Cope le cô, i.e., “coupe le cou,” is a common asseveration among children. They pronounce the words, drawing their right hand at the same time towards their throat, as if cutting it, and the action is meant to imply that they wish their throats may be cut if they do not tell the truth, or perform what they have promised.
Vaque (vache) d’un bouan égrùn (croissance).—A cow that does credit to her food, and that feeds close. Etre d’un bouan égrùn—is also said of children who look fat and healthy.
In conclusion, we will give a story which is often told in the country, as a warning to those who are apt to laugh at fools. A half-witted fellow, who had gone to the mill with his corn, was asked by the miller, who wanted to laugh at him:—“John, people say that you are a fool and know nothing. Now, tell me what you know and what you don’t know?” “Well!” answered John, “I know this, that millers have fine horses.” “That’s what you know,” said the miller. “Now tell me what you don’t know.” “I don’t know on whose corn they are fattened,” said John.
—From Denys Corbet.
[262] Editor’s Note.—In Traditions et Superstitions de la Haute Bretagne, Tome II., p. 29., are various sayings to the same effect, such as:—
“Fille siffler,
Poule chanter,
Et coq qui pond,
Trois diables dans la maison.”
