The Traditional Children's Games of England Scotland
& Ireland In Dictionary Form - Volume 2

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

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SALLY WATER
On the carpet you shall kneel Till the grass grows round your feet; Stand up straightly on your feet, And choose the one you love so sweet.
Now Sally's married, we wish her joy,
First a girl, then a boy;
If it's a boy, we'll buy him a cap,
If it's a girl, we will buy her a hat.
If one won't do, will buy you two,
If two won't do, will buy you three,
If three won't do, will get you four,
If four won't do, will get no more,
So kiss and shake hands, and come out.
—Tong, Shropshire (Miss C. F. Keary).
XV. Sally, Sally Water, come sprinkle your pan (or plants), For down in the meadows there lies a young man. Rise, Sally, rise, and don't you look sad, For you shall have a husband, good or bad. Choose you one, choose you two, Choose the fairest you can see!
The fairest one as I can see,
Is Jenny Wood, pray come to me !
Now you are married, I wish you good joy,
First a girl and then a boy;
Seven years now, and seven to come,
Take her and kiss her, and send her off home.
Shropshire Folk-lore, p. 509.
XVI. Sally, Sally Water (or Slauter), Come sprinkle in your can, Why do you get married To a foolish young man ? Pick the worst, and pick the best, And pick the one that you love best.