—Sporle, Norfolk (Miss Matthews).

I.

Rosy apple, lemon, or pear,
Bunch of roses she shall wear;
Gold and silver by her side,
I know who will be the bride.
Take her by her lily-white hand,
Lead her to the altar;
Give her kisses,—one, two, three,—
Mrs. (child’s name) daughter.

—Hersham, Surrey (Folk-lore Record, v. 58).

II.

Rosy apple, lemon, and pear,
A bunch of roses she shall wear;
Gold and silver by her side,
Choose the one shall be her bride.
Take her by her lily-white hand,
Lead her to the altar;
Give her kisses,—one, two, three,—
To old mother’s runaway daughter.

—Symondsbury, Dorsetshire (Folk-lore Journal, vii. 210).

III.

Rosy apple, lemon, and a pear,
A bunch of ribbons she shall wear;
Gold and silver by her side,
I know who will be her bride.
Take her by the lily-white hand,
Lead her over the water;
Give her kisses,—one, two, three,—
For Mrs. —— daughter.