Friday Poetry: Anon

Hello

I have been reading and thoroughly enjoying Alison’s Weir’s Katherine of Aragon The True Queen, so I have a chosen a related poem.

This nursery rhyme is popularly believed to be related to the execution of Anne Boleyn.

 

Oranges and Lemons

Oranges and lemons,

Say the bells of St Clement’s.

 

You owe me five farthings,

Say the bells of St Martin’s.

 

When will you pay me?

Say the bells of Old Bailey.

 

When I grow rich,

Say the bells of Shoreditch.

 

When will that be?

Say the bells of Stepney.

 

I’m sure I don’t know,

Says the great bell of Bow.

 

Here comes a candle to light you to bed,

Here comes a chopper to chop off your head.

Chip chop, chip chop, the last man is dead.

 

Anon

Happy Friday