i101bHector ProtectorHector Protector was dressed all in green;Hector Protector was sent to the Queen.[Pg 123]The Queen did not like him,No more did the King:So Hector Protector was sent back again.i102aIs John Smith within?i102bSJohn Smith within?Yes, that he is.Can he set a shoe?Ay, marry, two.Here a nail, there a nail,Now your horse is shoed.[Pg 124]Johnny shall have a new bonneti103OHNNYshall have a new bonnet,And Johnny shall go to the fair.And Johnny shall have a blue ribbonTo tie up his bonny brown hair.And why may not I love Johnny?And why may not Johnny love me?And why may not I love JohnnyAs well as another body?And here's a leg for a stocking,And here is a leg for a shoe,And he has a kiss for his daddy,And two for his mammy, I trow.And why may not I love Johnny?And why may not Johnny love me?And why may not I love Johnny,As well as another body?[Pg 125]I Saw a Ship a SailingI Saw a Ship a SailingI saw a ship a-sailing.A-sailing on the sea;And it was full of pretty thingsFor baby and for me.There were comfits in the cabin,And apples in the hold;The sails were all of velvet,And the masts of beaten gold.The four-and-twenty sailorsThat stood between the decks,Were four-and-twenty white mice,With chains about their necks.[Pg 126]The captain was a duck,With a packet on his back;And when the ship began to move,The captain said, "Quack! quack!"Nose, noseNose, nose, jolly red nose;And what gave thee that jolly red nose?Nutmegs and cinnamon, spices and cloves,And they gave me this jolly red nose.The King of Frances_i105_0s_i105_1s_i105_2HEKing of France went up the hill,With twenty thousand men;The King of France came down the hill,And ne'er went up again.[Pg 127]i106a"Went up the hill.""Came down again!"[Pg 128]The Babes in the Woodi107GENTLEMANof good accountIn Norfolk dwelt of late,Whose wealth and riches did surmountMost men of his estate.Sore sick he was, and like to die,No help his life could save;His wife by him as sick did lie,And both were near the grave.No love between these two was lost:Each to the other kind;In love they lived, in love they died,And left two babes behind.Now, if the children chanced to die,Ere they to age should come,Their uncle should possess their wealth!For so the will did run.[Pg 129]"Now, brother," said the dying man,"Look to my children dear;Be good unto my boy and girl,No friends else have they here."Their parents being dead and gone,The children home he takes,And brings them both unto his house,Where much of them he makes.He had not kept those pretty babesA twelvemonth and a day,When, for their wealth, he did deviseTo make them both away.He bargained with two ruffians bold,Who were of savage mood,That they should take the children twain,And slay them in a wood.[Pg 130]They prate and prattle pleasantly,While riding on the way,To those their wicked uncle hired,These lovely babes to slay:So that the pretty speech they had,Made the ruffians' heart relent;And they that took the deed to do,Full sorely did repent.Yet one of them, more hard of heart,Did vow to do his charge,Because the wretch that hired himHad paid him very large.The other would not agree thereto,So here they fell at strife;With one another they did fight,About the children's life.[Pg 131]i108"WENT WANDERING UP AND DOWN."[Pg 133]And he that was of milder moodDid slay the other there,Within an unfrequented wood,The babes did quake for fear!He took the children by the hand,While they for bread complain:"Stay here," quoth he, "I'll bring ye bread,When I do come again."These pretty babes, with hand in hand,Went wandering up and down;But never more they saw the manApproaching from the town.Thus wandered these two pretty dears,Till death did end their grief;In one another's arms they died,Poor babes! past all relief.[Pg 134]No burial these innocentsOf any man receives,But Robin Redbreast lovinglyDid cover them with leaves.The fellow that did take in handThese children for to kill,Was for a robbery judged to die,As was God's blessed will:And did confess the very truth,The which is here expressed;Their uncle died while he for debtDid long in prison rest.Little Jack Horneri109ITTLEJack HornerSat in the cornerEating a Christmas pie;He put in his thumb,And pulled out a plum,And said, "What a good boy am I!"[Pg 135]Bow, wow, says the dogi110Bow, wow, says the dog;Mew, mew, says the cat;Grunt, grunt, goes the hog;And squeak goes the rat.Chirp, chirp, says the sparrow;Caw, caw, says the crow;Quack, quack, says the duck;And what cuckoos say, you knowSo, with sparrows and cuckoos;With rats and with dogs;With ducks and with crows;With cats and with hogs;A fine song I have made,To please you, my dear;And if it's well sung,'Twill be charming to hear.[Pg 136]Tell-Tale-Titi111aELL-TALE-TIT,Your tongue shall be slit,And all the little puppy dogsShall have a little bit.The Queen of HeartsThe Queen of Hearts,She made some tarts,All on a summer's day;The Knave of Hearts,He stole those tarts,And took them clean away.i111b[Pg 137]i112"SHE MADE SOME TARTS."[Pg 139]i113aThe King of HeartsCalled for the tarts,And beat the Knave full sore;i113bThe Knave of HeartsBrought back the tarts,And vowed he'd steal no more.[Pg 140]The Champions of Christendomi114NEgypt was a dragon direWith scales of steel, and breath of fire:And Egypt's Princess fair and goodWas doomed to be the monster's food:St. George this fearful dragon slew,And for his wife gained Sebra true.i063bSt. Andrew, Scotland's famous knightIn deeds of valour took delight;Maidens in grief and matrons graveFrom insult he was wont to save.For noble deeds he was renowned:His fame did through the world resound.St. Andrew fought, as we are told,Against a host of warriors bold;They viewed his strength with wonderment,And yielding, in submission bent.Defeated by his powerful rod,They owned the greatness of his GOD.[Pg 141]i063bSt. David, Welshman's Champion bold,Preferred rude war to ease and gold:He, fighting for his faith divine,Unhorsed and slew Prince Palestine.His Pagan followers stood in awe,And worshipped heathen gods no more.i063bSt. Patrick, Ireland's valiant knight,Did thirty robbers put to flight;Rescued from them six ladies fair,And then protected them with care.Great fame and glory he acquired,And as a holy priest expired.i063bSt. Dennis was the knight of France,As brave as ever carried lance:[Pg 142]Fair fame he won: for he did freeA princess prisoned in a tree.Fair Eglantine, once Thessaly's pride,He saved and took to be his bride.i063bSt. James the Champion was of Spain,His country's glory to maintain:An angry boar, inflamed with rage,This hero did in fight engage.And since he slew the boar in strife,He Celestine did gain as wife.i063bSt. Anthony, Italian knight,His country's fame upheld in fight:The giant Blanderon did placeIn prison dark the Queen of Thrace;St. Anthony the giant slewAnd took as wife the princess true.[Pg 143]There was a little man, and he had a little gunThere was a little man, and he had a little gun,And his bullets were made of lead, lead, lead.i115He shot John Sprig through the middle of his wig,And knocked it off his head, head, head.