Mirth Without Mischief (c. 1780) (original printed version of song)
Sung at King Pepin’s Ball (father of Charlemagne).
Day 1: A partridge in a pear tree
Day 2: Two turtle doves
Day 3: Three French hens
Day 4: Four colly birds (“coal-black” – blackbirds)
Day 5: Five gold rings
Day 6: Six geese a-laying
Day 7: Seven swans a-swimming
Day 8: Eight maids a-milking
Day 9: Nine drummers drumming
Day 10: Ten pipers piping
Day 11: Eleven ladies dancing
Day 12: Twelve lords a-leaping