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 / by J. Ray, M.A. and Fellow of the Royal Society.

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 University , for W. Morden . 1678.

The PREFACE .

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 English Proverbs : but I think I may without arrogance affirm it to be more full and comprehensive then any Collection hitherto published . And I believe that not very many of the Proverbs generally used all England over , or far diffused over any considerable part of it whether the East , West , North or midland countreys , have escaped it ; I having had communications from observant 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 Tamworth 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 Somersetshire , 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 Proverbs , 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 intelligent persons , and who I ought to presume understand 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 Preface to the former Edition I have given my reasons why I made choice of it , which to me doe still appear to be sufficient . The method of common 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 offence 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 consideration I could wish that it also were obliterated . For I would by no means be guilty of administring 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 Proverbs of which they are ingredients . The usefull notions which many ill-worded Proverbs doe import , may I think compensate for their homely terms ; though I could wish the contrivers 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 offensive to our sences , and usually begetting a loathing 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 bodies , 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 further 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 communicated 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 acceptance I recommend the work .

Sentences and Phrases found in the former Collections of Proverbs , the most of them not now in common use for such , so far as I know , but borrowed of other Language . A. BEtter to go about then to fall into the ditch . Hispan . The absent Party is still faulty . In vain he craves advice that will not follow it . When a thing is done advice comes too late . Though old and wise yet still advise . It 's an ill air where nothing is to be gain'd . No Alchymy to saving . Good Ale is meat , drink and cloth . Anger dieth quickly with a good man . He that is Angry is seldome at ease . For that thou canst do thy self rely not on another . The wholesomest meat is at another mans cost . None knows the weight of anothers burden . When you are an Anvil hold you still ; When you are a hammer strike your fill . The Ape so long clippeth her young that at last she killeth them . An Ape is an Ape , a varlet 's a varlet , Though they be clad in silk or scarlet . A broken Apothecary a new Doctour . Apothecaries would not give pills in sugar unless they were bitter . Better ride on an Asse that carries me , then an Asse that throws me . B BE not a baker if your head be of butter . Hispan . The ballance distinguishes not between gold and lead . There 's no great banquet but some fare ill . One Barber shaves not so close but another finds work . On a good bargain think twice . Ital. Barefooted men need not tread on thorns . Bashfulness is an enemy to poverty . Better to be beaten then be in bad company . Beauty is a blossom . Beauty draws more then oxen . Beauty is no inheritance . The begger is never out of his way . The begger may sing before the thief . No more then the English of that old Latine verse .

Cantabit vacuus coram latrone viator .

Better to die a begger then live a begger . Such a beginning such an end . He that makes his bed ill lies there . If the bed could tell all it knows it would put many to the blush . He who lies long in bed his estate feels it . Who looks not before finds himself behind . Bells call others to the Church , but enter not in themselves . Be not too hasty to outbid another . Who hath bitter in his mouth spits not all sweet . The blind mans wife needs no painting . Hispan . He is blind enough who sees not through the holes of a sieve . Hispan . That which doth blossom in the Spring will bring forth fruit in the Autumn . He that blowes in the dust fills his eyes . The body is the socket of the soul . It 's easie to bowl down hill . Brabbling currs never want fore ears . The brain that sowes not corn plants thistles . The Asse that brayes most ears least . Would you have better bread then is made of wheat ? Ital. Bread with eyes , and cheese without eyes . Hisp . Ita. To beg breeches of a bare ars't man . As I brew so I must drink . There is no deceit in a brimmer . Building is a sweet impoverishing . It is called the

Spanish plague : Therefore as Cato well saith , Optimum est alienâ insaniâ frui .