[Pg 144]I have seen you, little mouses_i116_0s_i116_1s_i116_2HAVEhave seen you, little mouse,Running all about the house,Through the hole, your little eyeIn the wainscot peeping sly,Hoping soon some crumbs to steal,To make quite a hearty meal.Look before you venture out,See if pussy is about,If she's gone, you'll quickly run,To the larder for some fun,Round about the dishes creep,Taking into each a peep,To choose the daintiest that's there,Spoiling things you do not care.As soft as silkAs soft as silk, as white as milk,As bitter as gall, a strong wall,And a green coat covers me all.(a walnut)[Pg 145]Barber barberBarber, barber, shave a pig,How many hairs will make a wig?i117"Four and twenty, that's enough"Give the barber a pinch of snuff.[Pg 146]Bryan O'LinBryan O'Lin had no breeches to wearSo he bought him a sheepskin and made him a pair.i118With the skinny side out, and the woolly side in,"Ah ha, that is warm!" said Bryan O'Lin.[Pg 147]Mary had a pretty birdi119ARYhad a pretty bird,Feathers bright and yellowSlender legs, upon my word,He was a pretty fellow.The sweetest notes he always sung,Which much delighted Mary;And near the cage she'd ever sit,To hear her own canary.The girl in the lane, that couldn't speak plainThe girl in the lane, that couldn't speak plain,Cried, gobble, gobble, gobble:The man on the hill, that couldn't stand still,Went hobble, hobble, hobble.[Pg 148]"We are three brethren out of Spain"i120"We are three brethren out of Spain,Come to court your daughter Jane.""My daughter Jane she is too young,She has not learned her mother tongue.""Be she young, or be she old,For her beauty she must be sold,So fare you well, my lady gay,We'll call again another day.""Turn back, turn back, thou scornful knight,And rub thy spurs till they be bright.""Of my spurs take you no thought,For in this land they were not bought.[Pg 149]"So fare you well, my lady gay,We'll call again another day.""Turn back, turn back, thou scornful knight;And take the fairest in your sight.""The fairest maid that I can see,Is pretty Nancy, come to me.""Here comes your daughter, safe and sound,Every pocket with a thousand pound,Every pocket with a gay gold ring,Please to take your daughter in."i121[Pg 150]History of John Gilpins_i122_0s_i122_1s_i122_2OHNGilpin was a citizenOf credit and renown,A train-band captain eke was he,Of famous London town.John Gilpin's spouse said to her dear,"Though wedded we have beenThese twice ten tedious years, yet weNo holiday have seen."To-morrow is our wedding-day,And we will then repairUnto the 'Bell' at Edmonton,All in a chaise and pair."My sister, and my sister's child,Myself, and children threeWill fill the chaise; so you must rideOn horseback after we."[Pg 151]He soon replied, "I do admireOf womankind but one,And you are she, my dearest dear,Therefore it shall be done."I am a linendraper bold,As all the world doth know,And my good friend the calenderWill lend his horse to go."Quoth Mrs. Gilpin, "That's well said;And for that wine is dear,We will be furnished with our own,Which is both bright and clear."John Gilpin kissed his losing wife,O'erjoyed was he to find,That though on pleasure she was bent,She had a frugal mind.[Pg 152]The morning came, the chaise was brought,But yet was not allowedTo drive up to the door, lest allShould say that she was proud.So three doors off the chaise was stayed,Where they did all get in;Six precious souls, and all agogTo dash through thick and thin.Smack went the whip, round went the wheels,Were never folks so glad!The stones did rattle underneath,As if Cheapside were mad.John Gilpin at his horse's sideSeized fast the flowing mane,And up he got, in haste to ride,But soon came down again.[Pg 153]For saddletree scarce reached had he,His journey to begin,When, turning round his head, he sawThree customers come in.So down he came; for loss of time,Although it grieved him sore,Yet loss of pence, full well he knew,Would trouble him much more.'Twas long before the customersWere suited to their mind,When Betty screaming came downstairs,"The wine is left behind!""Good lack!" quoth he, "yet bring it me,My leathern belt likewise,In which I bear my trusty swordWhen I do exercise."[Pg 154]Now Mistress Gilpin (careful soul!)Had two stone bottles found,To hold the liquor that she loved,And keep it safe and sound.Each bottle had a curling ear,Through which the belt he drew,And hung a bottle on each side,To make his balance true.Then over all, that he might beEquipped from top to toe,His long red cloak, well brushed and neat,He manfully did throw.Now see him mounted once againUpon his nimble steed,Full slowly pacing o'er the stones,With caution and good heed.[Pg 155]But finding soon a smoother roadBeneath his well-shod feet,The snorting beast began to trot,Which galled him in his seat."So, fair and softly!" John he cried,But John he cried in vain;That trot became a gallop soon,In spite of curb and rein.So stooping down, as needs he mustWho cannot sit upright,He grasped the mane with both his hands,And eke with all his might.His horse, who never in that sortHad handled been before,What thing upon his back had got,Did wonder more and more.[Pg 156]Away went Gilpin, neck or nought;Away went hat and wig;He little dreamt, when he set out,Of running such a rig.The wind did blow, the cloak did flyLike streamer long and gay,Till, loop and button failing both,At last it flew away.Then might all people well discernThe bottles he had slung;A bottle swinging at each side,As hath been said or sung.The dogs did bark, the children screamed.Up flew the windows all;And every soul cried out, "Well done!"As loud as he could bawl.[Pg 157]Away went Gilpin—who but he?His fame soon spread around:"He carries weight! he rides a race!'Tis for a thousand pound!"And still as fast as he drew near,'Twas wonderful to viewHow in a trice the turnpike-menTheir gates wide open threw.And now, as he went bowing downHis reeking head full low,The bottles twain behind his backWere shattered at a blow.Down ran the wine into the road,Most piteous to be seen,Which made the horse's flanks to smokeAs they had basted been.[Pg 158]But still he seemed to carry weight,With leathern girdle braced;For all might see the bottle-necksStill dangling at his waist.Thus all through merry IslingtonThese gambols he did play,Until he came unto the WashOf Edmonton so gay;And there he threw the wash aboutOn both sides of the way,Just like unto a trundling mop.Or a wild goose at play.At Edmonton his loving wifeFrom the balcony spiedHer tender husband, wondering muchTo see how he did ride.[Pg 159]"Stop, stop, John Gilpin!—Here's the house!"They all at once did cry;"The dinner waits, and we are tired,"Said Gilpin—"So am I!"But yet his horse was not a whitInclined to tarry there;For why?