Page:The Folk-Lore Journal Volume 7 1889.djvu/246

This page has been proofread, but needs to be validated.
222
DORSETSHIRE CHILDREN’S GAMES, ETC.

M. “It’s not there.”
D. “Then the cat have eat it.”
M. “Where’s the cat?”
D. “Up in heath?”
M. “Where’s the heath?”
D. “The fire burnt it.”

The rest is the same as in the last. The mother then chases the daughters as before.

(vi.)—The Duke of Rideo.

In this game the children stand in a group; one is chosen for the Duke, and he must stand opposite to and at some little distance from the rest of the party, who say or sing:

“Here comes the Duke of Rideo—
 Of Rideo—of Rideo—
 Here comes the Duke of Rideo,
 Of a cold and frosty morning.”

The Duke answers:

“My will is for to get married—
 To get married—get married—
 My will is for to get married,
 Of a cold and frosty morning.”

Chorus:

“Will any of my fair daughters do—
 Fair daughters do—daughters do-o-o?
  (The word “do” must he said in a drawling way.)
 Will any of my fair daughters do,
 Of a cold and frosty morning?”

Duke:

“They are all too black or too proudy.
 They sit in the sun so cloudy,
 With golden chains around their necks,
 That makes them look so proudy.”

Chorus (indignantly):

“They’re good enough for you, Sir!
 For you, Sir! for you, Sir!
 They are good enough for you, Sir!
 Of a cold and frosty morning.”