Dear Annmarie Zan--A number of years ago I seem to recall reading a book
called "The Annotated Mother Goose", which not only gave the history of the
rhymes we're familiar with in various "Mother Goose" collections, but
included some not reprinted in many years.  Victorian sensibilities
evidently could not handle the first published "rhyme":
        Slugabed, pissabed,
        Your bum's so heavy you can't get up. [it may have been another word
other than "bum"]
Sorry I don't have the citation.  Someone on the list might have a copy.
Good luck.  Deborah Harding   [log in to unmask]



-----Original Message-----
From: Annmarie Zan [mailto:[log in to unmask]]
Sent: Friday, May 19, 2000 8:07 PM
To: [log in to unmask]
Subject: Nursery rhymes


I am trying to create an exhibit based on the real tales behind common
nursery rhymes, such as Ring around the Rosie being the black plaque or
Mary,
Mary, Quite contrary being Mary Queens of Scotts.  If anyone knows of
sources
I could use for this exhibit please post them to the list or e-mail me at
[log in to unmask] Thanks, Annmarie

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