'A Song' can be found on pages 27-28 in Three instructive tales for little folk. It was published by E Newbery circa 1786 and, in offering an example of a suitable mode of behaviour to young girls, it is typical of its genre. A note in Palmer’s original publication mentions an accompanying tune of 'My Soldier Laddie is handsome and brave.’ (1)

 

 

 

                                Extract 1 - A Song. (2)

 

 

                                     I

 

 

SUSANNA, Susanna, is little and good,

And shuns as I bid her the child who is rude,

And shuns as I bid her, the child who is rude.

I'll buy her fine toys, and all sorts of nice food;

While Susanna, Susanna, is little and good,

Little and good,

While Susanna, Susanna, is little and good.

 

                                    II

 

A beautiful horse made of wood from the

    grove, (3)

With rockers at bottom on which it may move;

With rockers at bottom, on which it may move.

And a net she shall work for him like mama'

    hood; (4) 

While she does as I bid her, is little and good.

Little and good,

While she does as I bid her, is little and good.

 

                                    III

 

I'll take her to London to see, and be seen; (5)

And her Aunt, and her Cousins, will call her a

    queen:

And her Aunt, and her Cousins, will call her a queen.

We'll bring home rich sweatmeats (6) for Richard

    and Jude;

And for Susan in plenty, while little and good,

Little and good;

And for Susan in plenty, while little and good.