i133Pussy-cat Pussy-cat[Pg 179]Billy, Billy, come and playi134ILLY, 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 heni135aHADa 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 birdi135bLady 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 dolli136USHYbaby, 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 eatOf 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!i137aOCKa doodle doo!My dame has lost her shoe;My master's lost his fiddling stick,And don't know what to do.i137bCock 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]i138Cock 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 womanThere 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 easti139When 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""When the wind is in the east"[Pg 187]Where should a baby rest?s_i141_0s_i141_1s_i141_2HEREshould a baby rest?Where but on its mother's arm—Where can a baby lieHalf 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 woodsi142ETus 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, Docki143ICKORY, 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 goA 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!i146The 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 bachelorWhen 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, ganderGoosey, goosey, gander,Whither shall I wander?Upstairs and downstairs,And in my lady's chamber;There I met an old manThat would not say his prayers;I took him by the left leg,And threw him downstairs.[Pg 199]Robin the BobbinRobin 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, babyRock-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.i149[Pg 200]Tom, Tom, the piper's sons_i150_0s_i150_1s_i150_2OM, 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]i151Those 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-treei152PIEsate 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 manDoctor 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 wifei154HEfox 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 nightFor 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 mileFrom 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 backFrom 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 safeThrough 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 meatFrom 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 finei155aOBERT BARNES, fellow fine,Can you shoe this horse of mine?""Yes, good Sir, that I can,As well as any other man;i155bThere's a nail, and there's a prod,And now, good Sir, your horse is shod."[Pg 210]Twinkle, twinkle, little stari156aWINKLE, twinkle, little star,How I wonder what you are,156bUp 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 darkThanks 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 sparkLights the traveller in the dark,Though I know not what you are,Twinkle, twinkle, little star.[Pg 212]On Christmas eve I turned the spiti157NChristmas 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 doorSaid he never saw the like before;And the kitchen clock I was going to wind,Said he never saw the like behind.Multiplication is vexationMultiplication is vexation,Division is just as bad;The Rule of Three perplexes me,And Practice drives me mad.[Pg 213]ElizabethElizabeth, 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 Nimblei158bACKbe nimbleJack be quick,Jack jump over the candlestick.[Pg 214]Good people all, of every sorti159OODpeople 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 streetsThe wondering neighbours ran;And swore the dog had lost his wits,To bite so good a man.The wound it seemed both sore and sadTo 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 womanThere 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.i161"She whipped them all round."Monday's bairni160ONDAY'sbairn 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 dayIs bonny and blythe and good and gay.[Pg 219]Punch and Judyi162aPunch and JudyFought for a pie,Punch gave JudyA 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 songs_i162b_0s_i162b_1s_i162b_2WILLsing 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 clocki163aHERE'S a neat little clock,In the schoolroom it stands,And it points to the timeWith its two little handsAnd may we, like the clock,Keep a face clean and bright,With hands ever readyTo do what is right.Cross patch, draw the latchs_i163b_0s_i163b_1ROSSpatch,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 swineThere 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 styeHoney, 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-BobbinRobin-a-BobbinBent his bow,Shot at a pigeon,And killed a crow.[Pg 223]In marble wallsi165aNmarble 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 waterIf 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]Godbless the master of this houseGOD bless the master of this house,The mistress bless also,And all the little childrenThat 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 fishesi166HEDog will come when he is calledThe 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, SnailSnail, 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 eggsAs I was going to sell my eggsI 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 mareA 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 brotherI 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 beTwo happy little boys.[Pg 232]There was an old woman lived under a hills_i169_0s_i169_1s_i169_2HEREwas 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 boyWhen I was a little boy,I washed my mammy's dishes,I put my finger in my eye,And pulled out golden fishes.Hickety, picketyHickety, pickety, my black hen,She lays eggs for gentlemen;Gentlemen come every dayTo see what my black hen doth lay.[Pg 233]"... My black hen, Lays eggs for gentlemen.""... My black hen, Lays eggs for gentlemen."[Pg 235][Pg 234]I had a little husband
i133Pussy-cat Pussy-cat[Pg 179]Billy, Billy, come and playi134ILLY, 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 heni135aHADa 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 birdi135bLady 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 dolli136USHYbaby, 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 eatOf 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!i137aOCKa doodle doo!My dame has lost her shoe;My master's lost his fiddling stick,And don't know what to do.i137bCock 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]i138Cock 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 womanThere 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 easti139When 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""When the wind is in the east"[Pg 187]Where should a baby rest?s_i141_0s_i141_1s_i141_2HEREshould a baby rest?Where but on its mother's arm—Where can a baby lieHalf 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 woodsi142ETus 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, Docki143ICKORY, 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 goA 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!i146The 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 bachelorWhen 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, ganderGoosey, goosey, gander,Whither shall I wander?Upstairs and downstairs,And in my lady's chamber;There I met an old manThat would not say his prayers;I took him by the left leg,And threw him downstairs.