Building and marrying of children are great wasters Gall. The greatest burdens are not the gainfullest . To buy dear is not bounty . Buy at a market , but sell at home , Hispan . C. THere is no cake but there is the like of the same make . In a calm sea every man is a pilot . A good candle-holder proves a good gamester . If thou hast not a capon feed on an onyon Gall. The Cat is hungry when a crust contents her . The liquorish Cat gets many a rap . It 's a bad cause that none dare speak in . He that chastiseth one amendeth many . Though the Fox runs , the chicken hath wings . The chicken is the Countreys , but the city eats it . Wo to the house where there is no chiding . The child saith nothing but what he heard at the fire . To a child all weather is cold . When children stand quiet they have done some harm . What children hear at home doth soon fly abroad . Children are poor mens riches , are certain cares , but uncertain comforts , when they are little make parents fools , when great , mad . A light Christmas a heavy sheaf . The cholerick drinks , the melancholick eats , the Flegmatick sleeps . Who never climb'd never fell . After clouds comes clear weather . Give a clown your finger and he will take your whole hand . Coblers and tinkers are the best ale drinkers . The Cock crowes , but the hen goes . When you ride a young colt see your saddle be well girt . The comforters head never akes . Ital. He commands enough that obeys a wise man . Ital. It 's good to have company in trouble .

Solamen m●seris socios habuisse doloris .

Keep good men company , and you shall be of the number . Confession of a fault makes half amends for it . He that contemplates hath a day without a night . He may well be contented who needs neither borrow nor flatter . He that converseth not with men knoweth nothing . Corn in good years is hay , in ill years straw is corn . Corn is cleansed with the wind , and the soul with chastning . He covers me with his wings , and bites me with his bill . A covetous man is like a dog in a wheel that roasteth meat for others . A dry cough is the trumpeter of death . Keep counsel thy self first . Counsels in wine seldom prosper . He that will not be counsell'd cannot be help't . Courtesie on one side doth never last long . Courts have no Almanacks . Craft bringeth nothing home . To a crazy ship all winds are contrary . Credit lost is like a Venice glass broke . He that hath lost his credit is dead to the world . No man ever lost his credit but he who had it not . Crooked logs make streight fires . Crosses are ladders that do lead to heaven . Carrion crows bewail the dead sheep , and then eat them . Ital. Cruelty is a tyrant that 's always attended with fear . Who is a cuckold and conceals it carries coals in his bosom . Hisp . Let every cuckold wear his own horns . In rain and Sunshine cuckolds go to heaven . A cut-purse is a sure trade , for he hath ready money when his work is done . D. YOu dance in a net , and think no body sees you . When all is gone and nothing left , What avails the Dagger with the Dudgeon heft ? The danger past and God forgotten . No day passeth without some grief . It is never a bad day that hath a good night . Deaf men go away with the injury . It 's a wicked thing to make a dearth on 's garner . Death keeps no Kalender . Men fear death as children to go in the dark . Better to go to bed supperless then to rise in debt . Hispan . Deeds are fruits , words are but leaves . Deeds are males , and words are females .

I fatti sono maschi , le parole femine . Ital.

Desires are nourished by delays . He looseth his thanks who promiseth and delayeth .

Gratia ab officio , quod mora tardat , abest .

A man may loose his goods for want of demanding them .

Optima nomina non appellando fiunt mala .

First deserve and then desire . Desert and reward seldom keep company . Discreet women have neither eyes nor ears .

La femme de bien n'a ny yeux ny oreilles . Gall.

Sweet discourse makes short days and nights . Diseases are the interests of pleasures . All her dishes are chafing dishes . The Devil is not always at one door . It 's an ill battel where the Devil carries the colours . Diversity of humours breedeth tumors . A man may cause his own dog to bite him . The Dog who hunts foulest hits at most faults . When a Dog is drowning every one offers him water . Dogs wag their tails not so much in love to you as to your bread . Hispan . Dogs gnaw bones because they cannot swallow them . Ital. Do what thou oughtest , and come what can . Gall. A noble house-keeper needs no doors . Do as the Frier saith , not as he doeth . Hispan . A great dowry is a bed full of brabbles . Hispan . Fine dressing is a foul house swept before the windows . He was hang'd that left his drink behind . Who loseth his due getteth no thanks . E WIde ears and a short tongue . Think of ease , but work on . That which is easily done is soon believed . Who eats his dinner alone must saddle his horse alone . Hispan . You cannot hide an Eel in a sack . Good to begin well , better to end well . In the end things will mend . He that endureth is not overcome . No man better knows what good is then he who hath endured evil . Envy never enriched any man . Of evil grain no good seed can come . Bear with evil and expect good . Evil gotten evil spent .

