482 NURSERY RHYMES.

 

the mouth of a cave, who said,“Good morrow, fair maiden, whither
away so fast?” “Aged father,” says she, “I’n1 going to seek my
fortune.” “What has thou in thy bag and bottle?” “In my bag
I have got bread and cheese, and in my bottle good small beer:
will it please you to partake of either?” “Yes,” said he, “with all
my heart.” With that the lady pulled out her provisions, and bid
him eat and welcome. He did so, and gave her many thanks, say-
ing thus: “There is a thick thorny hedge before you, which will
appear impassable; but take this wand in your hand, strike three
times, and say, ‘Pray, hedge, let me come through,’ and it will
open immediately ; then, a little farther, you will find a well: sit
down on the brink of it, and there will come up three golden
heads, which will speak. Take no notice of any strange things
you may see, but pray do whatever they require.” Promising she
would follow his directions, she took her leave of him. Arriving
at the hedge, and pursuing the old man’s directions, it divided,
and gave her a passage; then, going to the well, she had no
sooner sat down than a golden head came up singing,

Wash me and comb me,

And lay me down softly,

And lay me on a bank to dry,
That I may look pretty

When somebody comes by.

“Yes,” said she, and putting forth her hand, with a silver comb
performed the office, placing it upon a primrose bank. Then
came up a second and a third head, making the same peaest,
which she complied with.