Children's Rhymes, Children's Games, Children's Songs, Children's Stories Part 16

Not the more exalted songs of child life here--not "Willie Winkie," and "Cuddle Doon," and "Castles in the Air," and all that widely esteemed band, which, collectively, would themselves tax the limits of a large volume--but some of the ruder ditties only which the children for many generations have delighted to sing, and been no less charmed by hearing sung, and which of late have not been so frequently seen in print. These rude old favourites, too, with slight comment--little being required.

And of such, surely "c.o.c.k Robin" may well be awarded the place of honour--a song which, together with the more elaborate tale of "The Babes in the Wood," has done more to make its pert and dapper red-waistcoated subject the general favourite he is with old and young, than any virtue that may be claimed for the little tyrant himself.

c.o.c.k ROBIN.

Who killed c.o.c.k Robin?

I, said the Sparrow, With my bow and arrow, I killed c.o.c.k Robin.

Who saw him die?

I, said the Fly, With my little eye, I saw him die.

Who caught his blood?

I, said the Fish, With my little dish, I caught his blood.

Who'll make his shroud?

I, said the Beetle, With my thread and needle, I'll make his shroud.

Who'll carry him to his grave?

I, said the Kite, If it's not in the night, I'll carry him to his grave.

Who'll dig his grave?

I, said the Owl, With my spade and shovel, I'll dig his grave.

Who'll carry the link?

I, said the Linnet, I'll fetch it in a minute, I'll carry the link.

Who'll be chief mourner?

I, said the Dove, I'll mourn for my love, I'll be chief mourner.

Who'll sing the psalm?

I, said the Thrush, As he sat on a bush, I'll sing the psalm.

Who'll be the parson?

I, said the Rook, With my little book, I'll be the parson.

Who'll be the clerk?

I, said the Lark, If it's not in the dark, I'll be the clerk.

Who'll toll the bell?

I, said the Bull, Because I can pull, I'll toll the bell.

And all the little birds Fell a-sighing and a-sobbing, When they heard the bell toll For poor c.o.c.k Robin.

And of c.o.c.k Robin again, no less captivating has been the ballad celebrating his wedding with little Jenny Wren. Though why with a lady of the Wren family, must always strike naturalists as an absurdity; and, I suppose, we may not ask how it was the banns were not forbidden, since the Messrs. Wren, with the children, and the whole creation of birds--with the single exception of a blackguard cuckoo--have jubilantly acquiesced in the nuptials.

THE MARRIAGE OF c.o.c.k ROBIN AND JENNY WREN.

It was a merry time, When Jenny Wren was young, So neatly as she dressed, And so sweetly as she sung.

Robin Redbreast lost his heart, He was a gallant bird; He doffed his hat to Jenny, And thus to her he said:

"My dearest Jenny Wren, If you will but be mine, You shall dine on cherry pie And drink nice currant wine.

"I'll dress you like a goldfinch, Or like a peac.o.c.k gay; So, if you'll have me, Jenny, Let us appoint the day."

Jenny blushed behind her fan, And thus declared her mind: "Then let it be to-morrow, Bob-- I take your offer kind.

"Cherry pie is very good, So is currant wine; But I'll wear my russet gown And never dress too fine."

Robin rose up early, At the break of day; He flew to Jenny Wren's house To sing a roundelay.

He met the c.o.c.k and Hen, And bade the c.o.c.k declare This was his wedding day With Jenny Wren the fair.

The c.o.c.k then blew his horn, To let the neighbours know This was Robin's wedding day, And they might see the show.

Then followed him the Lark, For he could sweetly sing, And he was to be the clerk At c.o.c.k Robin's wedding.

He sang of Robin's love For little Jenny Wren; And when he came unto the end, Then he began again.

At first came Parson Rook, With his spectacles and band; And one of Mother Hubbard's books He held within his hand.

The Goldfinch came on next, To give away the bride; The Linnet, being bridesmaid, Walked by Jenny's side;

And as she was a-walking, Said, "Upon my word, I think that your c.o.c.k Robin Is a very pretty bird."

The Blackbird and the Thrush, And charming Nightingale, Whose sweet songs sweetly echo Through every grove and dale;

The Sparrow and the Tomt.i.t, And many more were there; All came to see the wedding Of Jenny Wren the fair.

The Bullfinch walked by Robin, And thus to him did say: "Pray mark, friend Robin Redbreast, That Goldfinch dressed so gay;

"That though her gay apparel Becomes her very well, Yet Jenny's modest dress and look Must bear away the bell."

Then came the bride and bridegroom; Quite plainly was she dressed, And blushed so much, her cheeks were As red as Robin's breast.

But Robin cheered her up; "My pretty Jen," says he, "We're going to be married.

And happy we shall be."

"Oh," then says Parson Rook, "Who gives this maid away?"

"I do," says the Goldfinch, "And her fortune I will pay: