This Lady-fly I Take
A long time ago ladybugs were used in parts of England to help young ladies predict who their husband would be. They would (quote by Mr. Jesse) "place a lady-bird in their hands, under the idea that it would fly to their future husband; if it remained still the damsel's case was a hopeless one."
This is what they would say…
This Lady-fly I Take
Rhyme
This lady-fly I take from the grass,
Whose spotted back might scarlet-red surpass:
Fly, lady-bird! north, south, or east, or west,
Fly where the man is found that I love best.
Thanks and Acknowledgements
Quote from "The Mirror of Literature, Amusement, and Instruction," Volume 26 (1835).
Thanks to Monique Palomares for the illustration!
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