—his owner had a houseFull ten miles off, at Ware.So like an arrow swift he flew,Shot by an archer strong;So did he fly—which brings me toThe middle of my song.Away went Gilpin out of breathAnd sore against his will,Till at his friend the calender's.His horse at last stood still.[Pg 160]The calender, amazed to seeHis neighbour in such trim,Laid down his pipe, flew to the gate,And thus accosted him:"What news? what news? your tidings tell;Tell me you must and shall—Say why bareheaded you are come,Or why you come at all?"Now Gilpin had a pleasant wit,And loved a timely joke;And thus unto the calenderIn merry guise he spoke:"I came because your horse would come:And, if I well forebode,My hat and wig will soon be here,They are upon the road."[Pg 161]The calender, right glad to findHis friend in merry pin,Returned him not a single word,But to the house went in;Whence straight he came with hat and wig,A wig that flowed behind,A hat not much the worse for wear,Each comely in its kind.He held them up, and in his turnThus showed his ready wit,"My head is twice as big as yours,They therefore needs must fit."But let me scrape the dirt away,That hangs upon your face;And stop and eat, for well you mayBe in a hungry case."[Pg 162]Said John, "It is my wedding-day,And all the world would stareIf wife should dine at Edmonton,And I should dine at Ware."So turning to his horse, he said,"I am in haste to dine;'Twas for your pleasure you came here,You shall go back for mine."Ah! luckless speech, and bootless boast!For which he paid full dear;For while he spake, a braying assDid sing most loud and clear;Whereat his horse did snort, as heHad heard a lion roar,And galloped off with all his might,As he had done before.[Pg 163]Away went Gilpin, and awayWent Gilpin's hat and wig:He lost them sooner than at first,For why—they were too big.Now Mistress Gilpin, when she sawHer husband posting downInto the country far away,She pulled out half-a-crown;And thus unto the youth she said,That drove them to the "Bell,""This shall be yours when you bring backMy husband safe and well."The youth did ride, and soon did meetJohn coming back amain;Whom in a trice he tried to stop,By catching at his rein;[Pg 164]But not performing what he meant,And gladly would have done,The frighted steed he frighted more,And made him faster run.Away went Gilpin, and awayWent postboy at his heels,The postboy's horse right glad to missThe lumbering of the wheels.Six gentlemen upon the road,Thus seeing Gilpin fly,With postboy scampering in the rear,They raised the hue and cry."Stop thief! stop thief! a highwayman!"Not one of them was mute;And all and each that passed that wayDid join in the pursuit.[Pg 165]And now the turnpike gates againFlew open in short space;The toll-men thinking, as before,That Gilpin rode a race.And so he did, and won it too,For he got first to town;Nor stopped till where he had got up,He did again get down.Now let us sing, "Long live the King,And Gilpin, long live he;"And when he next doth ride abroad,May I be there to see.The bee doth love the sweetest flower,So doth the blossom the April shower.[Pg 166]One, two, buckle my shoes_i123a_0s_i123a_1One, two,Buckle my shoe;Three, four,Shut the door;Five, six,Pick up sticks;Seven, eight,Lay them straight;i123bNine, 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 spinSix 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 sons_i124_0s_i124_1s_i124_2OCKYwas a piper's son,And he fell in love when he was young,And the only tune he could playWas, "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 cowThere 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 contraryi125ARY, Mary,Quite contrary,How does your garden grow?Silver bells,And cockle-shells,And pretty maids all of a row.[Pg 169]i126"Pretty maids all of a row."[Pg 171][Pg 170]There was a crooked mani127HEREwas 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 millerThere was a jolly millerLived on the river Dee:He worked and sung from morn till night,No lark so blithe as he,And this the burden of his songFor 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?i128aWho killed Cock Robin?"I," said the sparrow,"With my bow and arrow,I killed Cock Robin."i128bWho saw him die?"I," said the fly,"With my little eye,I saw him die."i128cWho caught his blood?"I," said the fish,"With my little dish,I caught his blood."[Pg 173]i129aWho'll make his shroud?"I," said the beetle,"With my thread and needle,I'll make his shroud."i129bWho'll bear the torch?"I," said the linnet,"Will come in a minute,I'll bear the torch."i129cWho'll be the clerk?"I," said the lark,"I'll say Amen in the dark,I'll be the clerk."[Pg 174]i130aWho'll dig his grave?"I," said the owl,"With my spade and shovel,I'll dig his grave."i130bWho'll be the parson?"I," said the rook,"With my little book,I'll be the parson."i130cWho'll be chief mourner?"I," said the dove,"I mourn for my love,I'll be chief mourner."[Pg 175]i131aWho'll sing his dirge?"I," said the thrush,"As I sing in a bush,I'll sing his dirge."i131bWho'll carry his coffin?"I," said the kite,"If it be in the night,I'll carry his coffin."i131cWho'll toll the bell?"I," said the bull,"Because I can pull,I'll toll the bell."[Pg 176]All the birds of the airFell sighing and sobbing,When they heard the bell tollFor poor Cock Robin.Diddle diddle dumplingi132IDDLEdiddle 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-catPussy-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]
i101bHector ProtectorHector Protector was dressed all in green;Hector Protector was sent to the Queen.[Pg 123]The Queen did not like him,No more did the King:So Hector Protector was sent back again.i102aIs John Smith within?i102bSJohn Smith within?Yes, that he is.Can he set a shoe?Ay, marry, two.Here a nail, there a nail,Now your horse is shoed.[Pg 124]Johnny shall have a new bonneti103OHNNYshall have a new bonnet,And Johnny shall go to the fair.And Johnny shall have a blue ribbonTo tie up his bonny brown hair.And why may not I love Johnny?And why may not Johnny love me?And why may not I love JohnnyAs well as another body?And here's a leg for a stocking,And here is a leg for a shoe,And he has a kiss for his daddy,And two for his mammy, I trow.And why may not I love Johnny?And why may not Johnny love me?And why may not I love Johnny,As well as another body?[Pg 125]I Saw a Ship a SailingI Saw a Ship a SailingI saw a ship a-sailing.A-sailing on the sea;And it was full of pretty thingsFor baby and for me.There were comfits in the cabin,And apples in the hold;The sails were all of velvet,And the masts of beaten gold.The four-and-twenty sailorsThat stood between the decks,Were four-and-twenty white mice,With chains about their necks.[Pg 126]The captain was a duck,With a packet on his back;And when the ship began to move,The captain said, "Quack! quack!"Nose, noseNose, nose, jolly red nose;And what gave thee that jolly red nose?Nutmegs and cinnamon, spices and cloves,And they gave me this jolly red nose.The King of Frances_i105_0s_i105_1s_i105_2HEKing of France went up the hill,With twenty thousand men;The King of France came down the hill,And ne'er went up again.