Malè parta malè dilabuntur .

That which is evil is soon learn't . Evil that cometh out of thy mouth flieth into thy bosom . F. WHo hath a fair wife needs more then two eyes . Fair is not fair , but that which pleaseth . This is an Italian Prov. Non è bello quel'ch ' è bello ma è bello quel'che piace . A fair woman and a slash't gown find alway some nail in the way . One may sooner fall then rise . Fall not out with a friend for a trifle . It 's a poor family which hath neither a whore nor a thief in it . A fat house-keeper makes lean executors . Every one basteth the fat hog , while the lean one burneth . Teach your father to get children . Such a father such a son . The faulty stands on his guard . Every ones faults are not written in their foreheads . Better pass a danger once then be always in fear . It. Reckon right and February hath thirty one days . He that hath a fellow-ruler hath an over-ruler . Fidlers fare , meat , drink and money . Take heed you find not that you do not seek . Ital. Well may he smell of fire whose gown burneth . The first dish pleaseth all . I 'll not make fish of one , and flesh of another . The fish follow the bait . In the deepest water is the best fishing . He that is suffer'd to do more then is fitting will do more then is lawful . No man can flay a stone . One flower makes no garland . None is a fool always , every one sometimes . A fool is fulsome . A fool demands much , but he is a greater fool that gives it . Fools tie knots and wise men loose them . If fools went not to market bad ware would not be sold . Hispan . One fool makes an hundred . If you play with a fool at home he 'll play with you in the market . Better a bare foot then no foot at all . Forgive any sooner then thy self . Gall. Ital. The foremost dog catcheth the hare . The perswasion of the fortunate swayes the doubtfull . When Fortune smiles on thee take the advantage . He who hath no ill fortune is cloy'd with good . He that will deceive the Fox must rise betimes . Foxes when sleeping have nothing fall into their mouths . This is a French Prov. A Regnard endormi rien ne cheut en la gueule . Foxes when they cannot reach the grapes say they are not ripe . The best mirrour is an old friend . Gall. Hispan . Life without a friend is death with a witness . Make not thy friend too cheap to thee , nor thy self to thy friend . When a friend asketh there is no tomorrow . Hisp . A true friend should be like a privy , open in necessity . A friend is not so soon gotten as lost . Have but few friends though much acquaintance . In time of prosperity friends will be plenty . In time of adversity not one among twenty . A tree is known by the fruit , and not by the leaves . The further we go the further behind . G. WHo would be a Gentleman let him storm a town . It 's not the gay coat makes the Gentleman . He giveth twice that gives in a trice .

Qui cito dat bis dat .

Dono molto aspettato e venduto non donato . Ital.

A Gift long waited for is sold & not given .

