The thyme was first recorded around 1760 in “The Top Book of All For Little Masters and Misses” collection.
Those of us with children will know how persistent they can be when they want something! This rhyme is sometimes used to discourage the demand for a story.
Many UK residents of a certain age will remember this as being a popular children’s show from the 60’s continuing until 1996, when celebrities of the day would read stories in a twenty minute program timed to start just after most children arrived home from school.
“Jack A Nory” Lyrics
I’ll tell you a story
About Jack-a-Nory,
And now my story’s begun;
I’ll tell you another,
About Jack and his brother,
And now my story is done.