Part 17

The Belfast version is practically the same, except that the verses are not sung as a dialogue, but by all the players together, and the prisoner, when caught, has the choice of sides, by being asked, "Which will you have, a golden apple or golden pear?" and according to the answer given is sent behind one of the leaders. The Norfolk and Shropshire games are different. Miss Matthews thus describes the Norfolk game: "Two girls take hold of hands, and another, the prisoner, stands between them. The rest form themselves into a line opposite, and advance and retreat while singing the first verse, the gaolers singing the next verse, and so on alternately. [At the end of the last verse but one] the children break the line, form themselves into a ring, and dance round the prisoner, singing the final verse." Miss Harley describes the Shropshire version as follows: "The first six verses are sung by the alternate parties, who advance and retire, tramping their feet, at first, to imitate the robbers. The last verse is sung altogether going round in a ring." In the Shipley version, Miss Busk says: "The children form themselves into two lines, while two or three, representing the robbers, swagger along between them. When the robbers sing the last verse they should have attained the end of the lines [of children], as during the parley they were safe; having pronounced the defiance they run away. The children in the lines rush after them, and should catch them and put them in prison."

(_c_) The analysis of this game is easy. The Deptford, Belfast, and Wolstanton versions are clearly enough dramatic representations of the capture of a robber, and probably the game dates from the period of the prevalence of highway robbery. The Wolstanton version shows us that the game is breaking up from its earlier form, while the Norfolk and Shropshire versions show a fresh development into the mere game for children, apart from its original significance. The action of the game confirms this view. The Norfolk action seems to be the most nearly perfect in its dramatic significance, and the Shropshire action comes next. The action of the other games seems to have been grafted on to the superior form of "Oranges and Lemons." It is probable that this fact has preserved the words more completely than in the other cases, where the force of the robber action would become less and less as actual experience of robbers and robbery died out. Altogether, this game supplies a very good example of the change produced in games by changes in the actual life which gave rise to them. It is singular that the verses of this game also enter into the composition of "London Bridge is broken down." It is probable, therefore, that it may be an altered form of the game of "London Bridge." The refrain, "My fair lady," occurs in both games.

See "London Bridge."

Hats in Holes

A boys' game. The players range their hats in a row against the wall, and each boy in turn pitches a ball from a line at some twenty-five feet distance into one of the hats. The boy into whose hat it falls has to seize it and throw it at one or other of the others, who all scamper off when the ball is "packed in." If he fails to hit he is out, and takes his cap up. The boy whose cap is left at the last has to "cork" the others, that is, to throw the ball at their bent backs, each in turn stooping down to take his punishment.--Somerset (Elworthy's _Dialect_).

See "Balls and Bonnets."

Hattie

A game with preens, pins, on the crown of a hat. Two or more may play. Each lays on a pin, then with the hand they strike the side of the hat time about, and whoever makes the pins by a stroke cross each other, lifts those so crossed.--Mactaggart's _Gallovidian Encyclopædia_.

Hawkey

A game played by several boys on each side with sticks called "hawkey bats," and a ball. A line is drawn across the middle of the ground from one side to the other; one party stands on one side of the line and the opposite party on the other, and neither must overstep this boundary, but are allowed to reach over as far as their bats will permit to strike the ball. The object is to strike the ball to the farther end to touch the fence of the opposing party's side, when the party so striking the ball scores one, and, supposing nine to be the game, the party obtaining that number first of course wins the game.--West Sussex (Holloway's _Dict. of Provincialisms_).

See "Bandy," "Doddart," "Hockey."

Headicks and Pinticks

This game was played only at Christmas. The number of players was two. The stakes were pins. One player laid in the hollow of the hand, or on one of the forefingers, a pin, and then placed the other forefinger over it so as to conceal it. He then held up his hand to his opponent and said, "Headicks or pinticks?" His opponent made a guess by pointing with his finger and saying "Headicks," or "Pinticks." If the guess was correct he gained the pin, but if it was incorrect he forfeited one. The players played alternately.--Keith (Rev. W. Gregor).