Giving is dead now a days , and restoring very sick . Who gives thee a capon give him the leg and the wing . Hisp . To give and keep there is need of wit . A man of gladness seldom falls into madness . Who hath glass-windows of his own must take heed how he throws stones at his house . What your glass tells you will not be told by counsel . He that hath a body made of glass must not throw stones at another . Do not say go but gaw , i. e. go thy self along . God deprives him of bread who likes not his drink . God healeth , and the Physician hath the thanks . Get thy spindle and thy distaff ready and God will send thee flax . God cometh with leaden feet , but striketh with iron hands . God comes at last when we think he is furthest off . It. God hath often a great share in a little house . Gal. God , our parents and our master can never be requited . Gall. No lock will hold against the power of gold . Hisp . You may speak with your gold and make other tongues dumb . Ital. When we have gold we are in fear , when we have none we are in danger . Ital. A good thing is soon snatch't up . An handful of good life is better then a bushel of learning . Mieux vaut un poigne de bonne vie que plein muy'de clergie . Gal. One never looseth by doing good turns . Good and quickly seldom meet . Goods are theirs who enjoy them . Ital. Gossips and frogs they drink and talk . The greatest strokes make not the best musick . There could be no great ones if there were no little . He that gropes in the dark finds that he would not . Many things grow in the garden were never sown there . Hispan . The grounsel speaks not save what it heard of the hinges . H. THe wise hand doth not all the foolish tongue speaketh . Happy is he who knows his follies in his youth . The hard gives no more then he that hath nothing . Things hardly attain'd are long retained . He who would have a hare to breakfast must hunt over night . Good harvests make men prodigal , bad ones provident . He that hath a good harvest may be content with some thistles . 'T is safe riding in a good haven . The first point of hawking is hold fast . The gentle hawk mans her self . When the head aketh all the body is the worse .

Dum caput infestat labor omnia membra molestat .

One is not so soon healed as hurt . What the heart thinketh the tongue speaketh . Who spits against heaven it falls in his face . Hispan . Hell is full of good meanings and wishes . The high-way is never about . Look high and fall into a cowturd . Every man is best known to himself . Better my hog dirty home then no hog at all . Dry bread at home is better then roastmeat abroad . He is wise that is honest . Ital. Of all crafts to be an honest man is the master-craft . A man never surfets of too much honesty . Lick honey with your little finger . He that likes honey from thorns pays too dear for it .

This is a French Proverb . Trop achepte le miel qui sur espines le leche .

