The Mudcat Café TM
Thread #90855   Message #1726451
Posted By: Joybell
24-Apr-06 - 07:37 PM
Thread Name: BS: origin of 'Polly Want a Cracker?'
Subject: RE: BS: origin of 'Polly Want a Cracker?'
Polly is the parrot's name (or maybe its generic title) in several versions of "Lady Isabel and the False Knight." It's also "Isabel's" name in some.

"Don't prittle don't prattle my pretty pretty Polly. (?polly)
Don't tell no tales on me."

Have to look it up for the earliest date.
No cracker here, I realize.
Cheers, Joy