Expert: Ted Nesbitt - 7/2/2008

Question
My mother used to tell me this poem, I can only remember 1 line: Atishoo, Atishoo, Atishoo he said, for the poor little mouse had a cold in his head.
If you can tell me the name and author I'd be very grateful. Thanks.

Answer
Dear Bridget:

The closest I could find is slightly different from your line, but it is very near to what you wrote.  The children's poem was written by Charlotte Druitt Cole.  I am copying in below the complete text.

If you would be kind enough to take a few seconds to evaluate my answer, I would appreciate it.  

Thank you.

Ted Nesbitt


A-tish-oo!

Charlotte Druitt Cole


Last night a grey mouse

When I was in bed,

Kept sneezing and sneezing;

‘A-tish-oo!’ he said,

For this poor little mouse

Had a cold in his head.


He got out his hanky

(Green spotted with red),

For, having no pocket,

He kept it instead

Tucked up his coat sleeve;

‘A-tish-oo,’ he said,

For this mouse had a terrible

Cold in his head.


His wife gave him gruel

Without any bread;

Put his feet in cold water,

Ere going to bed;

But, ‘A-tish-oo! A-tish-oo! A-tishoo!’ he said,

For this mouse had a terrible,

Terrible, terrible, terrible,

Cold in his head.