Honey is sweet but the Bee stings . Honour and ease are seldom bedfellows . Who lives by hope dies breaking of wind backwards . Ital. He that lives in hope danceth without a minstrel . Hispan . The horse thinks one thing , and he that rides him another . Lend thy horse for a long journey , thou mayest have him return with his skin . All things are soon prepar'd in a well-ordered house The foot on the cradle and hand on the distaff is the sign of a good housewife . Hispan . An humble-bee in a cowturd thinks himself a King . It were more proper to say a Beetle in a cowturd . An hungry man an angry man . Husbands are in heaven whose wives chide not . I. IDleness turns the edge of wit . Idleness is the key of beggery . Jest not with the eye nor with religion . Hispan . The truest jests sound worst in guilty ears . Better be ill spoken of by one before all , then by all before one . An ill stake standeth longest . There were no ill language if it were not ill taken . The best remedy against an ill man is much ground between both . Hispan . Industry is fortunes right hand , and frugality her left . He goes not out of his way that goes to a good Inn. We must not look for a golden life in an iron age . An itch is worse then a smart . Itch an ease can no man please . K. WHeresoever you see your kindred make much of your friends . A knotty piece of timber must have smooth wedges . Many do kiss the hands they wish to see cut off His . He that eats the Kings goose shall be choked with the feathers . L. HE that labours and thrives spins gold . The lame goeth as far as the staggerer . The last suitour wins the maid . In a thousand pound of Law there 's not an ounce of love . The Law is not the same at morning and night . The worst of Law is that one suit breeds twenty . Hispan . A suit of Law and an urinal bring a man to the hospital . Hispan . A good Lawyer an evil neighbour . He laughs ill that laughs himself to death . Let your letter stay for the Post , not the Post for the letter . Ital. A Bean in liberty is better then a comfit in prison . Every light is not the Sun . Like Author like book . Like to like , and Nan for Nicholas . The Lions skin is never cheap . A little body doth often harbour a great'soul . The little cannot be great unless he devour many . Little sticks kindle the fire , but great ones put it out . Little dogs start the hare , but the great ones catch it . That little which is good fils the trencher . He liveth long that liveth well . Life is half spent e're we know what it is . He that liveth wickedly can hardly die honestly . He that lives not well one year , sorrows for it seven . It 's not how long but how well we live . Who lives well sees afar off . Hispan . The life of man is a winters day and a winters way . He looseth nothing who keeps God for his friend . He hath not lost all who hath one throw to cast . Gal. London Bridge was made for wise men to pass over , and for fools to pass under . Love lives in cottages as well as in Courts . Love rules his kingdom without a sword . Love being jealous makes a good eye look asquint . Love asks faith , and faith asks firmness . Ital. They love too much that die for love . They who love most are least set by . Where love fails we espy all faults . A low hedge is easily leapt over . M. A Maid that giveth yieldeth . Ital. A maid that laughs is half taken . A maid oft seen , a gown oft worn Are disesteem'd and held in scorn . Manners make often fortunes . When many strike on an anvil they must strike by measure . Many ventures make a full fraight . Many without punishment , none without sin . Many speak much that cannot speak well . The March Sun causeth dust , and the wind blows it about . When the mare hath a bald face , the filly will have a blaze . The market is the best garden . At London they are wont to say ; Cheapside is the best garden : The married man must turn his staff into a stake . Before thou marry , be sure of a house wherein to tarry . Hispan . Ital. Honest men marry soon , wise men not at all . Ital. He who marrieth for wealth doth sell his liberty . Who marrieth for love without money hath good nights and sorry days . Ital. Hispan . One eye of the masters sees more then ten of the servants . Ital. Though the mastiffe be gentle , yet bite him not by the lip . Use the means , and God will give the blessing . Measure thrice what thou buyest , and cut it but once . Ital. Measure is a merry mean . He is not a merchant bare , that hath money , worth or ware . Good to be merry at meat . Metal is dangerous in a blind horse . Mills and wives are ever wanting . The mill cannot grind with the water that is past . The abundance of money ruines youth . The skilfullest wanting money is scorn'd . He that hath money in his purse cannot want a head for his shoulders . Ready money will away . Money is that Art hath turn'd up trump . Money is welcome though it come in a sh — clout , The morning Sun never lasts a day . The good mother saith not , will you , but gives . Ital. You must not let your mouse-trap smell of cheese . Musick helps not the tooth-ach . N. ONe nail drives out another . Gall. Un clou pousse l'autre . A good name keeps its lustre in the dark . He who but once a good name gets , May piss a bed and say he sweats . Ital. The evil wound is cured , but not the evil name . Nature draws more then ten oxen . Who perisheth in needless danger is the Devils martyr . New meat begets a new appetite . When thy neighbours house doth burn , be carefull of thine own .

Tuares agitur paries cùm proximus ardet .

