The fine lady left her horse to dance with `` Bobby Shafto '' till every bell on her slippers tinkled its tongue out . `` Bo-Peep '' and a jolly fiddler skipped gayly up and down . `` Miss Muffet '' took the big spider for her partner , and made his many legs fly about in the wildest way . The little wife got out of the wheelbarrow to help `` Boy Blue '' along , and Molly , with the frying-pan over her shoulder , led off splendidly when it was `` Grand right and left . '' But the old lady and her goose were the best of all , for the dame 's shoe-buckles cut the most astonishing pigeon-wings , and to see that mammoth bird waddle down the middle with its wings half open , its long neck bridling , and its yellow legs in the first position as it curtsied to its partner , was a sight to remember , it was so intensely funny . The merry old gentleman laughed till he cried ; Mr. Burton split his gloves , he applauded so enthusiastically ; while the children beat the dust out of the carpet hopping up and down , as they cried : `` Do it again ! '' `` We want it all over ! '' when the curtain went down at last on the flushed and panting party , Mother G -- bowing , with her hat all awry , and the goose doing a double shuffle as if it did not know how to leave off . But they could not `` do it all over again , '' for it was growing late , and the people felt that they certainly had received their money 's worth that evening . So it all ended merrily , and when the guests departed the boys cleared the room like magic , and the promised supper to the actors was served in handsome style . Jack and Jill were at one end , Mrs. Goose and her bird at the other , and all between was a comical collection of military heroes , fairy characters , and nursery celebrities . All felt the need of refreshment after their labors , and swept over the table like a flight of locusts , leaving devastation behind . But they had earned their fun : and much innocent jollity prevailed , while a few lingering papas and mammas watched the revel from afar , and had not the heart to order these noble beings home till even the Father of his Country declared `` that he 'd had a perfectly splendid time , but could n't keep his eyes open another minute , '' and very wisely retired to replace the immortal cocked hat with a night-cap . Chapter XIII . Jack Has a Mystery `` What is the matter ? Does your head ache ? '' asked Jill , one evening in March , observing that Jack sat with his head in his hands , an attitude which , with him , meant either pain or perplexity . `` No ; but I 'm bothered . I want some money , and I do n't see how I can earn it , '' he answered , tumbling his hair about , and frowning darkly at the fire . `` How much ? ''
and XXXXX 's ready hand went to the pocket where her little purse lay , for she felt rich with several presents lately made her .
Burton Father G Jill Muffet Shafto fiddler in jollity right