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A COLLECTION OF English PROVERBS Digested into a convenient Method for the speedy finding any one upon occasion; WITH Short ANNOTATIONS.
Whereunto are added Local Proverbs with their Explications, Old Proverbial Rhythmes, Less known or Exotick Proverbial Sentences, and Scottish Proverbs.
The Second Edition Enlarged by the Addition of many hundred English, and an Appendix of Hebrew Proverbs, with Annotations and Parallels.
By J. Ray, M.A. and Fellow of the Royal Society.
CAMBRIDGE, Printed by John Hayes, Printer to the Uni∣versity, for W. Morden. 1678.
THe former Edition of this Collection of English Proverbs falling into the hands of divers ingenious persons, my worthy friends, in several parts of this Kingdom, had (as I hoped it would) this good effect, to excite them, as well to examine their own memories and try what they could call to mind themselves that were therein wanting, as also more carefully to heed what occurred in reading, or dropt from the mouths of others in discourse. Whereupon having noted many such, they were pleased for the perfecting of the work frankly to communicate them to me. All which, amounting to some hundreds, besides not a few of my own observation, I present the Reader with in this second Edition: I dare not yet pretend it to be a compleat and perfect Catalogue of all En∣glish Proverbs: but I think I may without ar∣rogance affirm it to be more full and comprehen∣sive
then any Collection hitherto published. And I believe that not very many of the Proverbs ge∣nerally used all England over, or far diffused over any considerable part of it whether the East, West, North or midland countreys, have esca∣ped it; I having had communications from ob∣servant and inquisitive persons in all those parts, viz. from Francis Jessop Esq of Broom-hall in Sheffield parish Yorkshire, Mr George Antrobus Master of the free School at Tam∣worth in Warwickshire, Mr Walter Ashmore of the same place. Michael Biddulph Gent. of Polesworth in Warwickshire, deceased; Mr Newton of Leicester, Mr Sherringham of Caius College in Cambridge; Sr Philip Skippon of Wrentham in Suffolk Knight, Mr Andrew Paschall of Chedsey in Somer∣setshire, and Mr Francis Brokesby of Rowley in the East Riding of Yorkshire. As for locall Proverbs of lesser extent, proper to some Towns or Villages, as they are very numerous, so are they hard to be procured, and few of them, could they be had, very quaint or significant.
If any one shall find fault, that I have inserted many English Phrases that are not properly Pro∣verbs, though that word be taken in its greatest latitude and according to my own definition of
a Proverb, & object that I might as well have admitted all the idioms of the English tongue; I answer, that, to say the truth, I cannot warrant all those Phrases to be genuine Proverbs to which I have allowed room in this collection; for indeed I did not satisfie my self in many: but because they were sent me for such by learned and intel∣ligent persons, and who I ought to presume un∣derstand the nature of a Proverb better then my self, and because I find the like in Collections of forreign Proverbs both French and Italian, I chose rather to submit them to the censure of the Reader, then my self pass sentence of rejection on them.
As for the method I have used, in the Pre∣face to the former Edition I have given my rea∣sons why I made choice of it, which to me doe still appear to be sufficient. The method of com∣mon places, if any man think it useful, may easily be supplied by an Index of Common places, wherein to each head the Proverbs appertaining or reducible shall be referred by the apposition of the numeral characters of page and line.
Some Proverbs the Reader may possibly find repeated, but I dare say not many. I know this might have been avoided by running over the whole book, and searching for the Proverbs one
by one in all the places where our method would admit them entry. But sloth and impatience of so tedious a work enticed me rather to presume upon memory; especially considering it was not worth while to be very solicitous about a matter of so small importance. In such papers as I received after the Copy was out of my hands, when I was doubtful of any Proverb I chose to let it stand, resolving that it was better to repeat some then to omit any.
Now whereas I understand that some Proverbs admitted in the former Edition have given of∣fence to sober and pious persons, as savouring too much of obscenity, being apt to suggest impure fancies to corrupt minds, I have in this omitted all I could suspect for such save only one, for the letting of which stand I have given my reason in the Note upon it; and yet now upon better con∣sideration I could wish that it also were oblitera∣ted. For I would by no means be guilty of ad∣ministring fewel to lust, which I am sensible needs no incentives, burning too eagerly of it self.
But though I doe condemn the mention of any thing obscene, yet I cannot think all use of slovenly and dirty words to be such a violation of modesty, as to exact the discarding all Pro∣verbs
of which they are ingredients. The use∣full notions which many ill-worded Proverbs doe import, may I think compensate for their homely terms; though I could wish the contri∣vers of them had put their sence into more decent and cleanly language. For if we consider what the reasons are why the naming some excrements of the body or the egestion of them, or the parts employed therein is condemned, we shall find them to be, either 1. because such excrements being of∣fensive to our sences, and usually begetting a loa∣thing in our stomachs, the words that signifie them are apt to doe so too; and for their relation to them, such also as denote those actions and parts of the body by which they are expelled, and therefore the mention of them is uncivil and contrary to good manners; or 2. because such excrements reflect some dishonour upon our bo∣dies, it being reputed disgracefull to lie under a necessity of such evacuations, and to have such sinks about us: and therefore modesty requires that we decline the naming of them, left we seem to glory in our shame. Now these reasons to me seem not so weighty and cogent as to necessitate the omission of so many of the most witty and significant of our English Proverbs: Yet fur∣ther to avoid all occasion of offence, I have by
that usual expedient of putting onely the initial letters for the uncleanly words so veiled them, that I hope they will not turn the stomach of the most nauseous. For it is the naming such things by their plain and proper appellatives that is odious and offensive, when they come lapped up (as we say) in clean linnen, that is expressed in oblique, figurative or metaphorical terms, or onely intimated and pointed at, the most modest can brook them well enough. The Appendix of Hebrew Proverbs was collected and communi∣cated by my worthy friend Mr Richard Kidder Rector of Rayn in Essex.
So I have dispatcht what I thought needfull to premise either for my own excuse or the Readers satisfaction, to whose favourable ac∣ceptance I recommend the work.
Cantabit vacuus coram latrone viator.
Spanish plague: Therefore as Cato well saith, Optimum est alienâ insaniâ frui.
Solamen m••seris socios habuisse doloris.
I fatti sono maschi, le parole femine. Ital.
Gratia ab officio, quod mora tardat, abest.
Optima nomina non appellando fiunt mala.
La femme de bien n'a ny yeux ny oreilles. Gall.
Malè parta malè dilabuntur.
Qui cito dat bis dat.
Dono molto aspettato e venduto non donato. Ital.
A Gift long waited for is sold & not given.
Dum caput infestat labor omnia membra molestat.
This is a French Proverb.
Trop achepte le miel qui sur espines le leche.
Tuares agitur paries cùm proximus ardet.
Nihil agendo malè agere discimus.
Can vecchio non baia ind arno. Ital.
That is if it comes off well. For an Ague is nothing else but a strong fermentation of the bloud; Now as in the fermentation of other liquors there is for the most part a separation made of that which is heterogeneous and unsociable, whereby the liquor becomes more pure and defae∣care, so is it also with the bloud, which by fermentation (easily excited at this time by the return of the Sun) doth purge it self, and cast off those impure heterogeneous parti∣cles which it had contracted in the winter time. And that these may be carried away, after every particular fermentati∣on or paroxysm, and not again taken up by the bloud, it is necessary or at least very useful, to sweat in bed after every fit. And an Ague-fit is not thought to go off kindly, unless it ends in a sweat. Moreover at the end of the disease it is con∣venient to purge the body, to carry away those more gross and seculent parts which have been separated by the several fermentations, and could not so easily be avoided by sweat, or that still remain in the bloud though not sufficient to cause a paroxysm. And that all persons especially those of years may be lessoned that they neglect not to purge their bodies after the getting rid of agues, I shall add a very material and useful observation of Doctor Sidenham's,
Sublato morbe (saith he, speaking of Autumnal feavers) aeger sedulò pur∣gandus est; incredibile enim dictu quanta morborum vis ex∣purgationis defectu post febres Autumnales subnascatur. Mi∣ror
tutem hoc à medicis minùs caveri, minùs etiam admoneri Quandocunque enim morborum alterutrum (Febrem t••rti∣anam aut quartanam) paulò provectioris aetatis hominibus ac∣cidisse vidi, atque purgationem etiam omissam; certò praedicere potui periculosum aliquem morbum eosdem postea adoriturum, de quo tamen illi nondum sòmniaverant, quasi perfectè jam sanati.
That much drinking takes off the edge of the Appe∣tite to meat, we see by experience in great drinkers, who for the most part do (as we say) but pingle at their meat and eat little. Hippocrates observed of old, that 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 A good hearty draught takes away hunger after long fasting sooner by far then eating would do. The reason whereof I conceive is, because that acid humour which by vellicating the membranes of the stomack causes a sence of hunger, is by copious ingestion of drink very much diluted, and its acidity soon taken off.
Pomae, ova atque nuces, si det tibi sordida, gustes.
That is, they must eat often, but little at a time. Often, because the body growing requires much addition of food; little at a time, for fear of oppressing and extin∣guishing the natural heat. A little oyl nourishes the flame, but a great deal poured on at once may drown and quench it. A man may carry that by little and little, which if laid on his back at once he would sink under. Hence old men,
who in this respect also, I mean by reason of the decay of their spirits and natural heat, do again become children, are advised by Physicians to eat often, but little at once.
Divieni tosto vechio se vuoi vivere lungamente vec∣chio. Ital.
Maturè sias senex si diu senex esse velis.This is alledged as a Proverb by Cicero in his book de senectu∣te. For as the body is preserved in health by moderate la∣bour or exercise, so by violent and immoderate it is impair∣ed and worn out. And as a great excess of any quality or ex∣ternal violence doth suddenly destroy the body, so a lesser excess doth weaken and partially destroy it, by rendring it less lasting.
The custom of sleeping after dinner in the summer time is now grown general in Italy and other hot Countreys, so that from one to three or four of the Clock in the af∣ternoon you shall scarce see any one stirring about the streets of their cities. Schola Salernitana condemns this practise,
Sit brevis aut nullus tibi somnus meridianus: Febris, pigrities, capitis dolor atque Catarrhus. Haec tibi proveniunt ex somno meridiano.But it may be this advice was intended for us English (to whose King this book was dedicated) rather then the Italians or other inhabitants of hot Countreys, who in the Summer would have enough to do to keep themselves waking after dinner. The best way at least for us in colder climats is altogether to abstain from sleep; but if we must needs sleep, (as the Italian Physicians advise) either to take a nod sitting in a chair, or if we lie down strip off our clothes as at night, and go into bed, as the present Duke of Tuscany himself practises and advises his subjects to do, but by no means lie down upon a bed in our clothes.
It is observed by good housewives, that milk is thicker in the Autumn then in the Summer, notwithstanding the grass must needs be more hearty, the juice of it being better concocted by the heat of the Sun in Summer time. I con∣ceive the reason to be because the cattel drink water abun∣dantly by reason of their heat in Summer, which doth much dilute their milk.
Post epulas stabis vel passus mille meabis.I know no rea∣son for the difference, unless one eats a greater dinner then supper. For when the stomach is full it is not good to exer∣cise immediately, but to sit still awhile; though I do not allow the reason usually given viz. because exercise draws the heat outward to the exteriour parts, and so leaving the stomach and bowels cold, hinders concoction: for I believe that as well the stomach as the exteriour parts are hottest af∣ter exercise: And that those who exercise most, concoct most and require most meat. So that exercise immediately after meat is hurtful rather upon account of precipitating conco∣ction, or turning the meat out of the stomach too foon. As for the reason they give for standing or walking after meales, viz. because the meat by that means is depressed to the bot∣tom of the stomach; where the natural heat is most vigo∣rous, it is very frivolous, both because the stomach is a wide vessel, & so the bottom of it cannot be empty, but what falls into it must needs fall down to the bottom: And because most certainly the stomach concocts worst when it is in a pendulous posture, as it is while we are standing Hence, as the
Lord Verulam truly observes, Gally slaves and such as ex∣ercise sitting, though they fare meanly and work hard yet are commonly fat and fleshy. Whereupon also he com∣mends those works or exercises which a man may perform sitting, as sawing with a hand-saw and the like. Some turn this saying into a droll thus.
After dinner sleep a while, after supper go to bed.An old Physician because of his experience; a young Lawyer, because he having but little practise will have lei∣sure enough to attend your business, and desiring thereby to recommend himself and get more, will be very diligent in it. The Italians say,
An old Physician, a young Barber.
Keal, i. e. Pottage of any kind, though properly Keal be pottage made of Colewort, which the Scots call Keal, and of which usually they make their broth.
Vin sur laict c' est souhait, Laict sur vin c' est ve∣nin. Gall.This is an idle old saw, for which I can see no reason but rather for the contrary.
That Sage was by our ancestours esteemed a very wholesome herb, and much conducing to longevity ap∣pears by that verse in Schola Salernitana,
Cur moriatur homo cui Salvia crescit in horto?
This is a fond and ungrounded old saying.
He that goes to bed thirsty, &c. I look upon this as a very good observation and should advise all persons not to go to bed with their stomachs full of wine, beer or any other liquour. For (as the ingenious Doctor Lower ob∣serves) nothing can be more injurious to the brain: of which he gives a most rational and true account, which take in his own words.
Cùm enim propter proclivem cor∣por is situm urina à renibus secreta non ità facilè & promptè uti cùm erecti sumus in vesicam per uretcres delabatur. Cúmque vesicae cervix ex proclivi situ urinae pondere non aded gravetur; atque spiritibus per somnum in cerebrum aggregatis & quiescentibus, vesica oneris ejus sensum non ità percipiat, sed officii quasi oblita ed copid urinae aliquando distenditur, ut majori recipiendae spatium vix detur; inde fit ut propter impeditum per renes & ureteres urinae decursum, in totum corpus regurgitet, & nisi diarrhoea proximo mans succedat, aut nocturno sudore evacuetur in cerebrum depon•• debet. Tract. de Corde. cap. 2. pag. 141.
Qui couche avec la soif se leve avec la santé.
For the Sun being the life of this Sublunary world, whose heat causes and continues the motion of all terrestrial animals, when he is furthest off, that is about mid∣night, the spirits of themselves are aptest to rest and compose, so that the middle of the night must needs be the most proper time to sleep in, especially if we con∣sider the great expence of spirits in the day time, partly by the heat of the afternoon, and partly by labour and the constant exercise of all the sences; Wherefore then to wake is to put the spirits in motion, when there are fewest of them, and they naturally most slug∣gish and unfit for it.
This is an Italian Proverb.
Chi va à letto senza cena Tutta notte si dimena.That is, if a man goes to bed hungry, otherwise, He that eats a plentifull dinner may well afford to go to bed supperless, unless he hath used some strong bodily labour or exercise. Certainly it is not good to go to ones rest till the stomach be well emptied, that is if we eat suppers, till two hours at least after supper. For (as the old Physicians tell us) though the second and third concoctions be best performed in sleep; yet the first is rather disturbed and perverted. If it be objected, that labour∣ing people do not observe such rule, but do both go to bed presently after supper, and to work after dinner, yet who more healthful then they; I answer that the case is different, for though by such practise they do turn their meat out of their stomachs before full and perfect con∣coction, and so multiply crude humours, yet they work and sweat them out again, which students and sedentary persons
do not. Indeed some men who have a speedy con∣coction and hot brains must to procure sleep eat some∣thing at night which may send up gentle vapours into the head, and compose the spirits.
Chi ben cena ben dorme. Ital.
Once in the water, a second time in the sawce, and a third time in wine in the stomach.
Poisson, gorret & cochin vie en l'eau, & morten vin. Gall.Fish and young swine live in water and die in wine.
With this saying, intemperate persons that have or fear the gout, encourage themselves to proceed in drin∣king wine notwithstanding.
Quae peccamus Juvenes ea luimus senes.
This is a French Proverb,
Pain tant qu'il dure, vin à mesure,and they themselves observe it. For no people eat more bread, nor indeed have better to eat: And for
wine the most of them drink it well diluted, and never to any excess that I could observe. The Italians have this saying likewise,
Pan mentre dura ma vin à mi∣sura.
This is a translation of that old rhythming Latin verse.
Caseus est nequàm, quia digerit omnia se quàm.
This is nothing but that Distich of Schola Salernitana Englished.
Si tibi deficiant medici, medici tibi fiant. Haec tria mens laeta, requies, moderata diaeta.
Non patitur ludum fama, fides, oculus.
To these I shall add a few French and Italian Proverbs.
TEnez chaud le pied & la teste, Au demeurant viyez en beste.Which Mr. Cotgrave
The head and feet kept warm, The rest will take no harm.
Jeun chair & vieil poisson.i. e. Young flesh and old fish are best.
Di giorni quanto voi, di notte quanto poi.i. e. Cover your head by day as much as you will, by night as much as you can.
Il pesse guasta l'acqua, la carne la concia.i. e. Fish spoils water, but flesh mends it.
Pome, pere & noce Guastano la voce.Apples, peares & nuts spoil the voice.
Febre quartana Ammazza i vecchii, & i giovani risana.
A Quartan Ague kills old men & heales young.
Pesce, oglio & amico vecchio.Old fish, old oil and an old friend are the best.
Vitello, pullastro & pesce crudo ingrassano i cimiterii.i. e. Raw pulleyn, veal and fish make the churchyards fat.
Vino di mezo, oglio di sopra & miele di sotto.
Of wine the middle, of oil the top, and of honey the bottom is best.
Macrob Saturn. lib. 7. c. 12. Quaro igitur, Cur oleum quod in summo est, vinum quod in medio, mel quod in fundo optimum esse credantur. Nec cunctatus Disarius ait, Mel quod optimum est reliquo ponderosius est. In vase igitur mellis pars quae in imo est reliquis praestat pondere, & idco super∣nante
pretiofior est. Contra in vase vini pars inferior ad∣mixtione faecis non modo turbulenta, sed & sapore deterior est, pars verò summa aeris vicinid corrumpitur, &c.
Aria di finestra colpo di balestra.i. e. The air of a window is as the stroke of a cross∣bow.
Asciuto il piede calda la testa, e dal resto vive da bestia,i. e. Keep your feet dry and your head hot, and for the rest live like a beast.
Piscia chiaro & incaca al medico.i. e. Pisse clear and defie the physician.
There's no general rule without some exception: for in the year 1667 the winter was so mild, that the pastures were very green in January, yet was there scarce ever known a plentifuller crop of hay then the summer following.
Pluye de Feburier vaut es gaux de fumier. Gall.Snow brings a double advantage: It not only preserves the corn from the bitterness of the frost and cold, but enriches the ground by reason of the nitrous salt which it is supposed to contain. I have observed the Alps and other high mountains covered all the winter with snow, soon after it is melted to become like a garden, so full of luxuriant plants and variety of flowers. It is worth the noting, that mountainous plants are for the most part larger then those of the same genus which grow in lower grounds; and that these snowy mountains afford greater variety of species then plain countreys.
That is, when it thunders in April: for thunder is usu∣ally accompanied with rain.
May seldom passes without a brunt of cold weather. Some will have it thus, She'll bring the Cow. quake. i. e. Gramen tremulum, which is true, but I suppose not the in∣tent of the Proverb.
The East-wind with us is commonly very sharp, because it comes off the Continent. Midland Countreys of the same latitude are generally colder then maritime, and Continents then Islands: and it is observed in England that near the sea-side, as in the County of Cornwall, &c. the snow seldom lies three days.
This is an observation that holds true all over Europe; and I believe in a great part of Asia too. For Italy and Greece the ancient Latine and Greek Poets witness: as Ovid.
Madidis notus evolat alis.and speaking of the South, Metamorph. 1. he saith,
Contraria tellus nubibus assiduis pluviò{que} madescit ab Austro.Homer calles the North wind
〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉.Pliny saith,
In totum venti omnes à Septentrione ficclores quàm à meridie. lib. 2. cap. 47.For
Judas in Asia the Scripture gives testimony;
Prov. 25. 23. The North-wind drives away rain.Wherefore by the rule of contraries, the South-wind must bring it. The rea∣son of this with the ingenious Philosopher Des Cartes I conceive to be, because those countreys which lie un∣der and near to the course of the Sun, being sufficient∣ly heated by his almost perpendicular beams, send up a multitude of vapours into the air, which being kept in constant agitation by the same heat that raised them re∣quire a great space to perform their motions in, and new still ascending they must needs be cast off part to the South and part to the North of the Suns course; So that were there no winds the parts of the earth towards the North and South poles would be most full of clouds and vapours. Now the North-wind blowing, keeps back those va∣pours, and causes clear weather in these Northern parts: but the South wind brings store of them along with it, which by the cold of the air are here condensed into clouds, and fall down in rain. Which accompt is con∣firmed by what Pliny reports of Africa,
loc. cit. Per∣mutant & duo naturam cum situ: Auster Africae screnus, Aquilo nubilus.The reason is, because Africa being under or near the course of the Sun, The South-wind carries away the vapours there ascending: but the North-wind de∣tains them, and so partly by compressing, partly by cooling them causes them to condense and descend in showers.
This Proverb was sufficiently confuted Anno 1667, in which the winter was very mild; and yet no mortality or Epi∣demical disease ensued the Summer or Autumn following.
We have entertained an opinion, that frosty weather is the most healthful, and the hardest winters the best. But I can see no reason for it, for in the hottest countreys of the world, as Brazil, &c. Men are longest lived where they know hot what frost or snow means, the ordinary age of man being an hundred and ten years: and here in England we found by experience, that the last great plague succeeded one of the sharpest frosty win∣ters that hath lately happened.
Ne caldo, ne gelo resta mai in cielo.Ital.
Anno di neve anno di bene. Ital.
Quand il tonne en Mars on peut dire helas. Gall.
Because there is more clay then sandy ground in England.
Bon pais mauvais chemin. Gall.Rich land, bad way.
These prognosticks of weather and future plenty, &c. I look upon as altogether uncertain; and were they narrowly observed would I believe, as often miss as hit.
Cresce di cresce'l freddo dice il pescador. Ital.
The reason is, for that the earth having been well heated by the Sun's long lying upon it in Summer time is not sud∣dainly cooled again by the recess of the Sun, but retains part of its warmth till after the Winter Solstice: which warmth, notwithstanding the return and accesse of the Sun, must needs still languish and decay, and so notwithstanding the lengthening of the days the weather grows colder, till the externall heat caused by the Sun is greater then the re∣maining internall heat of the earth for as long as the exter∣nall is lesser then the internall (that is, so long as the Sun hath not force enough to produce as great a heat in the earth as was remaining from the last Summer) so long the internall must needs decrease. The like reason there is why the hottest time of the day is not just at noon, but about two of the clock in the afternoon and the hotest time of the year not just at the Summer Solstice, but about a moneth after, because till then the externall heat of the Sun is
greater then the heat produced in the earth. So if you put a plece of iron into a very hot fire it will not suddenly be heat so hot as the fire can make it, and though you abate your fire, before it be througly heated, yet will it grow hot∣ter and hotter, till it comes to that degree of heat which the fire it is in can give it.
Le rouge soir & blanc matin Font rejouir le pelerin. Gall.
Sera rossa & negro matino Allegra il pelegrino. Ital.A red evening and a white morning rejoyce the pilgrim.
That is about the beginning of March.
That is, as I understand it, every thing in his season, Yule is Christmas.
Because the grass seldom springs well before the oak be∣gins to put forth, as might have been observed the last year.
In opposition to the rack: for in dry years when hay is dear, commonly corn is cheap: but when oats (or indeed any one grain) is dear, the rest are seldom cheap.
They mean when the cow gives no milk. And butter is said to be mad twice a year; once in Summer time in very hot weather, when it is too thin and fluid; and once in winter in very cold weather, when it is too hard and dif∣ficult to spread.
This the Countrey people use when it rains in one place and not in another: meaning that the showres are governed by the Planets, which being erratick in their own motions, cause such uncertain wandring of clouds and falls of rain. Or it rains by Planets, that is, the falls of showers are as uncertain as the motions of the Planets are imagined to be.
This is a translation or metraphrase of that old La-Latin Distich;
Si Sol splendescat Maria purificante, Major erit glacies post festum quam fuit ante.Now though I think all observations about particular days superstitious and frivolous, yet because probably if the weather be fair for some days about this time of the year, it may betoken frost, I have put this down as it was deli∣vered me.
Because in Leap-year the supernumerary day is then in∣tercalated.
This is a puerile and senceless rythme without reason, as far as I can see.
This Dr. J. Beal alledgeth as an old English and Welch Proverb, concerning Apple and Pear-trees, Oak and Haw∣thorn quicks; though he is of Mr. Reed's opinion, that it's best to remove fruit-trees in the spring, rather then the Winter. Philosoph. Transact. N. 71.
That is you must transplant your trees just about the fall of the leaf, neither sooner nor much later: not sooner, because of the motion of the sap; not later, that they may have time to take root before the deep frosts.
To these I shall adjoin a few Italian.
Chats, i. e. chips.
Chi ha amor nel petto ha le sprone ne i fianchi. Italian.
He that hath love in his breast hath spurs in his sides.
Amor & seignoria non yogliono compagnia, Ital.
A∣mour & feigneutie ne se tindrent jamais compagnie. Gall.The meaning of our English Proverb is, Lovers and Princes cannot endure rivals or partners.
Omnisque potestas Impati∣cus consortis erit.The Italian and French, though the same in words, have I think a different sense, viz.
Non bene con∣veniunt nec in una sede morantur Majestas & amor.
This is I conceive in derision of such expressions as li∣ving by love. Larks and leeks beginning with the same letter helped it up to be a Proverb.
This was wont to be said of glory,
Sequentem fugit, fu∣gientem sequitur.Just like a shadow.
Because one breaks the belly, the other the heart.
Amor tussisque non celatur.The French and Italians add to these two the itch.
L'amour, la tousse & la galle ne se peuvent celer. Gall.
