J. F. Campbell Collection > Popular rhymes of Scotland

RHYMES TO CHILDREN'S AMUSEMENTS. 261
arms, as indicated in the rhyme. Another rhyme for this
amusement is —
A basket, a basket, a bonny penny basket,
A penny to you, and a penny to me.
Turn about the basket.
HOW MANY MILES TO BABYLON ?
Two boys, holding" each other's hands, make their arms
represent a g-ate. A number of the others approach.
Boys. How many miles to Babylon ?
Gatekeepers. Threescore and ten.
Boys. Will we be there by candlelight ? _
Gatekeepers. Yes, and back again.
Boys. Open your gates and let us go through.
Gatekeepers. Not without a beck and a boo.
Boys. There's a beck, and there's a bow [beck and bow],
Open your gates and let us go through.
All then pass under the uplifted arms of the two gate-
keepers.
This is the simplest kind of game in which the inquiry as
to the distance of Babylon occurs. In another of a more
complicated kind, two boys, remarkable as good runners,
and personating the king and queen of Cantelon, are placed
between two doons or places of safety, at one of which a
flock of other boys pitch themselves. The runners then
come forward, and the following- dialogue takes place be-
tween them and some member of the company, all of whom
are considered as knights. The romantic nature of the
language is very remarkable : —
Knight. King and queen of Cantelon,
How many miles to Babylon ?
King. Eight and eight, and other eight.
Knight. Will I get there by candlelight ?
King. If your horse be good and your spurs be bright.
Knight. How niony men have ye ?
King. Mae nor ye daur come and see.
The company then break forth and make for the opposite
doon with all their might, and avoiding the two runners,
who pursue and endeavour to catch as many as possible.
On catching any, the runner places his hand upon their
heads, when they are said to be taned, and are set aside.
The game is repeated and continued till all are taned.