Another version seems to be "Headim and Corsim." Pins are hid with fingers in the palms of the hands; the same number is laid alongside them, and either "Headim" or "Corsim" called out by those who do so. When the fingers are lifted, if the heads of the pins hid and those beside them be lying one way when the crier cried "Headim," then that player wins; but if "Corsim," the one who hid the pins wins. This is the king of all the games at the preens.--Mactaggart's _Gallovidian Encyclopædia_.

The editors of Jamieson's _Dictionary_ say that the name should be "Headum and Corsum."

Heads and Tails

That plan for deciding matters by the "birl o' a bawbee." The one side cries "Heads" (when the piece is whirling in the air) and the other "Tails," so whichever is uppermost when the piece alights that gains or settles the matter, heads standing for the King's head and tails for the figure who represents Britannia.--Mactaggart's _Gallovidian Encyclopædia_. This is a general form of determining sides or beginning a game all over the country.

Hecklebirnie

A play among children in Aberdeenshire. Thirty or forty children in two rows, joining opposite hands, strike smartly with their hands thus joined on the head or shoulders of their companion as he runs the gauntlet through them. This is called "passing through the mires of Hecklebirnie."--Jamieson.

The editors of Jamieson append a lengthy note connecting the name of this game with the northern belief that the wicked were condemned to suffer eternal punishment in Hecla, the volcanic mountain in Iceland.

See "Namers and Guessers."

Hen and Chicken

Chickery, chickery, cranny crow, I went to the well to wash my toe, When I got back a chicken was dead.

This verse is said by the Hen to her Chickens, after which they all go with the Hen to search for the dead Chicken. On their way they meet the Fox. The following dialogue between the Fox and Hen ensues, the Hen beginning:--

What are you doing? Picking up sticks. What for? To make a fire. What's the fire for? To boil some water. What's the water for? To boil some chickens in. Where do you get them from? Out of your flock. That I'm sure you won't.

--Derbyshire (_Folk-lore Journal_, i. 386).

The game is played in the usual manner of "Fox and Goose" games. One is chosen to be the Hen, and one to be the Fox. The rest are the Chickens. The Chickens take hold of each other's waists, the first one holding the Hen's waist. At the end of the dialogue the Fox tries to get hold of one of the chickens. If he succeeds in catching them, they all with the Fox try to dodge the Hen, who makes an effort to regain them.

It is known at Winterton under the name of "Pins and Needles." The players stand in a row, one behind another, with one of the party as their Leader. Another player, called "Outsider," pretends to scratch the ground. The Leader asks, the questions, and the Outsider replies--

What are you scratching for? Pins and needles. What do you want your pins and needles for? To mend my poke. What do you want your poke for? To put some sand in. What do you want your sand for? To sharpen knives with. What do you want your knives for? To cut all the little chickens' heads off with.

Here the Outsider tries to dodge past the Leader to catch one of the children at the further end of the row, the Leader meanwhile attempting to bar her progress. When at last she succeeds, the child caught takes her place, and the game is recommenced.--Winterton (Miss M. Peacock).

See "Fox and Goose," "Gled-wylie."

Here comes a Lusty Wooer

[Music]

--Rimbault's _Nursery Rhymes_.

Here comes a lusty wooer, My a dildin, my a daldin; Here comes a lusty wooer, Lily bright and shine a'.

Pray who do you woo? My a dildin, my a daldin; Pray who do you woo? Lily bright and shine a'.

For your fairest daughter, My a dildin, my a daldin; For your fairest daughter, Lily bright and shine a'.

Then there she is for you, My a dildin, my a daldin; Then there she is for you, Lily bright and shine a'.

--Ritson (_Gammer Gurton's Garland_, 1783).

