Barley-bridge
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NURSERY GAMES
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Popular Rhymes And Nursery Tales
A string of boys and girls, each holding by his predecessor's skirts,
approaches two others, who, with joined and elevated hands, form a
double arch. After the dialogue is concluded, the line passes through
the arch, and the last is caught, if possible, by the sudden lowering of
the arms.
"How many miles to Barley-bridge?"
"Three score and ten."
"Can I get there by candle-light?"
"Yes, if your legs be long."
"A courtesy to you, and a courtesy to you,
If you please will you let the king's horses through?"
Through and through shall they go,
For the king's sake;
But the one that is hindmost
Will meet with a great mistake.