Nursery Rhyme. XCIX. Proverbs.

    As the days lengthen,
    So the storms strengthen.

    A sunshiny shower,
    Won't last half an hour.

            In July,
    Some reap rye;
            In August,
    If one will not the other must.

    St. Swithin's day, if thou dost rain,
    For forty days it will remain:
    St. Swithin's day, if thou be fair,
    For forty days 'twill rain na mair.

    The fair maid who, the first of May,
    Goes to the fields at break of day,
    And washes in dew from the hawthorn tree
    Will ever after handsome be.

    He that would thrive
    Must rise at five;
    He that hath thriven
    May lie till seven;
    And he that by the plough would thrive,
    Himself must either hold or drive.