Walter Crane

“ There’s Apple pie, for instance to my certain knowledge, and “victuals and drink” of sorts, as well—but I must not let the cat out of the bag (or the cupboard) all at once—besides Mother Hubbard’s clever dog is still feeding it, for his day (in spite of muzzles) is not over yet, and he is up to all his old tricks.
When you are tired of him, and if you [Pg 7]
[Pg 8] can manage to get past the Three Bears, you will find the rest as ABSURDly easy as A.B.C. and probably meet many old friends on the way.
Walter Crane
[Contents]
[Pg 9]
WALTER CRANE’S PICTURE BOOKS RE-ISSUE MOTHER HUBBARD. ”

“ WALTER CRANE’S PICTURE BOOKS RE-ISSUE THE ABSURD A.B.C.
JOHN LANE
THE BODLEY HEAD
LONDON & NEW YORK
[Pg 50]
A for the APPLE or Alphabet pie,
Which all get a slice of. Come taste it & try.
B is the BABY who gave Mr. Bunting
Full many a long day’s rabbit skin hunting.
C for the CAT that played on the fiddle
When cows jumped higher than ‘Heigh Diddle Diddle!’ ”

“ May his principles change as his years grow riper.
U for the Unicorn, keeping his eye on
The coveted crown, and its counsel the Lion.
V is for Victuals, including the drink,
The old woman lived on surprising to think!
[Pg 63]
W for the WOMAN who not over nice,
Made very short work of the three blind mice.
X is the X that is found upon buns,
Which daughters not liking may come in for sons. ”