The following is a rendering of the "Maiden's Dance:"
In heaven is a dance;
Alleluia!
There dance all the maids;
Benedicamus Domino—
Alleluia!
It is for Amelia;
Alleluia!
We dance like the maids;
Benedicamus Domino—
Alleluia!
Such touching customs show the profound original earnestness underlying the modern child's play, as well as the primitive religious significance of the dance. In England, too, it was the practice for the bearers of a virgin to be maids, as a ballad recites:
A garland fresh and faire
Of lilies there was made,
In signe of her virginity,
And on her coffin laid.
Six maidens, all in white,
Did beare her to the grave.
No. 12.
Down She Comes as White as Milk.
This round is remarkable for being introduced, wherever it occurs, by a stanza with a different melody, whereby the ballad is turned into a game. By this introduction the hero and heroine of the action are selected.
"Little Sally Waters," or "Uncle John," having been first played, the round proceeds about the couple standing in the ring:
He knocks at the door, and picks up a pin,
And asks if Miss —— is in.