_Bab in the Bowster_ (Vol. ii., p. 518.).--In your valuable periodical your
correspondent "MAC." makes an observation regarding "Bab in the Bowster,"
which is not correct so far as regards this part of the country at least.
He says "it is now danced with a handkerchief instead of a cushion,"
whereas the fact is I have never seen it danced but with a pillow, as its
name "Bab in the Bowster (Anglice bolster)" would seem to denote. The
manner of dancing it is, the company having formed itself into a circle,
one, either male or female, goes into the centre, carrying a pillow, and
dances round the circle with a sort of shuffling quick step, while the
others sing,--
"Wha learn'd you to dance, you to dance, you to dance,
Wha learn'd you to dance, Bab in the Bowster brawly?"
To which the dancer replies:
"Mother learn'd me to dance, me to dance, me to dance,
Mother learn'd me to dance, Bab in the Bowster brawly."
He or she then lays down the pillow before one of the opposite sex, when
they both kneel on it and kiss; the person to whom the pillow has been
presented going over the above again, &c, till the company tires.
I may add that the above is a favourite dance here, particularly among
young people, and at children's parties in particular it is never omitted.
If your correspondent wishes the air to which it is danced, I shall be glad
to send it to him.