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356 WE ARE THE ROVERS
How do you sell your bread and wine, &c.
I sell it by a gallon, sir, &c.
A gallon is too much, fair ladies, &c.
Sell it by a gallon, my fair ladies, &c.
Then we'll have none at all, &c.
Are you ready for a fight, &c.
Yes, we are ready for a fight, &c.
My dear sirs.
—Sporle, Norfolk (Miss Matthews).
(c) The players divide into two sides of about equal numbers, and form lines. The lines walk forwards and backwards in turn, each side singing their respective verses alternately. When the last verse is sung both lines prepare for a fight.
This is the usual way of playing, and there is but little variation in the methods of the different versions. In some versions (Enbourne, Berks.; Maxey, Northants., and Bath) sleeves are tucked up previous to the pretended fight, and in one or two places sticks and stones are used; again in the Northamptonshire and Bath games, at u Present! Shoot! Bang! Fire !! " imitations are given of firing of guns before the actual fight takes place. In the Hants (H. S. May) and Lancashire (Mrs. Harley) versions, when the last verse is reached the players all join hands, form a ring, and dance round while they sing the last verse. In several versions too, when they sing "We don't care for the magistrates," or other persons of authority, the players all stamp their feet on the ground. In the Hurstmonceux version the children double their fists before preparing to fight. Some pretend to have swords to fight with, but the greater number use their fists. In most of the versions the players on both sides join in the refrain or chorus.
(d) This game represents an attacking or invading party and the defenders. It probably owes its origin to the border warfare which prevailed for so long a period between HighÂlanders and Lowlanders of Scotland, the Scotch and English of the northern border counties, and in the country called the |
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