Dear David Please accept my apologies for my reply to you in part of my previous message to the list. Of course there are dishes in the rhyme! I have a feeling that they were around before sugar was in general use, albeit as a luxury. I have certainly transcribed dishes in 17th century inventories. But dishes are mentioned as Curly Locks isn't going to wash them, is she? Sorry, very much. Audrey ----- Original Message ----- From: "David Pott" <davpott@hotmail.com> To: "norman.lee1" <norman.lee1@virgin.net>; <OLD-ENGLISH-L@rootsweb.com> Sent: Thursday, March 18, 2004 8:43 PM Subject: Re: [OEL] nursery rhymes > Audrey, > > Couldn't the reference to dishes also help date it? > > David > > The Beaver Inn, Ashford, Kent. > > : > > > > 'Curly locks, curly locks wilt thou be mine? > > Thou shalt not wash dishes nor yet feed the swine > > But sit upon cushions and sew a fine seam > > And feed upon strawberries, sugar and cream.' >