[Pg 127]i106a"Went up the hill.""Came down again!"[Pg 128]The Babes in the Woodi107GENTLEMANof good accountIn Norfolk dwelt of late,Whose wealth and riches did surmountMost men of his estate.Sore sick he was, and like to die,No help his life could save;His wife by him as sick did lie,And both were near the grave.No love between these two was lost:Each to the other kind;In love they lived, in love they died,And left two babes behind.Now, if the children chanced to die,Ere they to age should come,Their uncle should possess their wealth!For so the will did run.[Pg 129]"Now, brother," said the dying man,"Look to my children dear;Be good unto my boy and girl,No friends else have they here."Their parents being dead and gone,The children home he takes,And brings them both unto his house,Where much of them he makes.He had not kept those pretty babesA twelvemonth and a day,When, for their wealth, he did deviseTo make them both away.He bargained with two ruffians bold,Who were of savage mood,That they should take the children twain,And slay them in a wood.[Pg 130]They prate and prattle pleasantly,While riding on the way,To those their wicked uncle hired,These lovely babes to slay:So that the pretty speech they had,Made the ruffians' heart relent;And they that took the deed to do,Full sorely did repent.Yet one of them, more hard of heart,Did vow to do his charge,Because the wretch that hired himHad paid him very large.The other would not agree thereto,So here they fell at strife;With one another they did fight,About the children's life.[Pg 131]i108"WENT WANDERING UP AND DOWN."[Pg 133]And he that was of milder moodDid slay the other there,Within an unfrequented wood,The babes did quake for fear!He took the children by the hand,While they for bread complain:"Stay here," quoth he, "I'll bring ye bread,When I do come again."These pretty babes, with hand in hand,Went wandering up and down;But never more they saw the manApproaching from the town.Thus wandered these two pretty dears,Till death did end their grief;In one another's arms they died,Poor babes! past all relief.[Pg 134]No burial these innocentsOf any man receives,But Robin Redbreast lovinglyDid cover them with leaves.The fellow that did take in handThese children for to kill,Was for a robbery judged to die,As was God's blessed will:And did confess the very truth,The which is here expressed;Their uncle died while he for debtDid long in prison rest.Little Jack Horneri109ITTLEJack HornerSat in the cornerEating a Christmas pie;He put in his thumb,And pulled out a plum,And said, "What a good boy am I!"[Pg 135]Bow, wow, says the dogi110Bow, wow, says the dog;Mew, mew, says the cat;Grunt, grunt, goes the hog;And squeak goes the rat.Chirp, chirp, says the sparrow;Caw, caw, says the crow;Quack, quack, says the duck;And what cuckoos say, you knowSo, with sparrows and cuckoos;With rats and with dogs;With ducks and with crows;With cats and with hogs;A fine song I have made,To please you, my dear;And if it's well sung,'Twill be charming to hear.[Pg 136]Tell-Tale-Titi111aELL-TALE-TIT,Your tongue shall be slit,And all the little puppy dogsShall have a little bit.The Queen of HeartsThe Queen of Hearts,She made some tarts,All on a summer's day;The Knave of Hearts,He stole those tarts,And took them clean away.i111b[Pg 137]i112"SHE MADE SOME TARTS."[Pg 139]i113aThe King of HeartsCalled for the tarts,And beat the Knave full sore;i113bThe Knave of HeartsBrought back the tarts,And vowed he'd steal no more.[Pg 140]The Champions of Christendomi114NEgypt was a dragon direWith scales of steel, and breath of fire:And Egypt's Princess fair and goodWas doomed to be the monster's food:St. George this fearful dragon slew,And for his wife gained Sebra true.i063bSt. Andrew, Scotland's famous knightIn deeds of valour took delight;Maidens in grief and matrons graveFrom insult he was wont to save.For noble deeds he was renowned:His fame did through the world resound.St. Andrew fought, as we are told,Against a host of warriors bold;They viewed his strength with wonderment,And yielding, in submission bent.Defeated by his powerful rod,They owned the greatness of his GOD.[Pg 141]i063bSt. David, Welshman's Champion bold,Preferred rude war to ease and gold:He, fighting for his faith divine,Unhorsed and slew Prince Palestine.His Pagan followers stood in awe,And worshipped heathen gods no more.i063bSt. Patrick, Ireland's valiant knight,Did thirty robbers put to flight;Rescued from them six ladies fair,And then protected them with care.Great fame and glory he acquired,And as a holy priest expired.i063bSt. Dennis was the knight of France,As brave as ever carried lance:[Pg 142]Fair fame he won: for he did freeA princess prisoned in a tree.Fair Eglantine, once Thessaly's pride,He saved and took to be his bride.i063bSt. James the Champion was of Spain,His country's glory to maintain:An angry boar, inflamed with rage,This hero did in fight engage.And since he slew the boar in strife,He Celestine did gain as wife.i063bSt. Anthony, Italian knight,His country's fame upheld in fight:The giant Blanderon did placeIn prison dark the Queen of Thrace;St. Anthony the giant slewAnd took as wife the princess true.[Pg 143]There was a little man, and he had a little gunThere was a little man, and he had a little gun,And his bullets were made of lead, lead, lead.i115He shot John Sprig through the middle of his wig,And knocked it off his head, head, head.[Pg 144]I have seen you, little mouses_i116_0s_i116_1s_i116_2HAVEhave seen you, little mouse,Running all about the house,Through the hole, your little eyeIn the wainscot peeping sly,Hoping soon some crumbs to steal,To make quite a hearty meal.Look before you venture out,See if pussy is about,If she's gone, you'll quickly run,To the larder for some fun,Round about the dishes creep,Taking into each a peep,To choose the daintiest that's there,Spoiling things you do not care.As soft as silkAs soft as silk, as white as milk,As bitter as gall, a strong wall,And a green coat covers me all.(a walnut)[Pg 145]Barber barberBarber, barber, shave a pig,How many hairs will make a wig?i117"Four and twenty, that's enough"Give the barber a pinch of snuff.[Pg 146]Bryan O'LinBryan O'Lin had no breeches to wearSo he bought him a sheepskin and made him a pair.i118With the skinny side out, and the woolly side in,"Ah ha, that is warm!" said Bryan O'Lin.[Pg 147]Mary had a pretty birdi119ARYhad a pretty bird,Feathers bright and yellowSlender legs, upon my word,He was a pretty fellow.The sweetest notes he always sung,Which much delighted Mary;And near the cage she'd ever sit,To hear her own canary.The girl in the lane, that couldn't speak plainThe girl in the lane, that couldn't speak plain,Cried, gobble, gobble, gobble:The man on the hill, that couldn't stand still,Went hobble, hobble, hobble.