 | Rhymes with reason and without |  |
276
ORACULAR PEARLS GATHERED FROM THE LIPS OF MRS. PARTINGTON.
Find nine peas in a pod, put them over the door,The one who next enters is yours evermore.
When the rats rattle and kick up a “touse,”
'T is ominous always of woe to the house.
When the dog howls and moans your window near by,
Be certain it tells you somebody will die.
Drop a knife on the floor, and eight times in nine
You'll find it forebodeth a stranger to dine.
When your nose itcheth, it foretells of danger,
Or the kissing a fool, or seeing a stranger.
When you see a spark shine on the candle bright,
You'll get a letter before the next night.
When your right cheek burneth, as if in a flame,
Depend on 't some one is free with your name.
If the corns twitch and twinge which your pedals deform,
About that time look out for a storm.
If a black cat frolic and sport with her tail,
You may set it down as a sign of a gale.
If you laugh on a Monday in sportive delight,
You will certainly cry before Saturday night.
277
Foreboding all trouble, dissension and ire.
Twirl a whole apple-paring over your head,
'T will fall the initial of him you will wed.
Sit on a table, it's always a sign
That to speedily marry your wishes incline.
When the sparks briskly scatter from dry beech-wood,
There 's some one somewhere who means you no good.
| Rhymes with reason and without | |