Amor la rogna & la tousse non si ponno nascondere. Ital.Others add stink.
Old lovers fallen out are sooner reconciled then new loves begun. Nay the Comedian saith,
Amantium irae amo∣ris redintegratio est.
Nozze & ma∣gistrato dal cielo e destinato. Ital.
Aequalem uxorem quaere.
〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉.Unequal marriages seldom prove happy.
Si qua voles aptè nubere, nube pari. Ovid.
Intolerabilius nibil est quam famina dives. Juvenal.
Which by reason of its flatulency is apt to excite lust.
That is, It's time to marry when the woman woes the man.
This Proverb being somewhat immodest, I should not have inserted, but that I met with it in a little book,
entitled The Quakers spiritual Court proclaimed, written by Nathanael Smith, Student in Physick: Wherein the Author mentions it as Counsell given him by one Hilkiah Bedford, an eminent Quaker in London, who would have had him to have married a rich widow, in whose house in case he could get her, this Nathanael Smith had promised Hilkiah a chamber gratis. The whole narrative is very well worth the reading.
Che perde moglie & un quatrino, ha gran perdita del quatrino.Ital.
This is a French Proverb.
Un homme de paille vaut une femme d'or.
This reason they give that would not have women learn languages.
This is an Italian one,
Tre donne & un occa fan un mercato.
Nux, asinus, mulier simili sunt l••ge ligata. Haec tria nil rectè faci••nt si verbera cessant. Adducitur à Cognato, est tamen novum.
Femme rit quand elle peut & pleure quand elle veut.Gall.
For commonly shrews are good housewives.
This we use when we hear of a bad Jack who hath mar∣ried as bad a Jyll. For as it is said of Bonum, quò communius cò melius; So by the rule of contraries, What is ill, the fur∣ther it spreads the worse. And as in a city it is better there should be one Lazaretto and that filled with the insected, then make every house in a town a Pesthouse, they dwelling dispersedly or singly: So is it in a neighbourhood, &c.
Chi non ha moglie ben la veste. Chi non ha figlivoli ben li pasce.
Beautè & folie vont souvent de compagnie.Gall. Beauty and folly do often go hand in hand, are often match't together.
That is, cherish or love him, he'll never be naturally af∣fected toward you.
Dedecus ille domûs sciet ultimus.
& corre in arena.
The French say,
Qui femme croit & asne meine, son corps ne sera ja sans peine.i. e. He that trusts a woman and leads an asse, &c.
Ossing, i. e. offering or aiming to do. The meaning is the same, with Courting and woing brings dallying and doing.
This is a Yorkshire Proverb. A Rouk-town is a gossipping house-wife, who loves to go from house to house.
Some have it quickly to'd, quickly with God, as if early breeding of teeth, were a sign of a short life, whereas we read of some born with teeth in their heads, who yet have lived long enough to become famous men, as in the Ro∣man History; M. Curius Dentatus, & Cn. Papyrius Carbo mentioned by Pliny, lib. 7. c. 16. and among our English Kings, Rich. 3.
Because she doth all her work her self, and her daugh∣ter the mean time sitting idle, contracts a habit of sloth.
Mere pitieuse fait sa fille rogneuse, Gall.A tender mother breeds a scabby daughter.
And well it may be called so, as might easily be demon∣strated in many particulars, were not all the world already therein satisfied. Hence it hath been said, that if a bridge were made over the narrow seas, all the women in Europe
would come over hither. Yet is it worth the noting, that though in no Countrey of the world, the men are so fond of, so much governed by, so wedded to their wives, yet hath no Language, so many Proverbial invectives against women.
Trista è quella casa dove le galline cantano e'l gallo tace. Ital.
Se la donna fosse piccola come e buona, laminima foglia la farebbe una veste & una corona. Ital.
Dove sonod nne & ocche non vi sono parole poche.Ital.
Where there are women and geese there wants no noise.
Protinus ad censum de moribus ultima fiet Quaestio &c. Juven.
To these I shall add one French Proverb.
Maison faicte & femme à faire.A house ready made but a wife to make, i. e. One that is a virgin & young.
Ne femina ne tela à lume de candela. Ital.Neither women nor linnen by candle-light.
That is, such rude and uncivil, or sordid and dirty lan∣guage, as the Rabble that frequent those sports, are wont to use.
He thinks himself wondrous fine.
〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, Nobility is nothing but ancient riches: and money is the idol the world adores.
Now used in derision of such as make paltry ridiculous rhythmes.
Brisk, pert, forward, Some apply it to upstart Gentlemen.
This is a French proverb, for a cuckold.
This is a pretended excuse, whereby people abuse young children when they are importunate to have them do something, or reach something for them, that they are unwilling to do, or that is not good for them.
Every wench hath her sweet-heart, and the dirtiest com∣monly the most: make, i. e. match, fellow.
It is spoken of women with child, that go beyond their reckoning.
He is hen-peckt, his wife scratches him.
When he saw the old cocks neck wrung off, for taking part with the master, and the old hens, for taking part with the dame.
Spoken by way of taunt, to those who boast themselves of their birth, parentage, or the like.
Such as young fellows pretend tō dairy-maids, to get cream and other good things of them.
The story is well known of the old woman, who hearing a young fellow call his dog cuckold, saies to him, Are you not ashamed to call a dog by a Christians name.
That is, he hath gotten a boy.
Such an one as a wife reads her husband when she chides him in bed.
He hath got what he sought for, or expected.
Corchorus inter olera.Corchorus is a small herb of little account: Some take it to be the Male Pimpernel: beside which there is another herb so called, which resembles Mal∣lowes, and is much eaten by the Egyptians.
Holding a candle to the devil is assisting in a bad cause, an evil matter.
Good fellows have a story of a certain malefactour, who came to be suspected upon leaving his drink behind him in an Alehouse, at the News of an Hue and cry.
i. e. I'll do him an injury, and he shall not know how.
It's spoken of any considerable good that one hath not, but talks much of, sues for, or endeavours after. A future good, which is to be catched, if a man can, is but little worth.
Quod quis{que} vitet nunquam, homini satis cautum est in horas.Horat.
This is a piece of Countrey wit; there being an aequi∣vo{que} in the word Good-win, which is a surname, and al∣so signifies gaining wealth.
Spoken of a wary sparing, niggardly person.
Spoken of a crooked stick or tree, it could not see to grow.
He hath swore desperately, viz. to that which there is a great presumption is false: Swallowed a false oath.
This Pedley was a naturall fool himself, and yet had usually this expression in his mouth. Indeed none are more ready to pity the folly of others, then those who have but a small measure of wit themselves.
He is very poor, his hood is full of holes.
When Spendthrifts come to borrow money they com∣monly usher in their errand with some frivolous discourse in commendation of the person they would borrow of, or some of his parts or qualities: The same be said of beggers.
With a little more pains, she that slatters might do things neatly.
He was born to a good estate. He came into the world as a Bee into the hive: or into an house, or into a trade, or employment.
In the East part of England, where they use the word Mothther for a girl, they have a fond old saw of this nature, viz. Wenches are tinkers bitches, girles are pedlers trulls, and modhdhers are honest mens daughters.
He is so poor and lean and weak, that he cannot maintain his lice.
This the common people use in scorn of those who ha∣ving been at London are ashamed to speak their-own Coun∣trey dialect.
This is generally observed of sick persons, that a little before they dye their pains leave them, and their under∣standing and memory return to them; as a candle just be∣fore it goes out gives a great blaze.
You carve me a great heap. I suppose some bride at first, thinking to speak elegantly and finely might use that ex∣pression; and so it was taken up in drollery; or else it's onely a droll, made to abuse countrey brides, affecting fine language.
Spoken of a maid who lives to be old, and cannot get a husband.
A veaze vescia in Italian is crepitus ventris. So it signi∣fies Pease are flatulent, but Beans ten times more.
Some have it,
Go pipe at Colston, &c.It is spoken in de∣rision to people that busie themselves about matters of no concernment.
This is spoken of bucks who grow lean after rutting time, and may be applied to men.
A jeering expression to such as will not be pleased with the reasonable offers of others.
i. e. To pass it by without revenge, or taking notice.
Because no man can tell what is in a pye till the lid be taken up.
When melancholy persons are very merry, it is observed that there usually followes an extraordinary fit of sadness; they doing all things commonly in extremes.
Young men answer so when they are chid for being so
prodigal and expensive, meaning, they will get a wife with a good portion, that shall pay for it.
Be not too hasty, and you'll speed the better: Make not more haste then good speed.
To mistake the chamber-maids bed for his wives.
Spoken of one that sits on the ground.
A jeer for those who lose the calves of their legs by &c.
This 〈◊〉〈◊〉 piece of country wit. They mean by it, There are twen (others say forty) bits in a shoulder of veal, and but two good ones.
Spoken in jeer to such as are bitten with mustard.
The story is well known of the Gentleman travelling in Scotland, who desiring to have his bed warmed, the ser∣vant-maid doffs her clothes, and lays her self down in it
a while. In Scotland they have neither bellowes, warming∣pans, nor houses of office.
To deliver sordid or uncleanly matter in decent lan∣guage.
This is a ridiculous expression, used to people that are pettish and froward.
i. e. I'll sue him, and make him take a journey up to London.
This is said of a tapster that drinks so much himself, and is so free of his drink to others that he is fain to run away.
i. e. The books but not the learning, to make use of them, or the like.
That is if we undertake mean and sordid, or lucrative employments, we must be content with some trouble, in∣convenience, affronts, disturbance, &c.
Parallel to this are, Out of sight out of mind, and Seldome seen soon forgotten: And not much different those Greek ones. 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 Friends dwelling afarre off are no friends. And 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉. Forbearance of conversation dissolves friendship.
The French say,
Vent au visage rend un home sage.The wind in a mans face makes him wise. If to be good be the greatest wisdom, certainly affliction and adversity make men better.
Vexatio dat intellectum.
Chi ha paura d'ogni urtica non pisci in herba. Ital.He that's afraid of every nettle, must not pisse in the grass.
This is a French Proverb englished.
Qui a peur de fueilles ne doit aller au bois.
Mr. Cotgrave in his French Dictionary produces this as an English Proverb, parallel to the precedent.
These four Proverbs have all one and the same sence. viz. That timorous persons must keep as farr off from danger as they can. They import also, that causeless fear workes men unnecessary disquiet, puts them upon absurd and foolish practises, and renders them ridiculous.
Il n'aura ja bon marchè qui ne le demande. Gall.
This is good counsell back't with a good reason, the charges of a suit many times exceeding the value of the thing contended for. The Italians say,
Meglio è magro accor∣do che grassa sentenza.A lean agreement is better then a fat sentence.
Fair chieve is used in the same sence here as Well-fare sometimes is in the South, that is, Good speed, Good suc∣cess have it, I commend it. It shall have my good wish, or good word.
In vino veritas.
Aequa tellus Pauperi recluditur regúm{que} pueris. Horat.
Mors sceptra ligonibus aequat.
Non omnia possumus omnes. Virgil.See many senten∣ces to this purpose in Erasmus's Adages.
The signification of this word Almost having some lati∣tude, men are apt to stretch it to cover untruths.
Hasty in our language is but a more gentle word for an∣gry. Anger indeed makes men hasty, and inconsiderate in their actions.
Furor irá{que} mentem praecipitant.
Parallel hereto is that place, Proverb. Chap. 26. v. 17.
The higher beggers, or base-bred persons are advanced, the more they discover the lowness and baseness of their spirits and tempers: For as the Scripture saith.
Prov. 26. 1. Honour is unseemly for a fool.
Tu fai come la simia, che piu va in alto piu mostra il culo. Ital.The Italians I find draw this Proverb to a different sence, to signifie one, who the more he speaks the more sport he makes, and the more ridiculous he renders himself.
Metiri se quem{que} modulo suo ac pede verum est.
That is, lend you that whereof I have necessary and fre∣quent use, and want it my self. It is a Russick proverb, and of frequent use in this nation; and was, I suppose, brought over to us by some merchants that traded there.
Apud mensam vereeundari neminem decet.Erasm. takes notice that this Proverb is handed down to us from the Ancients, save that the vulgar addes
ne{que} in lecto:whereas (saith he)
Nusquam magis habenda est vere cundiae ratio quàm in lecto & convivio.Yet some there are who out of a rustick shame-fac'tness or over mannerlyness are very troublesom at table, expecting to be carv'd to, and often invited to eat, and re∣fusing what you offer them &c. The Italians say almost in the same words.
A tavola non bisogna haver vergogna.And the French.
Qui a honte de manger a Honte de vivre.He that's ashamed to eat, is ashamed to live.
This is a Scottish Proverb quoted by K. James in his Basilicon Doron. It seems the word Aver in Scottish signi∣fies a colt, as appears also by that other proverb,
An inch of a nagg is worth a span of an Aver:in our ancient wri∣tings Averium signifies any labouring beast, whether Ox or horse, and seems to be all one with the Latine Ju∣mentum.
That is, it's better to have any though a bad friend of relation, then to be quite destitute and exposed to the wide world.
Hext is a contraction of highest as next is of nighest. Bale is an old English word signifying misery, and boot profit or help. So 'tis as much as to say, When things are come to the worst they'l mend.
Cùm duplicantur lateres ve∣nit Moses.
A balk, Lat. Scamnum; a piece of earth which the plow slips over without turning up or breaking, It is
also used for narrow slips of land left unplowed on pur∣pose in champian countreys, for boundaries between mens lands or some other convenience.
Some make a rhyme of this, by adding. And a pretty wench no land.
Bon marchè tire l'argent hors de la bourse. Gall.Good cheap is dear, for it tempts people to buy what they need not.
i. e. Idle house-wives, they having nothing where∣about to busie themselves and shew their good house∣wivery. We speak this in excuse of the good woman, who doth like St. Pauls widow 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, gad abroad a little too much, or that is blamed for not giving the entertainment that is expected, or not behaving her self as other matrons do. She hath nothing to work upon at home, she is disconsolate, and therefore seeketh to divert her self abroad: she is inclined to be virtuous, but discomposed through poverty. Parallel to this I take to be that French Proverb,
Vuides chambres font les dames folles,which yet Mr. Cotgrave thus renders, Empty cham∣bers make women play the wantons; in a different sence.
Cane chi abbaia non morde. Ital.
Chien qui abbaye ne mord pas. Gall.
Canes timidi vehementiùs latrant. Cave tibi à cane muto & aqua silente.Have a care of a silent dog and a still water.
Vitiis nemo sine nascitur. Horat.〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉.
Non est alauda sine crista. Omni ma∣lo Punico inest granum putre.
Ogni grano ha la sua semola. Every grain hath his bran. Ital.
Non vender la pelle del orso inanzi che sia preso. Ital.
Where there are industrious persons, there is wealth, for the hand of the diligent maketh rich. This we see ve∣rified in our neighbours the Hollanders.
The French say, Borrowers must be no choosers.
Asperius nihil est humili cùm surgit in altum. Claudian
Il n'est orgueil que de pauvre enrichi. Gall.There is no pride to the inriched begger's.
Il villan nobilitado non co∣nosce il parentado. Ital.The villain ennobled will not own his kindred or parentage.
Rete non tenditur accipitri ne{que} milvio, Terent. Phorm.
〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉. Hesiod.
Etiam mendicum mendico invidet.
De bon commencement bonne fin Gall.&
de bonne vie bonne fin.A good life makes a good death.
Boni prin∣cipii finis bonus.
Dimidium facti qui coepit habet. Horat.Which some make a Pentameter by putting in bene before coepit.
Venter non habet aures.
Ventre affame •…•…'a point d'o∣reilles. Gall.Discourse to or call upon hungry persons, they'll not mind you, or leave their meat to attend. Or, as Erasmus,
Ubi de pastu agitur, non attenduntur honestae rati∣ones.Nothing makes the vulgar more untractable, fierce and seditious, then scarcity and hunger.
Nescit plebes jejuna timere.There is some reason the belly should have no ears, because words will not fill it.
Udum & molle lutum es, nunc nunc properandus & acri, Fingendus fine sinc rota. Pers.
Quae praebet latas arbor spatiantibus umbras, Quo pofita est primùm tempore virga fait. Tunc poterat manibus summâ tellure revelli, Nunc stat in immensum viribus acta suis. Ovid.
Quare tunc formandi mores (inquit Erasmus) cùm mollis ad∣huc aetas; tunc optimis assuescendum cùm ad quidvis cereum est ingenium.
Ce qui poulain prend en jeunesse. Il le continue en vie illesse. Gall.The tricks a colt getteth at his first back∣ing, will whilst he continueth never be lacking. Cotgr.
For it doth the buyer more credit and service.
Difficilia quae pulchra: 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉.
Like will to like. The Greeks and Latines have many Proverbs to this purpose, as
〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉. Semper Graculus assidet Graculo.
〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉. Theocrit.
Cicada cicadae chara, formicae formica.
〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉. Homer. Odyss. 5.
Semper similem ducit Deus ad similem.
〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉.
Simile gaudet simili.&
〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉.
Simile appetit simile. unde&
〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉.Likeness is the mother of love.
Aequalis aequalem delectat.Young men delight in the company of young, old men of old. Learned men of learned; wicked of wicked, good fellows of drunkards, &c.
Tully in Cat. maj. Pares cum paribus (ut est in vetere pro∣verbio) facillimè congregantur.
E meglio aver hoggi un uovo che dimani una gallina, Ital.Better have an egg to day, then a hen to morrow.
Mieux vant un tenez que deux vous l'aurez. Gall.
〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉. Theocr.
Praesentem mulgeas, quid fugientem inseq••eris?
〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 Hesiod.He that leaves certainty and sticks to chance, when fools pipe, he may dance.
〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉.
Tute hoc intristi omne tibi exedendum est. Terent.It should seem this Latine Proverb is still in use among the Dutch, For Erasmus saith of it,
Qu•…•… quidem sententia vel hodie vulgo nostrati in ere est. Faber compedes quas fecit ipse gestet. Auson.
Children must be fed, they cannot be maintained with nothing.
This Diers find true by experience. It may signifie, that vicious persons are seldom or never reclaimed.
Lanarum nigrae nullum colorem bibunt, Plin. lib. 8. h. n.
The prerogative of beauty proceeds from fancy.
This is a French Proverb.
Noire geline pond blanc oeuf.I conceive the meaning of it is, that a black woman may bear a fair child.
Il cieco non giudica de colori. Ital.
〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉; Quid coeco cum speculo?
〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉.Ig∣norance breeds confidence, consideration, slowness and wariness.
Simul sorbere & flare difficile est.
Grands vanteurs petits faiseurs. Gall.
〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉.
Briarcus esse apparet cùm sit lepus.And
〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉.
Shame if he returns not as much as he borrowed, loss if more, and it's very hard to cut the hair.
This saying I look upon as too narrow to be placed in the family of Proverbs; it is rather to be deemed a rule or maxime in the tenure of Gavil kind, where though the fa∣ther had judgement to be hang'd, yet there followed no for∣feiture of his estate, but his son might (a happy man accor∣ding to Horace his description)
paterna rura bobus exercere suis.Though there be that expound this Proverb thus, The father to the bough, i. e. to his sports of hawking and hunting, and the son to the plow, i. e. to a poor husband∣mans condition.
Il vaut mieux plier que rompre. Gall.
E meglio piegar che scavezzar. Ital.
L'arco si rompe se sta troppo teso. Ital.
Arcus nimis intensus rumpitur.Things are not to be strained beyond their tonus and strength. This may be applied both to the body and the mind: too much labour and study weakens and impairs both the one and the other.
Otia corpus alunt, animus quoque pascitur illis; Immodicus contra carpit utrumque labor.
Chi l'ha per natura fin alla fossa dura. Ital.That which comes naturally continues till death. The Latines and Greeks have many Proverbial sayings to this purpose, as
Lupus pilum mutat non mentem.The wolf may change his hair (for wolves and horses grow gray with age) but not his disposition.
Naturam expellas furcâ licet usque recurret. Horat.and
〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉. Aristoph.You can never bring a crabfish to go straight forwards.
〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉.Wood that grows crook∣ed, will hardly be straightned. Persons naturally inclined to any vice, will hardly be reclaimed. For this Proverb is for the most part taken in the worser sense.
Speak not ill of him who hath done you a courtesie, or whom you have made use of to your benefit; or do com∣monly make use of.
This is a French Proverb englished,
Un sac perce ne peut tenir le grain:though I am not ignorant that there are many common both to France and England, and some that run through most Languages.
Sacco rotto non tien miglio. Ital.Millet being one of the least of grains.
Mr Howell saith, that this is a Law Proverb.
Almost all Languages afford us sayings and Proverbs to this purpose, such are
〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉. Hesiod.
〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉. Homer.
Piscator ictus sapit;struck by the Scorpion fish or Pastinaca, whose prickles are esteemed venemous.
Can'scottato da l'acqua calda ha paura poi della fredda. Ital.the same we find in French,
Chien eschaudè craint l'eau froide.i. e. The scalded dog fears cold water.
Persons that are medling and troublesome must be tied short.
Non è tutto butyro che fa la vocca. Ital.
Cui multum est piperis etiam oleribus immiseet.
This is an Italian Proverb.
Chi compra ha bisogno di∣cent' occhi, chi vende n'ha assai de uno.And it is an usual saying,
Caveat emptor,Let the buyer look to himself. The seller knows both the worth and price of his commodity.
And yet a Cat is said to have nine lives.
Cura facit canos.
Cento carre di pensieri non pagerannoun'oncia di debi∣to. Ital.i. e. An hundred cart-load of thoughts will not pay an ounce of debt.
Gatta guantata non piglia mai sorice. Ital.A gloved cat, &c.
Fain would the cat fish eat, But she's loath her feet to wet.
Le chat aime le poisson,, mais il n'aime pas a meuiller
le patte. Gall.In the same words, so that it should seem we borrowed it of the French.
This is an Italian proverb,
che ne puo la gatta se la mas∣sara è matta.Not setting up things securely out of her reach or way.
Parallel whereto is that Italian proverb.
Chi di gallina nasce convien che rozole.That which is bred of a hen will scrape.
Chi da gatta nasce sorici piglia. Ital.
Les rats se promenent a l'aise la ou il n'y a point des chats. Gall.
Quando la gatta non è in casa, i sorici bal∣lano Ital.
Jone is as good as my Lady in the dark.
〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉.
This is spoken to them who do one a shrewd turn, and then make satisfaction with asking pardon or crying mercy.
i. e. Men and maid-servants that wrangle and quarrel most one with the other, are often observed to marry to∣gether.
Appiccar chi vuol'il sonaglio à la gatta? Ital.The mice at a consultation held how to secure themselves from the cat, resolved upon hanging a bell about her neck, to give warning when she was near, but when this was resolved, they were as far to seek; for who would do it. This may be sar∣castically applied to those who prescribe impossible or un∣practicable means for the effecting any thing.
Plus enim fati valet hora benigni Quàm si te Veneris com∣mendet epistola Marti. Horat.Every man is thought to have some lucky hour, wherein he hath an opportunity offered him of being happy all his life, could he but discern it and embrace the occasion.
Accasca in un punto quel che non
accasca in cento anni. Ital.It falls out in an instant which falls not out in an hundred years.
Self-love is the measure of our love to our neighbour. Ma∣ny sentences occurre in the ancient Greek and Latine Poets to this purpose, as,
Omnes sibi meliùs esse malunt quàm alte∣ri. Terent. Andr.
Proximus sum egomet mihi. ibid.
〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, &c. V. Erasm Adag.
Fa bone á te & tuoi, Epoi à gli altri se tu puoi. Ital.
〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉.
i. e. As I understand it, chickens come to be capons, and capons were first chickens.
〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉. Homer. Odyssa.
Parents usually tell their children, this pig or this lambe is thine, but when they come to be grown up and sold, pa∣rents themselves take the money for them.
That is, give them what you will they are never contented.
When a mans need is supplied or his occasions over, peo∣ple are ready to offer their assistance or service.
The Dutch Proverb hath it thus, You are not to expect truth from any but children, persons drunk or mad.
In vino veritas,we know.
Enfans & fols sont Divins. Gall.
For out of ignorance or forgetfulness and inadvertency, they are not concern'd either for what is past, or for what is to come. Neither the remembrance of the one, nor fear of the other troubles them, but onely the sence of present pain: nothing sticks upon them, they lay nothing to heart. Hence it hath been said,
Nihil scire est vita jucundissima,to which that of Ecclesiastes gives some countenance. He that encreaseth knowledge encreaseth sorrow.
Lucri bonus est odor ex re Quâlibet. Juvenal.This was the Emperour Vespasians answer to those who complained of his setting gabels on urine and other sordid things.
This is a French Proverb.
Pres de l'eglise loin de Dieu.
Non si tosto si fa un tempio à Dio come il Diavolo ci fa∣brica una capella appresso. Ital.
I do not look upon the building of Churches as an ar∣gument of the goodness of the Roman Religion, for when men have once entertained an opinion of expiating sin and meriting heaven by such works, they will be forward enough to give not onely the fruit of their land, but even of their body for the sin of their soul: and it's easier to part with ones goods then ones sins.
Persons of servile temper or education, have no sense of honour or ingenuity, and must be dealt with accordingly.
Ungentem pungit, pungentem rusticus ungit.
Which sentence both the French and Italian in their lan∣guages have made a Proverb.
Oignez villain qu' il vous poindra. Gall. &c.Insomuch that one would be apt with
Aristotle to think, that there are servi naturâ.
For prudence is gained more by practise and conversati∣on, then by study and contemplation.
Those that rise suddenly from a mean condition to great estate or dignity, do often fall more suddenly, as I might easily instance in many Court-favourites: and there is rea∣son for it, because such a speedy advancement is apt to be∣get pride and consequently folly in them, and envy in o∣thers, which must needs precipitate them. Sudden chan∣ges to extraordinary good or bad fortune, are apt to turn mens brains.
A cader va chi troppo alto sale. Ital.
That is, I love my friends well, but my self better: none so dear to me as I am to my self. Or my body is dearer to me then my goods.
