142. 144.), in an ambiguous way, which his
commentator does not render at all clear. I never heard of this
calumniated insect being an unwelcome guest in the dairy; but
Bishop-Barney, or Burney, and Barnabee, or Burnabee, and
Bishop-that-burneth, seem, in the absence of explanation to be
nearly related--in sound at any rate. Under _Barnabee_ it will
be seen that _burning_ has some connection with the history of
this pretty insect."
"Barnabee," writes the Major, "the golden-bug, or lady-bird;
also Bishop-Barney: which see. This pretty little, and very
useful insect, is tenderly regarded by our children. One
settling on a child is always sent away with this sad
valediction:--
"Gowden-bug, gowden-bug, fly away home,
Yar house is bahnt deown and yar children all gone."
To which I add another nursery doggerel less sad:--
"Bishop, Bishop-Barnabee,
Tell me when your wedding be,
If it be to-morrow day
Take your wings and fly away."
The Major adds, "It is sure to fly off on the third repetition."
"Burnt down," continues the Major, "gives great scope to our country
euphonic twang, altogether inexpressible in type; _bahnt deeyown_ comes
as near to it as my skill in orthography will allow."
Ray, in his _South and East Country Words_, has this:--
"Bishop, the little spotted beetle, commonly called the lady-cow
or lady-bird.
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