Northall says this game is played after the manner of the "Three Dukes" (_Folk Rhymes_, p. 383). Halliwell (_Nursery Rhymes_, p. 98) has a version, and Rimbault (_Nursery Rhymes_) gives both words and tune. It is also contained in _The Merrie Heart_ (p. 47). See "Jolly Hooper," "Jolly Rover."

Here comes One Virgin

Here comes one Virgin on her knee, On her knee, on her knee, Here comes one Virgin on her knee, Pray what will you give her?

When did you come?

I came by night and I came by day, I came to steal poor Edie away.

She is too old, she is too young, She hasn't learnt her virgin tongue.

Let her be old or let her be young, For her beauty she must come.

In her pocket a thousand pounds, On her finger a gay gold ring.

Good-bye, good-bye, my dear.

--Hurstmonceux, Sussex (Miss Chase).

One child stands by herself, and the rest of the players range themselves in line. The child sings the first verse and the line replies, the four succeeding verses being alternately sung. After the last line the girl tries to pull one whom she has chosen from the line toward her. If not successful, she must try again. If she is, they both stand in the middle, and commence singing the words again with--

Here come _two_ virgins on their knees, &c.

Probably a degraded version of "Three Lords from Spain."

Here I sit on a Cold Green Bank

Here I sit on a cold green bank On a cold and frosty morning.

We'll send a young man [_or_ woman] to take you away, To take you away, We'll send a young man to take you away, On a cold and frosty morning.

Pray tell me what his name shall be? [_or_] Pray, whom will you send to take me away?

We'll send Mr. ---- to take you away.

The children form a ring around one of the party, who sits in the middle, and says the two first lines. Then those in the circle dance round her, singing the next four lines. This is repeated three times, with the refrain, "On a cold," &c., after which the dancing and singing cease, and the child is asked, "Sugar, sweet, or vinegar, sour?" Her answer is always taken in a contrary sense, and sung, as before, three times, whilst the children circle round. The one in the middle then rises to her feet. The boy (or girl) named advances and kisses her, they change places, and the game begins again.--Cornwall (_Folk-lore Journal_, v. 56-57).

Here stands a Young Man

I. Here stands a young man who wants a sweetheart, With all his merry maids round him;

He may choose from east, he may choose from west, He may choose the prettiest girl that he loves best.

Now this young couple is married together, We propose they kiss each other.

--Glapthorn (_Northants Notes and Queries_, i. 214, A. Palmer).

II. Here stands a young lady [lass] who wants a sweetheart, Wants a sweetheart, wants a sweetheart, And don't know where to find one, find one, find one. Choose the prettiest that you loves best.

Now you're married I wish you joy, First a girl and then a boy, Seven years after son and daughter, Pray you come to kiss together.

--Longcot, Berkshire (Miss I. Barclay).

(_b_) A ring is formed by the players joining hands, one child standing in the centre. The ring dance round singing the first four lines. At the fourth line the child in the centre chooses one from the ring, who goes into the centre with her. The marriage formula or chorus is then sung, the two kiss, and the one who was first in the centre joins the ring, the second one choosing another in her turn. Played by both boys and girls.

See "Sally Water," "Silly Old Man."

Here we go around, around

[Music]

Our shoes are made of leather, Our stockings are made of silk, Our pinafores are made of calico, As white as any milk.

Here we go around, around, around, And we shall touch the ground.

--Barnes and London Streets (A. B. Gomme).

A ring is formed by the children joining hands. They walk round singing the first four lines. They then dance round quickly and sit down suddenly, or touch the ground with their clothes.

A version of this game from Liphook, Hants, almost identical in words, has been sent by Miss Fowler, and another from Crockham Hill, Kent, by Miss Chase.

Here's a Soldier

Here's a soldier left his lone [_qy._ alone], Wants a wife and can't get none.

Merrily go round and choose your own, Choose a good one or else choose none; Choose the worst or choose the best, Or choose the very one you like best.

What's your will, my dilcy dulcy officer? What's your will, my dilcy dulcy dee?

My will is to marry, my dilcy dulcy officer; My will is to marry, my dilcy dulcy dee.