Plus pres est la chair che la chemise. Gall.
People must speak and solicite for themselves, or they are not like to obtain preserment. Nothing carries it like to boldness and importunate, yea, impudent begging. Men will give to such se defendendo, to avoid their trouble, who would have no consideration of the modest, though never
so much needing or well deserving.
Bocca trinciata mosca non ci entra Ital.
Cattiva è quella lana che non si puo tingere. Ital.
Non si malè nunc & olim sic erit.
When the mind is heated with any passion, it will often break out in words and expressions, Psalm 39. 1.
Noi facciamo la spese secondo l'entrata. Ital.We must spend according to our income.
Selon le pain il faut le cou∣teau. Gall.According to the bread must be the knife. &
Fol est qui plus despend que sa rente ne vaut. Gall.He is a fool that spends more then his receits.
Sumptus censum nè superet. Plaut. Poen.
Messe tenus propria vive. Pers.
Gallus in suo sterquilinio plurimum potest. Senec. in ludi∣cro.The French say,
Chien sur son fumire est hardi.A dog is stout on his own dunghill.
An unhappy boy may make a good man. It is used some∣times to signifie, that children which seem less handsome when young, do afterwards grow into shape and comeliness: as on the contrary we say, fair in the cradle, and soul in the sadle: and the Scots,
A kindly aver will never make a good horse.
Celuy gouverne bien mal le miel qui n'en taste & ses doigts n'en leche. Gall.He is an ill keeper of honey, who tastes it not.
i. e. for prices, when corn is cheap cattel are not dear, & vice versâ.
Qui tout convoite tout perd. Gall. & qui trop empoigne rien n'estrain'd. He that grasps at too much, holds fast no∣thing. The fable of the dog is known, who catching at the appearance in the water of the Shoulder of mutton he had in his mouth, let it drop in and lost it.
Chi tutto abbraccia nulla stringa. Ital.
For if good, it must suit the time when it is given.
Ante victoriam nè canas triumphum.
Tant de gens tant de guises. Gall.
Bon fait avoir amy en cour, car le proces en est plus court. Gall.A friend in Court makes the process short.
Sincere and true-hearted persons are least given to com∣plement and ceremony. It's suspicious he hath some design upon me who courts and flatters me.
Chi te sa piu carezza che non vuole, O ingannato t' ha, o ingannar te vuole. Ital.He that makes more of you then you desire or expect, ei∣ther he hath cozen'd you or intends to do it.
Re opitulandum non verbis.
Dat Deus immiti cornua curta bovi.Providence so disposes that they who have will, want pow∣er or means to hurt.
〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉.
Heroum filii noxae.
〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉. Homer. Odyss. ε.Aelius Spartianus in the life of Severus shews by many examples, that men famous for learning, vertue, valour, success have for the most part either left behind them no children, or such as that it had been more for their honour and the in∣terest of humane affairs that they had died childless. We might add unto those which he produceth, many instances out of our own history. So Edward the first a wise and valiant Prince, left us Edward the second: Edward the black Prince Richard the second: Henry the fifth a vali∣ant and successful King, Henry the sixth a very unfortu∣nate Prince, though otherwise a good man. And yet there
want not in history instances to the contrary, as among the French, Charles Martell, Pipin and Charl••main in con∣tinual succession, so Joseph Scaliger the son, was in point of scholarship no whit inferiour to Julius the father.
Fortes creantur fortibus & bonis, &c.
Others say a poor mans cow, and then the reason is e∣vident, why a colliers is not so clear.
Crescentem sequitur cura pecuniam. Horat.
Great and good are not always the same thing, though our Language oft makes them synonymous terms, as when we call a great way a good way, and a great deal a good deal, &c. in which and the like phrases good signifies some∣what less then great, viz. of a middle size or indifferent. Bonus also in Latine is sometimes used in the same sense, as in that of
Persius. Sat. 2. Bona pars procerum.
Les grands boeuss ne font pas les grands journees. Gall.The greatest oxen rid not most work.
Country wenches when they are with child usually long for Crabs: or Crabs may signifie Scolds.
Nessuno nasce maestro. Ital.
A gambrell is a crooked piece of wood on which butch∣ers h••ng up the carcasses of beasts by the legs, from the Ita∣lian word gamba signifying a leg. Paralel to this Is that o∣ther Proverb, It early prick, that will be a thorn.
Adcò à teneris assuescere mulium est.
Crosses and afflictions come not by chance, they spring not out of the earth, but are laid upon men for some just reason. Divines truly say, that many times we may read the sin in the punishment.
Afinus asino, sus sui pulcher, & suum cuique pulchrum.So the Ethiopians are said to paint the Devil white. Every one is partial to, and well conceited of his own art, his own compositions, his own children, his own countrey, &c. Self-love is a more in every ones eye; it influences, bias∣ses and blinds the judgements even of the most modest and
perspicatious. Hence it is (as Aristotle well observes) that men for the most part love to be flattered. Rhetor. 2. &
A tous oiseaux leur nid▪ sont beaux. Gall.Every bird likes its own nest.
A ogni grolla paion belli i suoi grollatini. Ital.
It is part of Bias his goods, it will not hinder a mans flight when the enemies are at hand.
Multa cadunt inter calicem supremáque labra.
〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉. Ci∣tantur ab A. Gell••o.
De la main à la bouche so perd sou∣vent la soupe. Gall.Between the hand and the mouth, the broth is many times shed.
Entre la bouche & le cueil∣lier vient Souvent grand destourbier. Gall.
Levius fit patientia quicquid corrigere est nesas. Horat. Od
A meschant chien courtlien. Gall.
Assal ben balla à chi Fortuna suona. Ital.The French have a Proverb,
Mieux vaut une once de fortune qui une livre de sagesse.Better is an ounce of good Fortune, then a pound of good forecast.
A bon jour bon oeuvre. Gall.
Dicenda bonâ sunt bona verba die.
Aujourd'huy Roy, demain rien. Gall.
Il n'est si grand jour qui ne vienne à vespre. Gall.
Non
vien di, che non venga sera. Ital.
Mortuis non conviciandum,
& De mortuis nil nisi bonum. Namque cùm mortui non mordent iniquum est ut mordean∣tur.
A longue corde tire qui d'autruy mort desire. Gall.He hath but a cold suit who longs for another mans death.
This is a French Proverb,
Apres la mort le medecin,pa∣rallel to that ancient Greek one,
〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉.
Post bellum auxilium.We find it in Quintilians De∣c••am. Cadavirib. pasti, with another of the like import;
Quid quod medicina mortuorum sera est? Quid quod nemo a∣quam infundit in cineres?After a mans house is burnt to ashes, its too late to pour on water.
Chi dona il suo inanzi morire il s' apparecchia assai patire. Ital.He that gives away his goods before death, prepares himself to suffer.
Such a merchant was the Philosopher Thales, of whom it is reported, that to make proof, that it was in the power of a Philosopher to be rich if he pleased, he foreseeing a future dearth of Olives, the year following, bought up at easie rates all that kind of fruit then in mens hands.
〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉,Happy he that owes no∣thing.
This Proverb may have a double sense, if you read it stark mad, it signifies, that we ought to distinguish, and not presently pronounce him stark mad that sta••es a little, or him a rank fool who is a little impertinent sometimes, &c. If you read it stark blind, then it hath the same sense with that of Horace,
Est inter Tanaim medium soccrúm{que} Vitelli.and is a reprehension to those who put no difference be∣tween extremes, as perfect blindness and Lynceus his sight.
This is a French Proverb,
Qui garde son disne il a mi∣eux
à souper.He that spares when he is young, may the better spend when he is old.
Mal soupe qui tout disne.He sups ill who eats all at dinner.
The French say, An ounce of good fortune, &c.
〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉. Nazianz.
Gut∣ta fortunae prae dolio sapientiae.
We are not to trust the Devil or his Children, though they seem never so gentle or harmless, without all power or will to hurt. The ancients in a Proverbial Hyperbole, said of a woman,
Mulierinè credas nè mortuae quidem,because you might have good reason to suspect that she feigned; we may with more reason say the like of the Devil and diabo∣lical persons, when they seem most mortified. Perchance this Proverb may allude to the fable of the fox, which esca∣ped by feigning himself dead. I know no phrase more fre∣quent in the mouths of the French and Italians then this, The Devil is dead, to signifie that a difficulty is almost conquered, a journey almost finished, or as we say, The neck of a business broken.
Clodius accusat moechos. Aliorum medicus ipse ulceribus scates.
La farine du diable n'e que bran, or s' en va moitie en bran. Gall.
Malè parta malè dilabuntur.What is got by oppression or extortion is many times spent in riot and luxury.
Qui aime Jean aime son chien. Gall.
Spesse volte si ha rispetto al cane per il padrone.
He that is about to do any thing disingenuous, unwor∣thy, or of evil fame, first bethinks himself of some plausible pretence.
This is a Greek Proverb,
〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉.The meaning is, that he who bestows a benefit upon an ungratefull person; looses his cost. For if a dog break loose he presently gets him home to his former master, leaving the cord he was tied with.
That is, must I keep servants, and do my work my self.
This is a ludicrous and nugatory saying, for a dog once hang'd is past loving or hating. But generally men and beasts shun those things, by or for which they have smar∣ted.
〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉. Amphis in Ampelurgo apud Stoboeum.
Et mea cymba semel vastâ percussa procellâ, Illum quo leasa est, horret adire locum. Ovid.
Digna canis pabulo.
〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉. Eras. ex Suida.
Chi con cane dorme con pulce si leva. Ital.
Qui se couche avec les chiens se leve avec des puces. Gall.
The Italians say this of a cat,
Gatto che lecca cenere non sidar farina.
Souvent à mauvais chien tombe un bon os en gueule. Gal.
Jejun•••• raró stomachus vulgaria temnit.
A la faim il n'y a point de mauvais pain. Gall.To him who is hungry any bread seems good, or none comes a∣miss.
l'Asino chi ha fame mangia d'ogni strame. Ital.
Qui veut battre son chien trouve assez de bastons. Gal.
Malefacere qui vult nusquam non causam invenit. Pub. Mimus.He who hath a mind to do me a mischief, will easily find
some pretence.
〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉.To do evil, a flight pretence or occasion will serve mens turns.
A petite achoison le loup prend le mouton. Gall.
Puteus si hauriatur melior evadit.
〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉. Basil. in epist. ad Eustachium medicum.All things, especially mens parts, are improved and advan∣ced by use and exercise. Standing waters are apt to cor∣rupt and putrifie: weapons laid up and disused do contract rust, nay the very air if not agitated and broken with the wind, is thought to be unhealthfull and pestilential, especi∣ally in this our native Countrey, of which it is said,
An∣glia ventosa, si non ventosa venenosa.
This is so far from being true, that on the contrary of my own observation, I could give divers instances of such as have received very much harm when drunk.
Parthi quo plus bibunt ed plus sitiunt.
Quod est in corde sobrii est in ore ebrii.
〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉. Plutarch. 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉.Erasmus cites to this purpose a sentence out of Herodotus,
〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉,when wine sinks, words swim: and Pliny hath an elegant saying to this purpose,
Vinum usque adeò mentis a••••ana prodit, ut mortisera etiam inter pocula loquantur homines, & nè per jugulum quidem reditur as voces contineant. Quid non ebri∣etas designat? operta recludit.
This is parallel to that, Spare to speak and spare to speed, and that former, A close mouth catcheth no flies.
Soon crooks the tree that good gambrel would be.
Vorrebbe mangiar la forcaccia & trovar la in tasca. Ital.
En mangeant l'appetit se perd.To which the French have another seemingly contrary.
En mangeant l'appetit vient,parallel to that of ours, One shoulder of mutton draws down another.
Qui nucleum esse vult nucem srangat oportet.No gains without pains.
Where nothing is, nothing can be had.
Better half a loaf then no bread.
Evil persons by enticing and flattery, draw on others to be as bad as themselves.
Many littles make a mickle, the whole Ocean is made up of drops.
Goutte a goutte on remplit la cuve. Gall.And
Goutte à goutte la mer s' egoute.Drop by drop the sea is drained.
The Scripture saith, A fools voice is known by multi∣tude of words. None more apt to boast then those who have least real worth; least whereof justly to boast. The deepest streams flow with least noise.
For if he doth but open it, its a chance but it will rain in. True it is, we seldom suffer for want of rain: and if there be any fault in the temper of our air, it is its over∣moistness, which inclines us to the scurvy and consumpti∣ons; diseases the one scarce known, the other but rare in hotter Countries.
Exitus acta probat.
This is an Italian Proverb,
Non vi è à bastanza se ni∣ente auvanza.It is hard so to cut the hair, as that there should be no want and nothing to spare.
Asser y a, si trop n'y a. Gall.
This is a saying in most languages, although it hath little of the nature of a Proverb in it.
〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉. Herodot. in Thalia.
〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉. Pindar.
Piu tosto invidia che com∣passione. Ital.
For stiles Essex may well vie with any County of En∣gland, it being wholly divided into small closes, and not one common field that I know of in the whole County. Length of miles I know not what reason Kent hath to pre∣tend to, for generally speaking, the further from London the longer the miles, but for cunning in the Law and wrangling, Norfolk men are justly noted.
La vita il fine, e' l di loda la sera. Ital.The end or death commends the life, and the evening the day.
Dici{que} beatus Ante obitum nemo supremá{que} funera debet. Ovid.
This reason the Philosopher rendred why he chose a little wife.
Experientia stultorum magistra.Wise men learn by o∣thers
harms, fools by their own, like Epimetheus, 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉.
Le coeur ne veut douloirce que l'oeil ne peut veoir. Gall.Therefore it is not good to peep and pry into every corner, to be two inquisitive into what our servants or relations do or say, lest we create our selves unnecessary trouble.
This is only a Physiognomical observation.
Better then he would do without it: a ridiculous saying.
〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉. Suidas ex Eupolide, Timidi nunquam statuêre tropae∣um.
Ja couard n'aura belle amie. Gall.For,
audentes fortuna juvat.
Fair clothes, ornaments and dresses set off persons, and
make them appear handsome, which if stript of them would seem but plain and homely. God makes, and apparel shapes.
I panni rifanno le stanghe, vesti una colonna & par una donna. Ital.
Pas à pas on va bien loing. Gall.
Chi va piano va sano è anche lontano. Ital.He that goes softly, goeth sure and also far. He that spurs on too fast at first setting out, tires before he comes to his journeys end.
Festinalenté.
Or else you may repent, for many times clear mornings turn to cloudy evenings.
La vita il fine e' l di loda la se∣ra.The end commends the life, and the evening the day.
This may be applied to women. The handsomest women are soonest corrupted, because they are most tempted. It may also be applied to good natures, which are more easily drawn away by evil company.
Dejecta arbore quivis ligna colligit. Vulgus sequitur for∣tunam & odit damnatos. Juven.When the tree is fallen every man goeth to it with his hatchet. Gall.
A general report is rarely without some ground. No smoke without some fire.
〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉. Hesiod.
Nimia familiaritas contemptum parit. E tribus optimis re∣bus tres pessimae oriuntur; è veritate odium, è familiaritate contemptus, è felicitate invidia. Plutarch.
Sasse bonne farine sans trompe ny buccine. Gall.Boult thy fine meal, and eat good past, without report or trumpets blast.
〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉. They that are thir∣sty drink silently.
Si corvus tacuisset haberet
Plus dapis & rixae multò minùs invidiaeque. Horat.
Vache de loin a laict assez. Gall.
People are apt to boast of the good and wealthy conditi∣on of their far-off friends, and to commend their dead chil∣dren.
Qui est loing du plat est prez de son dommage. Gall.Far from the dish and near to his loss; for commonly they that are far from the dish, shed their broth by the way.
Better have a rich husband and a sorrowfull life then a poor husband and a sorrowfull life with him, spoken to encourage a maid to marry a rich man, though ill condi∣tioned.
Ut vitiis nemo sine nascitur. Quisque suos patimur manes.
Il n'est banquet que d'homme chiche. Gall.
Some evils and calamities assault so violently that there is no resisting or bearing them off.
Next to health and necessary food, no good in this world more desireable then liberty.
Nul feu sans fumée. Gall.
Qui premier arrive au moulin, premier doit mouldre. Gal.
Il fait beau pescher en eau large. Gall.It's good fish∣ing in large waters.
Il n'y a pesche qu' en eau troublé. Gall.In troubled
waters; that is, in a time of publick calamity, when all things are in confusion.
L'hoste & le poisson passe trois jours puent. Gall.
Piscis nequam est nisi recens, Plaut.Ordinary friends are wel∣come at first, but we soon grow weary of them.
Tousjours pesche qui en prend un. Gall.
This is a French Proverb,
Toute chair n'est pas ve∣naison.
Sine pennis volare haud facile est. Plaut. in Poenulo.No∣thing of moment can be done without necessary helps, or convenient means.
Non si puo volar senza ale, Ital.
De fol juge brieve sentence. Gall.A foolish judge passes a quick sentence.
Le fols font la feste & lessages le mangent. Gall.The same almost for word.
Si tous les fols portoient le marotte, on ne seait de quel bois s' eschaufferoit. Gall.
The Italians say,
Chi bestia va à Roma bestia retorna.He that goes a beast to Rome returns thence a beast.
Change of place changes not mens minds or manners.
Coelum non animum mutant qui trans mare currunt.
Fortuna favet fa••uis.It's but equall, Nature having not that Fortune should do so.
Al aise marche à pied qui mene son cheval par la bride. Gall.
Vultus index animi.
Delle ingiurie il remedio è lui scordarsi. Ital.
Infirmi est animi exigui{que} voluptas Ultio. Juv.
Praemonitus, praemunitus.
To avoid suspicion. Crafty thieves steal far from home.
Populus me sibilat, at mihi plaudo Ipse domi, quoties nummos contemplor in area. Horat.
This is spoken in derision to those which have great expe∣ctation from some fond design or undertaking, which is not likely to succeed.
Tutte le volpi si trouvano in pelliceria. Ital.
En fin les regnards se trouvent chez le pelletier. Gal.The crafty are at length surprised. Thieves most commonly come to the gallows at last.
That shews me real kindness.
Mons cum monte non miscebitur: Pares cum paribusTwo haughty persons will seldom agree together.
Deux hommes se rencontrent bien, mais jamais deux montagnes. Gall.
Ones kindred are not always to be accounted ones friends, though in our Language they be synonymous terms. There is a friend that sticketh closer then a brother.
〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉. Unus Deus, sed plures a∣mici parandi.
Amicus certus in re incerta cernitur. Cic. ex Ennio.
Scilicet ut fulvum spectatur in ignibus aurum, Tempore sic duro est inspicienda fides. Ovid.
〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉.
Sic est ad pugnae par∣tes re peractâ veniendum.
Il srate predicava, che non si dovesse robbare & lui ha∣veva l'occha nel scapulario. Ital.The same with the En∣glish,
only goose instead of pudding.
Qui veut prendre un oiseau qu' il ne l'affarouche. Gall.The same with the English.
The frog cannot out of her bog. Frost and fraud both end in foul.A saying ordinary in the mouth of Sr Tho. Egerton Lord Chancellour.
Remove the tale-bearer and contention ceaseth.
Sine Cercre & Libero friget Venus.
What is gained in the shortness may be lost in the goodness of the way.
Compendia plerum{que} sunt dispendia.
Bois ont oreilles, & champs oeillets. Gall.
Some hear and see him whom he heareth and seeth not; For fields have eyes, and woods have ears, ye wot. Heywood.
In care periculum, subaudi fac. Cares olim notatisunt. quód primi vitam mercede locabant.They were the first mer∣cenary souldiers. Practise new and doubtfull experiments in cheap commodities, or upon things of small value.
C' est folie de beer contre un four. Gall.
No gaping against an oven.
It seems this was a Latine Proverb in Hieroms time, E∣rasmus quotes it out of his preface to his commentaries on the epistle to the Ephesians,
Noli (ut vulgare est prover∣bium) equi dentes inspicere donati.
A caval donato non guardar in bocca. Ital.
A cheval donne il ne saut pas re∣garder aux dens. Gall.It is also in other modern Lan∣guages.
Plato mentions this as a childrens Proverb in his time.
〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, which with us also continues a Proverb among children to this day.
Les yeux plus grands que la pance. Gall.
Piu tosto si satolla il ventre chel'occhio. Ital.
Impletus venter non vult studere libenter.
Deus undecun{que} juvat modò propitius. Eras.
La ou Dieu veut il pleut. Gall.
After clothes, i. e. according to the peoples clothes.
Dieu donne le sroid selon le drap. Gall.
Spoken to encourage People in any distress.
〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉. Theogn.
La mala compagnia è quella che mena huomini à la fur∣ca, Ital.
Philip Alexanders father was reported to say, that he did not doubt to take any castle or cittadel, let the ascent be never so steep and difficult, if he could but drive up an ass laden with gold to the gate.
Toutce qui luit n'est pas or. Gall.
Non è oro tutto quel che luce. Ital.
Fronti nulla fides. Juven.
Della robba di mal acquista non se ne vede allegrezza. Ital.And,
Vien presto consumato l'ingiustamente ac∣quistato.
De mal è venu l'agneau & à mal retourne le peau. Gall.To naught it goes that came from naught.
〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉. Hesiod.
Mala lucra aequalia dam∣nis. Malè parta malè dilabuntur:and,
De malè quaesitis vix gaudet tertius haeres. Juven.
This is a womans Proverb.
Aquila non capit muscas.
Caval non morire, che herba dè venire. Ital.
Turpe senex miles, turpe senilis amor. Ovid.An old lecher is compared to an onyon, or leek, which hath a white head but a green tail.
〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉. Cic. Epist. Att. 5. Qualis hera tales pedijsequae. Et, 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉.
Catulae dominam imitantur. Videas autem (inquit Erasmus) & Melitaeas, opulentarum mulie∣rum delicias, fastum, laseiviam totàm{que} ferè morum imagi∣nem reddere.
For fear of being detected.
Il nè faut pas clocher de∣vant un boiteux. Gall.
E meglio esser fortunato che savio. Ital.
Gutta fortu∣nae prae dolio sapientiae.
Mieux vaut une once de fortune qu' une libre de sagesse. Gall.An ounce of good fortune is better then a pound of wisdom.
For commonly they who first raise great estates, do it either by usury and extortion, or by fraud and cozening, or by flattery and ministring to other mens vices.
Tu-ne cede malis, sed contra audentior ito. In re mala enimo si bono utare adjuvat.
Duro con duro non fa mai buon muro. Ital.Though I have seen at Ariminum in Italy an ancient Roman bridge
made of hewn stone laid together without any morter or cement.
Come s' ha fretta non si fa mai niente che stia bene. Ital.
Qui trop se haste en cheminent, en beau chemin se four∣voye souvent. Gall.He that walks too hastily, often stumbles in plain way.
Qui nimis properè minùs prosperè, & Nimium properans seriùs absolvit. Et Canis festinans caecos parit catulos. Et festinalenté.Tarry a little that we may make an end the sooner, was a saying of Sr Amias Paulet.
Presto & bene non si conviene. Ital.Hastily and well never meet.
This is only for the clinch sake become a Proverb, for certainly the greater, the more brains; and the more brains, the more wit, if rightly conformed.
Meglio è esser capo di lucertola che coda di dragone. Ital.
E meglio esser testa di luccio che coda di sturione. Ital.These four Proverbs have all the same sense, viz. Men love priority and precedency, had rather govern then be ruled, command then obey, lead then be sed, though in an inferiour rank and quality.
Qui n'a point de teste n'a que faire de chaperon. Gall.
The more you rake and scrape the worse success you have; or the more busie you are and stir you keep, the less you gain.
Parla poco, ascolta assai, & non fallirai. Ital.
Chascun joue au Roy despouille. Gall.They that are once down shall be sure to be trampled on.
Or as another Proverb hath it, Good take heed doth surely speed.
Abundans cautela non nocct.
Always for cowards. The French say,
Qui n'à coeur ait jambes; and the Italian in the same words,
Chi non ha cuore habbi gambe. He that hath no heart let him have heels. So we see, Nature hath provided timorous creatures, as Deers, Hares, Rabbets, with good heels, to save themselves by flight.
Al confessor medico & advocato Non si dè tener il vero celato. Ital.He that doth so doth it to his own harm or loss wronging thereby either his soul, body or estate.
Noli altum sapere.Mr Howel hath it, Hew not too high, &c. according to the Scottish Proverb.
Tolluntur in altum ut lapsu graviora ruant.The higher floud hath always the lower ebb.
A man may spare in an ill time: as some who will rather
die, then spend ten groats in Physick. Some have it, lose not a sheep, &c. Indeed tarr is more used about sheep then swine.
Amyclas silentium perdidit.It's a known story, that the Amycleans having been oft frighted and disquieted with vain reports of the enemies coming, made a law that no man should bring or tell any such news. Whereupon it hap∣ned, that when the enemies did come indeed, they were surprised and taken. There is a time to speak as well as to be silent.
〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉. Because there we have greatest freedom.
v. Eras. Bos alienus subinde prospect at for as.
Honores mutant mores.As poverty depresseth and deba∣seth a mans mind. So great place and estate advance and enlarge it; but many times corrupt and puff it up.
Honos alit artes. Quis enim virtutem amplectitur ipsam praemia si tollas?On the other side.
Sint Mecaenates non deerunt Flacco Marones: Virgilium{que} tibi vel tua rura dabunt.
Il faut perdre un veron pour pescher un Saulmon. Gall.
Spes alunt exules. Spes servat afflictos.
〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉.
Spes bona dat vires, animum quo{que} spes bona firmat.
Vivere spe vidi qui moriturus crat.
Hope well and have well, quoth Hickwell.
Parallel hereto is that of Apostolius, 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉. An asses tail will not make a sieve.
Ex quovis ligno non sit Mercurius.
Il n'y a si bon cheval qui ne bronche. Gall.
Quandó{que} bonus dormitat Homerus.
