a fire. So she said—
"Fire, fire, burn stick! Stick won't beat dog; Dog won't bite pig; Pig won't get over the stile; And I shan't get home to-night." But the fire would not.
She went a little farther, and she met some water. So she said—
"Water, water, quench fire! Fire won't burn stick; Stick won't beat dog; Dog won't bite pig; [Pg 284] Pig won't get over the stile; And I shan't get home to-night." But the water would not.
She went a little farther, and she met an ox. So she said—
"Ox, ox, drink water! Water won't quench fire; Fire won't burn stick; Stick won't beat dog; Dog won't bite pig; Pig won't get over the stile; And I shan't get home to-night." But the ox would not.
She went a little farther, and she met a butcher. So she said—
"Butcher, butcher, kill ox! Ox won't drink water; [Pg 285] Water won't quench fire; Fire won't burn stick; Stick won't beat dog; Dog won't bite pig; Pig won't get over the stile; And I shan't get home to-night." But the butcher would not.
She went a little farther, and she met a rope. So she said—
"Rope, rope, hang butcher! Butcher won't kill ox; Ox won't drink water; Water won't quench fire; Fire won't burn stick; Stick won't beat dog; Dog won't bite pig; Pig won't get over the stile; And I shan't get home to-night." [Pg 286] But the rope would not.
She went a little farther, and she met a rat. So she said—
"Rat, rat, gnaw rope! Rope won't hang butcher; Butcher won't kill ox; Ox won't drink water; Water won't quench fire; Fire won't burn stick; Stick won't beat dog; Dog won't bite pig; Pig won't get over the stile; And I shan't get home to-night." But the rat would not.
She went a little farther, and she met a cat. So she said [Pg 287]—
"Cat, cat, kill rat! Rat won't gnaw rope; Rope won't hang butcher; Butcher won't kill ox; Ox won't drink water; Water won't quench fire; Fire won't burn stick; Stick won't beat dog; Dog won't bite pig; Pig won't get over the stile; And I shan't get home to-night."
The cat said, "If you will give me a saucer of milk, I will kill the rat." So the old woman gave the cat the milk, and when she had lapped up the milk—
The cat began to kill the rat; The rat began to gnaw the rope; [Pg 288] The rope began to hang the butcher; The butcher began to kill the ox; The ox began to drink the water; The water began to quench the fire; The fire began to burn the stick; The stick began to beat the dog; The dog began to bite the pig; The pig jumped over the stile; And so the old woman got home that night.
Tit, tat, toe
Tit, tat, toe, My first go, Three jolly butcher boys All of a row; Stick one up, Stick one down, Stick one in the old man's crown.
[Pg 289]
Monday alone
Monday alone, Tuesday together, Wednesday we walk When it's fine weather. Thursday we kiss, Friday we cry, Saturday's hours Seem almost to fly. But of all days in the week We will call Sunday, the rest day, The best day of all.
As I was going o'er Westminster Bridge
As I was going o'er Westminster Bridge, I met with a Westminster scholar; He pulled off his cap, an' drew off his glove, And wished me a very good-morrow, What is his name?
[Pg 290]
As I walked by myself
S I walked by myself, I talked to myself, And the self-same self said to me, Look out for thyself, Take care of thyself, For nobody cares for thee. [Pg 291] I answered myself, And said to myself In the self-same repartee,
Look to thyself, Or not look to thyself, The self-same thing will be.
[Pg 292]
There was a Little man and he woo'd a Little maid
There was a little man, And he wooed a little maid, And he said, "Little maid, will you wed, wed, wed? I have little more to say, Than will you, yea or nay, For least said is soonest mended-ded, ded, ded." [Pg 293] The little maid replied, Some say a little sighed, "But what shall we have for to eat, eat, eat? Will the love that you're so rich in Make a fire in the kitchen? Or the little god of Love turn the spit, spit, spit?"
Pussy sits beside the fire
Pussy sits beside the fire, How can she be fair? In comes the little dog, Pussy, are you there? So, so, Mistress Pussy, Pray how do you do? Thank you, thank you, little dog, I'm very well just now.
[Pg 294]
Bryan O'Lin
Bryan O'Lin and his wife and wife's mother, They all went over a bridge together: The bridge was broken, and they all fell in, "Mischief take all!" quoth Bryan O'Lin.
