Leg over leg, as the dog went to Dover

[conuly]

When he came to a stile
Jump! he went over.


Hangman, stay thy hand
Stay it for a while
For I fancy I see my father
Coming over a stile.


Doggy won't bite pig, pig won't go over the stile, and I shan't get home tonight.


Do you have any idea how many years I languished, reading nursery rhymes and fairy tales, until I gave in and looked up the word stile? Never seen one myself, and still kinda think it's silly - why not just make "leaving the gate open" a hanging offense and be done with it?

Comments

[conuly]

Torch. Stile, I just didn't understand. Torch, though - I kept picturing kids staying up late reading with an open flame, and wondering how on earth that was safe!