Page:An Etymological Dictionary of the Norn Language in Shetland Part I.pdf/122

CXIV sta‘rka bȯrna fɩskali (sta‘rka vȯrna væstali) ᶊa$i$də kåᶅə gambli — Lēdra bō bi äᶇdi.

In the “Home of a Naturalist” the following variant form of this song is given:

Saina poba wer-a Leetra mavi, leetra mavi, Saina poba wer-a, Leetra mavi drengie.

Daala stuyta stonga rara Oh badeea, oh badeea, Daala stuyta stonga rara, Oh badeea moynie.

Wher der isno topshag, topshag, topshag, Wher der isno topshag, Shakda cole o Gamblie.

. Adage: Dēa lɛŋdi (lɛŋgi), mogi swɛŋdi (swɛŋgi); probably an older: dagar lengðir, magar svengðir.

lengthen the stomachs grow hungrier.

In Weisdale on Mainland this old proverb is preserved:

Gȯ$i$t a taka gamla mana rō (James Angus.); It is wise to take old men’s advice.
 * gott at taka gamla manna ráð,

A Proverb from de Herra: “Ma‘rta di gå‘ns tekə di (də) vɛps”, given to me with following explanation: much can be used for woof that is useless for warp. Ma‘rta: margt, much; di gå‘ns:  til garns, for yarn; tekə di vɛps: tekit(?) til vepts (veptr = woof). Before di gå‘ns something must have been dropped ( “that is worthless" or something similar).