ditty

n.; pl. Ditties [ OE. dite, OF. ditié, fr. L. dictatum, p. p. neut. of dictare to say often, dictate, compose. See Dictate, v. t. ] 1. A saying or utterance; especially, one that is short and frequently repeated; a theme. [ 1913 Webster ]

O, too high ditty for my simple rhyme. Spenser. [ 1913 Webster ]

2. A song; a lay; a little poem intended to be sung. “Religious, martial, or civil ditties.” Milton. [ 1913 Webster ]

And to the warbling lute soft ditties sing. Sandys. [ 1913 Webster ]