On ne fait boire a l'Asne quand il ne veut. Gall.&
On a beau mener le boeuf a l'eau s' il n'a soif. Gall.In vain do you lead the ox to the water, if he be not thirsty.
Il tignosa non ama il pettine. Ital.
Jamais tigneux n'aime le pigne. Gall.&
Cheval roigneux n'a cure qu' on l'estrille. Gall.
Non á scappato chi strascina la catena dietro. Ital.
Il n'est pas eschappée qui traine son lien. Gall.
Ab equinis pedibus procul recede.
Belle hostesse c' est un mal pour la bourse. Gall.
Tua res agitur paries cùm proximus ardet.
This is a kind of Law Proverb,
Jura publica savent pri∣vato domîls.
Chi fabrica la casa in piazza, ô che è troppo alta ô trop∣po bassa. Ital.
Il faut acheter maison fait & femme à faire. Gall.A house ready made and a wife to make. Hence we say,
Fools build houses and wise men buy them.
A man may love his children and relations well, and yet not cocker them, or be foolishly fond and indulgent to them.
Feriúnt{que} summos fulmina montes,Horat.
Appetito non-vuol salsa. Ital.
Il n'y a saulce que d'appetit. Gall.This Proverb is reckoned among the A∣phorisms of Socrates,
Optimum cibi condimentum fames sitis potûs. Cic. lib. 2. de finibus.
The horse in the Fable with a gall'd back desired the flies that were full might not be driven away, because hungry ones would then take their places.
Erasmus relates as a common Proverb (among the Dutch I suppose)
Hunger makes raw beans relish well or taste of Sugar.
Manet holié{que} vulgò tritum proverbium. Famem efficere ut crudae ctiam fabae saccharum sapiant.Darius in his slight drinking puddle-water desiled with dead carcasses, is reported to have said, that he never drank any thing that was more pleasant, for saith the story,
Ne{que} enim sitiens unquam biberat:he never had drank thirsty.
The full sto∣mach loatheth the honey-comb, but to the hungry, every bitter thing is sweet. Prov.
〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉.
Chascun demande sa sorte. Gall.Like will to like. It ought to be written Jyll, for it seems to be a nickname for Julia or Juliana.
Bonus dux bonum reddit comitem.Inferiours imitate the manners of superiours; subjects of their Princes, servants of their masters, children of their parents, wives of their husbands.
Praecepta ducunt, exempla trahunt.
This was a Proverb, when the Gentry brought up their children to speak French. After the conquest, the first Kings endeavoured to abolish the English Language, and introduce the French.
Ante barbam doces senes.
Praestat otiosum esse quàm nihil agere. Plin. epist.Bet∣ter be idle then do that which is to no purpose, or as good as nothing; much more then that which is evil.
Tresca con i fanti & lascia stari santi. Ital.Play with children, and let the saints alone.
Mauvaise herbe croist tous jours. Gall.
Pazzi cres∣cono
senza inaffiargli. Ital.Fools grow without water∣ing.
A mauvais chien la queüe luy vient. Gall.
Herba mala praesto cresce, Ital.
Pour un petit n'avant n'arriere. Gall.
〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉. Erasmus draws this to another sense, viz. There is no woman chast where there is no witness: but I think he mistakes the intent of it, which is the same with ours. When candles are out all cats are gray.
Extrema gaudii luctus occupat: & Usque adeò nulla est sin∣cera voluptas, Sollicitum{que} aliquid laetis intervenit.
Infin che il ferro è caldo bisogna batterlo. Ital.
Il fait bon battre le fer tandis qu' il est chaud. Gal.People must then be plied when they are in a good humour or mood.
Da mihi mutuum testimonium. Cic. orat. pro Flacco.Lend me an oath or testimony. Swear for me and I'll do as much for you. Or claw me and I'll claw you. Com∣mend me and I'll commend you. & Pro Delo Calauriam. Neptune changed with Latona Delos for Calauria.
La padella diee al paiuolo vati in la, che tu mi non tin∣ga. Ital.
Il lavezzo fabeffe de la pignata. Ital.
On ne seauroit faire d'une buse un espreuvier. Gall,
Les larrons s' entrebatent, les larcins se descouvrent. Gall.When High-way men fall out, robberies are dis∣covered.
As in trees those that bear the fairest blossoms, as double flower'd cherries and peaches, often bear no fruit at all, so in children, &c.
A ragged colt, &c.
A i ricchi non mancano parenti. Ital. The rich never want kindred.
Le dernier ferme la porte, ou la laisse ouverte. Gall.
Il vaut mieux tard que jamais. Gall.
Meglio tarde che non mai. Ital.
Nunquam sera est.&c▪
Merchand qui perd ne peut rire. Gall.The merchant
that loses cannot laugh. Give losers leave to speak, and I say, Give winners leave to laugh, for if you do not, they'll take it.
Nulla aetas ad perdiscendum sera est, Ambros.
All lay load upon those that are least able to bear it. For they that are least able to bear, are least able to resist the imposition of the burden.
It's an easie matter to ask leave, but the expence of a little breath, and therefore servants and such as are under command are much to blame, when they will do, or neglect to do what they ought not or ought, without asking it,
Qui preste al amis perd au double. Gall. He that lends
to his friend, loseth double, i. e. both mony and friend.
Infin que v' è fiato v' è speranza, Ital.
Aegroto dum anima est spes est. Tull. ad Attic.
〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉. When all diseases fled out of Pando∣ra's box, hope remained there still.
Martial saith,
Non est vivere, sed valere vita.
Le petit gain remplit la bourse. Gall.They that sell for small profit, vend more commodities and make quick re∣turns, so that to invert the Proverb, What they lose in the hundred, they gain in the county. Whereas they who sell dear, sell little, and many times lose a good part of their wares, either spoil'd or grown out of use and fashion by long keeping.
Poco è spesso empie il borsetto. Ital.Lit∣tle and often fills the purse.
Petit far deau poise à la longue, or Petite chose de loing poise, Gall.
That that costs little, will do little service, for com∣monly the best is beast cheap.
Al'oeil malade le lumiere nuit. Gall.He that doth evil hateth the light, &c.
Minuunt prasentia famam,is a true rule. Things are re∣presented at a distance, much to their advantage beyond their just proportion and merit. Fame is a magnifying glass.
Ogni simile appetisce il suo simile, Ital.
Chascum cher∣che son semblable, or, demande sa sorte, Gall.
Cascus eascam ducit, i. vetulus anum. Significat a. similis simi∣lem delectat.
Similes habent labra lactucas.A thistle is a sallet fit for an asses mouth. We use when we would signifie that, things happen to people which are suitable to them, or which they deserve: as when a dull scholar happens to a stupid or ig∣norant
master, a froward wife to a peevish husband, &c.
Dignum patellâ operculum.Like priest, like people, and on the contrary. These Proverbs are always taken in the worse sense.
Tal carne tal cultello. Ital.Like flesh like knife.
Quel maistre tel valet, Gall.
Tal Abbate tali i mona∣chi. Ital.
Little persons are commonly cholerick.
〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉.
〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉. Hesiod.
Adde parum parvo magnus acervus erit.
De petit vient on au grand. and, Les petits ruisseaux font les grands rivieres, Gall.All ekes, &c. The greatest num∣ber is made up of unites; and all the waters of the sea, of drops.
Piuma à piuma se pela l'occha. Ital.Feather by feather the goose is pluckt.
Ce quel'enfant oit au fouyer, est bien tost cogneu jus∣ques au Monstier.That which the child hears by the fire, is often known as far as Monstier, a Town in Savoy. So that it seems they have long tongues, as well as wide ears. And therefore (as Juvenal well said)
Maxima debetur pu∣ero reverentia.
Multis ictibus dejicitur quercus.Many strokes fell, &c.
Assiduity overcomes all difficulty. 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉.
Minutula pluvia imbrem parit. Assidua stilla saxum excavat.
Quid magis est durum saxo? quid mollius unda?
Dura tamen molli saxa cavantur aqud. Ovid.
Annulus in digito subter tenuatur habendo:
Stillicidî casus lapidem cavat, uncus aratri
Ferrcus occultè decrescit vomer in armis, Lucret.
Pliny reports, that there are to be found flints worn by the feet of Pismires. Which is not altogether unlikely; for the Horse ants especially, I have observed to have their rodes or foot-paths so worn by their travelling, that they may easily be observed.
Non si finisce mai d'imparare, Ital.
〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, A famous saying of Solon,
Discenti assiduè multa senecta vexit.
And well might he say so, for
Ars longa vita brevis,As Hip∣pocrates begins his Aphorisms.
On touche tous jours sur le cheval qui tire, Gall.The horse that draws is most whipt.
As for instance, he whose sheep die of the rot, saves the skins and wooll.
The Scotch Proverb saith a mouse, which is better sense, for a mouse is flesh and edible.
A mean condition is both more safe and more com∣fortable,
then a high estate.
Homme propose, mais Dieu dispose, Gall.
Humana con∣fiiia divinitus gubernantur.
Multorum manibus grande levatur onus.
〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉. Homer.
Unus vir nullus vir.
〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉. Euripid.
We must have a care of little things, lest by degrees we fall into great inconveniences. A little leak neglected, in time will sink a ship.
Tant•• teste tanti cervelli, Ital.
Autant de testes autant d'opinions, Gall.
Quot homines tot sententiae, Terent.
l'occhio del padrone ingrassa il cavallo, Ital.
L'oeil
du maistre engraisse le cheval. Gall.
〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉. Arist. Oeconom. 2.The answers of Perses and Libys are worth the observing. The former being ask∣ed, what was the best thing to make a horse fat, answered the masters eye: the other being demanded what was the best manure, answered the masters footsteps. Not imper∣tinent to this purpose, is that story related by Gellius. A fat man riding upon a lean horse asked, how it came to pass, that himself was fat, and his horse so lean. He answered because I feed my self, but my servant my horse.
When there is no more use of it.
Surfetting and diseases often attend full tables. Our na∣tion in former time, hath been noted for excess in eating, and it was almost grown a Proverb, That English men dig their graves with their teeth.
In other words, Prayers and provender, &c.
C' e da fare per tutto, diceva colui che fer••ava l'occha. Ital.
When all are eating, feasting or making good chear. By the way we may note that this word chear, which is parti∣cularly with us applied to meats and drinks, seems to be de∣rived from the Greek word 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 signifying joy: As it doth also with us in those words chearly and chearfull.
〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉.
Qui sugit molam sugit sarinam.
〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉.He that would have honey, must have bees. Erasmus saith, they commonly say, He that would have eggs, must endure the cackling of hens. It is I suppose a Dutch Proverb.
Assai acqua passa per il molino the il molinaio non vede, Ital.
Amener eau au moulin, or; Tirer eau en son moulin, Gall.
Tutti tira l'acqua al suo molino. Ital.
I mali vengono à carri & suggino a onze. Ital.
That is, better a present mischief that is soon over, then a constant grief and disturbance. Not much unlike to that, Better eye out, then always aking. The French have a Pro∣verb in sense, contrary to this,
Il faut laisser son enfant morveux plus tost que luy arracher le nez.Better let ones child be snotty then pluck his nose off. Better endure some small inconvenience, then remove it with a great mischief.
The French say,
Malheur ne vient jamais seul.One mis∣fortune never came alone. &
Apres perdre perd on bien.When one begins once to lose, one never makes an end. &
Un mal attire l'autre.One mischief draws on another, or one mischief falls upon the neck of another.
Fortuna nulli obesse contenta est semel.
This is a good observation, lies and false reports arise most part from mistake and misunderstanding. The first hearer mistakes the first reporter, in some considerable cir∣cumstance or particular; the second him, and so at last the truth is lost, and a lie passes currant.
Pecuniae obediunt omnia.〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 &c.
I danari san correre i cavaili. Ital.
Amour fait beaucoup, mais a gent fait tout. & Amour fait rage, mais argent fait marriage, Gall.Love makes rage, And money makes marriage.
Pecunia vir.
〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉.
Tanti quantum habeas fis, Horat.
Mothers are oftentimes too tender and fond of their chil∣dren. Who are ruined and spoiled by their cockering and indulgence.
Tristo è quel topo, che non ha ch' un sol pertuggio per salvarsi. Ital.
La souris qui n'a qu' une entrée est incon∣tinent happée, Gall.
Mus non uni fidit antro.Good ri∣ding at two anchors, having two strings to ones bow. This sentence came originally from Plautus in Truculento, v. E∣rasm. Adag.
This Proverb is much in the mouth of poor people: who get children, but take no care to maintain them.
Multa petentibus desunt multa, Horat.
Creverunt & opes & opum furiosa Cupido,
Ut quò possideant plurima plura p••••ant.
Sic quibus intumuit suffusa venter ab unda,
Quo plus sunt potae plus sitiuntur aquae. Ovid. Fast.
Those that are slovenly and dirty usually grow rich, not they that are nice and curious in their diet, houses and clothes.
This is observed very often to fall out in the immediate sense, as if the Providence of God were more then ordi∣narily manifested in such discoveries, It is used also to si∣gnifie, that any knavery or crime or the like will come to light.
〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉.When a singing-man or musician is out or at a loss, to conceal it he coughes.
〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉.Some seeking to hide a scape with a cough, render themselves doubly ridiculous.
Qui a bruit de se lever matin peut dormir jusques a dis∣ner, Gall.
Etiam trimestres liberi felicibus, Sue.
〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉.
La necessita non ha legge, Ital.
Ingens telum necessitas. Cic. de Amic.
Bisogno la trottar la vecchia, Ital.
Besoign fait vieille trotter, Gall.All the same, word for word.
Qui à bon voisin à bon matin, Gall.
Chi ha cattivo vici∣no ha il mal matino, Ital.
Aliquid mali propter vicinum malum, Plaut. in Merc.
〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, Hesiod.Themistocles having a farm to sell, caused the crier who proclaimed it, to add that it had a good neighbour: rightly judging that such an advantage would make it more vendible.
Proprio laus sordet in ore.Let another man praise thee and not thine own mouth, a stranger and not thine own lips.
De nouveau seigneur nouvelle mesnie, Gall.
Non cuivis homini contingit adire Corinthum, Horat.
Ninno da quello che non ha, Ital.
Le Roy perd sa rente ou il n'y a que prendre, Gall.
Because feeding well and doing little she becomes li∣quorish and gets a habit of idleness.
It may sometimes be better to have nothing then some∣thing. So said the poor man, who in a bitter snowy mor∣ning could lie still in his warm bed, when as his neighbours who had sheep and other cattel, were fain to get up be∣times and abroad, to look after and secure them.
Qui mesure l'huile il s' en oingt les mains, Gall.
〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉.And that not in respect of the mind only, but also of the body.
Discipulus est prioris posterior dies, Senec.
Nunquam ita quisquam benè subductâ ratione ad vitam suit, quin res, ae∣tas usus semper aliquid apportet novi, &c. Terent.
〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉.
Annosa vulpes non capitur laqueo.
Se la madre non fosse mai stata nel forno, non vi cer∣carebbe la figlia. Ital.The same to a word.
Un vieil chien jamais ne jappe en vain, Gall.
De Giovane ne muoiono di molti, di vecchi ne scampa nessuno, Ital.
Il à beau, mentir qui vient de loin. Gall.
Chi di gallina nasce convien che rozole, Ital. Some have it,
The young pig grunts like the old sow.
This I believe is a true observation, for probable it is, that all ter estrial animals both birds and beasts have in them from the beginning, the seeds of all those young they afterwards bring forth, which seeds, eggs if you so please to call them; when they are all spent, the female becomes ef∣faete or ceases to breed. In birds these seeds or eggs are vi∣sible, and Van Horn hath discovered them also in beasts.
It's all one to physick the dead, as to instruct old men.
〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉.
Senis mu∣tare inguamis an absurd impossible thing. Old age is int••a∣ctable, morose, slow and forgetfull. If they have been put in a wrong way at first, no hopes then of reducing them.
Senex psittacus negligit ferulam.
l'un mort dont l'autre vit, Gall.
This is an ancient Greek Proverb.
Arist. Ethic. Nicom. lib. 1. 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉.
En mangeant l'appetit vient. Gall.
If we once conceive a good opinion of a man, we will not be perswaded he doth any thing amiss; but him whom we have a prejudice against, we are ready to suspect on the sleightest occasion. Some have this good fortune, to have all their actions interpreted well, and their faults overlookt; others to be ill beheld and suspected, even when they are innocent. So parents many times are observed to have great partiality towards some child; and not to be offended with him for that, which they would severely punish in their o∣ther children.
Il bat le buisson sans prendre l'oisillon. Gall.
Alii se∣mentem faciunt, alii metent.This Proverb was used by Hen∣ry the fifth, at the siege of Orleans: when the citizens be∣sieged by the English, would have yielded up the town to the D. of Burgundy who was in the English camp, and not to the King. He said, shall I beat the bush and another take the bird? no such matter. Which words did so of∣fend the Duke, that he made peace with the French, and withdrew from the English.
Occasio facit furem.Therefore, masters and superiours and house-keepers ought to secure their moneys and goods under lock and key; that they do not give their servants, or any others, a temptation to steal.
i. e. Time to marry when the maid woes the man: pa∣rallel to that Cheshire Prov. It's time to yoke when the cart comes to the caples, i. e. horses.
It's good for prisoners to be out, but bad for the eyes to be out. This is a droll used by good fellows when one tells them, all the drink is out.
Bos lassus fortiùs sigit pedem.Those that are slow are sure.
Dii laboribus omnia vendunt.
Its here supposed that if the Parish be very bad the Par∣son must be in some fault; and therefore any thing is good enough for that Parson whose Parishioners are bad, either by reason of his ill example, or the neglect of his duty.
Pinguis venter non gignit sensum tenuem.This Hierom mentions in one of his Epistles as a Greek Proverb. The Greek is more elegant.
〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉.
Oy, voy, & te tais, si tu veux vivre en paix, Gall.
Ode, vede, tace, Sevuoi viver in pace, Ital.
Bonne la maille qui suave le denier, Gall.The halfpen∣ny is well spent that saves a penny.
The greatest sum is made up of pence: and he that is prodigall of a little can never gain a great deal: besides by his squandring a little one may take a scantling of his inclination.
Mu chemise m' est plus proche que ma robe. Gall.
Tocca piu la camisia ch' il gippone, Ital.i. e.
Tunica pallio propior.
〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉. Theocr.Some friends are nearer to me then others: my Parents and Children then my other Relations, those then my neighbours, my neighbours then strangers: but above all I am next to my self.
Plus pres est la chair que la chemise. Gall.My flesh is nearer then my shirt.
The French say chat en poche, i. e. a cat in a poke.
A familiar conversation breeds friendship among them who are of the most base and fordid natures.
Never refuse a good offer.
Things cannot be done without necessary helps and in∣struments.
Chi piscia contra il vento si bagna la camiscia, Ital.
He that pisseth against the wind, wets his shirt. It is to a mans own prejudice, to strive against the stream; he wea∣ries himself and loses ground too.
Chi spuda contra il vento si spuda contra il viso. Ital.He that spits against the wind spits in his own face.
Tant souvent va le pot à l'eau que l'anse y demeure, Gall.
Quem saepe transit aliquando invenit. Sen. Trag.
〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉.
Chose qui plaist est à demi vendu. Gall.
Mercantia chi piace è meza venduta. Ital.
Qui veut apprendre à prier, Aille souvent sur la mer, Gal.
A man may be humble that is in high estate, and peo∣ple of mean condition may be as proud as the highest.
Proud upstarts remember not the meanness of their for∣mer condition.
Merx ultronea putet, apud Hieronym.Erasmus saith,
Quin vulgo etiam in ore est, ultro delatum obsequium plerun{que} ingratum esse,So that it seems this Proverb is in use among the Dutch too.
Merchandise offe••te est à demi vendue, Gall.Ware that is proffer'd is sold for half the worth, or at half the price.
This is a flam or droll, used by them that break their word.
Aux bons meschet il, Gall.
Caudae pilos equinae paulatim vellere.There is a notable story of Sertorius mentioned by Plutarch in his life. He to perswade his souldiers that counsel was more available then strength, cause, two horses to be brought out, the one poor and lean; the other strong and having a bushy tail. To the poor weak horse he sets a great, strong, young man. To the strong horse he sets a little weak fellow, each to pluck off his horses tail. This latter pulling the hairs one by one, in a short space got off the whole tail: whereas the young man catching all the tail at once in his hands, fell a tugging with all his might, labouring and sweating to little purpose; till at last he tired, and made himself ridi∣culous to all the company.
Piuma à piuma se pela l'oc∣cha. Ital.Feather by feather the goose is pluckt.
Messe tenus propria vive.
Bonne beste s' eschausse en mangeant, Gall.A good beast will get himself on heat with eating.
Hardi gaigneur hardi mangeur, Gall.
Petite pluye abat grand vent.Small rain, or a little rain lays a great wind, Gall. So said a mad fellow, who lying in bed bepist his farting wives back.
Est modus in rebus.
〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉. Phocyl.
Chi fa conto senza l'hoste fa conto due volte, Ital.
Qui compte sans son hoste, il lui convient compter deux sois, Gal.
A vieux comptes nouvelles disputes, Gall.Old reck∣onings breed new disputes or quarrels.
Conto spesso è a∣micitia longa. Ital.
Citò maturum citò putridum. Odi puerulum praecoci sapi∣entia, Apul.It is commonly held an ill sign, for a child to be too forward and rise-witted, viz. either to betoken premature death, according to that motto I have somewhere seen under a coat of arms,
Is cadit ante sencm qui sapit ante diem;or to betoken as early a decay of wit and parts. As trees that bear double flowers, viz Cherties Peaches, &c. Bring forth no fruit, but spend all in the blossom. Wherefore as another Proverb hath it; It is better to knit then blossom.
Praesto maturo, praesto marzo. Ital.
Plures adorant solem orientem quam occidentem.They that are young and rising have more followers, then they that are old and decaying. This consideration, it is thought, withheld Queen Elizabeth, a prudent Princess, from decla∣ring her successour.
All is lost that is bestowed upon an ungratefull porson; he remembers no courtesies.
Perit quod facis ingrato. Senec.
That is, many talk of things which they have no skill in, or experience of. Robert Hood was a famous robber in the time of King Richard the first: his principal haunt was a∣bout Shirewood forest in Notingham-shire. Camden calls him,
praedonem mitissimum.Of his stollen goods he afford∣ed good penny-worths, Lightly come lightly go.
Molti parlan di Orlando chi non viddero mai suo brando. Ital.
Non omnes qui citharam tenent citharoedi.
Saxum volutum non obducitur musco.
〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉.
Pietra mossa non fa muschio, Ital.
La pierte souvent remuée n'amasse pas volontiers mousse. Gall.To which is parallel that of Fabius, Qu.
Planta quae saepiùs transscrtur non coalescit.A plant often removed cannot thrive.
Rome n'a ste basti tout en un jour, Gall.&
Grand bien ne vient pas en peu d'heures.A great estate is not gotten in a few hours.
This deserves not place among Proverbs, yet because I find it both among our English Collections, and likewise the French and Italian, I have let it pass.
A tavola tonda non si contende del luoco, Ital.
Ronde table oste le debat, Gall.
This Proverb may be variously applied; either thus, Let them bear the blame that deserve it: or thus, Let them bear the burden that are best able.
〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉.
A ogni cosa è rimedio fuora qu' alla morte. Ital.There's a remedy for every thing but death.
For old age, wherein the head grows white. It's some∣what a harsh Metaphor to compare age to a horse.
Du dire au faict y a grand traict, Gall.
Un a pecora insetta n'ammorba una setta. Ital.
Il nè faut qu' une brebis rogneuse pour gaster tout le troupeau, Gall.
Grex toius in agris unius scabie cadit & porrigine porci, Juvenal.
Can scottato d'acqua calda ha paura poi della fredda, Ital.
Chat eschaudè craint l'eau froide. Gall.
Dignum patellâ operculum.
〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉.
Est autem Cory∣dus vilissimum aviculae genus minimé{que} canorum.
He that scorns any condition, action or employment, may come to be, nay often is driven upon it himself. Some word it thus: Hanging's stretching, mocking's catching.
Mutuum muli scabunt.Ka me and I'll ka thee. When undeserving persons commend one another.
Manus manum fricat&
Manus manum lavat.Differ not much in sense.
Loda il mare & tienti à terra, Ital.
Chi con l'occhio vede, col cuor crede. Ital.
A barbe de fol on apprend à raire, Gall.
Ala barba de pazzi il barbier impara a radere, Ital.He is a fool that will suffer a young beginner to practise first upon him.
Chi pecora si fa il lupo la mangia, Ital.
Qui se fait brebis le loup le mange Gall.He that is gentle, and puts up affronts and injuries shall be sure to be loaden.
Veterem fe∣rendo injuriam invitas novam, Terent.
Post folia cadunt arbores, Plaut.
It is therefore an instance of absurd application, Eundem calceum omni pedi induere. Or Eodem collyrio omnibus me∣deri.
La suola tien con la Scarpa, Ital.i. e. The sole holds with the shooe.
i. e.Sermonis prolixitas fastidiosa. Cognat. è Ficino.
De court plaisir long repentir, Gall.
This is (I suppose) also a Dutch Proverb. For Eras∣mus saith,
Jam omnibus in ore est, qui semotus sit ab oculis eundem quoque ab animo semotum esse. Absens hares non erit.
Chi tace confessa, Ital.
〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, Euripid.
Qui
tacet consentire videtur, inquiunt Juris consulti. Assez con∣sent qui nè mot dit, Gall.
The Suisses have a Proverb among themselves, parallel to this.
Point d'argent point de Suisse.No money no Suisse. The Suisses for money will serve neighbouring Princes in their wars, and are as famous in our days for mercenary souldiers, as were the Carians of old.
Cantabit vacuus coram latrone viator.
Se rouinâsse il cielo si pigliarebbon di molti uccelli, Ital.
