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

—Cambridge (Mrs. Haddon).

XIV.

Poor Mary is a-weeping, a-weeping, a-weeping,
Poor Mary is a-weeping on a bright summer’s day;
Pray what is she a-weeping for, a-weeping for, a-weeping for,
Pray what is she a-weeping for, on a bright summer’s day?

I’m weeping for my true love, my true love, my true love,
I’m weeping for my true love, on a bright summer’s day.

Stand up and choose your true love, your true love, your true love,
Stand up and choose your true love, on a bright summer’s day.

Ring a ring o’ roses, o’ roses, o’ roses,
Ring a ring o’ roses; a pocketful of posies.

—Ogbourne, Wilts. (H. S. May).

XV.

Poor Sally is a-weeping, a-weeping, a-weeping,
Poor Sally is a-weeping, down by the sea-side.
Pray tell me what you’re weeping for, you’re weeping for, you’re weeping for,
Pray tell me what you’re weeping for, down by the sea-side?