The knave steals tarts from the queen

Queen of Hearts

The Queen of Hearts, she made some tarts,
All on a summer’s day.
The Knave of Hearts, he stole the tarts,
And took them clean away.
The King of Hearts, called for the tarts,
And beat the Knave full sore.
The Knave of Hearts, brought back the tarts,
And vowed he’d steal no more.

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Posted in All Rhymes, Daily Life & Objects, Moral & Lesson, Mother Goose Classics

Tagged cards, consequence, king, knave, queen, summer, tarts, theft

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Meaning

This nursery rhyme tells a simple story using the characters on playing cards. The Queen bakes tarts, the Knave steals them, and the King punishes the Knave until he returns the tarts and promises not to steal again. The rhyme uses playful imagery and rhyme while conveying a lesson about consequences for wrongdoing.

Origin

The poem first appeared in print in April 1782 in the British publication The European Magazine. It was originally published with three other stanzas about the Kings and Queens of other suits but gradually became the most popular and enduring part.

Time Period

Circulated since the late 18th century, it became widely known and published in 19th-century nursery collections. Its popularity continues today.

Why It Became Popular

The rhyme’s catchy rhythm, simple story, and characters drawn from familiar cards make it accessible and entertaining for children. The depiction of playful punishment and restoration resonates as a memorable moral tale.

Structure and Style

Meter: Alternating rhymed lines with clear rhythm
Rhyme Scheme: AABCCB
Line Count: 12 lines in the best-known version (two 6-line stanzas)
Style Notes: Narrative, repetitive, and didactic

Themes

Justice and consequence
Theft and restitution
Royalty and authority
Domesticity and order

Language Notes

The use of card characters personifies abstract elements, making them relatable. The rhyme is simple enough for memorization yet contains subtle lessons through metaphor.

Moral or Lesson

The rhyme teaches that wrongdoing (stealing) brings consequences (punishment) but can be amended through repentance and restitution.

Historical or Cultural Notes

The rhyme was referenced and expanded in Charles Lamb’s 1805 poem “King and Queen of Hearts”. Lewis Carroll’s “Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland” notably features the Queen and Knave, further popularizing the rhyme’s characters.

Notable Variants

Additional stanzas involving other card suits existed historically but are now lesser known. Some versions soften the punishment line or add moralizing comments.

Appearances in Media or Literature

The rhyme is a staple in nursery rhyme collections, lecture series on folklore, and children’s literature. Its characters feature prominently in adaptations of Alice in Wonderland and other cultural works.

Suggested Activities

Storytelling: Act out the rhyme with card props to explore story sequencing and justice themes.
Art Project: Illustrate the Queen, King, Knave, and tarts for a visual interpretation.
Discussion: Talk about fairness, punishment, and forgiveness in simple terms.
Creative Writing: Imagine new adventures for the card characters after the rhyme.

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