The Song of Sixpence — Walter Crane

Whether the Poet undertook to write and SING A SONG OF SIXPENCE for that popular price is not stated in his simple rhyme, but, at all events, we learn that he started with "a pocket full," and proceeded to draw on his imagination for all it was worth. What that famous blackbird-pie really cost -- except in black-birds -- is not disclosed, though the King seemed to show some anxiety about the state of his treasury, as he was discovered "in his counting house" imediately after the feast. But while the Queen, regardless of expense, regales herself on "bread and honey" in "the parlour", and her Maid-of-honour, or perhaps of-all-work, is engaged at the clothes-line, nothing is said about a princess.