Cold and raw
Cold and raw the north wind doth blow, Bleak in a morning early; All the hills are covered with snow, And winter's now come fairly.
[Pg 295]
January brings the snow
January brings the snow, Makes our feet and fingers glow. February brings the rain, Thaws the frozen lake again. March brings breezes loud and shrill, Stirs the dancing daffodil. April brings the primrose sweet, Scatters daisies at our feet. May brings flocks of pretty lambs, Skipping by their fleecy dams. June brings tulips, lilies, roses, Fills the children's hands with posies. Hot July brings cooling showers, Apricots and gillyflowers. [Pg 296] August brings the sheaves of corn, Then the hardest home is borne. Warm September brings the fruit, Sportsmen then begin to shoot. Fresh October brings the pheasant, Then to gather nuts is pleasant. Dull November brings the blast, Then the leaves are whirling fast. Chill December brings the sleet, Blazing fire and Christmas treat.
Bye, baby bunting
Bye, baby bunting, Father's gone a-hunting, Mother's gone a-milking, Sister's gone a-silking, Brother's gone to buy a skin To wrap the baby bunting in.
[Pg 297]
Ding, dong bell
ING, dong bell, Pussy's in the well! Who put her in?— Little Tommy Green. Who pulled her out?— Little Johnny Stout. What a naughty boy was that To drown poor pussy-cat, Who never did any harm, But killed the mice in his father's barn.
[Pg 298]
Four and twenty tailors
Four and twenty tailors went to kill a snail, The best man among them durst not touch her tail; She put out her horns like a little Kyloe cow, Run, tailors, run, or she'll kill you all e'en now.
What is the news of the day?
What is the news of the day, Good neighbour, I pray? They say the balloon Is gone up to the moon!
[Pg 299]
Two little kittens
Two little kittens, one stormy night, Began to quarrel and then to fight; One had a mouse, and the other had none, And that's the way the quarrel begun. "I'll have that mouse," said the biggest cat. "You'll have that mouse? We'll see about that!" "I will have that mouse," said the eldest son. "You shan't have the mouse," said the little one. I told you before 'twas a stormy night When these two little kittens began to fight; [Pg 300] The old woman seized her sweeping broom, And swept the two kittens right out of the room. The ground was covered with frost and snow, And the two little kittens had nowhere to go; So they laid them down on the mat at the door, While the old woman finished sweeping the floor. Then they crept in, as quiet as mice, All wet with the snow, and as cold as ice, For they found it was better, that stormy night, To lie down and sleep than to quarrel and fight.
[Pg 301]
What are Little Boys made of?
What are little boys made of, made of, What are little boys made of? Snaps and snails, and puppy-dog's tails; And that's what little boys are made of, made of. What are little girls made of, made of, made of, What are little girls made of? Sugar and spice, and all that's nice; And that's what little girls are made of, made of.
[Pg 302]
As I was a-going by a little pig-sty
As I was a-going by a little pig-sty, I saw a child's petticoat hanging to dry, I took off my jacket and hung it hard by, To bear the petticoat company. The wind blew high, and down they fell; Jacket and petticoat into the well. Into the well, into the well, Jacket and petticoat into the well.
Three Wise Men of Gotham
Three wise men of Gotham Went to sea in a bowl: And if the bowl had been stronger, My song would have been longer.
[Pg 303]
Jenny Wren fell sick
Jenny Wren fell sick, Upon a merry time; In came Robin Redbreast And brought her sops and wine. "Eat well of the sop, Jenny, Drink well of the wine." "Thank you, Robin, kindly, You shall be mine." Jenny she got well, And stood upon her feet, And told Robin plainly She loved him not a bit. Robin being angry, Hopped upon a twig, Saying, "Out upon you! Fie upon you, Bold-faced jig!"
[Pg 304]
Sukey, you shall be my wife
"Sukey, you shall be my wife, And I will tell you why: I have got a little pig, And you have got a sty; I have got a dun cow, And you can make good cheese, Sukey, will you have me? Say yes, if you please."
