[The answer to this is often, “Washing doll’s clothes,” but anything may be mentioned.]
What did she give you?
[The reply is again left to the child’s fancy.]
Where’s my share?
The cat ate it [or, In the cat’s belly]. What’s in that box, mother?
Twopence, my child.
What for, mother?
To buy a stick to beat you, and a rope to hang you, my child.
—Cornwall (Folk-lore Journal, v. 55, 56).
Grandmother, grandmother grey,
May I go out to play?
No, no, no, it is a very wet day.
Grandmother, grandmother grey,
May I go out to play?
Yes, yes, yes, if you don’t frighten the geese away.
Children, I call you.
I can’t hear you.
Where are your manners?
In my shoe.
Who do you care for?
Not for you.
—Earls Heaton, Yorks. (H. Hardy).
Pray, mother, pray,
May I go out to play?
No, daughter, no, daughter,
Not every fine day.
Why, mother, why?
I shan’t be gone long.
Make a fine curtsey
And glad git you gone.—
Wait for your sister.