The Traditional Games of England, Scotland, and Ireland (Vol 2 of 2) / With Tunes, Singing-Rhymes, and Methods of Playing etc.

by Alice Bertha Gomme

—Shropshire Folk-lore, p. 509.

XVI.

Sally, Sally Water (or Slauter),
Come sprinkle in your can,
Why do you get married
To a foolish young man?
Pick the worst, and pick the best,
And pick the one that you love best.
..........
To a nice young man
..........
So kiss and say good-bye.

[My informant forgets the rest.]

—Nottinghamshire (Miss M. Peacock).

XVII.

Sally Water, Sally Water,
Come sprinkle your can,
Why don’t you rise, Sally,
And choose a young man?
Come choose of the wisest,
Come choose of the best,
Come choose of the young man
That lies in your breast.

—Gloucestershire and Warwickshire (Northall, 378).

XVIII.

Sally Water, Sally Water,
Come, sprinkle your can;
Who do you lie mourning,
All for a young man?
Come, choose of the wisest,
Come, choose of the best,
Come, choose of the young men
The one you love best.