Part 8

The pretty lark, Climbing the welkin clear, Chaunts with a "Cheer, here, peer, I near my dear!" When stooping thence, Seeming her fall to rue, "Adieu," she cries, "Adieu! dear Love, adieu!"

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When after a rough and stormy day there is a lull in the wind at the going down of the sun, old men say: "Us shall have better weather now, for the wind's gone to sleep with the sun."

Devon.

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When a moorland shepherd meets his sheep on a winter's night coming down from the hilltops (where they prefer to sleep) he knows that a storm is brewing.

MARCH

Ancient Cornish name: Miz-merp, horse month.

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Jewel: Bloodstone. Courage and wisdom.

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Upon St. David's Day Put oats and barley in the clay.

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The leeke is white and green, whereby is ment That Britaines are both stout and eminent; Next to the lion and the unicorne, The leek's the fairest emblyn that is worne.

Harleian MS.

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On the first of March The crows begin to search, By the first of April They are sitting still, By the first of May They are a' flown away; Croupin' greedy back again, Wi' October's wind and rain.

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He who freely lops in March will get his lap full of fruit.

Portuguese saying.

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Tossing his mane of snows in wildest eddies and tangles, Warlike March cometh in, hoarse, with tempestuous breath. Through all the moaning chimneys, and 'thwart all the hollows and angles, Round the shuddering house, breathing of winter and death.

W. D. Howells.

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Welcome, O March! whose kindly days and dry Make April ready for the throstle's song, Thou first redresser of the winter's wrong.

W. Morris.

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OF GARDENS.