Part 6

German saying.

* * * * *

On Candlemas Day if the thorns hang-a-drop, Then you are sure of a good pea crop.

* * * * *

When the wind's in the East on Candlemas Day, There it will stick till the second of May.

* * * * *

February fill the ditch, Black or white we don't care which.

Hants.

* * * * *

All the months of the year Fear a fair Februeer.

* * * * *

The dim droop of a sombre February day.

* * * * *

There is an old proverb, That birds of a feather On Saint Valentine's day Will meet together.

* * * * *

1733.

Why, Valentine's a day to choose A mistress, and our freedom lose? May I my reason interpose, The question with an answer close? To imitate we have a mind, And couple like the winged kind.

John Dunton.

* * * * *

I early rose, just at the break of day, Before the sun had chased the stars away; Afield I went, amid the morning dew, To milk my kine (for so should housewives do), Thee first I spied, and the first swain we see. In spite of fortune, shall our true-love be.

Gay.

* * * * *

SHROVE-TIDE.

Beef and bacon's out of season, I want a pan to parch my peason.

Berks.

* * * * *

Knick-knock, the pan's hot, And we are come a-shroving, For a piece of pancake, Or a piece of bacon, Or a piece of truckle cheese Of your own making.

Hants.