Nursery Rhyme. XLII. Literal

        [Tom Thumb's Alphabet.]

    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.