We Are Poor Marionettes

The poor Marionette is standing facing a row of rich Marionettes (no more than eight children), who are holding hands. He sings the odd verses and then walks back four bouncy steps (i.e., three ordinary steps and one closing step), towards the row, then back, then forwards and then back again. The row sings the even verses moving in the same way. From verse 7 the children ‘negotiate’ and the poor Marionette makes up better things as a purchase price. When he cannot think of anything else he sings verse 9. This time the row must surrender the child who is chosen who joins the poor Marionette. In this way there are more and more poor Marionettes and the first one continues to make offers and choose new children. When there is only one rich Marionette left, this one becomes the Marionette and starts the game all over again.

It is also possible to start with two rows, one row of rich Marionettes and one row of poor Marionettes. The rich Marionettes move in the same way as described above. At the end of the game, one of the rich Marionettes moves to the row of poor Marionettes and then they change over roles and the game can start all over again.

2. We are rich Marionettes.
3. I would like to have your daughter
4. I have no daughter I can give you.
5. But I have heard you have a daughter.
6. But my daughter’s not for you.
7. But I will give her pretty clothes.
8. You cannot have her at that price.
9. Then I will give her all of heaven.
10. Then you can have her at that price.