[Pg 148]"We are three brethren out of Spain"i120"We are three brethren out of Spain,Come to court your daughter Jane.""My daughter Jane she is too young,She has not learned her mother tongue.""Be she young, or be she old,For her beauty she must be sold,So fare you well, my lady gay,We'll call again another day.""Turn back, turn back, thou scornful knight,And rub thy spurs till they be bright.""Of my spurs take you no thought,For in this land they were not bought.[Pg 149]"So fare you well, my lady gay,We'll call again another day.""Turn back, turn back, thou scornful knight;And take the fairest in your sight.""The fairest maid that I can see,Is pretty Nancy, come to me.""Here comes your daughter, safe and sound,Every pocket with a thousand pound,Every pocket with a gay gold ring,Please to take your daughter in."i121[Pg 150]History of John Gilpins_i122_0s_i122_1s_i122_2OHNGilpin was a citizenOf credit and renown,A train-band captain eke was he,Of famous London town.John Gilpin's spouse said to her dear,"Though wedded we have beenThese twice ten tedious years, yet weNo holiday have seen."To-morrow is our wedding-day,And we will then repairUnto the 'Bell' at Edmonton,All in a chaise and pair."My sister, and my sister's child,Myself, and children threeWill fill the chaise; so you must rideOn horseback after we."[Pg 151]He soon replied, "I do admireOf womankind but one,And you are she, my dearest dear,Therefore it shall be done."I am a linendraper bold,As all the world doth know,And my good friend the calenderWill lend his horse to go."Quoth Mrs. Gilpin, "That's well said;And for that wine is dear,We will be furnished with our own,Which is both bright and clear."John Gilpin kissed his losing wife,O'erjoyed was he to find,That though on pleasure she was bent,She had a frugal mind.[Pg 152]The morning came, the chaise was brought,But yet was not allowedTo drive up to the door, lest allShould say that she was proud.So three doors off the chaise was stayed,Where they did all get in;Six precious souls, and all agogTo dash through thick and thin.Smack went the whip, round went the wheels,Were never folks so glad!The stones did rattle underneath,As if Cheapside were mad.John Gilpin at his horse's sideSeized fast the flowing mane,And up he got, in haste to ride,But soon came down again.[Pg 153]For saddletree scarce reached had he,His journey to begin,When, turning round his head, he sawThree customers come in.So down he came; for loss of time,Although it grieved him sore,Yet loss of pence, full well he knew,Would trouble him much more.'Twas long before the customersWere suited to their mind,When Betty screaming came downstairs,"The wine is left behind!""Good lack!" quoth he, "yet bring it me,My leathern belt likewise,In which I bear my trusty swordWhen I do exercise."[Pg 154]Now Mistress Gilpin (careful soul!)Had two stone bottles found,To hold the liquor that she loved,And keep it safe and sound.Each bottle had a curling ear,Through which the belt he drew,And hung a bottle on each side,To make his balance true.Then over all, that he might beEquipped from top to toe,His long red cloak, well brushed and neat,He manfully did throw.Now see him mounted once againUpon his nimble steed,Full slowly pacing o'er the stones,With caution and good heed.[Pg 155]But finding soon a smoother roadBeneath his well-shod feet,The snorting beast began to trot,Which galled him in his seat."So, fair and softly!" John he cried,But John he cried in vain;That trot became a gallop soon,In spite of curb and rein.So stooping down, as needs he mustWho cannot sit upright,He grasped the mane with both his hands,And eke with all his might.His horse, who never in that sortHad handled been before,What thing upon his back had got,Did wonder more and more.[Pg 156]Away went Gilpin, neck or nought;Away went hat and wig;He little dreamt, when he set out,Of running such a rig.The wind did blow, the cloak did flyLike streamer long and gay,Till, loop and button failing both,At last it flew away.Then might all people well discernThe bottles he had slung;A bottle swinging at each side,As hath been said or sung.The dogs did bark, the children screamed.Up flew the windows all;And every soul cried out, "Well done!"As loud as he could bawl.[Pg 157]Away went Gilpin—who but he?His fame soon spread around:"He carries weight! he rides a race!'Tis for a thousand pound!"And still as fast as he drew near,'Twas wonderful to viewHow in a trice the turnpike-menTheir gates wide open threw.And now, as he went bowing downHis reeking head full low,The bottles twain behind his backWere shattered at a blow.Down ran the wine into the road,Most piteous to be seen,Which made the horse's flanks to smokeAs they had basted been.[Pg 158]But still he seemed to carry weight,With leathern girdle braced;For all might see the bottle-necksStill dangling at his waist.Thus all through merry IslingtonThese gambols he did play,Until he came unto the WashOf Edmonton so gay;And there he threw the wash aboutOn both sides of the way,Just like unto a trundling mop.Or a wild goose at play.At Edmonton his loving wifeFrom the balcony spiedHer tender husband, wondering muchTo see how he did ride.[Pg 159]"Stop, stop, John Gilpin!—Here's the house!"They all at once did cry;"The dinner waits, and we are tired,"Said Gilpin—"So am I!"But yet his horse was not a whitInclined to tarry there;For why?—his owner had a houseFull ten miles off, at Ware.So like an arrow swift he flew,Shot by an archer strong;So did he fly—which brings me toThe middle of my song.Away went Gilpin out of breathAnd sore against his will,Till at his friend the calender's.His horse at last stood still.[Pg 160]The calender, amazed to seeHis neighbour in such trim,Laid down his pipe, flew to the gate,And thus accosted him:"What news? what news? your tidings tell;Tell me you must and shall—Say why bareheaded you are come,Or why you come at all?"Now Gilpin had a pleasant wit,And loved a timely joke;And thus unto the calenderIn merry guise he spoke:"I came because your horse would come:And, if I well forebode,My hat and wig will soon be here,They are upon the road."[Pg 161]The calender, right glad to findHis friend in merry pin,Returned him not a single word,But to the house went in;Whence straight he came with hat and wig,A wig that flowed behind,A hat not much the worse for wear,Each comely in its kind.He held them up, and in his turnThus showed his ready wit,"My head is twice as big as yours,They therefore needs must fit."But let me scrape the dirt away,That hangs upon your face;And stop and eat, for well you mayBe in a hungry case."[Pg 162]Said John, "It is my wedding-day,And all the world would stareIf wife should dine at Edmonton,And I should dine at Ware."So turning to his horse, he said,"I am in haste to dine;'Twas for your pleasure you came here,You shall go back for mine."Ah! luckless speech, and bootless boast!For which he paid full dear;For while he spake, a braying assDid sing most loud and clear;Whereat his horse did snort, as heHad heard a lion roar,And galloped off with all his might,As he had done before.