The Poetry Corner

Nursery Rhyme. XLIV. Literal

By Unknown

A for the ape, that we saw at the fair; B for a blockhead, who ne'er shall go there; C for a collyflower, white as a curd; D for a duck, a very good bird; E for an egg, good in pudding or pies; F for a farmer, rich, honest, and wise; G for a gentleman, void of all care; H for the hound, that ran down the hare; I for an Indian, sooty and dark; K for the keeper, that look'd to the park; L for a lark, that soar'd in the air; M for a mole, that ne'er could get there; N for Sir Nobody, ever in fault; O for an otter, that ne'er could be caught; P for a pudding, stuck full of plums; Q was for quartering it, see here he comes; R for a rook, that croak'd in the trees; S for a sailor, that plough'd the deep seas; T for a top, that doth prettily spin; V for a virgin of delicate mien; W for wealth, in gold, silver, and pence; X for old Xenophon, noted for sense; Y for a yew, which for ever is green; Z for the zebra, that belongs to the queen.