GUERNSEY PROVERBS. 229 



La bete de la gie. 



A horse to be relied on. 



The horse that was hitched on with the oxen on the near side, 

 in ploughing, to guide them in turning the corners, — said of persons 

 that can be trusted. 



Un ch'va dounait nou n'lli r'garde pas est dents. 

 It is a breach of civility to look at the teeth of a given horse. 



Quand les vaques juqurons dans les poummiers. 

 When the cows roost in apple trees. 

 A thing indefinitely put off, and not likely to happen. 



I n'est pas avis a vielle vaque aver jamais etai viau. 

 It does not seem to an old cow that she ever was a calf. 

 Said of persons who are annoyed when children enjoy themselves. 



Changent d'herbage est bouan a jane viaux. 

 A change of pasture is good for young calves. 

 A change is good for young people. 



Cat engantait n'atrape pas d'souaris. 



A cat with gloves on cannot catch mice. 



Said of persons who wear gloves in working so as not to soil 

 their hands. 



Les pots decouverts font les cats larrons. 

 Uncovered pots will tempt cats to steal. 



Unn' souaris entre chinq cats. 

 A mouse among five cats. 

 Said when there are many to share and little to take. 



Ch'est mauvais seigne quand les viers cats joue. 

 It is a bad sign when old cats play. 

 It is said to foretell a storm. 



II a les sept vies d'un ner cat. 

 He has the seven lives of a black cat. 

 Said of a person who. has a long and lingering illness. 



