It was the year 1590. Annabelle was feeling happy as she walked along the road to the market with her empty basket. She was off to buy some flowers. The sun was shining. The birds were singing. She couldn’t help but burst into song. She liked to make songs up:
Oh what a beautiful morning,
Oh what a beautiful day,
I’ve got a wonderful feeling,
Everything’s going my way.
Yes, there was indeed a bright golden haze on the meadow.
Why! There’s Toby! Working on his carriage. (He was a wheelwright by trade).
Hello, Toby.
Hello, Annabelle, said Toby. Annabelle walked on. She was sure Toby had looked upon her rather favourably.
How lovely! Annabelle couldn’t but help burst into another song:
I feel pretty
Oh so pretty
I feel pretty and witty and gay
And I pity
Any girl who isn’t me today.
Why! There’s Silas! Working on his barrel. (He was a cooper by trade).
Hello, Silas.
Hello, Annabelle, said Silas. Annabelle walked on. She was sure Silas had looked upon her rather favourably.
How lovely! Annabelle couldn’t but help burst into another song:
Well, shake it up, baby, now (Shake it up, baby)
Twist and shout (Twist and shout)
C’mon, c’mon, c’mon, c’mon, baby, now (Come on baby)
Come on and work it on out (Work it on out).
Why! There’s Peggy, the town gossip!
Hello, Peggy.
Wherefore art thou not wearing thy gloves, O strumpet? said Peggy.