There is a meaningless rhyme, very common among children. It is repeated
while counting off those who are taking part in a game, and allotting to
each a place. It is as follows:--
"Ekkeri akkery u-kery an
Fillisi', follasy, Nicolas John
Queebee-quabee--Irishman.
Stingle 'em--stangle 'em--buck!"
With a very little alteration in sounds, and not more than children make
of these verses in different places, this may be read as follows:--
"'Ekkeri, akai-ri, you kair--an.
Filissin follasy. Nakelas ja'n.
Kivi, kavi. Irishman.
Stini--stani--buck!"
This is nonsense, of course, but it is Romany, or gypsy, and may be
translated:--
"First--here--you begin.
Castle--gloves. You don't play. Go on!
_Kivi_--kettle. How are you?
_Stini_--buck--buck."