Page:Shetland Folk-Lore - Spence - 1899.pdf/217

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Shetland Folk-Lore

said to know the ever-varying time of low water by the movement of a worm or parasite in the fore feet.

“It's dear coft hinney that's sucked oot o' the t'orn (thorn)”

has reference to the difficulty of obtaining a livelihood from the unproductive soil.

“What winna wash, winna wring”

is rather difficult to explain. It conveys the idea that it is vain to strive against overmastering circumstances.

“The wind aye blaws i' da pör man's face.”
“The pör man's lot is a leeward tide.”

These are very expressive of the struggle against adverse circumstances.

“The pap milk 'ill need ta be oot o' dy nose”—

You will be required to act the man, and he who possesses a manly heart will say:

“I'm no been fed on a steb-midder's kröl.”

“A yield soo wis never guid wi' grices”—

A bantering expression having reference

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