lyrics, origins and history There was a monkey climbed up a tree; When he fell down, then down fell he. There was a crow sat on a stone; When he was gone, then there was none. There was an old wife did eat an apple; When she had ate two, she had ate a couple. There was a horse going to the mill; When he went on, he stood not still. There was a butcher cut his thumb; When it did bleed, then blood did come. There was a lackey ran a race; When he ran fast, he ran apace. There was a cobbler clouting shoon; When they were mended, they were done. There was a chandler making candle; When he them strip, he did them handle.