This children's game is found in "A History of Nursery Rhymes" by Percy B. Green, published in 1899. Here's what Green had to say about it: "A boisterous game, played by girls, especially favoured in Paddington and Marylebone. (London)"…
Mother, Buy Me a Milking Can
Nursery Rhyme Game
Mother, buy me a milking can, A, I, O.
Where's the money to come from, A, I, O?
Sell my father's feather bed.
Where must your father sleep?
Sleep in the boys' bed.
Where will the boys sleep?
Sleep in the cradle.
Where will the baby sleep?
Sleep in the thimble.
What shall I sew with?
Sew with the poker.
Suppose I burn myself?
Serve you right.
Notes
Green explained the game further: "At the time of saying 'serve you right' all the children scamper away from the girl who acts the part of mother. It is little more than a mild reproof on the over-indulgent mother who would sell or give anything to satisfy the fancies of her children, and the 'serve you right' is a girl's idea of what a foolish mother deserves..."
Comments
We'd love to know if this game is still played in England. Please email me, if you know. -Mama Lisa
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