Poetry Explorer- Classic Contemporary Poetry, NURSERY REMINISCENCES, by RICHARD HARRIS BARHAM


Poetry Explorer

Classic and Contemporary Poetry

NURSERY REMINISCENCES, by                     Poet's Biography
First Line: I remember, I remember
Last Line: Must be whipp'd and sent to bed!'
Alternate Author Name(s): Ingoldsby, Thomas
Subject(s): Family Life; Childhood Memories; Punishment; Relatives


I REMEMBER, I remember,
When I was a little Boy,
One fine morning in September
Uncle brought me home a toy.

I remember how he patted
Both my cheeks in kindliest mood;
'Then,' said he, 'you little Fat-head,
There's a top because you're good.'

Grandmamma -- a shrewd observer --
I remember gazed upon
My new top, and said with fervour,
'Oh! how kind of Uncle John!'

While mamma, my form caressing, --
In her eye the tear-drop stood,
Read me this fine moral lesson,
'See what comes of being good!'

I remember, I remember,
On a wet and windy day,
One cold morning in December,
I stole out and went to play:

I remember Billy Hawkins
Came, and with his pewter squirt
Squibb'd my pantaloons and stockings,
Till they were all over dirt!

To my mother for protection
I ran, quaking every limb:
-- She exclaim'd, with fond affection,
'Gracious Goodness! look at him!' --

Pa cried, when he saw my garment,
-- 'Twas a newly purchased dress --
'Oh! you nasty little Warment,
How came you in such a mess?'

Then he caught me by the collar,
-- Cruel only to be kind --
And to my exceeding dolour,
Gave me -- several slaps behind.

Grandmamma, while yet I smarted,
As she saw my evil plight,
Said -- 'twas rather stony-hearted --
'Little rascal! sarve him right!'

I remember, I remember,
From that sad and solemn day,
Never more in dark December
Did I venture out to play.

And the moral which they taught, I
Well remember; thus they said --
'Little Boys, when they are naughty,
Must be whipp'd and sent to bed!'





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