Writing of the origin of the rural superstitions in regard to the weather on certain saint’s days, Wehrenfels quotes the distich:
If Paul’s Day be fair and clear
It foreshows an happy Year.
and continues:
The contrary has happened a thousand Times, but however this cannot destroy the Rule. It once happened; certainly, say they, these Rules of the Husbandmen are not to be despised; see how exactly they are made good by Experience. Thus a great Part of Mankind reasons; which if one consider, he will neither depend much upon the Content of the common People in these Things, nor wonder at so great a Number of most silly Opinions.[[507]]
VERSES ON SAINTS’ DAYS AT VARIOUS SEASONS OF THE YEAR.[[508]]
January 25. Saint Paul’s Day:
If the clouds make dark the sky,
Great store of people then will die;
If there be either snow or rain,