"Gammer Gurton's Garland, or the Nursery Parnassus," was originally issued at Stockton, as a small twopenny brochure, in 32mo, without a date, "printed by and for R. Christopher." Sir Harris Nicholas says it appeared in the year 1783, "one of the most prolific of Ritson's pen." Haslewood is of opinion that it appeared about the same period as "The Bishopric Garland, or Durham Minstrel," which was printed at Stockton for the same R. Christopher in 1784. "Gammer Gurton's Garland" was again printed, with additions, 1809, in 8vo. This little work, a great favourite with those for whose amusement it was compiled, has been more than once reprinted since. The present edition has been very carefully executed, and rendered complete by the addition of an index.
The impression has been limited to one hundred copies small paper, and twelve copies large paper.
Glasgow, mdccclxvi.
PART I.
THE FROG AND MOUSE.
There was a frog liv'd in a well,
Kitty alone, Kitty alone;
There was a frog liv'd in a well,
Kitty alone and I.
There was a frog liv'd in a well,
And a farce[A] mouse in a mill.
Cock me cary, Kitty alone,
Kitty alone and I.
This frog he would a wooing ride,
Kitty alone, etc.
This frog he would a wooing ride,
And on a snail he got astride.
Cock me cary, etc.
He rode till he came to my Lady Mouse hall,
Kitty alone, etc.
He rode till he came to my Lady Mouse hall,
And there he did both knock and call.
Cock me cary, etc.
Quoth he, Miss Mouse, I'm come to thee,
Kitty alone, etc.
Quoth he, Miss Mouse, I'm come to thee,
To see if thou can fancy me.
Cock me cary, etc.