| Share page | Visit Us On FB |
|
|
||
|
33° LIBBETY, LIBBETY, &c—LITTLE DOG, &C.
In the margin we have this explanation: "A kinde of Christmas play, wherein each hunteth the other from his seat. The name seems derived from the French levez sus, in English, arise up." Halliwell's Dictionary says that Skelton, ii. 31, spells it levell suse.
Libbety, Libbety, Libbety-lat
A child stands before a hassock, and as if he were going up stairs; he puts on it first his right and then his left foot, gradually quickening his steps, keeping time to the words— Libbety, libbety, libbety-lat, Who can do this ? and who can do that ? And who can do anything better than that ?
—Cornwall (Folk-lore Journal, v. 59).
Limpy Coley
A boy's game undescribed.—Patterson's Antrim and Down Glossary.
Little Dog I call you
A number of girls stand in a line with their backs to a wall. One of their number is sent away to a distance, but remains within call. Another girl, who stands in front of the line, asks the girls one by one what they would like if they could obtain their desires. After she has asked every one, she tells them to turn their faces to the wall, and calls after the girl who was sent away, saying, "Little Dog, I call you." The girl replies, " I shan't come to please you." " I'll get a stick and make you," is the rejoinder. " I don't care for that." M I've got a rice pudding for you." "I shan't come for that." "I've got a dish of bones." " I'll come for that." The Dog then comes. The girls have been previously told not to laugh whilst the one who stands out is talking to the Dog. Then the girl says to the Dog— AU the birds in the air^
All the fishes in the sea, Come and pick me out (for example) The girl with the golden ball. If the girl who desired the golden ball laughs, the Dog picks her out. If nobody laughs, he guesses who the girl is that has wished for the golden ball. If the Dog guesses correctly, she |
||