[Pg 163]Away went Gilpin, and awayWent Gilpin's hat and wig:He lost them sooner than at first,For why—they were too big.Now Mistress Gilpin, when she sawHer husband posting downInto the country far away,She pulled out half-a-crown;And thus unto the youth she said,That drove them to the "Bell,""This shall be yours when you bring backMy husband safe and well."The youth did ride, and soon did meetJohn coming back amain;Whom in a trice he tried to stop,By catching at his rein;[Pg 164]But not performing what he meant,And gladly would have done,The frighted steed he frighted more,And made him faster run.Away went Gilpin, and awayWent postboy at his heels,The postboy's horse right glad to missThe lumbering of the wheels.Six gentlemen upon the road,Thus seeing Gilpin fly,With postboy scampering in the rear,They raised the hue and cry."Stop thief! stop thief! a highwayman!"Not one of them was mute;And all and each that passed that wayDid join in the pursuit.[Pg 165]And now the turnpike gates againFlew open in short space;The toll-men thinking, as before,That Gilpin rode a race.And so he did, and won it too,For he got first to town;Nor stopped till where he had got up,He did again get down.Now let us sing, "Long live the King,And Gilpin, long live he;"And when he next doth ride abroad,May I be there to see.The bee doth love the sweetest flower,So doth the blossom the April shower.[Pg 166]One, two, buckle my shoes_i123a_0s_i123a_1One, two,Buckle my shoe;Three, four,Shut the door;Five, six,Pick up sticks;Seven, eight,Lay them straight;i123bNine, 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 spinSix 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 sons_i124_0s_i124_1s_i124_2OCKYwas a piper's son,And he fell in love when he was young,And the only tune he could playWas, "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 cowThere 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 contraryi125ARY, Mary,Quite contrary,How does your garden grow?Silver bells,And cockle-shells,And pretty maids all of a row.[Pg 169]i126"Pretty maids all of a row."[Pg 171][Pg 170]There was a crooked mani127HEREwas 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 millerThere was a jolly millerLived on the river Dee:He worked and sung from morn till night,No lark so blithe as he,And this the burden of his songFor 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?i128aWho killed Cock Robin?"I," said the sparrow,"With my bow and arrow,I killed Cock Robin."i128bWho saw him die?"I," said the fly,"With my little eye,I saw him die."i128cWho caught his blood?"I," said the fish,"With my little dish,I caught his blood."[Pg 173]i129aWho'll make his shroud?"I," said the beetle,"With my thread and needle,I'll make his shroud."i129bWho'll bear the torch?"I," said the linnet,"Will come in a minute,I'll bear the torch."i129cWho'll be the clerk?"I," said the lark,"I'll say Amen in the dark,I'll be the clerk."[Pg 174]i130aWho'll dig his grave?"I," said the owl,"With my spade and shovel,I'll dig his grave."i130bWho'll be the parson?"I," said the rook,"With my little book,I'll be the parson."i130cWho'll be chief mourner?"I," said the dove,"I mourn for my love,I'll be chief mourner."[Pg 175]i131aWho'll sing his dirge?"I," said the thrush,"As I sing in a bush,I'll sing his dirge."i131bWho'll carry his coffin?"I," said the kite,"If it be in the night,I'll carry his coffin."i131cWho'll toll the bell?"I," said the bull,"Because I can pull,I'll toll the bell."[Pg 176]All the birds of the airFell sighing and sobbing,When they heard the bell tollFor poor Cock Robin.Diddle diddle dumplingi132IDDLEdiddle 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-catPussy-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]
i101b
Hector Protector
Hector Protector was dressed all in green;Hector Protector was sent to the Queen.[Pg 123]The Queen did not like him,No more did the King:So Hector Protector was sent back again.
i102a
Is John Smith within?
SJohn Smith within?Yes, that he is.Can he set a shoe?Ay, marry, two.Here a nail, there a nail,Now your horse is shoed.
[Pg 124]
Johnny shall have a new bonnet
OHNNYshall have a new bonnet,And Johnny shall go to the fair.And Johnny shall have a blue ribbonTo tie up his bonny brown hair.And why may not I love Johnny?And why may not Johnny love me?And why may not I love JohnnyAs well as another body?And here's a leg for a stocking,And here is a leg for a shoe,And he has a kiss for his daddy,And two for his mammy, I trow.And why may not I love Johnny?And why may not Johnny love me?And why may not I love Johnny,As well as another body?
[Pg 125]
I Saw a Ship a Sailing
I Saw a Ship a Sailing
I saw a ship a-sailing.A-sailing on the sea;And it was full of pretty thingsFor baby and for me.There were comfits in the cabin,And apples in the hold;The sails were all of velvet,And the masts of beaten gold.The four-and-twenty sailorsThat stood between the decks,Were four-and-twenty white mice,With chains about their necks.[Pg 126]The captain was a duck,With a packet on his back;And when the ship began to move,The captain said, "Quack! quack!"
Nose, nose
Nose, nose, jolly red nose;And what gave thee that jolly red nose?Nutmegs and cinnamon, spices and cloves,And they gave me this jolly red nose.
The King of France
HEKing of France went up the hill,With twenty thousand men;The King of France came down the hill,And ne'er went up again.
[Pg 127]
i106a
"Went up the hill."
"Came down again!"
[Pg 128]
The Babes in the Wood
GENTLEMANof good accountIn Norfolk dwelt of late,Whose wealth and riches did surmountMost men of his estate.Sore sick he was, and like to die,No help his life could save;His wife by him as sick did lie,And both were near the grave.No love between these two was lost:Each to the other kind;In love they lived, in love they died,And left two babes behind.Now, if the children chanced to die,Ere they to age should come,Their uncle should possess their wealth!For so the will did run.[Pg 129]"Now, brother," said the dying man,"Look to my children dear;Be good unto my boy and girl,No friends else have they here."Their parents being dead and gone,The children home he takes,And brings them both unto his house,Where much of them he makes.He had not kept those pretty babesA twelvemonth and a day,When, for their wealth, he did deviseTo make them both away.He bargained with two ruffians bold,Who were of savage mood,That they should take the children twain,And slay them in a wood.[Pg 130]They prate and prattle pleasantly,While riding on the way,To those their wicked uncle hired,These lovely babes to slay:So that the pretty speech they had,Made the ruffians' heart relent;And they that took the deed to do,Full sorely did repent.Yet one of them, more hard of heart,Did vow to do his charge,Because the wretch that hired himHad paid him very large.The other would not agree thereto,So here they fell at strife;With one another they did fight,About the children's life.
[Pg 131]
i108
"WENT WANDERING UP AND DOWN."