Sile ciel tomboiles cailles scroyent prinses, Gall.
Petit mercier, petit panier, Gall.
Non est fumus absque igne,though it be no ancient one.
Truy aime mieux bran que roses, Gall.
Sera in fundo parsimonia. Seneca Epist. 1.
〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉. Hesiod.
Qui pergit ea quae vult dicere, ea quae non vult audict. Terent.
Ad consilium nè accesseris antequam voceris.
A qui chapon mange chapon lui vient, Gall.He that eats good meat shall have good meat.
Non opus admisso subdere calcar equo, Ovid.
Plus in alieno quàm in suo negotio vident homines.
Serrar la stalla quando s' han perduti i buovi, Ital.
Il est temps de sermer l'estable quand les chevaux en sontal∣les, Gall.
〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉.
Quandoquide accepto claudenda est janua damno, Juv. Sa. 13.
Serò clypeum post vnlnera sumo, Ovid.
〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉. Lucian.
Doppo il cattivo ne vien il buon tempo, Ital.
A∣pres
la pluye vient le beau temps, Gall.
Contra torrentem niti.
〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉.
Stultus ab obliquo qui cum discedere possit, Pugnat in adversas ire natator aquas, Ovid.
Bon guet chasse mal aventure, Gall.
Abundans caute∣tela non nocet.
Nul'pain sans peine, Gall.
Celuy peut hardiment nager à qui l'on soustient le menton, Gall.
Nè puero gladium.For they will abuse it to their own and others harm.
Therefore a good Judge ought to hear both parties.
Qui statuit aliquid parte inauditá alterâ, Aequum licet sta∣tuerit haud aquus fucrit.
〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉.
Non verbis sed fact is opus est. Nec mihi diccre promptum, nec facere est lsti. Ovid.
Verba importat Hermodorus.
Niente piu tosto se secca che lagrime, Ital.
〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉.I have taught thee to dive, and thou seekest to drown me.
Dispiccha l'impicchato che impicchera poi te, Ital.
Ostez un vilain du gibet il vous y mettra, Gall.
Humane laws can take no cognizance of thoughts, un∣less they discover themselves by some overt actions.
No place no condition is exempt from all trouble.
Ni∣hil est ab omni parte beatum. In medio Tybride Sardinia est.I think it is true of the thorn-bush in a litteral sense, Few places in England where a man can live in but he shall have one near him.
Certo su appiccato per ladro. Ital.i. e. Truly or cer∣tainly was hang'd for a thief.
The French say,
Secret de Deux secret de Dieu, secret de trois secret de tous.The Italians in the same words,
Tre taceranno, se due vi non sono.
Cito pede praeterit atas, Fugit irrevocabile tempus.
Col tempo & la paglia si maturano mespoli, Ital.
Avec le temps & la paille l'on meure les mesles, Gall.
Assez y a si trop n'y a, Gall.
Nè quid nimis.
〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉.This is an Apophthegm of one of the seven wise men; some attribute it to Thales, some to Solon.
Est modus in rebus, sunt, &c. Hor.
l'abondanza delle cose ingenera fastidio. Ital.
Telle racine, telle fueille. Gall.
De fructu arborem cognosco. Mat. 12. 34.The tree is known by its fruit.
〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉. Theogn.Therefore it was an ancient precept.
〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉.
Non vien ingannato se non che si fida. Ital.There is none deceived but he that trusts.
Obsequium amicos, veritas odium parit, Terent.
Vox populi, vox Dei.
Chascun ira au moulin avec son propre sac, Gall.Eve∣ry one must go to the mill with his own sack, i. e. bear his own burden.
Qui plaisir fait plaisir requiert, Gall.
Gratia gratiam parit.
〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, Sophocl.He that would have friends, must shew himself friendly.
Fricantem refrica,
〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉.It is meet and comely, just and e∣qual to requite kindnesses, and to make them amends who have deserved well of us. Mutual offices of love, and al∣ternate help or assistance, are the fruits and issues of true friendship.
〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉.
Unus vir nullus vir.
Deux yeux voyent plus clair qu' un, Gall.
Plus vi∣dont oculi quàm oculus.
Tener il cul su due scanni, Ital.
Il a le cul entre deux selles, ar, Assis entre deux selles le cul à terre, Gall.
Tout est fait negligemment la ou l'un l'autre s' attend.While one trusts another, the work is left undone.
Noli pugnare duobus, Catull.&
Nè Hercules quidem adversus duos.It's no uncomely thing to give place to a mul∣titude. Hard to resist the strength, or the wit, or the im∣portunity of two or more combin'd against one. Hercules was too little for the Hydra and Cancer together.
Deux chiens ne s' accordent point à un os, Gall.
Duabus anchoris fultus.
〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, Aristid.
〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉. Pindar.It's good in a stormy or winter night, to have two anchors to cast out of a ship.
Il faut hazarder un petit poisson pour prendre un grand, Gall.
Butta una sardola per pigliar un luccio. Ital.
Chi non s' arrischia non guadagna, Ital.
Qui ne s' adventure n'à cheval ny mule, Gall.
Quid enim tentare nocebit? & Conando Graeci Troja potiti sunt.
Rarò antecedentem scelestum deseruit pede poena claudo, Horat.
Il savio fa della necessita virtu, Ital.
〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉.Erasmus makes to be much of the same sense, That is, to do or suffer that patiently which cannot well be avoided.
Levius fit patien∣tia, Quicquid corrigere est nefas.Or to do that our selves by an act of our own, which we should otherwise shortly be compelled to do. So the Abbeys and Covents which resi∣gned their lands into King Henry the eight his hands, made a vertue of necessity.
Usus promptos facit.
Citiùs usura currit quam Heraclitus.The pay days re∣cur before the creditour is aware. Of the mischiefs of usury I need say nothing, there having been two very in∣genious treatises lately published upon that subject, suffici∣ent to convince any desinteressed person of the evil conse∣quences of a high interest and the benefit that would ac∣crue to the common wealth in general, by the depression of interest.
Proba merx facilè emptorem reperit, Plaut. poen.
Lue, i. e. enclining to cold, whence comes the word lukewarm.
Les mal vestus devers le vent, Gall.The worst clothed are still put to the wind-ward.
Tutte le gran facende si fanno di poca cosa. Ital.
〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉.
In muncribus res praestan∣tissima mens est. Super omnia vultus accessêre boni.
In other places, if you say well well, they will ask, whom you threaten.
Muro bianco carta da matti, ItalSome put this in rhyme; He is a fool and ever shall, that writes his name upon a wall.
Qui semel scurra nunquam patersamilias, Cic. Orat.
Aliquando qui lusit iterum ludet.
Il n'est de pire sourd que celuy qui ne veut ouïr, Gall.
Chi non puo sare come voglia faccia come puo, Ital.and
Chi non puo quel che vuol, quel che puo voglia.
Quo∣niam
id fieri quod vis non potest, velis id quod possis. Terent. Andria.
A quelque chose malheur est bonne, Gall.Misfortune is good for something.
Al buon vino non bisogna frasca, Ital.
A bon vin il ne faut point d'enseigne, Gall.
Vino vendibili hederâ sus∣pensâ nihil est opus.
In Proverbium cessit, Sapientiam vino obumbrari, Plin. lib. 27. cap. 1.
Vin dentro, senno fuora. Ital.
Vineger, i. e. Vinum acre.
Forte e l'aceto di vin dul∣ce, Ital.
Corruptio optimi est pessima.
This is a French Proverb,
Mauvaise est la saison quand un loup mange l'autre.
This is also a French Proverb,
Qui passe un jour d'hyver passe un de ses ennemis mortels.
Si souhaits furent vrais pastoureaux seroyent rois, Gall.If wishes might prevail, shepherds would be Kings.
Duro flagello mens docetur rectiús.
〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, Nazianz.
〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉,
Nocumenta documenta, Galeatum serò duelli poenitet.
A buon intenditor poche parole, Ital.
A bon enten∣deuril ne faut que demye parole, Gall.So the Italians say, A few words; we say one word; and the French say, half a word is enough to the understanding and apprehen∣sive.
〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉.
Douces promesses obligent les fols, Gall.I fatti sono maschii, le parole femine. Ital. Deeds are males, words are females.
Poche parole & buon regimento. Ital.A fools voice is known by multitude of words. Nature hath furnished man with two ears and but one tongue, to signifie, He must hear twice so much as he speaks.
Re opitulandum non verbis:the same in other terms,
Douces or belles paroles ne scorchent pas la langue, Gall.Soft words scald not the tongue.
Meschant ouvrier ja ne trouvera bons outils, Gall.
Though this be no Proverb, yet it is an observation ge∣nerally true (the more the pity) and therefore as I have found it, I put it down.
〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉.
Felicium mul∣ti cognati.It was wont to be said,
Ubi amici ibi opes,but now it may (as Erasmus complains) well be inverted,
Ubi opes ibi amici.
Habet & musca splcnem.
〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉.
Inest & formicae & serpho bilis.The meanest or weakest person is not to be provoked or despised. No creature so small, weak or contemptible, but if it be inju∣red and abused, will endeavour to revenge it self.
Au plus debile la chandelle a la main, Gall.
Bien perdu bien connu, or Chose perdue est lors con∣nue, Gall.
Vache ne seait que vaut sa queue jusques a ce qu' elle l'ait perduë.The cow knows not what her tail is worth, till she hath lost it.
That is, he that contends with vile persons, will get no∣thing but a stain by it. One cannot touch pitch without being defiled.
Aussi tost meurt veau comme vache, Gall.
Cosi tosto muore il capretto come capra, Ital.
This is quoted by Camden, as a saying of one Doctour Metcalf. It is now in many peoples mouths, and likely to pass into a Proverb.
De jeune Angelote vieux diable, Gall.
A Tartesso ad Tar∣tarum.
Chi vive in corte muore à pagliaro. Ital.
To bring a noble to nine-pence. We speak it of an un∣thrift.
Ha fatto d'una lanza una spina, & d'una calza una borsetta. Ital.He hath made of a lance a thorn, and of a pair of breeches a purse: parallel to ours, He hath thwit∣ten amill-post to a pudding-prick.
This hath the same sense with the precedent. Harp and harrow are coupled, chiefly because they begin with the same letter.
Edmund Plowden was an eminent common Lawyer in Queen Elizabeths time, born at Plowden in Shropshire, of whom Camden gives this character, Vitae integritate inter homines suae professionis nulli secundus. Elizabeth. Ann. 1584. And Sr Edward Coke calls him the Oracle of the common Law. This Proverb is usually applied to such Lawyers or others as being corrupted with larger fees shift sides and pretend the case is altered; such as have bovem in lingua. Some make this the occasion of the Proverb: Plowden being asked by a neighbour of his, what remedy there was in Law against his neighbour for some hogs that had trespassed his ground, answered, he might have very good remedy, but the other replying, that they were his hogs, Nay then neighbour (quoth he) the case is altered. Others more probably make this the originall of it. Plow∣den being a Roman Catholick, some neighbours of his who bare him no good will, intending to entrap him and bring him under the lash of the Law, had taken care to dress up an Altar in a certain place, and provided a Lay-man in a Priests habit, who should do Mass there at such a time. And withall notice thereof was given privately to Mr Plow∣den, who thereupon went and was present at the Mass. For this he was presently accused and indicted. He at first stands upon his defence and would not acknowledge the thing. Witnesses are produced, and among the restone,
who deposed, that he himself performed the Mass, and saw Mr Plowden there. Saith Plowden to him, art thou a Priest then? the fellow replied, no. Why then Gentlemen (quoth he) the case is altered: No Priest no Mass. Which came to be a Proverb, and continues still in Shropshire with this addition. The case is altered (quoth Ployden) No Priest no Mass.
Peschar col hamo d'argento.The Italians by this phrase mean, to buy fish in the market. It is also a Latine Proverb,
Aureo hamo piscari.Money is the best bait to take all sorts of persons with.
De alieno corio liberalis.
Del cuoio d'altri si fanno le corregge largee. Ital.
Il coupe large courroye du cuir d'autruy. Gall.It may pass for a sentence thus, Men cut large shives of others loaves. This should seem to be also a Dutch Proverb: for Erasmus saith,
Circumfertur apud nostratium vulgus non absimile huic Proverbium, Ex alieno tergore lata secari lora.
Ut salutaris ita resalutaberis.
It is used when one tells that for knews which every body knows. A Sussex Proverb, but who this Lord Baldwin was I could not learn there.
Who this Bolton was I know not, neither is it worth the enquiring. One of this name might happen to say Bate me an ace, and for the coincidence of the first letters of these two words Bate and Bolton it grew to be a Proverb. We have many of the like originall as v. g. Sup Simon. &c. Stay quoth Stringer, &c. There goeth a story of Queen Elizabeth, that being presented with a Collection of En∣glish Proverbs, and told by the Authour that it contained all the English Proverbs, nay replied she, Bate me an ace quoth Bolton: which Proverb being instantly looked for happened to be wanting in his Collection.
That is I remember his injuries done to me with indi∣gnation and grief, or a purpose of revenge.
That is, you'll be a begger, you'll scratch your self.
That is, give all to one son.
Voglio piu tosto crederlo che andar a cercarlo. Ital.
Bilk, i. e. nothing. A man is said to be bilkt at Cribbets
when he gets nothing, when he can make never a game.
Spoken of a covetous person.
That is, to fare hardly, to be cut short or suffer want, for a horse can eat but slowly when the bridle is in his mouth. Or else it may signifie to fret, swell and disquiet himself with anger. Froena mordere in Latine hath a different sense, i. e. to resist those who have us in subjection, as an unruly horse gets the bridle between his teeth and runs a∣way with his rider, or as a dog bites the staff you beat him with. Statius useth it in a contrary sense, viz. to submit to the Conquerour and take patiently the bridle in ones mouth.
Subiit leges & froena momordit.
Aethiopem lavare or dealbare,〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 seu 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉. Labour in vain. Parallel whereto are many other Latine Proverbs, as
laterem lavare, arenas arare.
That is you can find no fault in him, charge him with no crime.
That is, good parentage, if he had but wealth. Groats are great oatmeal of which good housewives are wont to make black puddings.
Coventry had formerly the reputation for dying blues, in so much that true blue came to be a Proverb, to signifie one that was alway the same, and like himself.
Egli m' ha dato un osso da rosegar. Ital.
Spoken of a housewively maid that grows idle after mar∣riage.
Taglia m' il naso & soppi me poi nelle orecchie. Ital.
Ab asino lanam.
This is said of a man in fear. We know vehement fear causes a relaxation of the sphincter ani, and unvoluntary dejection. Buttons, because the excrements of some ani∣mals are not unlike buttons or pellets: as of sheep, hares, &c. Nay they are so like, that they are called by the same name; this figure they get from the cells of the Colon.
Some have it, so let them drink, and it seems to be bet∣ter sence so.
Tute hoc intrîsti tibi omne exedendum est. Terent. Phorm.
Ut sementem feceris ita metes. Cic. de Orat. lib. 2.
i. e. to intercept ones trencher, cup, or the like; or to offer or pretend to do kindnesses to one, and then pass him by and do it to another, to lay hold upon and serve himself of that which was intended for another.
〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉.
Tal nutre il corvo che gli ca∣vera poi gli occhi.He brings up a raven, &c. Ital.
Far castelli in aria. Ital.
Spoken of one that frisks about, and cannot rest in a place.
i. e. He hath a plentifull estate: he is fat and full.
This is a jeer for men with over-slender legs.
That is, he is an old man, Philosophers are wont to com∣pare mans life not ineptly to the burning of a lamp, the vi∣tall heat always preying upon the radical moisture, which
when it is quite consumed a man dies. There is indeed a great likeness between life and flame, air being as necessa∣ry to the maintaining of the one as of the other.
In former times when this Proverb came first in use men generally wore caps: Hats were a thing hardly known in England, much less hats made of rabbets or beavers furr. Capping was then a great trade and severall statutes made about it. So that, if his cap were made of wooll, was as much as to say most certainly, As sure as the clothes on his back. Dr Fuller.
When two or more run together, and one gets ground, he that is cast and despairs to overtake commonly casts his hat after the foremost, and gives over the race. So that to cast their caps at one is to despair of catching or over∣taking him.
Alterâ manu sert aquam, alterâ ignem.
〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, &c. Plutarch.
Il porte le feu & l'eau, Gall.
Al∣terâ manu sert lapidem, alterâ panem ostentat. Plaut.
Currus bovem trahit.
Metter il carro inanzi aibuoi. Ital.
La charrue va devant les boeufs. Gall.
This is used when People hear a great noise and hubbub
amongst the good wives of the town, and know not what it means; but suppose that some sad accident is happened; as that the cat is faln into the cream-pot, or the like.
A char in the Northern dialect is any particular business, affair or charge, that I commit to or entrust another to doe. I take it to be the same with charge
〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉.
i. e. To consider of a thing, to revolve it in ones mind: to ruminate, which is the name of this action, is used in the same sense both in Latine and English.
I cannot conceive what might be the occasion, nor what is the meaning of this saying. I take it to be senseless and nugatory.
Patris est silius.He is his fathers own son; taken al∣ways in an ill sense.
Pennas incidere alicui.
Soli lumen mutuari; coelo stellas; ranae aquam. Crocum in Ciliciam, ubi sc. maximè abundat: Noctuas Athenas.
Porter de fueilles au bois. Gall.To carry leaves to the wood.
Alcinoo poma dare.
This is spoken of a Prodigal, one that takes out the spig∣get and lays it upon the top of the barrel, drawing out the whole vessel without any intermission.
i. e. He wants brains. Tall men are commonly like high houses, in which the uppermost room is worst furnished.
It is usually spoken of an old man that's wanton and pe∣tulant.
As is usually done to cocks when gelded; to cool ones courage.
In the North they say, Ask my mother if my father be a thief.
Demanda al hosto s' egl'ha buon vino. Ital.Ask your host if he have good wine.
To spend more then ones allowance or income.
La nuict donne conseil. Gall.
Noctu urgenda consilia. Inde nox
〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 dicitur, 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉.
La notte e madre di pensieri. Ital.The night is the mother of thoughts.
What is got in the whole sum is lost in particular recko∣nings; or in generall, what is got one way is lost another.
Eau beniste de la cour. Gall.Fair words and nothing else.
i. e. No money which hath usually a cross on the averse side.
Assai romor & poca lana. Ital.
A sinum tondes. Partu∣riunt montes, &c.
Aberrari a janua.
To deal all to others and leave nothing to himself.
To work out an old debt or without hope of future re∣ward.
Argent receu le bras rompu. Gall.The wages had the arm is broken.
Chi paga inanzi è servito indietro. Ital.He that pays beforehand is served behindhand.
Chi paga inanzi tratto Trova il lavor mal fatto. Ital.
Dee is the name of the river on which the city Chester stands: the mills thereon yield a great annual rent, the big∣gest of any houses about that city.
Some add, And yet cheese will not choke him.
That is, over the shoulders, as the vulgar usually say. There is a coincidence in the first letters of Dickson and di∣stress: otherwise who this Dickson was I know not.
〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉. Lucian.
Canis in praescpi.
E come il cane del ortolano, che non mangia de cauoli egli & non ne lascia mangiar altri. Ital.Like the gardners dog who cannot eat the coleworts himself, nor will suffer others.
Not of mutton, but their own; spoken in derision of a misers house.
i. e. part with his estate before he die.
This is the Seamens phrase for a draught of brandy wine or strong waters.
That is, to fast, to go without ones dinner. This Duke Humphrey was uncle to K. Henry the sixth, and his Pro∣tectour during his minority, Duke of Glocester, renowned for hospitality and good house-keeping. Those were said to dine with Duke Humphrey, who walked out dinner time in the body of S. Pauls Church; because it was believed the Duke was buried there. But (saith Dr Fuller) that saying is as far from truth as they from dinner, even twen∣ty miles off: seeing this Duke was buried in the Church of St Albans, to which he was a great benefactour.
Dentro da un orecchia & fuora dal altra. Ital.
That is, he hates me mortally. So we know some of the Americans feast upon the dead carcases of their enemies.
〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉.
I am very busie. Egges if they be well roasted require much turning.
Lucernam olere.
That is, she hath had a bastard; another meaning of this phrase see in the letter B, at the word broken.
Spoken of a lier. Elden hole is a deep pit in the Peak
of Darbyshire near Castleton, fathomless the bottom, as they would perswade us. It is without water, and if you cast a stone into it you may for a considerable time hear it strike against the sides to and again as it descends, each stroke giving a great report.
Vias novit quibus effugit Eucrates.This Eucrates was a miller in Athens who getting share in the Government was very cunning in finding out shifts and pretences to excuse himself from doing his duty.
This Pedley was a natural fool of whom go many sto∣ries.
Faire bonne mine. Gall.
〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉.
Post festum venisti. Plat. in Gorg.
This is an ancient Greek Proverb,
〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉.Self-love makes even a mans vices, infirmities and imper∣fections to please him.
Suus cui{que} crepitus bene 〈◊〉〈◊〉.
Non est è terris mollis ad astra via.
If Gentlemen and Persons ingeniously educated will mingle themselves with rusticks in their rude sports, they must look for usage like to or rather courser then others.
Nè depugnes in alleno negotio.
〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉.To fight with shadows, to be afraid of his own fancies; imagining danger where there is none.
Prudens in flammam nè manum injicito. Hieron.Put not your finger needlesly into the fire. Meddle not with a quarrel voluntarily wherein you need not be concern'd. Prov. 26. 17.
Scire tanquam ungues digitósque.
Probably from the two sorts of Ordeall by fire and water
Oleum camino addere.
Lo gli ho messo un pulce nel orecchio. Ital.It's not easie to conceive by them who have not experienced it, what a buzzing and noise a flea will make there.
We say it of a man when all his hopes are gone.
Cader dalla padella nelle bragie. Ital.
Saulter de la poile & se jetter dans les braises. Gall.
De fume in flam∣mam(which Ammianus Marcellinus cites as an ancient Pro∣verb) hath the same sense,
Evitatâ Charybdi in Scyllam incidere. Nè cinerem vitans in prunas incidas.
〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉. Lucian.
Suum cui{que} pulchrum.
Ill suo soldo val tredeci danari. Ital.His shilling's worth 13 pence.
Broom is so far from sweet that it's very bitter.
Ab equis ad asinos.
A fronte praecipitium, à tergo lupi.
Qui quae vult dicit quae non vult audiet. Terent.
ut sa∣lutaris ita resalutaberis.
Ab equis ad asinos. Mandrabuli in morem.Mandrabu∣lus finding gold mines in Samos, at first offered and gave to Juno a golden ram, afterward a silver one, then a small one of brass, and at last nothing at all.
Sunt bona, sunt quaedam mediocria, sunt mala plura Quae legis, &c. Mart.
This was some Scotchman, for I have been told, that they are wont to do so: my self have seen them hold plough in their cloaks.
That is of a scarlet dye, The Alkermes berry where-with they dye scarlet is called in Greek, 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉. that is granum in Latine, and in English grain.
The grain, Pecten ligni, longways the wood, as the fi∣bres run. To go transversly to these fibres is to go against the grain.
Aquilam volare, Delphinum natare doce.
Il ne faut ap∣prendre aux poissons à nager. Gall.You must not teach fish to swim. Teach me to do that I know how to do much better then your self. Teach your father to beget children.
Sus Minervam.
On ne doit pas à gras porceau le cul oindre. Gall.
That is to put money into his hand; to fee or bribe him.
The anfractus of the brain, look'd upon when the Dura mater is taken oft, do much resemble guts.
The hair of most animals lies one way, and if you stroke them down that way the hair lies, your hand slides smooth∣ly down; but if you stroke the contrary way, the hair rises up and resists the motion of your hand.
i. e. To be drunk again the next day.
i. e. To divide so exactly as that neither part have ad∣vantage.
In diem vivere,or as
Persius, Ex tempore vivere.
I' ay assez á faire environ les mains. Gall.
Demitto auriculas ut iniquae mentis ascllus. Horat.
On ne prend le lievre au tabourin. Gall.One cannot catch a hare with a tabret.
Bove venari leporem.
Spoken to one that comes so late that he hath lost his dinner or supper. Why the hares foot must be kist I know not; why the cook should be kist there is some reason, to get some victuals of her.
i. e. Ballance things, set one against another.
〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉.
Aut navis, aut galerus.Something if you knew what.
Ego ero post principia. Terent.
Eandem cantilenam recinere; & eâdem chordâ aberrare. Horat.
Spoken of a slow person. There is an aequivoque in the word Hastings which is the name of a great family in Lei∣cestershire, which were Earls of Huntington. They had a fair house at Ashby de la zouch, now much ruined.
To be in despair.
Ad perditam securim manubrium ad∣jicere.
Toucher au blanc. Gall.To hit the white.
A man is said to have Hobsons choice, when he must ei∣ther take what is left him, or chose whether he will have any part or no. This Hobson was a noted Carrier in Cam∣bridge in K. James his time, who partly by carrying, part∣ly by grazing raised himself to a great estate, and did much good in the Town; relieving the Poor, and build∣ing a publick Conduit in the Market-place.
Not much unlike hereto is that Latine one,
Duabus sellis sedere,i. e.
incertarum esse partium, & ancipiti fide ambabus servire velle, v. Erasm.Liberius Mimus chosen into the Senate by Caesar, coming to sit down by Cicero, he refu∣sing him, said, I would take you in did we not sit so close
[nisi angustè sederemus]reflecting upon Caesar, who chose so many into the Senate that there was scarce room for
them to sit. Liberius replied, but you were wont to sit upon two stools
[duabus sellis sedere]meaning to be on both sides.
Quo jure, quâ{que} injuriâ. Terent.
Soit à droit ou à tort. Gall.
That is the gallows.
〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉.
〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉.A turn-coat, a weathercock.
Romper il giaccio. Ital.
Scindere glaciem.To begin any hazardous or difficult thing.
Belly-wark, i. e. belly-ake. It is used when People complain of sickness for a pretence to be idle upon no ap∣parent cause.
