The children dance round, singing the first three lines, turning round and clapping hands for the fourth line. They curtsey while saying "this is the way the lady goes," and again turn round and clap hands for the last line. The same process is followed in every verse, only varying what they act,—thus, in the third verse, they bow for the gentleman,—
Nettles grow in an angry bush, &c.
This is the way the gentleman goes, &c.
Nettles grow in an angry bush, &c.
This is the way the tailor goes, &c.
And so the amusement is protracted ad libitum, with shoemaking, washing the clothes, ironing, churning, milking, making up butter, &c.
[GAME OF THE GIPSY.]
One child is selected for Gipsy, one for Mother, and one for Daughter Sue. The Mother says,—
I charge my daughters every one
To keep good house while I am gone.
You and you (points) but specially you,
[Or sometimes, but specially Sue.]
Or else I'll beat you black and blue.
During the Mother's absence, the Gipsy comes in, entices a child away, and hides her. This process is repeated till all the children are hidden, when the Mother has to find them.
[GAME OF THE FOX.]
One child is Fox. He has a knotted handkerchief, and a home to which he may go whenever he is tired, but while out of home he must always hop on one leg. The other children are geese, and have no home. When the Fox is coming out he says,—
The Fox gives warning
It's a cold frosty morning.