I would sooner be your Bible than your horse.
A jocular allusion to the fact that a person neglects the one, but overworks the other.
I would sooner gae by his door than ower his grave.
"Nothing but a wish that our sick friend may recover."—Kelly.
I would sooner hear the lark sing than the mouse cheep.
Or abroad early in the morning than late at night.
I would sooner my bannock burn than that you should turn't.
That is, I would rather allow an article to spoil than be indebted to you for assistance in keeping it right.
I would sooner see ye fleipeyed, like a French cat.
"A disdainful rejection of an unworthy proposal; spoken by bold maids to the vile offers of young fellows."—Kelly.