Sukey she made answer, "For your cow and pig, I tell you, Jacky Jingle, I do not care a fig. [Pg 305] "I have got a puppy-dog, And a pussy-cat, And I have got another thing That's better far than that. "For I have got a velvet purse That holds a hundred pound, 'Twas left me by my grand-dad Who now lies underground. "So if your cow and pig Is all you have in store, You may go home and mind 'em, For now your wooing's o'er." Says Jacky, "You're too hasty, I've got a horse and cart; And I have got a better thing,— I've got a constant heart. [Pg 306] "If that won't do, then you may lay Your money on the shelf, I soon shall get another girl That's better than yourself." Then says little Sue, "If your heart is true, This trouble we'll get through, If things are rightly carried." There's nothing more to do, 'Twixt Jacky and his Sue; "None so happy as us two, For now we'll both be married!" Now after they were married Some good things to produce, Sukey's purse and hundred pounds Were quickly put in use; Sukey milked the cow, And to make good cheese did try, Jack drove his horse and cart, And minded pig and sty.
[Pg 307]
BLOW WIND BLOW AND GO MILL GO
LOW, wind, blow! and go, mill, go! That the miller may grind his corn; That the baker may take it, And into rolls make it, And send us some hot in the morn.
[Pg 308]
This is the death of little Jenny Wren
This is the death of Little Jenny Wren, And what the doctors All said then. Jenny Wren was sick again, And Jenny Wren did die; The doctors vowed they'd cure her, Or know the reason why. Doctor Hawk felt her pulse, And, shaking his head, Said, "I fear I can't save her, Because she's quite dead." Doctor Hawk's a clever fellow, He pinched her wrist enough to kill her. "She'll do very well yet," Then said Doctor Fox, "If she takes but one pill From out of this box." [Pg 309] Ah! Doctor Fox, You are very cunning, For if she's dead, You will not get one in. With hartshorn in hand, Came Doctor Tom-Tit, Saying, "Really, good sirs, It's only a fit." You're right, Doctor Tit, You need make no doubt on, But death is a fit Folk seldom get out on. Doctor Cat says, "Indeed, I don't think she's dead, I believe if I try, She yet might be bled." [Pg 310] You need not a lancet, Miss Pussy, indeed, Your claws are enough A poor Wren to bleed. "I think, Puss, you're foolish," Then says Doctor Goose, "For to bleed a dead Wren Can be of no use." Why, Doctor Goose, You're very wise, Your wisdom profound Might Ganders surprise. Doctor Jack Ass then said, "See this balsam, I make it; She yet may survive If you get her to take it." [Pg 311] What you say, Doctor Ass, Perhaps may be true; I ne'er saw the dead drink, though Pray, Doctor, did you? Doctor Owl then declared That the cause of her death He really believed, was—— The want of more breath. Indeed, Doctor Owl, You are much in the right; You as well might have said That day was not night. Says Robin, "Get out, You're a parcel of quacks, Or I'll lay this good whip On each of your backs." [Pg 312] Then Robin began For to bang them about, They stayed for no fees, They were glad to get out. Poor Robin long for Jenny grieves, At last he covered her with leaves; Yet near the place, a mournful lay, For Jenny Wren sings every day.
Here comes a poor widow from Babylon
Here comes a poor widow from Babylon, With six poor children all alone, One can bake, and one can brew, One can shape, and one can sew, One can bake a cake for the king. Come choose you east, come choose you west, Come choose you the one that you love best.
[Pg 313]
Dame Trot and her cat
Dame Trot and her cat Sat down for to chat, The Dame sat on this side, And Puss sat on that. "Puss," says the Dame, "Can you catch a rat, Or a mouse in the dark?" "Purr," says the cat.
How do you do, neighbour?
How do you do, neighbour? Neighbour, how do you do? Very well, I thank you. How does Cousin Sue do? She is very well, And sends her love unto you, And so does Cousin Bell. Ah! how, pray, does she do?
[Pg 314]
"Oh, what have you got for dinner?"
"Oh, What have you got for dinner, Mrs. Bond?" "There's beef in the larder, and ducks in the pond. Dilly, dilly, ducklings, come and be killed, For you must be stuffed, and my customers filled! "John Ostler, go fetch me a duckling or two, John Ostler, go fetch me a duckling or two; Cry dilly, dilly, ducklings, come and be killed, For you must be stuffed, and my customers filled!" "I have been to the ducks that are swimming in the pond, And they won't come to be killed, Mrs. Bond; I cried dilly, dilly, ducklings, come and be killed, For you must be stuffed, and the customers filled!" Mrs. Bond she went down to the pond in a rage, With plenty of onions, and plenty of sage; She cried, "Come, little wag-tails, come and be killed, For you shall be stuffed, and my customers filled!"
