They then kiss, and the process is repeated till all the children are in the ring. Another game, played in the same way, begins with this verse:
Sally, Sally Waters, why are you so sad?
You shall have a husband either good or bad:
Then rise, Sally Waters, and sprinkle your pan,
For you're just the young woman to get a nice man.
The partner being chosen, the two kneel down, and the rest sing,—
Now you're married we wish you joy,
Father and mother and little boy!
Love one another like sister and brother,
And now, good people, kiss each other.
[QUEEN ANNE.]
Queen Anne, Queen Anne, who sits on her throne,
As fair as a lily, as white as a swan;
The king sends you three letters,
And begs you'll read one.
This is said by all the children but one, who represents the Queen, they having previously hid a ball upon one of their number. The Queen answers,
I cannot read one unless I read all,
So pray, ——, deliver the ball.
Naming any child she pleases. If she guesses rightly the child who has the ball takes her place as Queen. If wrongly, the child who has the ball says,
The ball is mine, and none of thine,
So you, proud Queen, may sit on your throne,
While we, your messengers, go and come.