1 86 CAT PROVERBS. 



Ale that would make a cat talk. Strong enough to make 

 even the dumb speak. 



"A spicy pot, 



Then do's us reason, 

 Would make a cat 



To talk high treason." — D'Urfey. 



A half-pentty cat may look at a king (Scotch). A jeering 

 saying of offence — " One is as good as another," and as a 

 Scotchman once said, " and better." 



A muffled cat is no good mouser. — Clarke, 1639. No 

 good workman wears gloves. By some is said " muzzled." 



A piece of a kid is 7vorth two of a cat. A little of good 

 is better than much that is bad. 



A scalded cat fears cold water. Once bit always shy. 

 What was may be again. 



As cat or cap case. 

 " Bouser I am not, but mild sober Tuesday, 

 As catte in cap case^ if I like not St. Hewsday." 



The Christinas Prince, 1607. 



As gray as Graiinunis cat. — Hazlitt. So old as to 

 be likely to be doubly gray. 



As melancholy as a cat. — Walker. The voice of the 

 cat is melancholy. 



As melancholy as a gib-cat (Scotch). As an old, worn- 

 out cat. — Johnston. 



" I am as melancholy as a gib-cat or a lugged bear.""^ 



Shakespeare. 

 Gib-cat ; an old, lonely, melancholy cat. 



Before the cat can lick her ear. "Nay, you were not 

 quite out of hearing ere the cat could lick her ear." — 

 Oviddius Exultaiis, 1673, p. 50. That is never. 



* A lugged bear is a bear with its ears cut off, so that when used 

 for baiting there is less hold for the dogs. 