So the Ape is said to strangle her young ones by em∣bracing and hugging them. And so may many be said to do, who are still urging their sick friends to eat this and that and t'other thing, thereby clogging their stomacks and adding fewel to their diseases. fondly imagining that if they eat not a while they'll presently die.
A chip of the old block.
Qui naist de geline il aime à grater. Gall.He that was born of a hen loves to be scraping.
Avoir l'aller pour le venir. Gall.To have ones going for ones coming.
Ad Graecas calendas,i. e. never.
〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉.
Cùm muli pariunt. Herodot.
As bottled Ale is said to do.
Da una banda m' onge, da l'altra me ponge. Ital.
Si leonina pellis non satis est, assuenda vulpina.
Coudre le peau de regnard à celle du lion. Gall.To attempt or compass that by craft which we cannot obtain or effect by force.
Dolus an virtus quis in hoste requirit.
To lose ones longing.
Egli scortarebbe un pedocchio per haverne la pelle. Ital.He would flay a louse to get the skin.
Aquam plorat cùm lavat fundere. Plaut.
i. e. To correct that which is without any fault or er∣rour. Magnificat is the Virgin Mary's hymn Luke 1. So called from the first word of it, which is Magnificat. As the other hymns are called Benedictus, Nunc dimittis, Te Deum, &c. For the same reason. Nodum in scirpo quae∣rere.
Spoken of a woman that hath maiden children.
This is used in Cheshire and the neighbour Countries. They mean by it, I am little concerned in the thing men∣tioned: I care not much come on it what will.
There is an aequivoque in the word manners, which if written with an e signifies mores, if with an o manneria; howbeit in the pronunciation they are not distinguished; and perhaps in writing too they ought not.
Aberrare a scopo, non attingere scopum,or
extra scopum jaculare.
That is, she is her mothers own daughter.
Patris est filius.
i. e. The woman is master, or as we say wears the breeches.
I'll do nothing preposterously: I'll drive my mare be∣fore me.
〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉.
Mira de len••e.A great stir about a thing of nothing.
Tu misuri gli altri col tuo passetto. Ital.
In ancient wills we find often mention of a moneths mind and also of a years mind and a weeks mind: they were lesser funerall solemnities appointed by the deceased at those times, for the remembrance of him.
Quid si coelum ruat?
Areem ex cloaca sacere, ex elephanto museam.
Who this Moss was is not very materiall to knew: I suppose some such man might find his mare dead, and ta∣king her to be only asleep might say, have I taken you napping?
Parents will usually say this of prodigal or unduti∣full children; meaning I will be content to see them suffer a little hardship, but not any great misery or calamity.
Il fait de son teston six sols. Gall.To bring an Abby to a Grange.
Il seroit bon truy à pauvre homme. Gall.
Menar uno per il naso, Ital.
〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉.This is an ancient Greek Proverb. Frasmus saith the metaphor is taken from Buffles, who are led and guided by a ring put in one of their nostrills, as I have often seen in Italy: so we in England are wont to lead Bears.
Cavar un chiodo & piantar una cavicchia. Ital.To dig up a nail and plant a pin.
They father the originall of this upon a passage between one of the Earls of Rutland and a Countrey-fellow. The Earl riding by himself one day overtook a Countrey-man, who very civily open••d him the first gate they came to, not knowing who the Earl was. When they came to the next gate the Earl expecting he should have done the same again, Nay soft, saith the Countrey-man, One yate for another, Good fellow.
Facies tua computat annos.
This hath almost the same sense with that,
Ad perdi∣tam securim manubrium adjicore.
i. e. He never knew what sorrow or adversity meant.
That is▪ Do it your self.
When one is grumbling to himself and it may be cursing those that have angred or displeased him.
〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉,i. e.
Ad mensuram aquam bibunt, sinc mensura offam comedentes.He spares at the spiggot and lets it out at the bung-hole.
A man so called at Hogs Norton in Leicestershire, or Hocks Norton.
Probably this might come from drinking at pins. The Dutch, and English in imitation of them, were wont to drink out of a cup marked with certain pins, and he ac∣counted the man that could nick the pin; whereas to go above or beneath it was a forseiture. Dr Fuller Eccles. Hist. lib 3. p. 17.
Auloedus sit qui citharoedus esse non potest.
Most men are better with a rake then a fork, more apt to pull in and scrape up then to give out and com∣municate.
Priusquam mactaris excorias.
Il oste à S. Pierre pour donner à S. Pol. Gall.
This may be used in a double sense; either he sells things for half their worth: Robin Hood afforded rich pen∣nyworths of his plunder'd goods; or he buyes things at what price he pleases: The owners were glad to get any thing of Robin Hood, who otherwise would have taken their goods for nothing.
Tel porte le baston dont à son regret le bat on. Gall.
〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉. Hesi∣od.
〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉.
In tuum ipsius caput lunam deducis.
〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉.
That is Quid pro quo, to be even with one.
Je lui ba∣illeray Guy contre Robert. Gall.
As skullers do,
〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉. Aristoph. apud Suidam.
Altera manu fert lapi∣dem, panem ostentat alterâ. Plaut.
i. e. To resolve to abide in a place.
Faire voile à tout vent. Gall.
Evannare ad omnem au∣ram. Nazianzen.
Leonina Societas.
Cribro aquam haurire.
Cantilenam candem canere. Terent.
Phorm. Crambe bis cocta.Nothing more troublesome and ungratefull then the same thing over and over.
Testudineus gradus. Plaut.
Vicistis cochleam tarditate. Idem.
Suspensos pedes ponere. Quintil.
Suspenso gradu ire. Terent.
〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉.
Asinus ad lyram.
Ut sementem seceris ita metes.
From spica an ear of corn, and the spawn of fishes, saith Mr Howel: but rather as I am informed by a bet∣ter authour; Spike is a sort of nail, and spawn is a chip of a boat; so that it is all one as to say, Every chip and nail is new.
E tien su dalla spina & spande dal coccone. Ital.
Endurer la soif aupres d'une fontaine. Gall.
Mourir de faim aupres de mestier. Gall.This may be made a sentence by putting it imperatively. Never starve, &c.
〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉.
Plus foetent stercora mo∣ta.
Quanto piu si ruga tanto piu puzza il stronzo. Ital.The more you stir a t—&c.
These two Proverbs have the same sense: the former is used by our Saviour. Matth. 23. 24.
It hath the same sense with the two last save one.
Alienâ vivere quadrâ.
This Proverb is used when an absurd and ridiculous rea∣son is given of any thing in question: an account of the original whereof I find in one of Bishop Latimers ser∣mons in these words. Mr Moore was once sent with com∣mission into Kent, to try out, if it might be, what was the cause of Goodwins sands, and the shelf which stopped up Sandwich haven. Thither cometh Mr Moore, and calleth all the Countrey before him, such as were thought to be men of experience, and men that could of likelihood best satisfie him of the matter concerning the stopping of Sandwich haven. Among the rest came in before him an old man with a white head, and one that was thought to be little less then an hundred years old. When Mr Moore saw this aged man, he thought it expedient to hear him say his mind in this matter (for being so old a man, it was likely that he knew most in that presence, or com∣pany) So Mr Moore called this old aged man unto him and said, Father (said he) tell me if you can, what is the cause of the great arising of the sands and shelves here
about this haven, which stop it up, so that no ships can ar∣rive here. You are the oldest man I can espie in all this company, so that if any man can tell any cause of it, you of all likelyhood can say most to it, or at leastwise more then any man here assembled. Yea forsooth, good Mr Moore, quoth this old man, for I am well nigh an hun∣dred years old, and no man here in this company any thing near my age. Well then (quoth Mr Moore) how say you to this matter? What think you to be the cause of these shelves and sands, which stop up Sandwich haven? For∣sooth sir (quoth he) I am an old man, I think that Ten∣terton-steeple is the cause of Goodwin's sands. For I am an old man sir (quoth he) I may remember the building of Tenterton-steeple, and I may remember when there was no steeple at all there. And before that Tenterton-steeple was in building, there was no manner of talking of any flats, or sands that stop't up the haven; and therefore, I think that Tenterton-steeple is the cause of the decay and destroying of Sandwich haven. Thus far the Bishop.
This is an ancient form of speech; I find it in
Isocrates his oration to Demonicus, 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉.
Manibus pedibúsque. Remis velisque.
Nemo nos infequitur aut impellit, Erasmus è Platone; who tells us that this Proverb continues to this day in com∣mon use (among the Dutch I suppose) to signifie that it is free for us to stay upon any business [immorari in re aliqua.]
Duas linit parietes eâdem sideliâ. Unicâsiliâ duos parare ge∣neros:This is a modern Proverb, but deserves (saith Eras∣mus) to be numbred amongst the ancient ones. I find it a∣mong the French,
D'une fille deux gendres.To get himself two sons in law with one daughter.
D'une pierre faire deux coups, Gall.
Di un'dono far duoi amici, Ital.To make two friends with one gift.
Pigliar due colombe con una fava, Ital.To take two pigeons with one bean.
Il a une face à deux visages, Gall.
Due visi sotto una beretta, Ital.
Il fait bien avoir deux chordes en son are, Gall.This may be made a sentence by adding to it, It is good, or such like words.
Duabus ancoris fultus.
Tu ti allevi la biscia in seno, Ital.
〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, Theocr. in hodoep.
Colubrum in sinu fo∣vere.Est apud Aesopum Apologus de rustico quodam in hanc rem.
Lumen soli mutuari, &c.
This weeping cross which gave occasion to this phrase, is about two miles distant from the town of Stafford.
Levi brachio & molli trachio.
i. e. To let slip an opportunity.
Aut ter sex aut tres tesserae.
〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉. The ancients used to play with three dice, so that thrice six must needs be the best, and three aces the worst chance. They called three aces simply three dice, because they made no more then the number of the dice. The ace side was left empty without any spot at all, because to count them was no more then to count the dice. Hereupon this chance was called, Jactus inanis, the empty chance.
〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉.
Thrax ad Thracem compositus▪
Ha dato la pecora in guardia al lupo, Ital.
Ovem lupo commisisti.
This is also a Latine Proverb,
Lupum auribus tenere.When a man hath a doubtful business in hand, which it is equally hazardous to pursue or give over; as it is to hold or let go a wolf which one hath by the ears.
In mari aquam quaeris.
Indignus qui illi matellam porrigat. Dispeream si tu Pyladi praestare matellam Dignus es, aut porcos pascere Pirithoi. Martial.
Talpâ caecior, As blind as a mole, though indeed a mole be not absolutely blind; but hath perfect eyes, and those not covered with a membrane, as some have reported; but open and to be sound without side the head, if one search diligently, otherwise they may easily escape one, being ve∣ry small and lying hid in the furr. So that it must be grant∣ed, that a mole sees but obscurely, yet so much as is suffi∣cient for her manner of living, being most part under ground. Hypsaea caecior. This Hypsaea was a woman famous for her blindness. Tiresia caecior, The fable of Tircsias, and how he came to be blind, is well known. Leberide caecior. Est autem Leberis exuviae sive spolium serpentis, in quo apparent effigies duntaxat oculorum, ac membranula quaedam tenuissima quâ serpentum oculi praeteguntur. A Beetle is thought to be blind, because in the evening it will fly with its full force a∣gainst a mans face or any thing else which happens to be in its way; which other insects as Bees, hornets, &c. will not doe.
Of this sirname there were many Earls of Warwick, a∣mongst whom (saith Doctour Fuller) I conceive Thomas the first of that name, gave chief occasion to this Proverb; who in the year 1346, with one Squire and six archers, fought in hostile manner with an hundred armed men at Hogges in Normandy and overthrew them, slaying sixty Nor∣mans, and giving the whole fleet means to land.
Spoken of a dwarf in derision.
Foenum habet in cornu.
Spoken principally of a voice or sound without any jar∣ring or harshness.
This is a Scotch and Northern Proverb. Crowse signifies brisk lively.
Blackness is the colour of darkness.
A Herring is said to die immediately after it is taken out of its element the water; that it dies very suddainly my self can witness: so likewise doe Pilchards, Shads, and the rest of that tribe.
That is very unlike.
This Proverb begins now to be disused, and in stead of it people are ready to say, As drunk as a Lord: so much hath that vice (the more is the pity) prevail'd among the Nobility & Gentry of late years.
I hope that nation generally deserves not such an impu∣tation; and could wish that we English men, were less par∣tial to our selves, and censorious of our neighbours.
The Dones were a great family in Cheshire, living at Utkinton by the forest side: Nurses use there to call their children so if girls, if boyes Earls of Derby.
This Macklesfield or Maxfield is a small market town and borough in Cheshire.
It is applicable to such as have servile saleable souls, who for a small reward will lacquay it many miles, being more officious and assiduous in their attendance then their pa∣trons desire. St. Anthony is notoriously known to be the patron of Hogs, having a pig for his page in all pictures, I am not so well read in his legend as to give the reason of it; but I dare say, there is no good one.
This Robert was a Knareburgh Saint, & the old women there can still tell you the legend of the cow.
A Kex is a dried stalk of Hemlock or of wild Cicely.
E pieno quanto un novo. Ital.
This George of Green was that famous Pinder of Wake∣field who fought with Robin Hood & little John both to∣gether, and got the better of them, as the old ballade tells us.
There's but the breadth of a street between these two.
E sano come un pesce. Ital.
Spoken of one that desires and endeavours to doe harm but cannot.
Lim is a village on the river Mersey that parts Cheshire and Lancashire, where the best hay is gotten.
Some referre this to Lincoln-minster, over which when first finished the Devill is supposed to have looked with a torve and tetrick countenance, as envying mens costly de∣votion, saith Dr Fuller, but more probable it is that it took its rice from a small image of the Devill standing on the top of Lincoln Colledge in Oxford.
This similitude runs through most Languages. In the University of Cambridge the young Scholars are wont to call chiding Jobing,
That is a boiler of Salt: Wych houses are Salt-houses, and walling is boyling.
Sib'd that is a kin: In Suffolk the banes of matrimony are called Sibberidge.
This was a Proverb in Q. Elizabeths time; the credit of the Exchequer beginning in and determining with her reign, saith Dr Fuller.
This poor nation was into lerably abused by the English, while they lived in this land, especially at London on Shrove-tuesday. Thus it came to pass, which God frequently fore∣told, that they should become a by-word and a reproach a∣mong all nations. Dr Fuller.
Alba ligustra cadunt, vaccinia nigra leguntur. Virg.
Le robbe fanno il primo sangue. Ital.
Cardinal Wolsey.
Will. Summers.
Per ander salvo per ill mondo bisogna havere occhio di Falcone, orecchie di Asino, viso di Scimia, pa∣role di Mercante, spalle di camelo, bocca di Porco, gambe di cervo. Ital.
To travell safely through the world a man must have a Falcons eye, an Asses eares, an Apes face, a Mer∣chants words, a camells back, a hogs mouth, and a Harts legs.
Bray is a village well known in Bark-shire, the vivacious Vicar whereof living under King Henry the eighth, King Edward the sixth, Queen Mary and Queen Elizabeth: was first a Papist, then a Protestant, then a Papist, then a Prote∣stant again. This Vicar being tax't by one for being a turn∣coat, not so (said he) for I always kept my Principle; which is this, to live and die Vicar of Bray.
It is applied to things plain and simple, without either welt or guard to adorn them; as also to matters easie and obvious to be found out without any difficulty or direction.
Such this road being broad and beaten, as the confluence of many leading to London from the North and North-west-parts of this land. I conceive besides this, there is an allu∣sion to the first syllable of this name Dunstable, for there are other roads in England as broad, plain and well beaten as this.
This is a nameless brook arising about Wobourn, running by Crawley and falling immediately into the Ouse, a river more crooked and Maeandrous then it, running above eighty miles, in eighteen by land.
The Ouse or Bedford river is so called in Cambridgeshire, because when swoln with rain, &c. in the winter time it ar∣rests the Isle of Ely with an inundation, bringing down sud∣denly abundance of water.
The former as fine, the latter as fat in this, as in any other County.
No doubt there was just occasion for this Proverb at the original thereof, which then contained a Satyrical truth, pro∣portioned to the place before it was reformed: whereof thus our great Antiquary. It was altogether unpassable in times past by reason of trees, until Leofstane Abbot of St. Albans did cut them down, because they yielded a place of refuge for thieves.
But this Proverb is now antiquated as to the truth thereof; Buckinghamshire affording as many maiden Assizes as any County of equal populousness.
That is (as Doctour Fuller expounds it) either in respect of their Commons; all of the same mess have equal share: or in respect of extraordinaries, they are all 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, club alike: or in respect of Degree, all of the same degree are fellows well met. The same degree levels, although of different age.
I look upon this as a nickname groundlesly fastned on this countrey men, perhaps because the three first letters are the same in Cambridge and camel. I doubt whether it had any respect to the Fen men stalking upon their stilts, who then in the apparent length of their legs do something resemble that beast.
So they are called, who after four years standing in the University, stay themselves from commencing batchelours of Arts, to render them in some Colleges more capable of pre∣ferment.
That tradition is senseless (and inconsistent with his Princely magnificence) of such who fancy that King Henry the eighth coming to Cambridge, stayed all the Sophi∣sters a year, who expected that a year of grace should have been given to them. More probable it is, that because
that King is commonly conceived of great strength and sta∣ture, that these Sophistae Henriciani were elder and bigger then others. The truth is this, in the reign of King Henry the eighth, after the destruction of Monasteries, learning was at a loss; and the University (thanks be unto God more scared then hurt) stood at a gaze what would become of her. Hereupon many students staid themselves two, three, some four years; as who would see, how their degrees (be∣fore they took them) would be rewarded and maintained.
This proverb had its original in Cambridge, and is scarce known elsewhere.
It seems the Cestrians have formerly been renowned for their valour. v. Fuller.
Spoken of one got with child and going to London to con∣ceal it. Lawton is in the way to London from several parts of Cheshire.
That is hard by or at home, the Mixon being that heap of compost which lies in the yards of good husbands, then far off or from London. The road from Chester leading to London over some part of the Moor-lands in Staffordshire. The meaning is, the gentry in Cheshire find it more profitable to match within their own County, then to bring a bride
out of other shires. 1. Because better acquainted with her birth and breeding. 2. Because though her portion may chance to be less, the expence will be less to maintain her. Such intermarriages in this County have been observed both a prolonger of worshipful families, and the preserver of ami∣ty between them.
Bowden, it seems, is one of the greatest livings near Che∣ster, otherwise doubtless there are many greater Church∣preferments in Cheshire.
The Maior of Altringham and the Maior of Over. The one is a that cher the other a dau∣ber.
These are two petty Corporations whose poverty makes them ridiculous to their neighbours.
That is, nither in Kent nor Christendome. Chawbent is a town in Lancashire.
Maxfield is a market town and burrough of good ac∣count in this County, where they drive a great trade of
making and selling buttons. When this came to be a Pro∣verb, it should seem the inhabitants were poorer or worse husbands then now they are.
These three words are the Dictionary of such sirnames as are originally Cornish; and though Nouns in sense, I may fitly term them Prepositions.
The Cornish are masters of the Art of wrestling. Their hug is a cunning close with their fellow combatants, the fruit whereof is his fair fall or soil at the least. It is figuratively appliable to the deceitful dealing of such, who secretly de∣sign their overthrow whom they openly embrace.
In respect of the great quantity of tin to be found there under ground. Though the gainful plenty of metal this place formerly afforded, is now fallen to a scant-saving-scar∣city.
As for the Diamonds which Doctour Fuller fancieth may be found there, I believe they would be little worth.
This is a joculary and imaginary court, wherewith men make merriment to themselves, presenting such persons who go slovenly in their attire: where judgement in formal terms is given against them, and executed more to the scorn then hurt of the persons.
These are two forelands, well known to sailers, nigh twenty miles asunder, and the Proverb passeth for the Peri∣phrasis of an impossibility.
This is an Italian Proverb, where it passeth for a descri∣ption (or derision rather) of such a man as is wronged by his wives disloyalty. The wit of it consists in the allusion to the word horn.
These are two neighbour hills, the one in this County, the other in Anandalc in Scotland: if the former be cap't with clouds and foggy mists, it will not be long e're rain falls on the other. It is spoken of such who must expect to sym∣pathize in their sufferings by reason of the vicinity of their habitations.
I know not how to reconcile this rhythme with another mention'd by the same Author, Camden. Britan. in Lan∣cashire.
Ingleborough, Pendle and Penigent, Are the Highest hills between Scotland and Trent.Unless it be, that the later ternary are highest in York∣shire mens account; the former in Cumberland mens ac∣count: every County being given to magnifie (not to say altifie) their own things.
That is, to pare off the surface or top-turf thereof, and to lay it upon heaps and burn it; which ashes are a marvelous improvement to battle barren land, by reason of the fixt salt which they contain. This course they take with their barren spungy heathy land in many Counties of England, and call it Denshiring. Land so used will bear two or three good crops of corn, and then must be thrown down again.
That is, a cane or staff; whereof this the occasion. Many a man of good extraction coming home from far voyages, may chance to land here, and being out of sorts, is unable for the present time and place to recruit himself with clothes. Here, (if not friendly provided) they make the next wood
their Drapers shop, where a staff cut out, serves them for a covering. For we use when we walk in cuerpo to carry a staff in our hands, but none when in a cloak.
There is a bay in this County called Morts-bay, but the harbour in the entrance thereof is stopt with a huge rock, called Mort-stone, and the people merrily say, none can re∣move it but such as are masters of their wives.
Lidsord is a little and poor (but ancient) Corporation in this County with very large priviledges, where a Court of Stanneries was formerly kept. This libellous Proverb would suggest unto us, as if the Towns-men thereof (generally mean persons) were unable to manage their own liberties with necessary discretion, administring preposterous and pre∣properous justice.
That is no kin at all. It is spoken of such who have vi∣cinity of habitation or neighbourhood, without the least de∣gree of consanguinity or affinity betwixt them. For these are two high hills, the first wholly, the other partly in the Parish of Broad Windsor. Yet the sea-men make the nearest relation between them, calling the one the cow, the other the calf, in which forms it seems they appear first to their fancies, being eminent sea-marks.
That is hang'd. The best if not the most hemp (for the quantity of ground) growing about Byrdport, a market-town in this County. And hence it is that there is an ancient sta∣tute (though now difused and neglected) that the cable ropes for the Navy-royal were to be made thereabouts.
Dorsers are peds or paniers carried on the backs of horses, on which Higlers use to ride and carry their commodities. It seems this homely but most useful instrument was either first sound out, or is most generally used in this County; where fish-jobbers bring up their fish in such contrivances, above an hundred miles from Lime to London.
See the catalogue of Sentences.
This County produceth calves of the fattest, fairest and finest flesh in England, and consequenly in all Europe. Sure it is that a Cumberland cow may be bought for the price of an Essex calf at the beginning of the year. Let me add that it argues the goodness of flesh in this County, and that great gain was got formerly by the sale thereof, because that so many stately Monuments were erected therein anciently for Butchers inscribed Carnifices in their Epitaphs in Cogshall, Chelmsford and else where, made with marble, inlaid with brass, befitting (saith my Authour) a more eminent man: whereby it appears, that those of that trade have in that County been richer (or at least prouder) then in other places.
That is sprats, caught hereabouts, and brought hither in incredible abundance, whereon the poor Weavers (nume∣rous in this Town) make much of their repast, cutting ••ands, rumps, Surloyns, chines, &c. out of them, as he goes on.
This is no Proverb: but an ignominious Epitheté fastned on this place by their neighbours, which as I hope they do not glory in; so I believe they are not guilty of. Other towns in this Countrey have had the like abusive Epithetes. I remember a rhyme which was in common use formerly of some towns, not far distant the one from the other.
This is a foolish and profane Proverb, unfit to be used. However some seek to qualifie it, making God eminently in his, though not exclusively of other Counties; where such he former fruitfulness thereof, that it is (by William of Mal∣mesbury, in his book of Bishops) said to return the seed with the increase of an hundred fold: others find a superstitious sense therein, supposing God by his gracious presence more peculiarly fix't in this Countrey, wherein there were more
and richer mitred Abbeys, then in any two shires of Eng∣land besides.
It is taken for one that breaks his word, and fails in per∣formance of his promise; parallel to Fides Graca or Punica. Duresley is a market and clothing Town in this County, the inhabitants whereof will endeavour to confute and disprove this Proverb, to make it false now, whatsoever it was at the first original thereof.
It's applied to such things as are slow, but sure. The corn in this cold Country on the Wowlds, exposed to the winds bleak and shelterless, is very backward at the first, but afterward overtake, the forwardest in the County, if not in the barn in the bushel, both for the quantity and goodness thereof.
Tewksbury is a fair Market-town in this County, noted for the mustard-balls made there, and sent into other parts. This is spoken partly of such, who always have a sad, severe and tetrick countenance. Si ecastor hic homo sinapi victite•• non conseam tam tristem esse posse. Plaut. in Trucul. Partly of such as are snappish, captious, and prone to take ex∣ceptions.
This is sounded on a fond and false tradition, which re∣porteth, that ever since Sr William Tracy, was most acti•…•…
among the four Knights, which killed Thomas Becket, it is imposed on the Tracies for miraculous penance, that whe∣ther they go by land or by water, the wind is ever in their faces. If this were so (saith the Doctour) it was a favour in an hot summer to the females of that family, and would spare them the use of a Fan, &c.
i. e. A sheep.
William of Wickham was a person well known. He was Bishop of Winchester, founded New Colledge in Oxford, and Winchester Colledge in this County. This generally was his Motto, inscribed frequently on the places of his founding. So that it hath since acquired a Proverbial reputation.
W. Edington Bishop of Winchester was the Authour of this expression, rendring this the reason of his refusal to be re∣moved to Canterbury, though chosen thereunto. Indeed though Canterbury be graced with an higher honour; the re∣venues of Winchester are greater. It is appliable to such, who preferre a wealthy privacy before a less profitable dignity.
