Page:The Folk-Lore Journal Volume 7 1889.djvu/242

218 the waist of the one in front of them (as in the last game), or sometimes by grasping the dress.

The game commences by a parley to this effect:

(to Fox): “What are you after this fine morning?” M. G.: “With what object?” M. G.: “What does [will] your meal consist of?” M. G.: “Where will you get it?” M. G.: “Catch one if you can.”
 * “Taking a walk.”
 * “To get an appetite for a meal.”
 * “A nice fat goose for my breakfast.”
 * “Oh! I shall get a nice morsel somewhere; and as they are so handy, I shall satisfy myself with one of yours.”

A lively scene follows. The Fox and Mother Goose should be pretty evenly matched; the “mother” with extended arms seeking to protect her “brood,” whilst the Fox, who tries to dodge under, right and left, is only allowed in case of a successful foray or grasp to secure the last of the train. Vigorous efforts are made to escape him, the “brood,” of course, supplementing the “mother’s” exertions to elude him as far as they are able, but without breaking the link. The game may be continued until all in turn are caught.

This game was sometimes called “Hen and Chickens.” A good illustration of the way in which it was played may be obtained from the charming picture, bearing this title, by G. D, Leslie, R.A., which was exhibited in the Royal Academy in 1881.

The children form a circle, and moving round and round to the right, sing:

“When first we went to school—to school—to school— &ensp;How happy was I! &emsp;&emsp;&emsp;(Each girl here takes the side of her dress or shirt by &emsp;&emsp;&emsp;&emsp;the right hand and just lifts it, singing the while:) &ensp;’Twas this way, and that way, &ensp;How happy was I!