[Pg 133]
And he that was of milder moodDid slay the other there,Within an unfrequented wood,The babes did quake for fear!He took the children by the hand,While they for bread complain:"Stay here," quoth he, "I'll bring ye bread,When I do come again."These pretty babes, with hand in hand,Went wandering up and down;But never more they saw the manApproaching from the town.Thus wandered these two pretty dears,Till death did end their grief;In one another's arms they died,Poor babes! past all relief.[Pg 134]No burial these innocentsOf any man receives,But Robin Redbreast lovinglyDid cover them with leaves.The fellow that did take in handThese children for to kill,Was for a robbery judged to die,As was God's blessed will:And did confess the very truth,The which is here expressed;Their uncle died while he for debtDid long in prison rest.
Little Jack Horner
ITTLEJack HornerSat in the cornerEating a Christmas pie;He put in his thumb,And pulled out a plum,And said, "What a good boy am I!"
[Pg 135]
Bow, wow, says the dog
Bow, wow, says the dog;Mew, mew, says the cat;Grunt, grunt, goes the hog;And squeak goes the rat.Chirp, chirp, says the sparrow;Caw, caw, says the crow;Quack, quack, says the duck;And what cuckoos say, you knowSo, with sparrows and cuckoos;With rats and with dogs;With ducks and with crows;With cats and with hogs;A fine song I have made,To please you, my dear;And if it's well sung,'Twill be charming to hear.
[Pg 136]
Tell-Tale-Tit
ELL-TALE-TIT,Your tongue shall be slit,And all the little puppy dogsShall have a little bit.
The Queen of Hearts
The Queen of Hearts,She made some tarts,All on a summer's day;The Knave of Hearts,He stole those tarts,And took them clean away.
i111b
[Pg 137]
i112
"SHE MADE SOME TARTS."
[Pg 139]
The King of HeartsCalled for the tarts,And beat the Knave full sore;
The Knave of HeartsBrought back the tarts,And vowed he'd steal no more.
[Pg 140]
The Champions of Christendom
NEgypt was a dragon direWith scales of steel, and breath of fire:And Egypt's Princess fair and goodWas doomed to be the monster's food:St. George this fearful dragon slew,And for his wife gained Sebra true.
i063b
St. Andrew, Scotland's famous knightIn deeds of valour took delight;Maidens in grief and matrons graveFrom insult he was wont to save.For noble deeds he was renowned:His fame did through the world resound.St. Andrew fought, as we are told,Against a host of warriors bold;They viewed his strength with wonderment,And yielding, in submission bent.Defeated by his powerful rod,They owned the greatness of his GOD.
[Pg 141]
i063b
St. David, Welshman's Champion bold,Preferred rude war to ease and gold:He, fighting for his faith divine,Unhorsed and slew Prince Palestine.His Pagan followers stood in awe,And worshipped heathen gods no more.
i063b
St. Patrick, Ireland's valiant knight,Did thirty robbers put to flight;Rescued from them six ladies fair,And then protected them with care.Great fame and glory he acquired,And as a holy priest expired.
i063b
St. Dennis was the knight of France,As brave as ever carried lance:[Pg 142]Fair fame he won: for he did freeA princess prisoned in a tree.Fair Eglantine, once Thessaly's pride,He saved and took to be his bride.
i063b
St. James the Champion was of Spain,His country's glory to maintain:An angry boar, inflamed with rage,This hero did in fight engage.And since he slew the boar in strife,He Celestine did gain as wife.
i063b
St. Anthony, Italian knight,His country's fame upheld in fight:The giant Blanderon did placeIn prison dark the Queen of Thrace;St. Anthony the giant slewAnd took as wife the princess true.
[Pg 143]
There was a little man, and he had a little gun
There was a little man, and he had a little gun,And his bullets were made of lead, lead, lead.
i115
He shot John Sprig through the middle of his wig,And knocked it off his head, head, head.
[Pg 144]
I have seen you, little mouse
HAVEhave seen you, little mouse,Running all about the house,Through the hole, your little eyeIn the wainscot peeping sly,Hoping soon some crumbs to steal,To make quite a hearty meal.Look before you venture out,See if pussy is about,If she's gone, you'll quickly run,To the larder for some fun,Round about the dishes creep,Taking into each a peep,To choose the daintiest that's there,Spoiling things you do not care.
As soft as silk
As soft as silk, as white as milk,As bitter as gall, a strong wall,And a green coat covers me all.(a walnut)
[Pg 145]
Barber barber
Barber, barber, shave a pig,How many hairs will make a wig?
i117
"Four and twenty, that's enough"Give the barber a pinch of snuff.
[Pg 146]
Bryan O'Lin
Bryan O'Lin had no breeches to wearSo he bought him a sheepskin and made him a pair.
i118
With the skinny side out, and the woolly side in,"Ah ha, that is warm!" said Bryan O'Lin.
[Pg 147]
Mary had a pretty bird
ARYhad a pretty bird,Feathers bright and yellowSlender legs, upon my word,He was a pretty fellow.The sweetest notes he always sung,
Which much delighted Mary;And near the cage she'd ever sit,To hear her own canary.
The girl in the lane, that couldn't speak plain
The girl in the lane, that couldn't speak plain,Cried, gobble, gobble, gobble:The man on the hill, that couldn't stand still,Went hobble, hobble, hobble.
[Pg 148]
"We are three brethren out of Spain"
i120
"We are three brethren out of Spain,Come to court your daughter Jane.""My daughter Jane she is too young,She has not learned her mother tongue.""Be she young, or be she old,For her beauty she must be sold,So fare you well, my lady gay,We'll call again another day.""Turn back, turn back, thou scornful knight,And rub thy spurs till they be bright.""Of my spurs take you no thought,For in this land they were not bought.[Pg 149]"So fare you well, my lady gay,We'll call again another day.""Turn back, turn back, thou scornful knight;And take the fairest in your sight.""The fairest maid that I can see,Is pretty Nancy, come to me.""Here comes your daughter, safe and sound,Every pocket with a thousand pound,Every pocket with a gay gold ring,Please to take your daughter in."