This speech hath more mirth then truth in it. (Speeds
Catal. of religious houses.) That they had Monks I know, Black ones at Caris-brook, White ones at Quarter in this Island. That they have Lawyers they know when they pay them their fees: and that they have Foxes their Lambs know. But of all these, perchance fewer then in other places of equal extent.
Some will wonder how this shire lying so near to London, the staple of English civility, should be guilty of so much rusticalness. But the finest cloth must have a list, and the pure Pesants are of as course a thread in this, as in any o∣ther place. Yet though some may smile at their clownish∣ness, let none laugh at their industry; the rather, because the high-shoon of the tenant, payes for the Spanish leather∣boots of the Landlord.
Plenty of hedgehogs are found in this high woodland Countrey, reported to suck the kine, though the Dairy-maids conne them small thanks for sparing their pains in milking them. Whether this Proverb may have any further reflection on the people of this County, as therein taxed for covetous∣ness and constant nudling on the earth, I think not worth the enquiry; these nicknames being imposed on several Counties groundlesly, as to any moral significancy.
This I assure you is a master-piece of the vulgar wits in this County, wherewith they endeavour to amuse travellers, as if Ware a through-fare market, and Wades-mill part of a
village lying two miles North thereof were so prodigiously rich, as to countervail the wealth of London. The sallacy lieth in the homonymy of Ware, here not taken for that Town so named, but appellatively for all vendible commodities. It is rather a riddle then a Proverb.
It is, when one drinks back again to the party, who im∣mediately before drank to him: and although it may signifie as much, as, Manus manum fricat, & par est de merente be ne mereri, yet it is commonly used onely by way of derision of those, who through forgetfulness or mistake, drink to them again whom they pledged immediately.
Not onely because of the pleasant prospect; but it seems this is a prophetical promise of safety, to such as live secured within those great rivers, as if priviledged from Martial im∣pressions.
These are two fruitfull places in this Countrey, saith Mr Howell.
Both these the best in their kinds, understand it of this County. Otherwise there is Wheat in England that will
vie with that of Lemster for pureness: for example that of (Nordens Middlesex. Camden. Brit.) Heston near Harrow on the hill in Middlesex, of which for a long time the manchet for the Kings of England was made: and for Ale Derby town, and Northdown in the Isle of Thanet, Hull in Yorkshire, and Sambich in Cheshire will scarce give place to Webley.
A delicate seat of the Bodmans in this County.
It is spoken of such, who use dissolute and improvident courses, which tend to poverty. Beggers-bush being a tree notoriously known, on the left hand of London road from Huntington to Caxton.
This was the Croesus of all our English Abbeys, for ha∣ving but sixty Monks to maintain therein, the revenues thereof according to the standard of those times amounted unto seven thousand pounds per annum; which in propor∣tion was an hundred pounds for every Monk, and a thousand pounds for their Abbot; yet at the dissolution of Monasteries, the income of this Abbey was reckoned at but one thousand nine hundred eighty three pound a year; whereby it
plainly appears how much the Revenues were under-rated in those valuations.
That is, saith Dr Fuller, our English Christendom, of which Kent was first converted to the Christian saith, as much as to say as Rome and all Italy, or the first cut and all the loaf besides: not by way of opposition, as if Kent were no part of Christendom, as some have un∣derstood it. I rather think that it is to be understood by way of opposition, and that it had its original upon oc∣casion of Kent being given by the ancient Britains to the Saxons, who were then Pagans. So that Kent might well be opposed to all the rest of England in this respect, it being Pagan when all the rest was Christian.
Cales Knights were made in that voyage by Robert Earl of Essex, to the number of sixty; whereof (though many of great birth) some were of low fortunes; and therefore Queen Elizabeth was half offended with the Earl, for ma∣king Knighthood so common.
Of the numerousness of Welch Gentlemen nothing need be said, the Welch generally pretending to Gentility. Northern Lairds are such, who in Scotland hold lands in chief of the King, whereof some have no great Revenue. So that a Ken∣tish Yeoman (by the help of an Hyperbole) may counter∣vail, &c.
Yeomen contracted for Gemen-mein from Gemein signify∣ing
common in old Dutch, so that a Yeoman is a Commoner, one undignified with any title of Gentility: a condition of people almost peculiar to England, and which is in effect the basis of all the Nation.
Those are mistaken who found this Proverb on a miracle of Austin the Monk; who preaching in an English village, and being himself and his associates beat and abused by the Pagans there, who opprobriously tied Fish-tails to their back-sides; in revenge thereof such appendants grew to the hind-parts of all that generation. For the scence of this lying wonder was not laid in any part of Kent, but pre∣tended many miles off, nigh Cerne in Dorsetshire. I con∣ceive it first of outlandish extraction, and cast by forreign∣ers as a note of disgrace on all English men, though it chanc∣eth to stick onely on the Kentish at this day. What the origi∣nal or occasion of it at first was is hard to say; whether from wearing a pouch or bag to carry their baggage in behind their backs; whilst probably the proud Monsieurs had their Lacquies for that purpose; or whether from the mention'd story of Austin. I am sure there are some at this day in forreign parts, who can hardly be perswaded but that En∣glish men have tails.
Why this nickname (cut off from the rest of England) continues still entail'd on Kent, the reason may be (as the Doctour conjectures) because that County lies nearest to France, and the French are beheld as the first founders of this aspersion.
The Doctour understands this Proverb of some tumultu∣ous Court kept at Dover, the confluence of many blustering sea-men, who are not easily ordered into any awful attenti∣on. It is appliable to such irregular conferences, where the people are all tongue and no ears.
I find the first mention of this Proverb in our English En∣nius, Chaucer in his Proeme to the Cook.
This he makes parallel to Crambe his cocta; and appliable to such as grate the eares of their Auditours with ungrate∣ful tautologies, of what is worthless in it self, tolerable as once uttered in the notion of novelty, but abominable if repeated.
Some part of Kent hath health and no wealth, viz. East Kent. Some wealth and no health, viz. The weald of Kent. Some both health and wealth, viz. the middle of the Countrey and parts near London.
Whether the women of this County be indeed fairer then their neighbours I know not; but that the inhabitants of some Countreys may be and are generally fairer then those of others, is most certain. The reason whereof is to be at∣tributed partly to the temperature of the air, partly to the condition of the soil, and partly to their manner of food. The hotter the climate, generally the blacker the inhabitants, and the colder the fairer: the colder I say to a certain de∣gree, for in extreme cold countreys the inhabitants are of dusky complexions. But in the same climate that in some places the inhabitants should be fairer then in others, pro∣ceeds from the diversity of the situation (either high or low,
maritime or far from sea) or of the soil and manner of living, which we see have so much influence upon beasts, as to alter them in bigness, shape and colour, and why it may not have the like on men, I see not.
Some monumental wall, whereon the names of principal places were inscribed then subject to the Roman Empire. And probably this Ribchester was anciently some eminent colony (as by pieces of coins and columns there daily dig'd out doth appear) However at this day it is not so much as a market-town, but whether decayed by age, or destroyed by accident is uncertain. It is called Ribchester because situate on the river Ribble.
A mist on the top of that hill is a sign of foul weather.
So called from the great plenty of that grain growing therein. Yea those of the neighbouring countreys use to say merrily, Shake a Leicestershire man by the collar, and you shall hear the beans rattle in his belly. But those Yeomen
smile at what is said to rattle in their bellies, whilst they▪ know good silver ringeth in their pockets.
That is when the clouds hang over the towers of Bever∣castle, it is a prognostick of much rain and moisture, to the much endamaging that fruitful vale, lying in the three Coun∣ties of Leicester, Lincoln and Notingham.
The inhabitants of the poorer sort washing their clothes with hogs dung, and burning dried cow-dung for want of better fuel.
Whether because the people here do more delight in the bagpipes then others, or whether they are more cunning in playing upon them, indeed the former of these will inferre the latter.
This Tom of Lincoln is an extraordinary great bell hang∣ing in one of the towers of Lincoln Minster; how it got the name I know not, unless it were imposed on it, when bapti∣zed by the Papists. Howbeit this present Tom was cast in King James his time, Anno 1610.
Crowland is situate in so moorish rotten ground in the Fens, that scarce a horse, much less a cart can come to it. Since the draining, in summer time carts may go thither.
Take the original hereof. (R. Butcher in his Survey of Stamford p. 40.) William Earl Warren Lord of this Town in the time of King John, standing upon the Castle walls of Stamford, saw two bulls fighting for a cow in the meadow, till all the butchers dogs great and small pursued one of the bulls (being madded with noise and multitude) clean through the town. This sight so pleased the said Earl, that he gave all those meadows (called the castle meadows) where first the Bull duell begin, for a common to the butchers of the Town (after the first grass was eaten) on condition they find a mad Bull, the day six weeks before Christmas day, for the continuance of that sport every year.
Little Wittham is a village in this County. It is applied to such as are not overstock't with acuteness, being a nomi∣nal allusion; of the like whereto we have many current a∣mong the vulgar.
It is appliable to those who in their speeches or actions, multiply what is superfluous, or at best less necessary, either wholly omitting or less regarding the essentials thereof.
Some understand it ironically, that is, they are divided with several factions, which ruines any cause. Others use it onely as an expression of ill success, when men strive and plot together to no purpose.
Because Gentry and Nobility are respectively observed according to their degree, by people far distant from Lon∣don, less regarded by these Middlesexians (frequency breeds familiarity) because abounding there abouts. It is general∣ly true where the common people are richer, there are they more surly and uncivil: as also where they have less depen∣dence on the Gentry, as in places of great trade.
That is, when Tottenham wood standing on an high hill at the west end of the Parish, hath a foggy mist hanging over it in manner of a smoke, then generally foul weather followeth.
Idem ibid.
Tottenham is turned French.It seems about the beginning of the reign of King Henry the eighth, French mechanicks swarmed in England, to the great prejudice of English artisans, which caused the insur∣rection in London on ill May-day, A. D. 1517. Nor was the City onely but the Countrey villages for four miles about filled with French fashions and infections. The Proverb is applied to such, who contemning the customes of their own Countrey, make themselves more ridiculous by affecting forreign humours and habits.
Some affirm this of an Essex, others of a Middlesex Jury: and my charity believes it equally true, that is equally un∣true of all three. It would fain suggest to credulous people, as if Londoners frequently impannel'd on Juries, and loaded
with multiplicity of matters, aim more at dispatch then justice, and to make quick riddance, (though no hast to hang true men) acquit half and condemn half. Thus they di∣vide themselves in aquilibrio between justice and mercy, though it were meet the latter should have the more advan∣tage, &c.
The falseness of this suggestion will appear to such, who by perusing history, do discover the London Jurors most con∣scientious in proceeding secundùm allegata & probata, always inclining to the merciful side in saving life, when they can find any cause or colour for the same.
The countrey man coming up hither, by his own experi∣ence will easily expound the meaning thereof.
This nickname is more then four hundred years old. For when Hugh Bigot added artificial fortifications to his na∣turally strong Castle of Bungey in Suffolk, he gave out this rhythme, therein, vaunting it for impregnable,
Meaning thereby King Henry the second, then quierly possessed of London, whilst some other places did resist him: though afterwards he so humbled this Hugh, that he was
fain with large sums of money, and pledges for his loyalty to redeem this his Castle from being rased to the ground. I meet with a double sence of this word Cockney. 1. One coaks'd and cocquer'd, made a wanton or Nestle-cock, de∣licately bred and brought up, so as when grown up to be a∣ble to endure no hardship. 2. One utterly ignorant of countrey affairs, of husbandry and housewivery as there pra∣ctised. The original thereof, and the tale of the citizens son, who knew not the language of a Cock, but called it neighing is commonly known.
Billings was formerly a gate, and (as some would make us believe) so called from Belinus the brother of Brennus: it is now rather portus a haven, then porta. Billings-gate language is such as the fishwives and other rude people which flock thither use frequently one to another, when they fall out.
These were four houses about the City, built by citizens, large and sumptuous above their estates. He that would know any thing more of the builders of these houses, let him consult the Authour.
This is the Periphrasis of a Londoner at large. This is called Bow-bell because hanging in the steeple of Bow Church, and Bow Church, because built on bows or arches (saith my Author) But I have been told that it was called from the cross stone arches, or bows on the top of the steeple.
Under correction I concelve it called in the Poor, be∣cause the Augustinian friers professing willful poverty for some hundreds of years, possessed more then a moiety there∣of. Otherwise this was one of the richest Parishes in Lon∣don, and therefore might say, Malo pauper vocari quàm esse. How ancient the use of signs in this city on private houses is to me unknown; sure I am it was generally used in the reign of King Edward the fourth.
This is a corrective for such, whose expressions are of the largest size; and too general in their extent.
That is, though not so dubiously or daintily on variety of costly dishes, yet as comfortably, as contentedly, according to the Rule, Satis est quod sufficit, Enough is as good as a feast, and better then a surfet.
Different are the dates of the age thereof, because it had two births or beginnings, one when it was originally co∣founded by King Ethelbert, with the body of the Church, Anno 610. another when burnt with lightning, and after∣wards rebuilt by the Bishops of London, 1087.
West Smithfield (now the house-market) was formerly
called (continuer of Stows annals.) Ruffians-hall, where Ruffians met casually, and otherwise to try masteries with sword and buckler.
This is a bridge under which is an entrance into the Tower, over against Pink-gate, formerly fatal to those who landed there; there being a muttering that such never came forth alive, as dying, to say no worse therein, without any legal trial. The Proverb importeth that passive innocence overpower'd with adversaries, may be accused without cause, and disposed at the pleasure of others.
That is, to give to them who had plenty before; which notwithstanding is the Dole general of the world.
This in old Records is called Wind-again Lane, and lieth in the Parish of St Sepulchres, going down to Fleetdike, having no exit at one end. It is spoken of, and to those who take prodigal or other vicious and destructive courses.
The Fleet is a place notoriously known for a prison, so called from Fleet-brook running by it, to which many are committed for their contempts, more for their debts. The Proverb is appliable to such who never owed ought; or having run into debt have crept out of it, so that now, they may triumphare in hostico, defie danger and arrests, &c.
Guttur-lane (the right spelling whereof is Guthurn-lane, from him the once owner thereof) is a small Lane (inha∣bited anciently by gold-beaters) leading out of Cheap-side, East of Foster-lane. The Proverb is applied to those, who spend all in drunkenness and gluttony, meer belly gods: Guttur being Latine for the throat.
St Giles was by birth an Athenian, of noble extraction but quitted all for a solitary life. He was visited with a lameness, (whether natural or casual I know not) but the tradition goes, that he desired not to be healed thereof, for his greater mortification. Cripplegate was so called before the Conquest, from cripples begging of passengers therein.
This Proverb may seem guilty of false heraldry, lame∣ness on lameness; and in common discourse is spoken ra∣ther merrily then mournfully of such, who for some sleight hurt lag behind; and sometimes is applied to those who out of laziness counterfeit infirmity.
It is spoken of those, who by pride or passion, are elated or mounted to a pitch above the due proportion of their birth, quality or estate. It cometh from Hustings the prin∣cipal and highest Court in London (as also in Winchester, Lincoln, York, &c.) so called from the French word haulser to raise or lift up.
I find this among both the French and Italian Proverbs for an instance of disagreement.
Who goes to Westminster for a wife, to Pauls for a man, and to Smithfield for a horse, may meet with a whore, a knave and a jade.
There is a place partly under, partly by the Exchequer chamber, commonly called Hell, (I could wish it had ano∣ther name, seeing it is ill jesting with edg'd tools) former∣ly appointed a prison for the Kings debtors, who never were freed from thence, until they had paid their utmost due.
This is applied to persons very tall, especially if they have hop-pole height, wanting breadth proportionable. That there ever was such a Gyant-woman cannot be proved by any good witness, I pass not for a late lying Pamphlet, &c. vide sis. He thinks it might relate to a great gun lying in the Tower called long Megg, in trouble some times brought to Westminster, where for some time it continued.
This referres no•• to the stature of their bodies; but to the fare they commonly feed on and much delight in.
That is a red herring: more herrings being taken then capons bred here. So the Italian Friers (when disposed to eat flesh on Fridays) call a capon piscem è corte, a fish out of the coop.
That is, clapt on the back by an ague, which is incident to strangers at first coming into this low, fenny and unwhole∣some Countrey.
These are names of Parishes lying close together.
To keep them at a sufficient distance from his nose. For this Town being eighty miles from the sea, fish may well be presumed stale therein. Yet have I heard (saith the Doctour) that oisters put up with care, and carried in the cool, were weekly brought fresh and good to Althrop, the house of the Lord Spencer at equal distance: and it is no wonder, for I my self have eaten in Warwickshire, above eighty miles from London, oisters sent from that city, fresh and good; and they must have been carried some miles be∣fore they came there.
I have heard that king James should speak this of New∣market; but I am sure it may better be applied to this Town, the dearest in England for fuel, where no coals can come by water, and little wood doth grow on land.
One Proverb there is of this County, which I wonder how Doctour Fuller being native thereof could miss, unless perchance he did studiously omit, as reflecting disgrace on a Market town therein.
Brackley is a decayed Market town and borough in
Northamptonshire, not farre from Banbury, which abound∣ing with poor, and troubling the countrey about with beg∣gers, came into disgrace with its neighbours. I hear that now this place is grown industrious and thriving, and en∣deavours to wipe off this scandal.
That is from one end of the land to the other, parallel to that Scripture expression, From Dan to Beer-sheba.
That is to deceive a friend, who confideth in his faithfulness. When Thomas Percy Earl of Northumber∣land, Anno 1569. was routed in the rebellion he had raised against Queen Elizabeth, he hid himself in the house of one Hector Armstrong of Harlaw in this Coun∣ty, having confidence he would be true to him, who notwithstanding, for money betrayed him to the Re∣gent of Scotland. It was observable that Hector being before a rich man fell poor of a sudden, and so hated generally that he never durst go abroad. Insomuch that the Proverb to take Hectors cloak is continu∣ed to this day among them, in the sence above men∣tioned.
That is, any thing how inconsiderable soever that we can save or recover. During the enmity between the two na∣tions, they had little esteem of, and less affection for a Scotch∣man in the English border.
The Scots are great travellers into forreign parts, most for maintenance, many for accomplishment. And Newcastle grindstones, being the best in their kind, must needs be car∣ried far and near.
The cattel of people living hereabout, turn'd into the common pasture, did by custome use to return to their home at night, unless intercepted by the Free booters and borde∣rers. If therefore those Borderers came, their cattel came not: if they came not, their cattel surely returned.
It passeth for the Periphrasis of a fool, and an hundred sopperies are feigned and fathered on the Towns folk of Gotham, a village in this County. Here two things may be observed.
1. Men in all ages have made themselves merry with
singling out some place, and fixing the staple of stupidity and stolidity therein. So the Phrygians in Asia, the Abde∣rita in Thrace, and the Boeotians in Greece were notorious for dulmen and block heads.
2. These places thus sleighted and scoffed at, afforded some as witty and wise persons as the world produced. So Democritus was an Abderite, Plutarch a Boeotian, &c. Hence Juvenal well concludes,
Summos posse viros & magna exempla daturos, Vervecum in patria crassóque sub aëre nasci.
As for Gotham it doth breed as wise people as any, which causlesly laugh at their simplicity. Sure I am, Mr William de Gotham, fifth master of Michael-house in Cambridge 1336, and twice Chancellour of the University, was as grave a go∣vernour as that age did afford. Sapientum octavus. Hor.
Who this little smith and great Workman was, and when he lived I know not, and have cause to suspect, that this of Notingham is a Periphrasis of Nemo, 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 or a person who never was. By way of Sarcasme it is applied to such, who being conceited of their own skill, pretend to the atchieving of impossibilities.
This is a village properly called Hoch Norton, whose in∣habitants (it seems formerly) were so rustical in their be∣haviour, that boarish and clownish people are said to be born there. But whatever the people were, the name was enough to occasion such a Proverb.
This it seems is a bait not to stay the stomack, but to lose the wit thereby, as resolved at last into drun∣kenness.
In the English edition of Camdens Brit. it was through the correctours mistake, printed Banbury zeal, &c. vide Autorem.
Oxford knives, and London wives.
This began about the end of the reign of King Henry the eighth, at such time as he debased the coin, allaying of it with copper, (which common people consound with brass) It continued till about the middle of Queen Elizabeth, who by degrees called in all that adulterate coin. Testone and our English tester come from the Italian testa signifying a head, because that money was stamped with a head on one side. Copstick in high Dutch hath the same sence, i. e. Num∣mus capitatus, money with a head upon it.
For they were so great, that the wearers could not enter (except going sidelong) at any ordinary door. Though they have been long disused in England, yet the fashion of them is still well enough known. They are used still by the Spanish women, and the Italian living under the Spanish do∣minion, and they call them by a name signifying cover-in∣fant; because they were first brought into use to hide great bellies. Of the name Verdingal I have not met with a good, that is, true Etymology.
That is perchance Reddleman, a Trade and that a poor one onely in this County, whence men bring on their backs a pack of red stones or oker, which they sell to their neigh∣bouring Countries for the marking of sheep.
The staple wit of this vulgar Proverb, consisting solely in similitude of sound is scarce worth the inserting.
This is a parcel of ground round about Taunton very
pleasant and populous (containing many Parishes) and so fruitful, to use their own phrase, with the Zun and Zoil alone, that it needs no manuring at all. The pesantry therein are as rude as rich, and so highly conceited of their own Countrey, that they conceive it a disparagement to be born in any other place.
Many in that place; some natives there, others repair∣ing thither from all parts of the land, the poor for alms, the pained for ease.
That is Sherry-sack, which is the entertainment of course, which the courteous Bristolians present to strangers, when first visiting their city.
Dove is a river parting this and Derbyshire, which when it overflows its banks in April is the Nilus of Staffordshire, much battling the meddows thereof.
Idem ibidem.
Wotton under Weaver, Where God came never.This profane Proverb it seems, took its wicked original
from the situation of Wotton, covered with hills from the light of the Sun, a dismal place, as report represents it.
This is Sedgeley curse. Mr Howel.
This was one of the staple commodities of the land of Canaan, and certainly most wholesome for mans body, be∣cause of Gods own choosing for his own people. No Coun∣ty in England affords better and sweeter of this kind, lying opposite to Holland in the Netherlands, where is the best dairy in Christendom.
It seems the God of Nature hath been bountiful in giving them beautiful complexions; which I am willing to be∣lieve, so far forth as it sixeth not a comparative disparage∣ment on the same sex in other places.
Needham is a market-town in this County; according to the wit of the vulgar, they are said to be in the high-way thither, which do hasten to poverty.
It seems this place is infamous for its bad situation.
This Proverbial rhythme hath one part of History, the other of prophecy. As the first is certainly untrue, so the second is frivolous, and not to be heeded by sober persons, as neither any other of the like nature.
Are the best in their kind, understand it of those that are taken in this Countrey.
Parallel to that Latine verse,
Naturam expellas fured licet usque recurret.
Tradition reporteth, that Uter Pendragon had a design to fortifie the castle of Pendragon in this County. In order whereto with much art and industry, he invited and tempted the river Eden to forsake his old channel, but all to no purpose.
This Proverb coming out of the Church hath since en∣larged it self into a civil use, signifying things done with exactness, according to rule and precedent. Osmund Bishop of Sarum about the year 1090, made that Ordinal or Office, which was generally received all over the land, so that Churches thence forward easily understood one another, speaking the same words in their Liturgy.
This is a part of the beggers and vagrants Letany. Of these three frightful things unto them, it is to be feared, that they least fear the first, conceiting it the furthest from them. Hull is terrible to them as a town of good govern∣ment,
where beggers meet with punitive charity, and it is to be feared are oftener corrected then amended. Halifax is formidable to them for the Law thereof, whereby thieves taken 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 in the very act of stealing cloth, are in∣stantly beheaded with an engine; without any further legal proceedings. Doubtless the coincidence of the initial let∣ters of these three words, help't much the setting on foot this Proverb.
That is none at all but a sudden surprise, when a mischief is felt before it is suspected. This Proverb is but of an hundred and four years standing, taking its original from Thomas Stafford, who in the reign of Queen Mary, Anno 1557 with a small company seized on Scarborough castle (utterly destitute of provision for resistance) before the Townsmen had the least notice of his approach. However within six days by the industry of the Earl of Westmoreland he was taken, brought to London and beheaded, &c. vide.
It is said of trusty persons, men of metal, faithful in their employments. Rippon in this County is a Town famous for the best spurs of England, whose rowels may be enforced to strike through a shilling, and will break sooner then bow.
That is an overplus not accounted in the reckoning, which sometimes proves as much as all the rest. Ask a countrey∣man, How many miles it is to such a Town, and he will re∣turn commonly so many miles and a way-bit. Which way-bit is enough to make the weary Traveller surfet of the length thereof. But it is not way-bit though generally so pro∣nounced, but wee-bit, a pure Yorkshirism, which is a small bit in the Northern language.
What peculiar cause of mirth this Town hath above o∣thers, I do not know and dare not too curiously enquire. Sure it is seated in a fruitful soil and cheap countrey: and where good chear and company are the premisses, mirth (in common consequence) will be the conclusion.
And which is more common in the mouths of the vulgar,
Pendle, Penigent and Ingleborough, Are the three highest hills all England thorow.These three hills are in sight of each other, Pendle on the edge of Lancashire, Penigent and Ingleborough near Set∣tle in Yorkshire, and not far from Westmorland. These three are indeed the highest hills in England not comprehending Wales. But in Wales I think Snowdon, Caderidris and Plim∣llimmon are higher.
It is spoken of a covetous and unsatiable person, whom nothing will content. Brayton and Hambleton and Burton are places between Cawood and Pontefraict in this County. Brayton Bargh is a small hill in a plain Countrey covered with wood. Bargh in the Northern dialect is properly a horse-way up a steep hill, though here it be taken for the hill it self.
