  There is an old saying connected with Derbyshire, which is not very complimentary to the sons of its soil:— "Derbyshire born and Derbyshire bred, Strong in the arm, but weak in the head." This saying forms the text of the following excellent lines, written by Mr. Walter Kirkland, which first appeared in print in "The Reliquary" for October, 1864. "I' Darbyshire who're born an' bred, Are strong i' th' arm, bu' weak i' th' head:" So th' lying Proverb says. Strength o' th' arm, who doubts shall feel: Strength o' th' head, its power can seal The lips that scoff, always. The rich vein'd Mine, the Mountain hoar, We sink, an' blast, an' pierce, 'an bore By th' might o' Darby brawn. An' Darby brain con think an' plon, As well as that o' ony mon; An' clearly as the morn. "Strong i' th' arm, an' strong i' th' head," The fou' fause Proverb should ha' said, If th' truth she meant to tell. Bu' th' union, so wise an' rare O brawn an' brain, she didna care The jealous jade, nor Darby born, Where praise wor due, pour'd forth bu' scorn, An' lying words let fau. Bu' far above the Proverb stands The Truth, that God's Almighty hands Ha' welded strength an' mind i' one; An' pour'd it down i' plenty on Born Darbyshire men au. |
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