LXXIX.

Moss was a little man, and a little mare did buy, For kicking and for sprawling none her could come nigh; She could trot, she could amble, and could canter here and there, But one night she strayed away--so Moss lost his mare.

Moss got up next morning to catch her fast asleep, And round about the frosty fields so nimbly he did creep. Dead in a ditch he found her, and glad to find her there, So I'll tell you by and bye, how Moss caught his mare.

Rise! stupid, rise! he thus to her did say; Arise, you beast, you drowsy beast, get up without delay, For I must ride you to the town, so don't lie sleeping there; He put the halter round her neck--so Moss caught his mare.

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[Illustration]

FOURTH CLASS--PROVERBS.

St. Swithin's day, if thou dost rain, For forty days it will remain: St. Swithin's day, if thou be fair, For forty days 'twill rain na mair.

To make your candles last for a', You wives and maids give ear-o! To put 'em out's the only way, Says honest John Boldero.

If wishes were horses, Beggars would ride; If turnips were watches, I would wear one by my side.

[Hours of sleep.]

Nature requires five, Custom gives seven! Laziness takes nine, And Wickedness eleven.

Three straws on a staff, Would make a baby cry and laugh.

See a pin and pick it up, All the day you'll have good luck; See a pin and let it lay, Bad luck you'll have all the day!

Go to bed first, a golden purse; Go to bed second, a golden pheasant; Go to bed third, a golden bird!