May 21. Story of the Day: A was an Archer

Today's story is an "alphabet rhyme" from The Nursery Rhyme Book edited by Andrew Lang, with illustrations by L. Leslie Brooke.

Like most nursery rhymes, there is no TMI number, but there is a Roud number: Roud 20563.

This time, the chain structure is provided by the letters of the alphabet. For more alphabet-inspired poetry, see Wikipedia: Abcedarius.

Some vocabulary preparation: to "bouse" is to booze, to drink too much, and "flip" is also a drinking term, a liquor composed of beer, rum, and sugar.

Want more? Click here for previous Stories-of-the-Day.


A was an Archer




A was an Archer, and shot at a frog,
B was a Butcher, and had a great dog.

C was a Captain, all covered with lace,
D was a Drunkard, and had a red face.

E was an Esquire, with pride on his brow,
F was a Farmer, and followed the plough.

G was a Gamester, who had but ill luck,
H was a Hunter, and hunted a buck.

I was an Innkeeper, who loved to bouse,
J was a Joiner, and built up a house.

K was King William, once governed this land,
L was a Lady, who had a white hand.

M was a Miser, and hoarded up gold,
N was a Nobleman, gallant and bold.

O was an Oyster Wench, and went about town,
P was a Parson, and wore a black gown.

Q was a Queen, who was fond of good flip,
R was a Robber, and wanted a whip.

S was a Sailor, and spent all he got,
T was a Tinker, and mended a pot.

U was an Usurer, a miserable elf,
V was a Vintner, who drank all himself.

W was a Watchman, and guarded the door,
X was expensive, and so became poor.

Y was a Youth, that did not love school,
Z was a Zany, a poor harmless fool.



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