Tuesday, November 11, 2008

Oranges and Lemons

The previous post reminded me of the old nursery rhyme, "Oranges and Lemons," best known for its appearance in Orwell's 1984. The St. Martin's in the original was St. Martin Orgar, which time has not been kind to; it has long been common practice to substitute St. Martin-in-the-Fields, which is named for St. Martin of Tours.

"Oranges and lemons", say the bells of St. Clement's
"You owe me five farthings", say the bells of St. Martin's
"When will you pay me?" say the bells of Old Bailey
"When I grow rich", say the bells of Shoreditch
"When will that be?" say the bells of Stepney
"I do not know", says the great bell of Bow
Here comes a candle to light you to bed
And here comes a chopper to chop off your head!


I especially like the line for the bell of Bow; it's very catchy. "The Great Bell of Bow" would make an excellent title for something.