. JO. 1. ANTIQUITIES, &c. 2/0 



Candlemas Day, February 2. I have already 

 quoted a similar prognostick of the coming 

 weather, deduced from that which happens on 

 this day. 



An old metrical proverb, frequently quoted 

 in Poor Robin, Moore, and other Almanacks 

 reminds us: 



" If Candlemas Day be fair and bright, 

 Winter will have another Flight." 



This adage seems a free translation of the 

 following ancient verses : 



" Si Sol splendescat Maria purincaute., 

 Maior erit glacies post festum quam fuit ante." 



It seems to be actually true, that clear wea- 



Still round about the house they flitting go?, 



And at the windows seek for scraps of foode, 

 Which charity with hand profuse doth throwc, 

 Right weeting that in need of it they stoode, 

 For charity is shown by working creatures' goode. 

 The Sparrowe pert, the Chaffinche gay and cleanc, 



The Redbreast welcome to the cotter's house, 

 The livelie blue Tomtit, the Oxeye greene, 



The dingie Dunnock, and swart Colemouse ; 

 The Titmouse of the marsh, the nimble Wrenne, 



The Bulfinch and the Goldspinck, Avith the king 

 Of birds the Goldcrest. The Thrush now and then 



The Blackbird wont to whistle in the spring, 

 Like Christians seek the heavenlie foode St. Paul doth 

 bring." 



Ant hoi. Au-slr. d Bur. 



