Note 116 — PART II
Reading edition
This would appear a vulgar interpretation of a popular custom; but from this charge the writer will be exonerated, when it is known, that should a person yawn, he devoutly makes the sign of the cross before his mouth, while it continues open, to—keep the devil from him! Ex pede elephantem [i.e., “By the foot-print, one recognizes the elephant”]. ↑