MAGPIE LORE 



ANOTHER story of the magpie's nest-building differs 

 from the one already told in that the magpie was the 

 teacher. 



The magpie, is said to be the only bird that did not 

 go into the ark with Noah. Instead, she sat on the roof and 

 ' chattered of disaster. 



In most sections the magpie is considered a bird of evil 

 omen, though she occasionally prophesies births and wed- 

 dings. 



An old rhyme gives the import of her prophecies: 



"One is sorrow, two is mirth. 

 Three a wedding, four a birth, 

 Five for silver, six for gold. 

 Seven for a secret, not to be told ; 

 Eight for heaven, nine for hell, 

 'Ten for the de'il's ain sel'." 



— Northumberland. 



In England one magpie was thought to be a sign of 

 bad weather, while two betokened fair, because, when chill- 

 ing winds blew, only one bird could leave the nest in quest 

 of food; but when the day was mild or warm, both might go 

 forth without causing the yoimg to suffer. 



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