I Had A Little Nut-Tree

I had a little nut-tree, nothing would it bear
But a silver nutmeg and a golden pear;
The King of Spain's daughter came to visit me,
And all for the sake of my little nut-tree.

Walter Crane

Walter Crane was an English artist and book illustrator, considered to be one of the most prolific and influential children's book creators of his generation. Born on August 15, 1845, and passing away on March 14, 1915, he was part of the Arts and Crafts movement and is known for his innovative contributions to children's literature. His work often combined art and poetry, aiming to educate and delight young readers.

Walter Crane

London Bridge

Walter Crane, Simple Poetry

The Fir & The Bramble

Walter Crane, Simple Poetry

The Man & The Snake

Walter Crane, Simple Poetry

Aiken Drum

Walter Crane, Simple Poetry

English

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Nursery Rhyme. V. Historical

        [The following perhaps refers to Joanna of Castile, who visited the court of Henry the Seventh, in the year 1506.]

    I had a little nut tree, nothing would it bear
    But a silver nutmeg and a golden pear;
    The king of Spain's daughter came to visit me,
    And all was because of my little nut tree.
    I skipp'd over water, I danced over sea,
    And all the birds in the air couldn't catch me.

Unknown

The Fir & The Bramble

The Fir-tree looked down on the Bramble.
"Poor thing, only able to scramble
About on the ground."
Just then an axe' sound
Made the Fir wish himself but a Bramble.

Pride Of Place Has Its Disadvantages

Walter Crane

The Trees & The Woodman

The Trees ask of Man what he lacks;
"One bit, just to handle my axe?"
All he asks--well and good:
But he cuts down the wood,
So well does he handle his axe!

"Give Me An Inch & I'll Take An Ell"

Walter Crane

My Lady's Garden

How does my lady's garden grow?
How does my lady's garden grow?
With silver bells, and cockle shells,
And pretty maids all in a row!

Walter Crane

The Mulberry Bush

Here we go round the mulberry bush,
the mulberry bush, the mulberry bush;
Here we go round the mulberry bush,
All on a frosty morning.

This is the way we clap our hands,
This is the way we clap our hands,
This is the way we clap our hands,
All on a frosty morning.

Walter Crane

An Alphabet Of Old Friends.

A

A carrion crow sat on an oak,
Watching a tailor shape his cloak.
"Wife, bring me my old bent bow,
That I may shoot yon carrion crow."
The tailor he shot and missed his mark,
And shot his own sow quite through the heart.
"Wife, wife, bring brandy in a spoon,
For our old sow is in a swoon."

B

Ba, ba, black sheep,
Have you any wool?
Yes, marry, have I,
Three bags full.

One for my master,
One for my dame,
But none for the little boy
That cries in the lane.

C

Hen.    Cock, cock, I have la-a-ayed!
Cock. Hen, hen, that's well sa-a-ayed!
Hen.    Although I have to go bare-footed every day-a-ay!
Cock. (Con spirito.) Sell your eggs and buy shoes!
                 ...

Walter Crane