All the children form a ring with the exception of one player, who
stands in the center. The children then dance round this one, singing
the first three lines of the verses given below. At the fourth line
they stop dancing and act the words that are sung. They pretend to
scatter seed; they stand at ease, stamp their feet, clap their hands,
and at the words: "Turn him round," each child turns round.
They then again clap hands and dance round, and when the words,
"Open the ring and take one in," are sung, the center child chooses a
partner, who steps into the ring, and the two stand together while the
other children sing the remaining verse, after which the child who
was first in the center joins the ring and the game is continued as
before.
"Oats and beans and barley O!
Do you or I or any one know
How oats and beans and barley grow?
"First the farmer sows his seed,
Then he stands and takes his ease,
Stamps his foot and claps his hands,
And turns him round to view the land.
"Oats and beans and barley O!
Waiting for a partner, waiting for a partner.
Open a ring and send one in.
Oats and beans and barley O!
"So now you're married you must obey,
You must be true to all you say,
You must be kind, you must be good,
And help your wife to chop the wood.
Oats and beans and barley O!"
* * * * *