Two players decide as to which one will represent rubies and which
emeralds, without telling the others.
They then join hands to form an arch. All the rest take hold of each
other’s jackets or frocks, and while going through the arch they sing,
All of a row,
Bend the bow,
Shot at a pigeon
And killed a crow.
The cock doth crow
To let you know,
If you be well.
The second that the last word is sung, those who have formed the arch
drop their arms around the neck of the child just passing under.
Then they inquire in a whisper which he would rather have, Rubies or
Emeralds. When he decides, he must whisper the answer, and he will then
be told to go back of the player that represents that stone.
When all have been caught, those back of the stone that has had the
most admirers now hide, while the others seek for them. Should the
rubies have precedence, the emeralds are the ones to hunt, or if the
emeralds, the rubies are the ones to hunt. Whichever stone is in the
minority must seek for the others. Whoever finds the most rubies or
emeralds, as the case may be, is counted the richest, as this player
possesses the most treasure.
The players who have formed the arch keep watch that all is done fairly.