[Pg 317]
"Come, Little wag-tails, come and be killed."
Lucy Locket
Lucy Locket lost her pocket, Kitty Fisher found it;
Never a penny was there in it, Save the binding round it.
[Pg 318]
One, he loves
One, he loves; two, he loves; Three, he loves, they say; Four, he loves with all his heart;
Five, he casts away. Six, he loves; seven, she loves; Eight, they both love.
Nine, he comes; ten, he tarries; Eleven, he courts; twelve, he marries.
[Pg 319]
Tinker, tailor, soldier, sailor, apothecary, ploughboy, thief.
[Pg 321]
He loves me
He loves me,
He don't!
He'll have me,
He won't!
He would if he could,
But he can't,
So he don't!
There once were two cats
There once were two cats of Kilkenny, Each thought there was one cat too many. So they fought and they fit, And they scratched and they bit, Till, excepting their nails And the tips of their tails, Instead of two cats, there weren't any.
[Pg 322]
Three little kittens
Three little kittens lost their mittens, And they began to cry, Oh! mother dear, We very much fear That we have lost our mittens. Lost your mittens! You naughty kittens! Then you shall have no pie. Mee-ow, mee-ow, mee-ow. No, you shall have no pie. Mee-ow, mee-ow, mee-ow. The three little kittens found their mittens And they began to cry, Oh! mother dear, See here, see here! See, we have found our mittens. [Pg 323] Put on your mittens, You silly kittens, And you shall have some pie. Purr-r, purr-r, purr-r, Oh! let us have the pie! Purr-r, purr-r, purr-r. The three little kittens put on their mittens And soon ate up the pie; Oh! mother dear, We greatly fear, That we have soiled our mittens. Soiled your mittens! You naughty kittens! Then they began to sigh, Mi-ow, mi-ow, mi-ow. Then they began to sigh, Mi-ow, mi-ow, mi-ow. [Pg 324] The three little kittens washed their mittens, And hung them up to dry; Oh! mother dear, Do you not hear, That we have washed our mittens? Washed your mittens! Oh! you're good kittens. But I smell a rat close by. Hush! hush! mee-ow, mee-ow. We smell a rat close by, Mee-ow, mee-ow, mee-ow.
The cock's on the housetop
The cock's on the housetop blowing his horn; The bull's in the barn a-threshing of corn; The maids in the meadows are making of hay, The ducks in the river are swimming away.
[Pg 325]
I do not like thee, Doctor Fell
I do not like thee, Doctor Fell, The reason why I cannot tell;
But this I know, and know full well, I do not like thee, Doctor Fell.
[Pg 326]
My mammy's maid
Dingty, diddledy, my mammy's maid, She stole oranges, I'm afraid; Some in her pockets, some in her sleeve, She stole oranges, I do believe.
I had a little castle
I had a little castle upon the sea-shore, One half was water, the other was land; I opened the castle door, and guess what I found, I found a fair lady with a cup in her hand. The cup was all gold, filled with wine, "Drink, fair lady, and thou shalt be mine."
My diddle dinkety poppety pet, The merchants of London they wear scarlet, Silken the collar and velvet the hem, Merrily march the merchant men.
[Pg 327]
"Some in her pockets, some in her sleeve."
[Pg 329]
Little Betty Blue
Little Betty Blue Lost her holiday shoe.
What shall little Betty do? Buy her another To match the other, And then she'll walk in two.
[Pg 330]
A nick and a nock
A nick and a nock, A hen and cock, And a penny for my master.
Great A, little A
Great A, little A, This pancake day; Toss the ball high, Throw the ball low, Those that come after May sing heigh-ho!
Upon St. Paul's steeple
Upon St. Paul's steeple stands a tree. As full of apples as may be, The little boys of London town, They run with hooks and pull them down; And then they run from hedge to hedge Until they come to London Bridge.
[Pg 331]
"They run with hooks and pull them down."
