Volume Ii Part 47 (2/2)

You're all so black and so dirty, &c.

We are quite as clean as you, sir, &c.

Through the kitchen, and through the hall, Pick the fairest one of all.

The fairest one that I can see Is --, The fairest one that I can see, With a ransom, tansom, tee!

-Sporle, Norfolk (Miss Matthews).

X. Here comes one duke a-riding, A-riding, a-riding; Here comes one duke a-riding, With a ransom, tansom, terrimus, hey!

What is your intention, sir? &c. [as above].

My intention is to marry, &c.

Marry one of us, sir? &c.

You're all too black and dirty (or greasy), &c.

We're good enough for you, sir, &c.

You're all as stiff as pokers, &c.

We can bend as much as you, sir, &c.

Through the kitchen and through the hall, I choose the fairest of you all; The fairest one as I can see Is pretty -- --, come to me.

Now I've got my bonny la.s.s, Bonny la.s.s, bonny la.s.s; Now I've got my bonny la.s.s To help us with our dancing.

-Barnes, Surrey (A. B. Gomme).

XI. Here comes one duke a-riding, a-riding, a-riding; Here comes one duke a-riding On a ransom, dansom bay!

You're all so black and dirty, &c.

Pray which of us will you choose, sir, &c.

Up in the kitchen, down in the hall, And choose the fairest one of all.

The fairest one that I can see Is pretty Miss --, so come to me.

-Bocking, Ess.e.x (_Folk-lore Record_, vol. iii., pt. ii., pp. 170-171).

XII. Here comes one duke a-riding, a-riding, a-riding, Here comes one duke a-riding, with a ransom, tansom, ta!

Pray which of us will you choose, sir? &c.

You're all so black and so blousey, &c.

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