The lion and the unicorn
Were fighting for the crown
The lion beat the unicorn
All around the town.
Some gave them white bread,
And some gave them brown;
Some gave them plum cake
and drummed them out of town.
The Lion and the Unicorn (Nursery Rhyme)
Summary
This nursery rhyme tells a simple, allegorical story about a lion and a unicorn engaged in a battle for a crown, symbolizing a struggle for power. The lion eventually defeats the unicorn, leading to a celebration and a demonstration of contrasting hospitality by the townspeople, as they offer both white and brown bread, plum cake, and accompanying them with drumming as they drive the competitors out of town. The rhyme serves as a whimsical reflection on conflict, rivalry, and the diverse reactions of those who witness these events, illustrating themes of power dynamics and societal response.Read Online