[Pg 333]
Cherries are ripe
Cherries are ripe, cherries are ripe, Give the baby some; Cherries are ripe, cherries are ripe, Baby must have none. Cherries are too sour to use, Babies are too young to choose; By-and-by, baked in a pie, Baby shall have some.
Old Rhyme on Cutting Nails
Cut them on Monday, you cut them for health; Cut them on Tuesday, you cut them for wealth; Cut them on Wednesday, you cut them for news; Cut them on Thursday, a pair of new shoes; Cut them on Friday, you cut them for sorrow; Cut them on Saturday, you'll see your true-love to-morrow; Cut them on Sunday, and you'll have ill-fortune all through the week.
[Pg 334]
Here a little child I stand
Here a little child I stand, Heaving up my either hand; Gold as paddocks though they be, Here I lift them up to Thee, For a benison to fall On our meat and on us all!
The End
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Selected List of their
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Edited By E. V. LUCAS
'
The quality of the poetry of the Misses Taylor has been praised
by such great judges that any praise from ourselves would be
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childish incident with all the child's simplicity.
'—
Spectator.
'
Mr. Bedford's illustrations are not only very well drawn, but
inspired by just the right feeling. It may be added, that the
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been followed more or less by a long line of later
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'—
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Thanks are due to that delicate lover of literature and of
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Forgotten Tales of Long Ago
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Dicky Random
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Jemima Placid
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Two Trials
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The Fruits of
Disobedience
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The Three Cakes
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Scourhill's Adventures
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Ellen and
George
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The Journal
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The Life and Adventures of Lady Anne
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Captain Murderer
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by Charles Dickens, and many other favourite old stories, now
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A delightful compilation, and noticeably excellent in the method
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Athenæum.
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We may briefly and emphatically describe it as the most charming
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'
Guardian.
'
Most happily selected. Moreover, the light and humorous
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neglected, for children like to be amused, and this need is
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'
Spectator.
'
The volume is in itself a real gift-book, being admirably bound,
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'
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'Sat him astride of the saddle of mutton.' p. 126.
Old-fashioned Tales of Long Ago
Edited with Introduction by E. V. LUCAS
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A charming book. The one ambition of Mr. Lucas' authors is to be
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'—
Daily Telegraph.
'
Beautifully printed, illustrated, and bound.
'—
Schoolmaster.
Tales are given from the following Popular Authors:—Thomas Day,
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'A large hole burst open in the wall.' p. 381.
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Runaways & Castaways
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Mr. E. V. Lucas has deliberately set himself to capture hearts
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enviable destiny.
'—
Times.
'
A collection of the most exciting and delightful runaway stories
in the world.
'
Nation
.
"Hands his lady out, and gives the guard something for himself"
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A Child's Book, for Children, for Women, and for Men.
Sweetheart Travellers
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must make the most hardened bachelor feel something of the
pleasures he has missed in living mateless and
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'—
Times.
'
A more delightful book for young, old, and middle aged, it is
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'—
Truth.
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We confess to having fallen under the spell of these delightful
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On the road to Conway.—p. 64.
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"I create you General of the Commissariat."—p. 171.
The Surprising Adventures of Sir Toady Lion With those of General Napoleon Smith
By S. R. CROCKETT
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When we say it is one of the most delightful stories about
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'
Daily Chronicle.
'
It is distinctly the best Christmas book of the season.
'—
Daily
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In this excellent book for children, which the elders will
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A Chapter Heading.
Sir Toady Crusoe
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It will thoroughly satisfy the children's most fastidious
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Morning Leader.
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The best book for children, if not the best book we have seen
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Westminster Gazette.
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We have seen nothing for a long time to equal the admirable
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Dundee Courier.
'Watch 'em, boy!' said Dinkey.—p. 245.
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Fairy Tales from Grimm
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Of new editions of old favorites the palm must be given, we
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Review of Reviews
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No more acceptable edition of some of Grimm's Stories has been
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'—
Standard.
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Altogether delightful. The illustrations are full of charm and
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'—
Saturday Review.
'
A fairy book beyond reproach.
'—
Graphic.
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We have nothing but praise for this collection.
'—
Sketch.
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Grimm is always delightful, but in his present new dress he is
more delightful than ever. Mr. Gordon Browne charms us always with
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Guardian.
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All the illustrations are simply inimitable.
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Queen.
'The Prince who was afraid of Nothing.'—p. 216.
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