Part 23 (1/2)

I see t' mean an' t' mean sees me, G.o.d bless t' sailors oot on t' sea.

New mean, new mean, I hail thee, This neet my true love for to see.

Not iv his best or worst array, Bud iv his apparel for ivery day.

That I to-morrow may him ken Frev amang all other men.

Eevein' red an' mornin' gray: Certain signs o' a bonnie day.

Evenin' gray an' mornin' red Will send t' shepherd weet to bed.

Souther, wind, souther!(1) An' blaw my father heame to my moother.(2)

1. Veer to the south.

2. This is the lilt of the children of the east-coast fishermen when the boats are at sea.

Friday Unlucky

Dean't o' Friday buy your ring, O' Friday dean't put t' spurrins(1) in; Dean't wed o' Friday. Think on o' this, Nowther blue nor green mun match her driss.

1. Banns

An Omen

Blest is t' bride at t' sun s.h.i.+nes on, An' blest is t' deead at t' rain rains on.

A Charm

Tak twea at's red an' yan at's blake,(1) O' poison berries three, Three fresh-cull'd blooms o' devil's glut,(2) An' a sprig o' rosemary.