Page:Clifton Johnson - What They Say in New England.pdf/176

Rhymes and Jingles
. .

When about to run a race or engage in a jumping-match, this rhyme is appropriate:—

One to begin,
Two to show,
Three to make ready,
And four to go.

At the end of the race the one who came in last sometimes consoles himself by calling out:—

First’s the worst,
Second’s the same,
Last’s the best of all the game.

Question: What’s your name?
Answer: Pudden tame;
Ask me again
And I’ll tell you the same.

Some of the boys give a much ruder answer to this question in these words:—

John Brown,
Ask me again and I’ll knock you down.

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