Reformed Versions
The most common modern version is arguably already a moderation of the theme of the original rhyme. The fear that children might be affected by the violence of the rhyme and specifically that children might be tempted to put cats in wells, led to several attempts to reform the rhyme. In his New Rhymes for Old (1949) Geoffrey Hall published the following alternative:
- Ding dong bell,
- Pussy's at the well.
- Who took her there?
- Little Johnny Hare.
- Who'll bring her in?
- Little Tommy Thin.
- What a jolly boy was that
- To get some milk for pussy cat,
- Who ne'er did any harm,
- But played with the mice in his father's barn.
Read more about this topic: Ding Dong Bell
Famous quotes containing the words reformed and/or versions:
“To what a bad choice is many a worthy woman betrayed, by that false and inconsiderate notion, That a reformed rake makes the best husband!”
—Samuel Richardson (1689–1761)
“The assumption must be that those who can see value only in tradition, or versions of it, deny man’s ability to adapt to changing circumstances.”
—Stephen Bayley (b. 1951)