Here we come gathering nuts in May
On a cold and frosty morning.’
“Then the second lot,” as Nana called the lasses, “answer back, and shout—
“‘Who have ye come to gather away?’
And the first lot (the lads) reply—
“‘We have come to gather sweet Maude away.’
‘And who will you send to fetch her away?’
‘We’ll send Corney Rodgers to fetch her away.’
“Then the two parties pull,” she added, “and in the end a lass has to leave, and to go over to the lads’ side.”
“Who was sweet Maude, and who was Corney Rodgers?” I asked of Nana.