HIDDEN MESSAGES IN NURSERY RHYMES

“A Frog He Would A-Wooing Go—-”

For centuries children all over the world have been delighted by these charming nonsense ditties.

But these little songs frequently held hidden messages covering a more serious saga of a political person embroiled in the throes of a scandal, or perhaps even a royal personage falling out of favor. More often than not though, they were simply humorous rhyming verse sung as an amusement to children.

The frog parable is the story of a young frog who went courting his lady-love, Miss Mousey, who in one version runs a neighborhood pub. They were married by her uncle Mr. Rat, and left on their honeymoon. Unfortunately, the merriment was interrupted by a prowling cat, who ate the rat, as Miss Mousey wisely hid under a nearby leaf. Poor Froggy quickly left for home, but on the way he was swallowed by a large white duck. (These little tales rarely ended happily.)

The marriage of the frog and the mouse was sung as early as 1714, with fragments being sung repeatedly through the years. It was prevalent during the Old Price Riots in Covent Garden in 1809, due to the rising prices of theater tickets. This was important because the Drury Theater had burned down and Covent Garden was the only theater left. The riots lasted for three months until the manager apologized and brought back the old prices.

Nursery rhymes were often used as rhythmic accompaniment to spinning, and as a family game to improve memory, due to their repetitive wording. They are found throughout the world, and included in “Nursery Songs From the Appalachian Mountains “ in 1906. The Frog story became an especial favorite in the U.S.A. with 40 versions of it found in various folk-lore societies.

A Gaping Wide-Mouthed Waddling Frog” was featured in “The Top Book of All” in 1760, and was a long 12 verse bit of cumulative nonsense reminiscent of “The Twelve Days of Christmas”. It was often performed rapidly by singing it all in one breath.

Rhymes, songs and riddles have entertained people through the centuries, and perhaps lightened the sting of an ill-humored subject.

DOG OR CAT?

It is a fairly well accepted fact that we anthropomorphize our pets far too often.  So, as a silly reversal of roles, how would you characterize yourself?  Cat or dog?  Both animals have admirable qualities, so to claim to be one or the other will not denigrate you.

Either specie of course has its moments of both acrimony and devotion just as we humans do.  The dog of course, at his best is described ad infinitum as loyal, trustworthy, helpful, obedient, etc., while the cat fairly or unfairly, takes the rap for being independent, arrogant, sneaky, and choosy, these extremes of behavior  are not necessarily bad qualities.

The dog can be taught to bring you your slippers, paper, or a toy.  With some effort on your part he can be taught to ring a bell to exit the house, or retreive the mail, or any number of simple chores and tricks.  The cat, on the other hand chooses not to do any of the above.

Does this show a more advanced brain power, or a perversity of character?  The cat is obviously exercising his power of choice.

If you have chosen to emulate the dog, does this mean that you have no mind of your own, only languishing until your orders come through?  If you have chosen to be the cat, this does not unquestionably categarize you as  an independent thinker.  There are no ordinary cats or dogs.  Ask anyone who lives with either.

If I were a cat, I would choose to be Saki’s cat Tobermory, blatently blowing the whistle on  all the rule-breakers;  and delightedly gloating at the reactions of all the people I have offended.   Or I would be like Judge Judy, who invariably pinions the wrongdoers with a few sharp insights.  My attitude would be “if you get yourself into trouble, you have to get yourself out”.

On the other hand, if I were a dog, I would be a guide dog for the blind, who, like Palinurus, would guide and protect those in my charge.

So, take your choice—–dog or cat??