i121
[Pg 150]
History of John Gilpin
OHNGilpin was a citizenOf credit and renown,A train-band captain eke was he,Of famous London town.John Gilpin's spouse said to her dear,"Though wedded we have beenThese twice ten tedious years, yet weNo holiday have seen."To-morrow is our wedding-day,And we will then repairUnto the 'Bell' at Edmonton,All in a chaise and pair."My sister, and my sister's child,Myself, and children threeWill fill the chaise; so you must rideOn horseback after we."[Pg 151]He soon replied, "I do admireOf womankind but one,And you are she, my dearest dear,Therefore it shall be done."I am a linendraper bold,As all the world doth know,And my good friend the calenderWill lend his horse to go."Quoth Mrs. Gilpin, "That's well said;And for that wine is dear,We will be furnished with our own,Which is both bright and clear."John Gilpin kissed his losing wife,O'erjoyed was he to find,That though on pleasure she was bent,She had a frugal mind.[Pg 152]The morning came, the chaise was brought,But yet was not allowedTo drive up to the door, lest allShould say that she was proud.So three doors off the chaise was stayed,Where they did all get in;Six precious souls, and all agogTo dash through thick and thin.Smack went the whip, round went the wheels,Were never folks so glad!The stones did rattle underneath,As if Cheapside were mad.John Gilpin at his horse's sideSeized fast the flowing mane,And up he got, in haste to ride,But soon came down again.[Pg 153]For saddletree scarce reached had he,His journey to begin,When, turning round his head, he sawThree customers come in.So down he came; for loss of time,Although it grieved him sore,Yet loss of pence, full well he knew,Would trouble him much more.'Twas long before the customersWere suited to their mind,When Betty screaming came downstairs,"The wine is left behind!""Good lack!" quoth he, "yet bring it me,My leathern belt likewise,In which I bear my trusty swordWhen I do exercise."[Pg 154]Now Mistress Gilpin (careful soul!)Had two stone bottles found,To hold the liquor that she loved,And keep it safe and sound.Each bottle had a curling ear,Through which the belt he drew,And hung a bottle on each side,To make his balance true.Then over all, that he might beEquipped from top to toe,His long red cloak, well brushed and neat,He manfully did throw.Now see him mounted once againUpon his nimble steed,Full slowly pacing o'er the stones,With caution and good heed.[Pg 155]But finding soon a smoother roadBeneath his well-shod feet,The snorting beast began to trot,Which galled him in his seat."So, fair and softly!" John he cried,But John he cried in vain;That trot became a gallop soon,In spite of curb and rein.So stooping down, as needs he mustWho cannot sit upright,He grasped the mane with both his hands,And eke with all his might.His horse, who never in that sortHad handled been before,What thing upon his back had got,Did wonder more and more.[Pg 156]Away went Gilpin, neck or nought;Away went hat and wig;He little dreamt, when he set out,Of running such a rig.The wind did blow, the cloak did flyLike streamer long and gay,Till, loop and button failing both,At last it flew away.Then might all people well discernThe bottles he had slung;A bottle swinging at each side,As hath been said or sung.The dogs did bark, the children screamed.Up flew the windows all;And every soul cried out, "Well done!"As loud as he could bawl.[Pg 157]Away went Gilpin—who but he?His fame soon spread around:"He carries weight! he rides a race!'Tis for a thousand pound!"And still as fast as he drew near,'Twas wonderful to viewHow in a trice the turnpike-menTheir gates wide open threw.And now, as he went bowing downHis reeking head full low,The bottles twain behind his backWere shattered at a blow.Down ran the wine into the road,Most piteous to be seen,Which made the horse's flanks to smokeAs they had basted been.[Pg 158]But still he seemed to carry weight,With leathern girdle braced;For all might see the bottle-necksStill dangling at his waist.Thus all through merry IslingtonThese gambols he did play,Until he came unto the WashOf Edmonton so gay;And there he threw the wash aboutOn both sides of the way,Just like unto a trundling mop.Or a wild goose at play.At Edmonton his loving wifeFrom the balcony spiedHer tender husband, wondering muchTo see how he did ride.[Pg 159]"Stop, stop, John Gilpin!—Here's the house!"They all at once did cry;"The dinner waits, and we are tired,"Said Gilpin—"So am I!"But yet his horse was not a whitInclined to tarry there;For why?—his owner had a houseFull ten miles off, at Ware.So like an arrow swift he flew,Shot by an archer strong;So did he fly—which brings me toThe middle of my song.Away went Gilpin out of breathAnd sore against his will,Till at his friend the calender's.His horse at last stood still.[Pg 160]The calender, amazed to seeHis neighbour in such trim,Laid down his pipe, flew to the gate,And thus accosted him:"What news? what news? your tidings tell;Tell me you must and shall—Say why bareheaded you are come,Or why you come at all?"Now Gilpin had a pleasant wit,And loved a timely joke;And thus unto the calenderIn merry guise he spoke:"I came because your horse would come:And, if I well forebode,My hat and wig will soon be here,They are upon the road."[Pg 161]The calender, right glad to findHis friend in merry pin,Returned him not a single word,But to the house went in;Whence straight he came with hat and wig,A wig that flowed behind,A hat not much the worse for wear,Each comely in its kind.He held them up, and in his turnThus showed his ready wit,"My head is twice as big as yours,They therefore needs must fit."But let me scrape the dirt away,That hangs upon your face;And stop and eat, for well you mayBe in a hungry case."[Pg 162]Said John, "It is my wedding-day,And all the world would stareIf wife should dine at Edmonton,And I should dine at Ware."So turning to his horse, he said,"I am in haste to dine;'Twas for your pleasure you came here,You shall go back for mine."Ah! luckless speech, and bootless boast!For which he paid full dear;For while he spake, a braying assDid sing most loud and clear;Whereat his horse did snort, as heHad heard a lion roar,And galloped off with all his might,As he had done before.[Pg 163]Away went Gilpin, and awayWent Gilpin's hat and wig:He lost them sooner than at first,For why—they were too big.Now Mistress Gilpin, when she sawHer husband posting downInto the country far away,She pulled out half-a-crown;And thus unto the youth she said,That drove them to the "Bell,""This shall be yours when you bring backMy husband safe and well."The youth did ride, and soon did meetJohn coming back amain;Whom in a trice he tried to stop,By catching at his rein;[Pg 164]But not performing what he meant,And gladly would have done,The frighted steed he frighted more,And made him faster run.Away went Gilpin, and awayWent postboy at his heels,The postboy's horse right glad to missThe lumbering of the wheels.Six gentlemen upon the road,Thus seeing Gilpin fly,With postboy scampering in the rear,They raised the hue and cry."Stop thief! stop thief! a highwayman!"Not one of them was mute;And all and each that passed that wayDid join in the pursuit.[Pg 165]And now the turnpike gates againFlew open in short space;The toll-men thinking, as before,That Gilpin rode a race.And so he did, and won it too,For he got first to town;Nor stopped till where he had got up,He did again get down.Now let us sing, "Long live the King,And Gilpin, long live he;"And when he next doth ride abroad,May I be there to see.
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;i123bNine, 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
OCKYwas a piper's son,And he fell in love when he was young,And the only tune he could playWas, "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]
i126
"Pretty maids all of a row."
[Pg 171]
[Pg 170]
There was a crooked man
HEREwas 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 millerLived on the river Dee:He worked and sung from morn till night,No lark so blithe as he,And this the burden of his songFor 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 airFell sighing and sobbing,When they heard the bell tollFor poor Cock Robin.
Diddle diddle dumpling
IDDLEdiddle 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]