The players range themselves in a line, holding each other's hands, the tallest taking her station in the middle, and leading the song. One of the number, who, instead of joining her companions, has been left standing apart, then dances up to them, singing the first verse,"Here's a band of pretty maids,"etc., returning to her place when she has finished it. The other players then advance and retire in the same manner, singing their answering verse. This in repeated until they come to the question —

"What if, after all, you should — Girofle, girofla! Meet the old witch in the wood ? Girofle, girofla!"

To which the person addressed must reply by crooking her fingers to represent claws, and assuming as terrible a voice and appearance as possible, as she sings,"I would frighten her - this way,"etc.; her companions meanwhile joining hands, and dancing round her; after which the game finishes.

First Verse. - Solo

Here's a band of pretty maids,

Girofla, girofla! Some in curls, and some in braids,

Girofle', girofla!

Chorus

They are fair as well as good,

Girofle, girofla! And behave as maidens should,

Girofle, girofla!"

Solo

Give me one of them, I pray:

Girofle, girofla! Do not take them all away,

Girofla, girofla!

Chorus

No, indeed! I could not spare —

Girofla, girofla! Even one bright curl of hair,

Girofle, girofla!

Solo

I must seek the wood alone,

Girofle, girofla! Since you will not give me one,

Girofle, girofla!

Chorus

In the dark and lonely wood,

Girofle, girofla! You can have no purpose good,

Girofle, girofla!

Solo

Violets, both white and blue,

Girofla, girofla! There I find, and cowslips too,

Girofle, girofla!

Chorus

What if you should meet the king —

Girofle, girofla! Whilst your flowers gathering ?

Girofle, girofla!

Solo

I would make him courtesies three,

Girofle, girofla! Say,"Long live your Majesty!"

Girofle, girofla!

Chorus

What if you should meet the queen ?

Girofle, girofla! That would startle you, I ween,

Girofle, girofla!

Solo

I would offer her my flowers,

Girofle, girofla! To perfume her royal bowers,

Girofle, girofla!

Chorus

What if, after all, you should Girofle, girofla! Meet the old witch in the wood ?

Girofle, girofla!

Solo

I would frighten her - this way,

Girofle, girofla! Till she dared no longer stay,

Girofle, girofla!