There was an Old Lady of France,
Who taught little ducklings to dance;
When she said, “Tick-a-tack*!” - They only said, “Quack!”
Which grieved that old lady of France.
-Edward Lear: “More Nonsense, Pictures, Rhymes, Botany, etc.” (1872), ‘Twenty-Six Nonsense Rhymes and Pictures,’ page 271, limerick 33
*Tick-a-tack may have been an expression used for urging the dancers to keep their movements to the tempo of the dance or accompanying music, sometimes referred to as ‘keeping time.’
Who taught little ducklings to dance;
When she said, “Tick-a-tack*!” - They only said, “Quack!”
Which grieved that old lady of France.
-Edward Lear: “More Nonsense, Pictures, Rhymes, Botany, etc.” (1872), ‘Twenty-Six Nonsense Rhymes and Pictures,’ page 271, limerick 33
*Tick-a-tack may have been an expression used for urging the dancers to keep their movements to the tempo of the dance or accompanying music, sometimes referred to as ‘keeping time.’