This is rather a prophecy then a Proverb. Dighton is a small Town not a mile distant from Hull, and was in the time of the late warrs for the most part pull'd down. Let Hull make the best they can of it.
Cleveland is that part of Yorkshire, which borders upon the Bishoprick of Durham, where the ways in winter time are very foul and deep.
It hath been plow'd and sown these six or seven years.
i. e. Are drunk, Hull is famous for strong Ale.
Winkabank is a wood upon a hill near Sheffield where there are some remainders of an old Camp. Temple brough stands between the Rother and the Don, about a quarter of a mile from the place where these two rivers meet. It is a square plat of ground encompassed by two trenches.
Selden often enquired for the ruines of a temple of the god Thor, which he said was near Rotherham: This probably might be it, if we allow the name for any argument: be∣sides there is a Pool not far from it called Jordon-dam, which name seems to be compounded of Jor one of the names of the god Thor and Don the name of the river.
There is a currant story, that the Prior and convent of Dunmow were obliged by their Charter, to give a Flitch of Bacon to any man, who coming with his wife, should de∣pose both of them that they had been married a twelve moneth, and neither of them had at any time repented.
i. e. Honour without profit.
i. e. The people hard-hearted, Somers.
Said of breeding women.
i. e. Wane of the Moon. Somerset.
A taunt to such as are troublesome by blowing their nose.
This is remarkably true of murder however secretly acted, but it is applied also to the discovery of any fault.
Spoken by good-housewives when they have wet their meal for bread or paste too much.
This torre, i. e. tower, so called from the Latine Turris, stands upon a round hill in the midst of a levell, and may be seen sar off. It seemed to me to have been the steeple of a Church that had formerly stood upon that hill, though now scarce any footsteps of it remain.
Spoken to him that tells a lie.
Said to the journeyman that is envied for pleasing his master.
Of a bad bargain or great loss for little profit.
I know not the reason of this Proverb. Parsley was wont to be esteemed a very wholesome herb, however prepared, onely by the Ancients it was forbidden them that had the falling sickness, and modern experience hath found it to be bad for the eyes.
In some places they say in drollery, Quick and nimble, more like a bear then a squirrel.
With us it is accounted a little too early to sow barley (which is a tender grain) in the beginning of March.
i. e. When the difference between two is divided.
Somers. Beans shoot up fast after thunder-storms.
The middle sort bear publick burthens Taxes, &c. most.
Deux ace non possunt & size cinque solvere nolunt:
Est igitur notum quatre trey solvere totum.
A good rule for stewards.
i. e. Eat of another dish.
We have in our language many the like conceited, rhym∣ing words or reduplications to signifie any confusion or mix∣ture, as hurly burly, hodge podge, minlge mangle, arsy versy, kim kam, hub bub, crawly mauly, hab nab.
This brings to mind a story of Sr Tho. More, who being by the Author askt his judgment of an impertinent book, wish't him by all meanes to put it into verse, and bring it him again, which done, Sr Tho. looking upon it saith, yea now it is somewhat like, now it is rhythm, before it was neither rhythm nor reason.
i. e. The nurses lap.
(That will stretch) A Cheverel is a wild goat. Somers.
(Pay for what you have.)
(i. e. Kindness after others have done with it; or refuse.)
(A mild winter hoped for after a bad summer.)
(Of a man that dies in debt: His wife leaving all at his death, crying his goods in three markets and three Parish Churches is so free of all his debts.)
Proverbial in Taunton for a violent fanatick.
i. e. Under rule.
They reply, None but a cuckold can see it. Somerset.
(i. e. The message by the messenger.)
Of one that payes not when once gone.
(The trades-man that is for ready money.)
(The labouring husbandman.)
It is used against those who are injurious to those from whom they are derived, or from whom they have received their power.
That is, it is time to arm our selves with patience when we are greatly reproached.
Because it is possible some body may lie hid there and here what is said.
It is used against those who are injurious to those from whom they are derived, or from whom they have received their power.
That is, it is time to arm our selves with patience when we are greatly reproached.
Because it is possible some body may lie hid there and here what is said.
It is used against those who are injurious to those from whom they are derived, or from whom they have received their power.
That is, it is time to arm our selves with patience when we are greatly reproached.
Because it is possible some body may lie hid there and here what is said.
It is used against those who are injurious to those from whom they are derived, or from whom they have received their power.
That is, it is time to arm our selves with patience when we are greatly reproached.
Because it is possible some body may lie hid there and here what is said.
The meaning is, that it becomes us not to intermeddle in an office where there is already such good provision made that there is no need of our help.
The shepheard does with fair words call back his fugitive sheep to the door of the fold, but when he gets them in he punisheth them for straying away. It is applicable to what may be expected from our governours against whom we have rebelled:
The meaning is, that it becomes us not to intermeddle in an office where there is already such good provision made that there is no need of our help.
The shepheard does with fair words call back his fugitive sheep to the door of the fold, but when he gets them in he punisheth them for straying away. It is applicable to what may be expected from our governours against whom we have rebelled:
The meaning is, that it becomes us not to intermeddle in an office where there is already such good provision made that there is no need of our help.
The shepheard does with fair words call back his fugitive sheep to the door of the fold, but when he gets them in he punisheth them for straying away. It is applicable to what may be expected from our governours against whom we have rebelled:
The meaning is, that it becomes us not to intermeddle in an office where there is already such good provision made that there is no need of our help.
The shepheard does with fair words call back his fugitive sheep to the door of the fold, but when he gets them in he punisheth them for straying away. It is applicable to what may be expected from our governours against whom we have rebelled:
The meaning is, that it becomes us not to intermeddle in an office where there is already such good provision made that there is no need of our help.
The shepheard does with fair words call back his fugitive sheep to the door of the fold, but when he gets them in he punisheth them for straying away. It is applicable to what may be expected from our governours against whom we have rebelled:
A Proverb by which is expressed that both the man and his wife are vitious much alike.
The meaning is that we are not to regard the praises of a near relation, but to listen to what is said by the neigh∣bourhood.
Delirant Reges plectuntur Achivi.
This Proverb is used against those who tell incredible things.
The meaning is that we are not to regard the praises of a near relation, but to listen to what is said by the neigh∣bourhood.
Delirant Reges plectuntur Achivi.
This Proverb is used against those who tell incredible things.
The meaning is that we are not to regard the praises of a near relation, but to listen to what is said by the neigh∣bourhood.
Delirant Reges plectuntur Achivi.
This Proverb is used against those who tell incredible things.
The meaning is that we are not to regard the praises of a near relation, but to listen to what is said by the neigh∣bourhood.
Delirant Reges plectuntur Achivi.
This Proverb is used against those who tell incredible things.
The meaning is that we are not to regard the praises of a near relation, but to listen to what is said by the neigh∣bourhood.
Delirant Reges plectuntur Achivi.
This Proverb is used against those who tell incredible things.
The meaning is that we are not to regard the praises of a near relation, but to listen to what is said by the neigh∣bourhood.
Delirant Reges plectuntur Achivi.
This Proverb is used against those who tell incredible things.
Against those who being discontented with what they have, in pursuit of more lose what they once had.
It is used when one man reaps the fruit of the labours of another.
It is used when one man reaps the fruit of the labours of another.
It is used when one man reaps the fruit of the labours of another.
It is used when one man reaps the fruit of the labours of another.
It is used when one man reaps the fruit of the labours of another.
It is used when one man reaps the fruit of the labours of another.
It is said by one of the Jews that there was a pretious stone which did hang on the neck of Abraham, which when the sick man looked on he was presently healed; And that when Abraham died God placed this stone in the Sun: This is thought to have given occasion to the Proverb above named. V. Buxtorf. Lexic. Rabbin: in voce
〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉.
This Proverb is used of those who are cunning, and such are they thought to be whose beard is divided, which, by their much handling; when they are musing and thought∣full, they are said to divide.
The meaning is, that we should not marry a wife above our rank, though we choose such a friend.
This Proverb is used in derision of those who buy and sell to their loss.
This Proverb is used of those who are cunning, and such are they thought to be whose beard is divided, which, by their much handling; when they are musing and thought∣full, they are said to divide.
The meaning is, that we should not marry a wife above our rank, though we choose such a friend.
This Proverb is used in derision of those who buy and sell to their loss.
This Proverb is used of those who are cunning, and such are they thought to be whose beard is divided, which, by their much handling; when they are musing and thought∣full, they are said to divide.
The meaning is, that we should not marry a wife above our rank, though we choose such a friend.
This Proverb is used in derision of those who buy and sell to their loss.
This Proverb is used of those who are cunning, and such are they thought to be whose beard is divided, which, by their much handling; when they are musing and thought∣full, they are said to divide.
The meaning is, that we should not marry a wife above our rank, though we choose such a friend.
This Proverb is used in derision of those who buy and sell to their loss.
This Proverb is used of those who are cunning, and such are they thought to be whose beard is divided, which, by their much handling; when they are musing and thought∣full, they are said to divide.
The meaning is, that we should not marry a wife above our rank, though we choose such a friend.
This Proverb is used in derision of those who buy and sell to their loss.
The meaning is that we should sell quickly (though with light gaines) that we may trade for more.
Naturam expell as furcâ licet usque recurret.
The meaning is, that some men are so unhappy that no∣thing will do them good.
i. e. A man that hath the care of leading a Camel, and driving an Ass. Such a man is in the midst and knows not
Naturam expell as furcâ licet usque recurret.
The meaning is, that some men are so unhappy that no∣thing will do them good.
i. e. A man that hath the care of leading a Camel, and driving an Ass. Such a man is in the midst and knows not
Naturam expell as furcâ licet usque recurret.
The meaning is, that some men are so unhappy that no∣thing will do them good.
i. e. A man that hath the care of leading a Camel, and driving an Ass. Such a man is in the midst and knows not
Naturam expell as furcâ licet usque recurret.
The meaning is, that some men are so unhappy that no∣thing will do them good.
i. e. A man that hath the care of leading a Camel, and driving an Ass. Such a man is in the midst and knows not
Naturam expell as furcâ licet usque recurret.
The meaning is, that some men are so unhappy that no∣thing will do them good.
i. e. A man that hath the care of leading a Camel, and driving an Ass. Such a man is in the midst and knows not
The Devil was sick, the Devil a monk would be; The Devil was well, the Devil a monk was he.
Old men are fit to give wise counsel:
This Proverb is accommodable to various purposes: God required propitiatory sacrifices of his people; when they of∣fered them up, as they should, they did receive their pardon
The Devil was sick, the Devil a monk would be; The Devil was well, the Devil a monk was he.
Old men are fit to give wise counsel:
This Proverb is accommodable to various purposes: God required propitiatory sacrifices of his people; when they of∣fered them up, as they should, they did receive their pardon
The Devil was sick, the Devil a monk would be; The Devil was well, the Devil a monk was he.
Old men are fit to give wise counsel:
This Proverb is accommodable to various purposes: God required propitiatory sacrifices of his people; when they of∣fered them up, as they should, they did receive their pardon
The Devil was sick, the Devil a monk would be; The Devil was well, the Devil a monk was he.
Old men are fit to give wise counsel:
This Proverb is accommodable to various purposes: God required propitiatory sacrifices of his people; when they of∣fered them up, as they should, they did receive their pardon
The Devil was sick, the Devil a monk would be; The Devil was well, the Devil a monk was he.
Old men are fit to give wise counsel:
This Proverb is accommodable to various purposes: God required propitiatory sacrifices of his people; when they of∣fered them up, as they should, they did receive their pardon
This Proverb is used of an infirm argument that is not sufficient to prove what it is alledged for.
The meaning is that we should not proudly despise or reproach that person or thing which formerly have been of use to us.
This Proverb is used of an infirm argument that is not sufficient to prove what it is alledged for.
The meaning is that we should not proudly despise or reproach that person or thing which formerly have been of use to us.
This Proverb is used of an infirm argument that is not sufficient to prove what it is alledged for.
The meaning is that we should not proudly despise or reproach that person or thing which formerly have been of use to us.
This Proverb is used of an infirm argument that is not sufficient to prove what it is alledged for.
The meaning is that we should not proudly despise or reproach that person or thing which formerly have been of use to us.
This Proverb is used of an infirm argument that is not sufficient to prove what it is alledged for.
The meaning is that we should not proudly despise or reproach that person or thing which formerly have been of use to us.
This Proverb is used of an infirm argument that is not sufficient to prove what it is alledged for.
The meaning is that we should not proudly despise or reproach that person or thing which formerly have been of use to us.
This Proverb is used of an infirm argument that is not sufficient to prove what it is alledged for.
The meaning is that we should not proudly despise or reproach that person or thing which formerly have been of use to us.
This Proverb is used of an infirm argument that is not sufficient to prove what it is alledged for.
The meaning is that we should not proudly despise or reproach that person or thing which formerly have been of use to us.
So one thief, and any other evil doer, follows the ill ex∣ample of his companion.
The meaning is that men do rarely receive any hurt from the things to which they have accustomed themselves.
Nunquam etenim tacuisse nocet, nocet esse locutum.
The meaning is, we must not let slip the occasion of get∣ting the victory over an Enemy.
The meaning is, that there are many ready to trample upon him that is afflicted.
The meaning is that we ought to observe cunning men and give them due respect in their prosperity.
The meaning is that men do rarely receive any hurt from the things to which they have accustomed themselves.
Nunquam etenim tacuisse nocet, nocet esse locutum.
The meaning is, we must not let slip the occasion of get∣ting the victory over an Enemy.
The meaning is, that there are many ready to trample upon him that is afflicted.
The meaning is that we ought to observe cunning men and give them due respect in their prosperity.
The meaning is that men do rarely receive any hurt from the things to which they have accustomed themselves.
Nunquam etenim tacuisse nocet, nocet esse locutum.
The meaning is, we must not let slip the occasion of get∣ting the victory over an Enemy.
The meaning is, that there are many ready to trample upon him that is afflicted.
The meaning is that we ought to observe cunning men and give them due respect in their prosperity.
The meaning is that men do rarely receive any hurt from the things to which they have accustomed themselves.
Nunquam etenim tacuisse nocet, nocet esse locutum.
The meaning is, we must not let slip the occasion of get∣ting the victory over an Enemy.
The meaning is, that there are many ready to trample upon him that is afflicted.
The meaning is that we ought to observe cunning men and give them due respect in their prosperity.
The meaning is that men do rarely receive any hurt from the things to which they have accustomed themselves.
Nunquam etenim tacuisse nocet, nocet esse locutum.
The meaning is, we must not let slip the occasion of get∣ting the victory over an Enemy.
The meaning is, that there are many ready to trample upon him that is afflicted.
The meaning is that we ought to observe cunning men and give them due respect in their prosperity.
The meaning is that men do rarely receive any hurt from the things to which they have accustomed themselves.
Nunquam etenim tacuisse nocet, nocet esse locutum.
The meaning is, we must not let slip the occasion of get∣ting the victory over an Enemy.
The meaning is, that there are many ready to trample upon him that is afflicted.
The meaning is that we ought to observe cunning men and give them due respect in their prosperity.
The meaning is that when evil men, who were formerly at variance, and are of great power, make agreement, it por∣tends danger to the innocent and to others who are within their reach. Thus upon the agreement of Herod and Pilate the most innocent bloud is shed. The Jews tell of two dogs that were very fierce one against the other; one of them is assaulted by a Wolfe, and thereupon the other dog resolves to help him against the Wolfe who made the assault.
The meaning is that there is much evil mingled with the good which is found in the world.
'Tis meant of Calumny and reproach, where many times some part is believed though all be not. Calumniare for∣titer, & aliquid adhaerebit.
The meaning is that when evil men, who were formerly at variance, and are of great power, make agreement, it por∣tends danger to the innocent and to others who are within their reach. Thus upon the agreement of Herod and Pilate the most innocent bloud is shed. The Jews tell of two dogs that were very fierce one against the other; one of them is assaulted by a Wolfe, and thereupon the other dog resolves to help him against the Wolfe who made the assault.
The meaning is that there is much evil mingled with the good which is found in the world.
'Tis meant of Calumny and reproach, where many times some part is believed though all be not. Calumniare for∣titer, & aliquid adhaerebit.
The meaning is that when evil men, who were formerly at variance, and are of great power, make agreement, it por∣tends danger to the innocent and to others who are within their reach. Thus upon the agreement of Herod and Pilate the most innocent bloud is shed. The Jews tell of two dogs that were very fierce one against the other; one of them is assaulted by a Wolfe, and thereupon the other dog resolves to help him against the Wolfe who made the assault.
The meaning is that there is much evil mingled with the good which is found in the world.
'Tis meant of Calumny and reproach, where many times some part is believed though all be not. Calumniare for∣titer, & aliquid adhaerebit.
The meaning is that when evil men, who were formerly at variance, and are of great power, make agreement, it por∣tends danger to the innocent and to others who are within their reach. Thus upon the agreement of Herod and Pilate the most innocent bloud is shed. The Jews tell of two dogs that were very fierce one against the other; one of them is assaulted by a Wolfe, and thereupon the other dog resolves to help him against the Wolfe who made the assault.
The meaning is that there is much evil mingled with the good which is found in the world.
'Tis meant of Calumny and reproach, where many times some part is believed though all be not. Calumniare for∣titer, & aliquid adhaerebit.
The meaning is, he is afraid of any thing that hath the least likeness to a Serpent.
This Proverb is used against those who give Almes of what they get unjustly.
Thus he that raiseth many objections is obliged to find solutions for them also.
This Proverb is used against those who give Almes of what they get unjustly.
Thus he that raiseth many objections is obliged to find solutions for them also.
This Proverb is used against those who give Almes of what they get unjustly.
Thus he that raiseth many objections is obliged to find solutions for them also.
This Proverb is used against those who give Almes of what they get unjustly.
Thus he that raiseth many objections is obliged to find solutions for them also.
This Proverb is used against those who give Almes of what they get unjustly.
Thus he that raiseth many objections is obliged to find solutions for them also.
This Proverb is used against those who give Almes of what they get unjustly.
Thus he that raiseth many objections is obliged to find solutions for them also.
The meaning is, we must abstain from words of reproach, and then especially when we are not free from the crimes which we reproach others for.
The meaning is that we should avoid the occasions of sin. The Nazarite was forbidden the use of wine, and it was therefore his wisest course to avoid all occasions of trespassing.
The meaning is plain, viz. That we ought to be as carefull in keeping a secret as an officer in keeping his prisoner, who makes himself a prisoner by letting his prisoner go. There is sometimes a great danger in re∣vealing a secret, and alwaies it is an argument of great folly. For as the Jews say well, thy friend hath a friend, and thy friends friend hath a friend: And therefore what
The meaning is, we must abstain from words of reproach, and then especially when we are not free from the crimes which we reproach others for.
The meaning is that we should avoid the occasions of sin. The Nazarite was forbidden the use of wine, and it was therefore his wisest course to avoid all occasions of trespassing.
The meaning is plain, viz. That we ought to be as carefull in keeping a secret as an officer in keeping his prisoner, who makes himself a prisoner by letting his prisoner go. There is sometimes a great danger in re∣vealing a secret, and alwaies it is an argument of great folly. For as the Jews say well, thy friend hath a friend, and thy friends friend hath a friend: And therefore what
The meaning is, we must abstain from words of reproach, and then especially when we are not free from the crimes which we reproach others for.
The meaning is that we should avoid the occasions of sin. The Nazarite was forbidden the use of wine, and it was therefore his wisest course to avoid all occasions of trespassing.
The meaning is plain, viz. That we ought to be as carefull in keeping a secret as an officer in keeping his prisoner, who makes himself a prisoner by letting his prisoner go. There is sometimes a great danger in re∣vealing a secret, and alwaies it is an argument of great folly. For as the Jews say well, thy friend hath a friend, and thy friends friend hath a friend: And therefore what
This is Proverbially used against those who pray in an unknown Tongue; or do any thing which they do not understand.
Zuz is the fourth part of the Sacred Shekel. This Pro∣verb is used to recommend to us the advantage of delibera∣tion in our actions.
This is Proverbially used against those who pray in an unknown Tongue; or do any thing which they do not understand.
Zuz is the fourth part of the Sacred Shekel. This Pro∣verb is used to recommend to us the advantage of delibera∣tion in our actions.
This is Proverbially used against those who pray in an unknown Tongue; or do any thing which they do not understand.
Zuz is the fourth part of the Sacred Shekel. This Pro∣verb is used to recommend to us the advantage of delibera∣tion in our actions.
This is Proverbially used against those who pray in an unknown Tongue; or do any thing which they do not understand.
Zuz is the fourth part of the Sacred Shekel. This Pro∣verb is used to recommend to us the advantage of delibera∣tion in our actions.
This is Proverbially used against those who pray in an unknown Tongue; or do any thing which they do not understand.
Zuz is the fourth part of the Sacred Shekel. This Pro∣verb is used to recommend to us the advantage of delibera∣tion in our actions.
This is Proverbially used against those who pray in an unknown Tongue; or do any thing which they do not understand.
Zuz is the fourth part of the Sacred Shekel. This Pro∣verb is used to recommend to us the advantage of delibera∣tion in our actions.
That is, it must be flesh and not hey which will give cou∣rage and strength to a lion.
That is, we were better submit to the meanest emploi∣ment then want necessaries.
That is, One wise man, how mean soever is more valu∣able then many that are unwise.
This is used proverbially of those things which we give for lost.
That is, we were better submit to the meanest emploi∣ment then want necessaries.
That is, One wise man, how mean soever is more valu∣able then many that are unwise.
This is used proverbially of those things which we give for lost.
That is, we were better submit to the meanest emploi∣ment then want necessaries.
That is, One wise man, how mean soever is more valu∣able then many that are unwise.
This is used proverbially of those things which we give for lost.
That is, we were better submit to the meanest emploi∣ment then want necessaries.
That is, One wise man, how mean soever is more valu∣able then many that are unwise.
This is used proverbially of those things which we give for lost.
That is, we must honour God in our health and prospe∣tity that he may be propitious to us in our adversity.
That is, where our Child is not reclaimable by fair means we may not hinder him from condigne punishment.
That is, He that hath an ill wife must patiently beare with her: It may also be applyed to other things.
That is, we must honour God in our health and prospe∣tity that he may be propitious to us in our adversity.
That is, where our Child is not reclaimable by fair means we may not hinder him from condigne punishment.
That is, He that hath an ill wife must patiently beare with her: It may also be applyed to other things.
That is, we must honour God in our health and prospe∣tity that he may be propitious to us in our adversity.
That is, where our Child is not reclaimable by fair means we may not hinder him from condigne punishment.
That is, He that hath an ill wife must patiently beare with her: It may also be applyed to other things.
That is, we must honour God in our health and prospe∣tity that he may be propitious to us in our adversity.
That is, where our Child is not reclaimable by fair means we may not hinder him from condigne punishment.
That is, He that hath an ill wife must patiently beare with her: It may also be applyed to other things.
That is, we must honour God in our health and prospe∣tity that he may be propitious to us in our adversity.
That is, where our Child is not reclaimable by fair means we may not hinder him from condigne punishment.
That is, He that hath an ill wife must patiently beare with her: It may also be applyed to other things.
The meaning is, that we ought not confidently to pro∣mise our selves in any thing any great success. Thus it is said, that a certain man said he would enjoy his Bride on the morrow, and when he was admonished to say he would; if God will: He answered that he would, whether God would or not. This man and his bride were both found dead the following night. Thus was the saying of Ben Syra verified, the Bride, &c.
The meaning is, that we ought not confidently to pro∣mise our selves in any thing any great success. Thus it is said, that a certain man said he would enjoy his Bride on the morrow, and when he was admonished to say he would; if God will: He answered that he would, whether God would or not. This man and his bride were both found dead the following night. Thus was the saying of Ben Syra verified, the Bride, &c.
The meaning is, that we ought not confidently to pro∣mise our selves in any thing any great success. Thus it is said, that a certain man said he would enjoy his Bride on the morrow, and when he was admonished to say he would; if God will: He answered that he would, whether God would or not. This man and his bride were both found dead the following night. Thus was the saying of Ben Syra verified, the Bride, &c.
The meaning is, that we ought not confidently to pro∣mise our selves in any thing any great success. Thus it is said, that a certain man said he would enjoy his Bride on the morrow, and when he was admonished to say he would; if God will: He answered that he would, whether God would or not. This man and his bride were both found dead the following night. Thus was the saying of Ben Syra verified, the Bride, &c.
The meaning is, that we ought not confidently to pro∣mise our selves in any thing any great success. Thus it is said, that a certain man said he would enjoy his Bride on the morrow, and when he was admonished to say he would; if God will: He answered that he would, whether God would or not. This man and his bride were both found dead the following night. Thus was the saying of Ben Syra verified, the Bride, &c.
This saying is to be understood of the mischief which an evil and slandring tongue does, and is exemplified in Doeg, who by this means brought destruction upon the Priests.
〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉. Jam. 3. 5.
This saying is to be understood of the mischief which an evil and slandring tongue does, and is exemplified in Doeg, who by this means brought destruction upon the Priests.
〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉. Jam. 3. 5.
This saying is to be understood of the mischief which an evil and slandring tongue does, and is exemplified in Doeg, who by this means brought destruction upon the Priests.
〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉. Jam. 3. 5.
This saying is to be understood of the mischief which an evil and slandring tongue does, and is exemplified in Doeg, who by this means brought destruction upon the Priests.
〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉. Jam. 3. 5.
This saying is to be understood of the mischief which an evil and slandring tongue does, and is exemplified in Doeg, who by this means brought destruction upon the Priests.
〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉. Jam. 3. 5.
This saying is to be understood of the mischief which an evil and slandring tongue does, and is exemplified in Doeg, who by this means brought destruction upon the Priests.
〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉. Jam. 3. 5.
This saying is to be understood of the mischief which an evil and slandring tongue does, and is exemplified in Doeg, who by this means brought destruction upon the Priests.
〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉. Jam. 3. 5.
Ars long a vita brevis.