Mythology & Folklore

A was an archer, and shot at a frog

by Anonymous (English nursery rhymes) traditional; recorded 17th–19th century

From The Nursery Rhymes of England, collected by J. O. Halliwell (London: Warne; first ed. 1842; this printing 1886)

Mythology & Folklore

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 lov'd 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.

✦ ✦ ✦

Halliwell's class: Literal. [Tom Thumb's Alphabet.]

MLA

Anonymous (English nursery rhymes). “A was an archer, and shot at a frog.” Poetry Codex, poetrycodex.com/poem/anonymous-english-nursery-rhymes/41/.

Chicago

Anonymous (English nursery rhymes). “A was an archer, and shot at a frog.” Poetry Codex. https://poetrycodex.com/poem/anonymous-english-nursery-rhymes/41/.

Read this poem with the Codex →

More by Anonymous (English nursery rhymes)