|
This 2 x 2 inch print appears over the rhyme in the book. |
"Rev. G. Gander (ret.)" © 2001 wood engraving (ed. 30) image: 4 x 3 in. $130.00 (go to "Hi There" for purchase information)
"Goosey, Goosey, Gander" is a nursery rhyme I can remember from early childhood. But I'd only heard the first part. It's no wonder (and thank goodness) adults edit these things when they read them to their children. Until I started checking out Mother Goose I had no idea of the violent and cruel nature of some of her nursery rhymes. Religious zealots are made, not born. Nursery rhymes like this could make an army of pious, sanctimonious zealots who are ready to injure someone because they don't conform. I figured old Goosey must have eventually been ordained as a proud and enthusiastic minister.
I can't help but wonder, however, what he was doing in that lady's bed room before he found the reluctant convert.
|
GOOSEY, GOOSEY, GANDER Goosey, goosey, gander, Whither dost thou wander? Upstairs and downstairs And in my lady's chamber.
There I met an old man Who wouldn't say his prayers, I took him by the left leg, And threw him down the stairs. |