A was an archer, who shot at a frog,
B was a butcher, and had a great dog.
C was a captain, all covered with lace,
D was a drunkard, and had a red face.
E was an esquire, with pride on his brow,
F was a farmer, and followed the plow.
G was a gamester, who had but ill-luck,
H was a hunter, and hunted a buck.
I was an innkeeper, who loved to carouse,
J was a joiner, and built up a house.
K was King William, once governed this land,
L was a lady, who had a white hand.
M was a miser, and hoarded up gold,
N was a nobleman, gallant and bold.
O was an oyster girl, and went about town,
P was a parson, and wore a black gown.
Q was a queen, who wore a silk slip,
R was a robber, and wanted a whip.
S was a sailor, and spent all he got,
T was a tinker, and mended a pot.
U was an usurer, a miserable elf,
V was a vintner, who drank all himself.
W was a watchman, and guarded the door,
X was expensive, and so became poor.
Y was a youth, that did not love school,
Z was a zany, a poor harmless fool.
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There was a village in the old English forest. Twenty-six
was the number of villagers. No more, no less. A letter for every profession
and a letter for every villager. Everyone was accounted for at the town square,
Archer to Zany, no one could miss it. It was Peter’s coming of age ceremony. He
had apprenticed under Butcher, learning all there is. However, the village knew
the rule of twenty-six must be observed. While Peter was celebrating, Butcher
was mourning. Peter and Butcher ascended the gallows joining Parson.
Parson embraced them both, then turned to villagers.
“We are gathered here today to celebrate. Esquire and Lady’s
fruit of the loins has come of age,” Parson exclaimed with arms wide.
“Butcher has taught Peter all there is to dressing Hunter’s
catch. This is no time to be sad. Butcher has lived a long life. His marriage
to Archer brought us Joiner who built this beautiful square. Butcher has kept
our stores filled with meat every winter ensuring the village prospers. Butcher
has been nothing but faithful to our small village.”
Pitiful cheers echoed through the gathering.
“As the ceremonial rope is prepared, join me in a moment of
remembrance,” Pastor said while bowing his head.
At this point, Butcher’s tears were wiped away by the coarse
noose. Peter and Butcher embraced one last time before Peter took his position
at the lever. Pastor’s head rose.
“Peter, when you’re ready.”
Peter stared at the lever asking himself if this was right.
“Peter.” Pastor said in a hushed tone.
Peter’s shaky hands grasped the lever, and pulled the lever
with all his might. Butcher disappeared. The only sign that the deed was done
was the deep twang of the rope going taut. The crowd was a mix of wails and
cheers. Pastor embraced Butcher and whispered,
“Welcome brother.”
Bibliography. This story is based on the nursery rhyme "A was an Archer" in
The Nursery Rhyme Book, edited by Andrew Lang. Image provided by
Wheatly World History.
