A little book for little children: wherein are set down, in a plain and pleasant way, directions for spelling, and other remarkable matters, by T[homas] W[hite] (London: for G. C., 1702), page 9.


THE ALPHABET.

A was an Archer, and shot at a Frog;
B was a Blind-man, and led by a Dog:
C was a Cutpurse, and liv'd in disgrace;
D was a Drunkard, and had a red Face:
E was an Eater, a Glutton was he;
F was a fighter, and fought with a Flea:
G was a Gyant, and pul’d down a House;
H was a Hunter, and hunted a Mouse.
I was an ill Man, and hated by all;
K was a Knave, and he rob'd great and small.
L was a Liar, and told many Lies;
M was a Madman, and beat out his Eyes.
N was a Nobleman, nobly born;
O was an Ostler, and stole Horses Corn.
P was a Pedlar, and sold many Pins;
Q was a Quarreller, and broke both his Shins.
R was a Rogue, and run about Town;
S was a Sailor, a Man of Renown.
T was a Taylor, and Knavishly bent;
U was a Usurer took Ten per Cent.
W was a Writer, and Money he earn'd;
X was one Xenophon, prudent and learn'd.
Y was a Yeoman, and work'd for his Bread;
Z was one Zeno the Great, but he's dead.


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Note that, in those days, I was not distinguished from J, nor U from V.