CCLXXIX.

Dance, Thumbkin, dance, [_Keep the thumb in motion._ Dance, ye merrymen, every one: [_All the fingers in motion._ For Thumbkin, he can dance alone, [_The thumb only moving_. Thumbkin, he can dance alone, [_Ditto._ Dance, Foreman, dance, [_The first finger moving._ Dance, ye merrymen, every one; [_The whole moving._ But Foreman, he can dance alone, Foreman, he can dance alone.

[and So on With the Others--naming the 2d Finger Longman--the 3d Finger Ringman--and the 4th Finger Littleman. Littleman Cannot Dance Alone.]

[The following is used by schoolboys, when two are starting to run a race.]

One to make ready, And two to prepare; Good luck to the rider, And away goes the mare.