—Fochabers, N.E. Scotland (Rev. Dr. Gregor).
The broken bridge is falling down, falling down, falling down,
The broken bridge is falling down, my fair lady;
Stones and bricks will build it up, &c.
—Nairnshire (Rev. Dr. Gregor).
Broken bridges falling down,
My fair lady, which will you have?
Open the door for the king’s soldiers.
What king are you?
I am true to the very last one.
—Isle of Man (A. W. Moore).
Versions of this game from Scotland have been sent me, which show great similarity to those previously printed, but the game is more or less in a state of decadence. The best version is that from [Perth]. One from St. Andrews, Peterhead, though only consisting of the first verse, has preserved the refrains, “Dance o’er the Lady Lee” and “With a gay lady” of [Halliwell’s version]. The others commence “broken bridges.” The [Isle of Man version] is still more incomplete. A version sent me by Dr. Haddon from Barrington is similar to the one given, vol. i. p. 338-9, from [Enborne School], and is not therefore printed here.
Magician.
A mirror is covered with a cover, and a girl or boy is taken into the room. She or he is then asked what animal or thing they would like to see. As soon as the wish is stated, the cover is raised, and the child sees his or herself.—London (A. B. Gomme).