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

This is the fairest I can see,
So pray, Miss ——, walk with me.

—Leicester (Miss Ellis).

IV.

Here come three dukes a-riding, a-riding, a-riding,
Here come three dukes riding, riding, riding;
Ransam, tansam, tisum ma tea (sic).

Pray what is your good will, sir, will, sir, will, sir?
Pray what is your good will, sir?
Ransam, tansam, tisum ma tea!

My will is for to marry, to marry, to marry,
My will is for to marry;
Ransam, tansam, tisum ma tea!

Pray who will you marry, you marry, you marry?
Pray who will you marry?
Ransam, tansam, tisum ma tea!

You’re all too black and too brown for me,
You’re all too black and too brown for me,
Ransam, tansam, tisum ma tea!

We’re quite as white as you, sir; as you, sir; as you, sir;
We’re quite as white as you, sir;
Ransam, tansam, tisum ma tea!

You are all as stiff as pokers, as pokers, as pokers,
You are all, &c.,
Ransam, tansam, tisum ma tea!