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Oranges and lemons. |
14 What Shall We Do Now?
they can, and straightway begin to sing, either all to a tune played on the piano or independently. The object of the blind players is to find out, entirely by the use of the ear, who it is that is seated on their right. Those that guess correctly are unbandaged, and their places are taken by the players whose names they guessed. The others continue blindfolded until they guess rightly. One guess only is allowed each time.
This pleasant old game begins by two of the older or taller players—one being Oranges and the other Lemons—taking places opposite each other and joining their hands high, thus making an arch for the rest to pass under in a long line. The procession then starts, each one holding the one in front by the coat or dress. As the procession moves along, the two players forming the arch repeat or chant these lines :—
" Oranges and lemons,"
Say the bells of St. Clement's.
" You owe me five farthings,"
Say the bells of St. Martin's.
" When will you pay me ? "
Say the bells of Old Bailey.
" When I grow rich,"
Say the bells of Shoreditch.
" When will that be ?"
Say the bells of Stepney.
" I do not know,"
Says the great bell of Bow.
Here comes a candle to light you to bed,
And here comes a chopper to chop off the last man's head.
With these final words the arch-players lower their arms and catch the head of the last of the procession. In order that the arrival of the end of the procession and the end of the verses shall come together, the last line can be lengthened like this—
And here comes a chopper to chop off the last—last—last—last man's head. |
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The captured player is then asked in a whisper which he will be. |
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