It is surprising that this little ditty has a longer history than many of our great ballads. One Gerard Langbaine (1609-1658) who went to school in Cumberland, remembered this playground dialogue:

Pe, Pe, postola. How many miles to Beverlay?
Eight, eight and another eight.
Think you I shall gett thither tonight?
Yes, if your horse be good and swift (or light)

The song in various forms can be found in many anthologies of children’s songs and games.