Page:Lancashire Legends, Traditions, Pageants, Sports, Etc., with an Appendix Containing a Rare Tract.djvu/244

 common reply is—"Lay-o'ers [lay-overs, i.e., thumps] for meddlers."

To the query, "Where did you get it?" the answer is, "Where Kester [Christopher] bought his coat." To the further inquiry—"Where wur that?" the ready reply is, "Where 't wur to be hed."

PROVERBS. He that would have his fold full Must keep an old tup and a young bull. He who will have a full flock Must have an old stagge [gander] and a young cock.

A cod's head is a cod's head still, Whether in a pewter or a silver dish.

Good-will, when getten, is as good as gowd [gold].

A creaking door hangs long o' th' hinges.

There 's a hill again a slack, all Craven through. (About equivalent to "every bean hath its black.")

"No, thank you," has lost many a good butter-cake.

He'll go through th' wood, and ta' th' crummock [crooked stick] at last.

Candlemas-day coom and goan, Th' snow lies on a whot stoan.

If you willn't when you may, When you will, I'll say you nay.

The third time throws best; or, pays for all.

Stroke with one hand and strike with the other.