He that runs in the night stumbles . The nightingale and the cuckow sing both in one moneth . The more noble , the more humble . Cold weather and knaves come out of the North. Nothing down , nothing up . Nothing have , nothing crave . By doing nothing we learn to do ill . Nihil agendo malè agere discimus . It 's more painful to do nothing then something . He that hath nothing is not contented . The Nurses tongue is priviledged to talk . O. THe offender never pardons . Ital. The Off-spring of them that are very old or very young lasteth not . It 's ill healing an old sore . He wrongs not an old man , who steals his supper from him . Hispan . If the old dog barkes , he gives counsel . Can vecchio non baia ind arno . Ital. Old friends and old wine are best . Gall , and old gold . Old men , when they scorn young , make much of death . Rather , as Mr. Howell hath it , When they sport with young women . When Bees are old they yield no honey . The old mans staff is the rapper at Deaths door . His . An old knave is no babe . Where old age is evil , youth can learn no good . When an old man will not drink , go to see him in another world . Ital. He who hath but one hog makes him fat , and he who hath but one son makes him a fool . Ital. One shrewd turn asks another . One slumberr invites another . All feet tread not in one shoe . If every one would mend one , all would be amended . One and none is all one . Hispan . There came nothing out of the sack but what was in it . It 's a rank courtesie when a man is forc't to give thanks for his own . The smoke of a mans own house is better then the fire of anothers . Hispan . Where shall the Ox go but he must labour . Take heed of an Ox before , an Asse behind , and a Monk on all sides . Hispan . P. MAny can pack the cards that cannot play . Let no womans painting breed thy stomachs fainting . Painted pictures are dead speakers . On painting and fighting look aloof off . He that will enter into Paradise must have a good key . Say no ill of the year till it be past . Every path hath a puddle . Patch and long sit , build and soon flit . Patience is a flower grows not in every ones garden . Herein is an allusion to the name of a Plant so called , i. e. Rhabarbarum Monachorum . He who hath much pease may put the more in the pot . Let every pedler carry his own burden . There 's no companion like the penny . Hispan . He that takes not up a pin sleights his wife . He that pitieth another remembreth himself . Hisp . Play , women and wine undo men laughing . Noble plants suit not a stubborn soil . Fly pleasure and it will follow thee . Never pleasures without repentance . The pleasures of the mighty are the tears of the poor . If your plow be jogging you may have meat for your horses . Poor men have no souls . There are none p●or but such as God hates Poverty parteth friends [ or fellowship . ] Poverty is the mother of health . True praise takes root and spreads . Neither praise nor dispraise thy self , thine actions serve the turn . He that will not be saved needs no preacher . Prettiness dies quickly . Who draws his sword against his Prince , must throw away the scabbard . It 's an ill procession where the Devil holds the candle . Between promising and performing a man may marry his daughter . Gall. He promiseth like a merchant , and pays like a man of war . To promise and give nothing is a comfort to a fool . He is proper that hath proper conditions . Providence is better then rent . He hath lest his purse in his other hose . A full purse makes the mouth to speak . An empty purse fills the face with wrinkles . R. IT 's possible for a ram to kill a butcher . The rath sower ne're borrows o'th'late . A man without reason is a beast in season . Take heed of enemies reconcil'd , and of meat twice boil'd . Hispan . A good Recorder sets all in order . Remove an old tree , and it will wither to death . When all is consum'd , Repentance comes too late . He may freely receive courtesies that knows how to requite them . God help the rich , the poor can beg . Riches are but the baggage of Fortune . When riches increase the body decreaseth . For most men grow old before they grow rich . Riches are like muck which stink in a heap , but spread abroad , make the earth fruitful . It 's easie to rob an Orchard , when none keeps it . A rugged stone grows smooth from hand to hand . Better to rule then be ruled by the rout . The rusty sword and empty purse plead performance of covenants . S. IT 's a bad sack will abide no clouting . When it pleaseth not God , the Saint can do little . Hisp . Ital. Salmon and Sermon have their season in Lent . Gall. A Scepter is one thing , a ladle another . Alia res sceptrum , alia plectrum . You pay more for your schooling , then your learning is worth . Who robs a Scholar robs twenty men . For commonly he borrows a cloak of one , a sword of another , a pair of boots of a third , a hat of a fourth , &c. Who hath a scold hath sorrow to his sops . Being on the Sea sail , being on the