鹅妈妈童谣 13 Higgledy Piggledy, My Black Hen

Hickety, Pickety, My Black Hen
Hickety, pickety, my black hen,
She lays¹ eggs for gentlemen²;
Sometimes nine and sometimes ten,
Hickety, pickety, my black hen.

1 lays   

v.打赌( lay的第三人称单数 )；提出；放置；铺

参考例句：

• The new code of conduct lays down the ground rules for management-union relations. 新的行为规范确定了资方与工会关系的基本原则。
• The report lays bare the shocking housing conditions in this city. 那份报告揭露了这座城巿恶劣的住房条件。 来自《简明英汉词典》

2 gentlemen   

n.阁下；先生；有身份的人；绅士

参考例句：

• He was respected for his learning by several churchmen and other gentlemen. 他的学识博得了一些牧师和其他绅士们的尊敬。 来自《简明英汉词典》
• Ladies and gentlemen paraded their fine manners, wit, and charm. 女士们和绅士们卖弄他们的美妙姿态、才智和魅力。 来自《现代汉英综合大词典》