Namer and Guesser.
Another version of this game. It is begun in the same way. As each player gets his name, he or she turns their back to the namer. When all are named, and are standing with their backs to the namer, the namer calls out, “Baker, baker, your bread is burnin’,” or “Bakerie, bakerie, your bread is burnin’.” The guesser answers, “Will you give a corner of it to me?” or “Give me a corner of it,” and takes a stand beside the namer. The namer then says—
Come, cheese me east,
Come, cheese me west,
Come, cheese me to “Rose.”
The guesser points to one of the players. If the guess is right, the player goes to the guesser’s side; if wrong, to the namer’s side, when all the players except one are chosen. This one gets two names, say “Needles” and “Preens.” The namer then says to the guesser, “Needles” or “Preens”? A guess is made. This is done three times, and each time the names are changed. If the last guess is made correctly, then the player goes to the guesser, if not, to the namer. Sometimes it is decided by “the best o’ three.” Then comes the “tug of war.” The gaining side calls out “Rotten eggs, rotten eggs!”—Fraserburgh (Rev. Dr. Gregor).
Needle Cases.
Needle cases, needle cases, in a silver saucer.
Who shall I direct it to but Captain ——’s daughter.
What will you give to tell her name, tell her name, tell her name?
A hundred pounds and a glass of wine.
(The girl’s name is given, and she then asks)—
What will you give to tell his name?
(The others answer)—
Two hundred pounds and a glass of wine.
(Boy’s name given by girl).
As I gaed down to borrow a pan,
I saw her sitting kissing her man;
She off with the glove and on with the ring.
To-morrow, to-morrow the wedding begins.
Clean the brass candlesticks, clean the fireside,
Draw up the curtains and let’s see the bride.
All the players but one stand in a circle—this one goes round with a handkerchief, singing the first lines. When the girl’s name is mentioned she tells her sweetheart’s name to the girl with the handkerchief, sits down in the centre, and covers her face with her hands. The one with the handkerchief goes round again, asking, “What will you give?” and the ring answers. Her name is then given, and the girl with the handkerchief again asks, “What will you give to tell his name?” The ring answers again, and the sweetheart’s name is then given. The girl with the handkerchief goes round again and sings the last lines, the ring singing with her. Then the one in the centre joins the ring, and the game begins again.—Aberdeen (Rev. Dr. Gregor).