He went to shoot a wild duck,
But wild duck flew away;
Says Simon, "I can't hit him,
Because he will not stay."
Simple Simon went a-hunting,
For to catch a hare,
He rode an ass about the streets,
But couldn't find one there.
Simple Simon went a-fishing
For to catch a whale;
All the water he had got
Was in his mother's pail.
He went for to eat honey
Out of the mustard-pot,
He bit his tongue until he cried,
That was all the good he got.
He went to ride a spotted cow,
That had a little calf,
She threw him down upon the ground,
Which made the people laugh.
Once Simon made a great snowball,
And brought it in to roast;
He laid it down before the fire,
And soon the ball was lost.
He went to slide upon the ice,
Before the ice would bear;
Then he plunged in above his knees,
Which made poor Simon stare.
He washed himself with blacking-ball,
Because he had no soap;
Then said unto his mother,
"I'm a beauty now, I hope."
Simple Simon went to look
If plums grew on a thistle;
He pricked his fingers very much,
Which made poor Simon whistle.
He went for water in a sieve,
But soon it all ran through;
And now poor Simple Simon
Bids you all adieu.
