“Next I went to service—to service—to service—
How happy was I!
(The dress is now let go, and sometimes an imitation
of scrubbing or sweeping with a long broom is
introduced, as they sing:)
’Twas this way, and that way,
How happy was I!
“Next I had a sweetheart—a sweetheart—a sweetheart—
How happy was I!
(Here they break the ring, and walk round in couples,
singing:)
’Twas this way, and that way,
How happy was I!
“Next I got married—got married—got married—
How happy was I!
(Still walking round in couples.)
’Twas this way, and that way.
How happy was I!
“Next I had a baby—a baby—a baby—
How happy was I!
(Here their arms swing to and fro as they walk
round, as if nursing or trying to quieten a baby.)
’Twas this way, and that way,
How happy was I!
(At the conclusion of this verse the circle is re-formed.)
“Next my husband died—he died—he died—
How sorry was I!
(Here they put their pinafores to their eyes, crying.)
’Twas this way, and that way,
How sorry was I!
“Next my baby died—she died—she died—
How sorry was I!
(Still crying.)
’Twas this way, and that way,
How sorry was I![1]
(iv.)—Garden Gate.
One girl is chosen from the group to represent the mother, and the rest, as her daughters, stand in front of her. The eldest of them is selected to address the mother.
- ↑ Conf, several Shropshire variants in Shropshire Folklore, p. 514.
