Rensselaer Semi-Weekly Republican, Volume 36, Number 79, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 27 May 1904 — Make “Pat" Phrases. [ARTICLE]

Make “Pat" Phrases.

The gift of the Irish peasant for making expressive and humorous phrases Is not by any means a fiction of literature. The use of “pat” phrases is natural to him, says illustrated Bits. A clerical traveler In Cavan not long ago asked a peasant how far it was to a certain village, and was answered, “Two miles.” “What! Only two miles?” said the traveler, who had before traveled the distance and found It a long road. “Well, your reverence,” answered the peasant, “it Is two miles strong and rich, so to sphake.” A somewhat similar story is told by one of Lord Zetland’s party, who were making Inquiries into the condition of a distressed district. They were crossing a lake; a 'gale was blowing, and waves were dashing over the boat The gentleman referred to had been assured that an Irish peasant, if treated ■well, will always agree with what is said to him, rather than appear disagreeable. It struck the gentleman that here was a good chance to put the assertion to proof. “There is very little wind, Pat” he said Ho one of the boatmen. The answer came through the howling elements: “Very little, indade, yer honor, but phwat there Is Is mighty sthrong.”