To play this the children were divided into two parties. In the first were only the three dukes; in the second the other players, who stood in a long line, linked hand in hand, facing them,—the mother in the middle, with her daughters ranged according to size on each side of her. One duke was chosen as spokesman, and he began the following dialogue, which was sung; the party singing advanced and retreated, whilst the others stood still:—
“Here ‘comes’ three dukes a-riding, a-riding—
Here ‘comes’ three dukes a-riding, to court your daughter Jane.”
“My daughter Jane is yet too young
To bear your silly, flattering tongue.”
“Be she young or be she old,
She for her beauty must and shall be sold.”
“So fare thee well, my lady gay,
We’ll take our horse and ride away,