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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WITCH, THE
39'
Witch, The
This game is played by nine children. One is chosen as Mother, seven are chosen for her children, and the other is a Witch. The Mother and Witch stand opposite the seven chil­dren. The Mother advances and names the children by the days of the week, saying—
Sunday, take care of Monday, Monday, take care of Tuesday, Tuesday, take care of Wednesday, Wednesday, take care of Thursday, Thursday, take care of Friday, Friday, take care of Saturday. Take care the Old Witch does not catch you, and I'll bring you something nice.
The Mother then goes away, and the Witch advances saying—
Sunday, your mother sent me for your best bonnet, she wants to get one like it for Monday. It is up in the top long drawer, fetch it quick.
Sunday goes away, and the Witch then seizes Saturday and runs off with her.
The Mother re-enters, and names the children again, Sun­day, Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, misses Saturday, and says—
Where's Saturday ?
The children all cry and say—
The Old Witch has got her.
This part is then repeated until the Witch has taken all the children and put them in a corner one by one, and stands in front to guard them. The Mother sets out to find the children, she sees the Old Witch, and says to her—
Have you seen my children ?
Witch. Yes, I saw them walking down High Street.
Mother then goes away, does not find them, and comes back asking—
Have you seen my children ?
IV. Yes, I saw them going to school.