I Had a Little Nut Tree


I had a little nut tree, nothing would it bear
But a silver nutmeg

and a golden pear.

I Had a Little Nut Tree

The King of Spain's daughter came to visit me,
And all for the sake of my little nut tree.

Birds in the Air

I skipped over water, I danced over sea,
And all the birds in the air couldn't catch me.


Midi:I Had a Little Nut Tree

This rhyme is about Prince Philippe of France and the King of Spain's Daughter. They were betrothed at the age of 6 or 7. In one of the gardens at Versailles was a tree with a solid gold pear and a solid silver nutmeg tied to it. These were gifts for the Infanta. The Dauphine was told that the Infanta was coming to visit. Neither child was aware of the arranged marriage. The Dauphine and Infanta enjoyed each others company and were happy. This overjoyed the King of Spain and the King of France as it would mean a stronger alliance. The Dauphine and Infanta were married at the age of 15.
The Dauphine and Infanta referred to could possibly be Philip King of Castile and Juana (1497 - 1555) daughter of Ferdinand and Isabella.




Comment or Share Your Own Nursery Rhymes


Print This Page!