Page:The Song of Sixpence Pocket Book.djvu/6



the Poet undertook to write and SING A SONG OF SIXPENCE for that popular price is not stated in his simple rhyme, but at all events we learn that he started with "a pocket full," and proceeded to draw on his imagination for all it was worth. What that famous blackbird pie really cost — except in blackbirds — is not disclosed, though the King seemed to show some anxiety about the state of his treasury, as he was discovered "in his counting house" immediately after the feast. But while the Queen, regardless of expense, regales herself on "bread and honey" in the parlour, and her Maid-of-honour, or perhaps of-all-work, is engaged at the clothes-line, nothing is said about a princess.

No doubt there was a princess, and that Princess might have been PRINCESS BELLE-ETOILE? Anyway here she is in the same boat — I mean book — and certainly her adventures