< Previous |
Index |
Next > |
by Marriott Edgar
Illustrations by John Hassall
William Rufus was the son of William the Conqueror (see The Battle of Hastings), and includes the term: 'cocked snooks'.
To 'cock a snook' is to touch the tip of your nose with your thumb whilst wiggling the extended fingers of the same hand, in the direction of the person you wish to insult.
The words presumably derive from:
In the same way that sticking out the tongue and uttering a "muuurrr!" of derision and contempt, 'cocking a snook' is considered a childish gesture; unless you've just parked your car in the last available parking space and noticed the fella you were competing with is your ex-boss who made you redundant last month. In this case, cocking a snook makes the job loss well worthwhile.
The reign of King William the Second He got his red hair from his Mother, |
Getting his red hair |
For William were cunning and cruel, |
He'd two brothers called Robert and Henry, Thus William became King of England; But Bob weren't content with his Dukedom, Young Hal went from one to the other, |
Starting to plot |
Found out what Will had in mind |
So Will got his army together The result were when Bill crossed the Channel, And later when Bob crossed to England, |
After one or two sim'lar debacles But Henry got wind of their coming, |
A good reception from the shore |
His fortified pitch |
When they found things had come to a deadlock |
He came back to England with William For one day when William were hunting So young Henry, who started with nothing, |
A whispering campaign |