Come marry one of us, my dilcy dulcy officer; Come marry one of us, my dilcy dulcy dee.

You're all too old and ugly, my dilcy dulcy officer; You're all too old and ugly, my dilcy dulcy dee.

Thrice too good for you, sir, my dilcy dulcy officer; Thrice too good for you, sir, my dilcy dulcy dee.

This couple got married, we wish them good joy, Every year a girl and a boy, And if that does not do, a hundred and two, We hope the couple will kiss together.

--Annaverna, co. Louth (Miss R. Stephen).

(_b_) One child stands in the middle, the others dance round singing. The one in the middle chooses another before the four last lines are sung. Then the rest dance round singing these lines, and kiss each other.

(_c_) It is evident that these words comprise two distinct games, which have become mixed in some inexplicable fashion. The first six lines and the last four are one game, a ring form, with the marriage formula and blessing. The other portion of the game is a dialogue game, evidently having had two lines of players, questions being asked and answers given. It is, in fact, a part of the "Three Dukes" game. The first part is a kiss-in-the-ring game, a version of "Here stands a Young Man," "Silly Old Man," and "Sally Water."

Hewley Puley

Take this, What's this? Hewley Puley. Where's my share? About the kite's neck. Where's the kite? Flown to the wood. Where's the wood? The fire has burned it. Where's the fire? The water's quenched it. Where's the water? The ox has drunk it. Where's the ox? The butcher has killed it. Where's the butcher? The rope has hanged him. Where's the rope? The rat has gnawed it. Where's the rat? The cat has killed it. Where's the cat? Behind the door, cracking pebble-stones and marrow-bones for yours and my supper, and the one who speaks first shall have a box on the ear.

--Halliwell's _Nursery Rhymes_, p. 222.

The children are seated, and the questions are put by one of the party who holds a twisted handkerchief or something of the sort in the hand. The handkerchief was called "hewley puley," and the questions are asked by the child who holds it. If one answers wrongly, a box on the ear with the handkerchief was the consequence; but if they all replied correctly, the one who broke silence first had that punishment.

For similar rhymes see "Dump," "Mother, may I go out?"

Hey Wullie Wine

I. Hey Wully wine, and How Wully wine, I hope for hame ye'll no incline; Ye'll better light, and stay a' night, And I'll gie thee a lady fine.

Wha will ye gie, if I wi' ye bide, To be my bonny blooming bride, And lie down lovely by my side?

I'll gie thee Kate o' Dinglebell, A bonny body like yersell.

I'll stick her up in the pear-tree Sweet and meek, and sae is she: I lo'ed her ance, but she's no for me, Yet I thank ye for your courtesy.

I'll gie thee Rozie o' the Cleugh, I'm sure she'll please thee weel eneugh.

Up wi' her on the bane dyke, She'll be rotten or I'll be ripe: She's made for some ither, and no me, Yet I thank ye for your courtesy.

Then I'll gie ye Nell o' sweet Sprinkell, Owre Galloway she bears the bell.

I'll set her up in my bed-head, And feed her wi' milk and bread; She's for nae ither, but jist for me, Sae I thank ye for your courtesy.

--Mactaggart's _Gallovidian Encyclopædia_.

II. I maun ride hame, I maun gang hame, And bide nae langer here; The road is lang, the mirk soon on, And howlets mak' me fear.

Light doon and bide wi' us a' night, We'll choose ye a bonnie lass; Ye'll get your wull and pick o' them a', And the time it soon wull pass.

Which ane will ye choose, If I with you will bide?

The fairest and rarest In a' the kintra side.

A girl's name was then mentioned. If the lad was pleased with the choice made, he replied--

I'll set her up on a bonnie pear-tree, It's tall and straight, and sae is she; I'd keep wauken a' night her love to be.

If he was not pleased, he replied in one or other of the next three verses--

I'll set her up ayont the dike, She'll be rotten ere I be ripe, The corbies her auld banes wull pike.