[Pg 199]Robin the BobbinRobin 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, babyRock-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.i149[Pg 200]Tom, Tom, the piper's sons_i150_0s_i150_1s_i150_2OM, 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]i151Those 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-treei152PIEsate 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 manDoctor 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 wifei154HEfox 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 nightFor 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 mileFrom 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 backFrom 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 safeThrough 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 meatFrom 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 finei155aOBERT BARNES, fellow fine,Can you shoe this horse of mine?""Yes, good Sir, that I can,As well as any other man;i155bThere's a nail, and there's a prod,And now, good Sir, your horse is shod."[Pg 210]Twinkle, twinkle, little stari156aWINKLE, twinkle, little star,How I wonder what you are,156bUp 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 darkThanks 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 sparkLights the traveller in the dark,Though I know not what you are,Twinkle, twinkle, little star.[Pg 212]On Christmas eve I turned the spiti157NChristmas 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 doorSaid he never saw the like before;And the kitchen clock I was going to wind,Said he never saw the like behind.Multiplication is vexationMultiplication is vexation,Division is just as bad;The Rule of Three perplexes me,And Practice drives me mad.[Pg 213]ElizabethElizabeth, 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 Nimblei158bACKbe nimbleJack be quick,Jack jump over the candlestick.[Pg 214]Good people all, of every sorti159OODpeople 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 streetsThe wondering neighbours ran;And swore the dog had lost his wits,To bite so good a man.The wound it seemed both sore and sadTo 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 womanThere 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.i161"She whipped them all round."Monday's bairni160ONDAY'sbairn 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 dayIs bonny and blythe and good and gay.[Pg 219]Punch and Judyi162aPunch and JudyFought for a pie,Punch gave JudyA 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 songs_i162b_0s_i162b_1s_i162b_2WILLsing 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 clocki163aHERE'S a neat little clock,In the schoolroom it stands,And it points to the timeWith its two little handsAnd may we, like the clock,Keep a face clean and bright,With hands ever readyTo do what is right.Cross patch, draw the latchs_i163b_0s_i163b_1ROSSpatch,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 swineThere 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 styeHoney, 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-BobbinRobin-a-BobbinBent his bow,Shot at a pigeon,And killed a crow.[Pg 223]In marble wallsi165aNmarble 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 waterIf 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]Godbless the master of this houseGOD bless the master of this house,The mistress bless also,And all the little childrenThat 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 fishesi166HEDog will come when he is calledThe 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, SnailSnail, 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 eggsAs I was going to sell my eggsI 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 mareA 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 brotherI 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 beTwo happy little boys.[Pg 232]There was an old woman lived under a hills_i169_0s_i169_1s_i169_2HEREwas 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 boyWhen I was a little boy,I washed my mammy's dishes,I put my finger in my eye,And pulled out golden fishes.Hickety, picketyHickety, pickety, my black hen,She lays eggs for gentlemen;Gentlemen come every dayTo see what my black hen doth lay.[Pg 233]"... My black hen, Lays eggs for gentlemen.""... My black hen, Lays eggs for gentlemen."[Pg 235][Pg 234]I had a little husband
i133
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
HADa 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
USHYbaby, 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 eatOf 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!
OCKa 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!
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
i139
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"
"When the wind is in the east"
[Pg 187]
Where should a baby rest?
HEREshould a baby rest?Where but on its mother's arm—Where can a baby lieHalf 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
ETus 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!
i146
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 manThat 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.
i149
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]
i151
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
PIEsate 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
HEfox 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 nightFor 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 mileFrom 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 backFrom 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 safeThrough 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 meatFrom 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;
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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 darkThanks 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 sparkLights 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
NChristmas 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 doorSaid 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
ACKbe nimbleJack be quick,Jack jump over the candlestick.
[Pg 214]
Good people all, of every sort
OODpeople 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 streetsThe wondering neighbours ran;And swore the dog had lost his wits,To bite so good a man.The wound it seemed both sore and sadTo 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.
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"She whipped them all round."
Monday's bairn
ONDAY'sbairn 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 dayIs bonny and blythe and good and gay.
[Pg 219]
Punch and Judy
Punch and JudyFought for a pie,Punch gave JudyA 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
WILLsing 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 timeWith its two little handsAnd may we, like the clock,Keep a face clean and bright,With hands ever readyTo do what is right.
Cross patch, draw the latch
ROSSpatch,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 styeHoney, 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-BobbinBent his bow,Shot at a pigeon,And killed a crow.
[Pg 223]
In marble walls
Nmarble 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]
Godbless the master of this house
GOD bless the master of this house,The mistress bless also,And all the little childrenThat 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
HEDog will come when he is calledThe 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 eggsI 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 beTwo happy little boys.
[Pg 232]
There was an old woman lived under a hill
HEREwas 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 dayTo see what my black hen doth lay.[Pg 233]
"... My black hen, Lays eggs for gentlemen."
"... My black hen, Lays eggs for gentlemen."
[Pg 235]
[Pg 234]
I had a little husband