Cackle, cackle, Mother Goose

The old nursery rhyme ‘Cackle Cackle Mother Goose’ clearly describes to a child the various usages that a goose has to offer. The phrase ‘Mother Goose’ probably originates from the 1600’s – which coincide with the era of the great witch hunts. Comparisons can be made between Mother Goose the popular conception of a witch during this period! The old illustration below of Mother Goose depicts an old crone, or witch, flying on a goose (instead of a broomstick). The first line of the Nursery Rhyme is ‘Cackle, cackle, Mother Goose’ – descriptions of witches generally include reference to her ‘cackle’. This word originally described the noise that a goose would make.

“Cackle Cackle Mother Goose” Lyrics

Cackle, cackle, Mother Goose,
Have you any feathers loose?
Truly have I, pretty fellow,
Half enough to fill a pillow.
Here are quills, take one or two,
And down to make a bed for you.