I'll set her up on a high crab-tree, It's sour and dour, and so is she; She may gang to the mools unkissed by me.

Though she be good and fair to see, She's for another, and no for me; But I thank you for your courtesie.

When a girl took the place of the lad, she replied in one or other of the three following, according as she was angry or pleased--

I'll put him in a riddle And riddle him o'er the sea, And sell to Johnny Groat's For a Scotch bawbee.

I'll set him up on my lum-head [chimney], And blaw him up wi' pouther and lead; He'll never be kissed though he be dead.

I'll set him up at my table head, Feed him wi' sweet milk and bread, If he likes gang hame on his fine steed.

--Biggar (Wm. Ballantyne).

(_b_) In Biggar, all the players were seated round the hearthstone, lads on one side, lassies the other; one lad rising up said the first verse, then one acting as "maister" said the next verse. The young man then said the next two lines, to which the other replied in the two following, and naming at the close any girl he thought would be acceptable. If the lad was pleased he sang the next verse. If he was not pleased with the girl offered him he replied in either of the three following verses. The first of the three was generally said if the girl was thought to be too old; if bad-tempered, the second. If the lad found no fault, but wished to politely refuse, he sang the last verse. The girl then was asked in her turn, and the same formula gone through, she saying either of the three last verses given. Forfeits were demanded for every refusal, and were cried at the end of the game.

(_c_) Mr. Ballantyne writes: "This game was a great favourite in my father's house. This was a forfeit game, forfeits being called 'wadds.'" Chambers, _Popular Rhymes_, p. 124, gives a version of this game. It is practically the same as Mr. Ballantyne's version, with only a few verbal differences. Mactaggart says, "The chief drift of this singular game seemed to be to discover the sweethearts of one another," and such discoveries are thought valuable, but not so much as they were anciently. In any case, it appears to me that the game is an early one, or, at all events, a reflection of early custom.

Hickety, Bickety

Hickety, bickety, pease-scone, Where shall this poor Scotchman gang? Will he gang east, or will he gang west, Or will he gang to the craw's nest?

--Chambers (_Popular Rhymes_, p. 122).

One boy stands with his eyes bandaged and his hands against a wall, with his head resting on them. Another stands beside him repeating the rhyme, whilst the others come one by one and lay their hands upon his back, or jump upon it. When he has sent them all to different places he turns round and calls, "Hickety, bickety!" till they have all rushed back to the place, the last in returning being obliged to take his place, when the game goes on as before.

Chambers adds, "The 'craw's nest' is close beside the eye-bandaged boy, and is therefore an envied position." Newell, _Games_, p. 165, refers to this game.

See "Hot Cockles."

Hickety-hackety

The game of Hop-scotch, played with a piece of tile, which has to be kicked by the player with the foot on which he hops over lines into various squares marked on the ground.--Somersetshire (Elworthy's _Dialect_).

See "Hop-scotch."

Hick, Step, and Jump

The game of "Hop, step, and jump."--Somerset (Holloway's _Dict. of Provincialisms_).

See "Half-Hammer."

Hide and Seek (1)

A writer in _Blackwood's Magazine_, August 1821, p. 36, mentions this as a summer game. It was called "Ho, spy!" the words which are called out by those boys who have hidden. He says the watchword of "Hide and seek" was "hidee," and gives as the rhyme used when playing--

Keep in, keep in, wherever you be, The greedy gled's seeking ye.

This rhyme is also given by Chambers (_Popular Rhymes_, p. 122). Halliwell gives the rhyme as--

Hitty titty indoors, Hitty titty out, You touch Hitty titty, And Hitty titty will bite you.

--_Nursery Rhymes_, p. 213.

At Ashford-in-the-Water the words used were--

One a bin, two a bin, three a bin, four, Five a bin, six a bin, seven, gie o'er; A bunch of pins, come prick my shins, A loaf brown bread, come knock me down. I'm coming!

--_Reliquary_, viii. 57.