The Traditional Children's Games of England Scotland
& Ireland In Dictionary Form - Volume 1

With Tunes(sheet music), Singing-rhymes(lyrics), Methods Of Playing with diagrams and illustrations.

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	236               HOW MANY MILES TO BABYLON is, lay their hands upon their heads, when they are not allowed to run any more in that game, that is, until they all be taened or taken." The Norfolk game seems to resemble the Scotch, though in a much less complete form. Miss Matthews describes it as follows :—" A line of children is formed, and the two standing opposite it sing the questions, to which the line reply; then the two start off running in any direction they please, and the others try to catch them." The second method of playing is best described by the Rev. Walter Gregor, from the Nairn game, which is known as " The Gates of Babylon." Mr. Gregor writes as follows:—"This game may be played either by boys or girls. Two of the players join hands, and stand face to face, with their hands in front as if forming a gate. Each of these has a secret name. The other players form themselves into a line by clasping each
	other round the waist from behind. They go up to the two that form the gate, and the leader asks the first question, as in version No. 2. The dialogue then proceeds to the end. The two then lift their arms as high as they can, still joined, and the line of players passes through. All at once the two bring their arms down on one and make him (or her) prisoner. The prisoner is asked in a whisper, so as not to disclose the secret name, wThich of the two is to be chosen. The one so captured takes his (or her) stand behind the one chosen. The same process is gone through till all the players are taken captive, and have stationed themselves behind the one or the other of the two forming the gate. The last one of the line goes through three times. The first time the word ' breakfast' is pronounced; the second time 'dinner;' and the third time 'supper.' The player then chooses a side. The two sides