land settle . They complain wrongfully on the Sea , who twice suffer shipwrack . Every thing is good in its season . Would you know secrets , look them in grief or pleasure . He who seeketh trouble never misseth it . A man must sell his ware after the rates of the market . He who serves well , needs not be afraid to ask his wages . The groat is ill saved that shames the master . It 's a foolish sheep that makes the wolf his confessor Ital. Ships fear fire more then water . A great ship doth ask deep waters . The chamber of sickness is the chappel of devotion . Silence doth seldom harm . Silence is the best ornament of a woman . Silks and Sattins put out the fire in the kitchin . He that sings on I ryday shall weep on Sunday . The singing-man keeps his shop in his throat . Hisp . Sit in your place and none can make you rise . Slander leaves a score behind it . Calumniare fortiter aliquid adhaerebit . Sloth turneth the edge of wit . Better the last smile then the first laughter . A smiling boy seldom proves a good servant . The Smith and his penny are both black . Whether you do boil snow or pound it , you can have but water of it . Sorrow is good for nothing but sin . When sorrow is a sleep wake it not . Souldiers in peace are like chimneys in summer . Who sows his corn in the field trusts in God . He that speaks me fair and loves me not , I 'll speak him fair and trust him not . He that speaks doth sow , he that holds his peace doth reap . Ital. Speech is the picture of the mind . Spend and be free , but make no waste . To a good Spender God is the treasurer . The Jews spend at Easter , the Moors at marriages , and the Christians in suits of Law . Ital. Who more then he is worth doth spend , he makes a rope his life to end . Who spends more then he should , shall not have to spend when he would . Who hath spice enough may season his meat as he pleaseth . It 's a poor sport that is not worth the candle . The best of the sport is to do the deed & say nothing That which will not be spun , let it not come between the spindle and the distaff . They steal the hog and give away the feet in alms . Hispan . Steal the goose and give the giblets in alms . Step after step the ladder is ascended . Who hath none to still him , may weep out his eyes . The stillest humours are always the worst . Who remove stones , bruise their fingers . Who hath skirts of straw , needs fear the fire . Hisp . Stretch your legs according to your coverlet . It 's better to be stung by a nettle , then prick't by a rose . I suck't not this out of my fingers ends . Though the Sun shines , leave not your cloak at home . Hispan . In every Countrey the Sun riseth in the morning . He deserves not the sweet that will not taste of the sowre . T. THe table robs more then the thief . Talk much and erre much ( saith the Spaniard ) Talking pays no toll . They talk of Christmas so long , that it comes . The tast of the kitchin is better then the smell . To him that hath lost his tast , sweet is sowre . Who hath aking teeth hath ill tenants . Tell a tale to a mare , and she 'll let a fart . Gall. Asino fabulam . A thin meadow is soon mow'd . The thorn comes forth with his point forwards . The thought hath good legs , and the quill a good tongue . Ital. A thousand pounds and a bottle of hay , is all one thing at Dooms day . There are more threatned then struck . He who dies of threats , must be rung to Church by farts . He that is thrown would ever wrestle . When it thunders , the thief becomes honest . The tide will fetch away what the ebb brings . Time is the rider that breaks youth . Every one puts his fault on the times . Soon todd soon with God . A northern Proverb , when a child hath teeth too soon . A long tongue is a sign of a short hand . Better that the feet slip then the tongue . He that strikes with his tongue , must ward with his head . The tongue 's not steel , yet it cuts . The tongue breaketh bone , though it self have none . Gall. The tongue talks at the heads cost . Too much breaks the bag . Hisp . Too much scratching pains , too much talking plagues Trade is the mother of money . When the tree is faln , every man goeth to it with Gall. his hatchet . Gall. Truth and oyl are ever above . Hispan . Truth hath a good face , but bad clothes . U. NO cut to unkindness . Unknown unkist . Unminded unmon'd . Under water , famine ; under snow , bread . Ital. Valour that parlies , is near yielding . Valour can do little without discretion . Vis consilii expers mole ruit sua . Et parvi sunt foris arma nisi sit consilium domi . That 's not good language that all understand not . Where men are well used , they 'll frequent there . W. HE that waits on another mans trencher , makes many a late dinner . For want of a nail the shoe is lost , for want of a shoe the horse is lost , for want of a horse the rider is lost . War is deaths feast . Who preacheth war is the Devils chaplain . War makes thieves , and peace hangs them . Gall. It. War , hunting and Law , are as full of trouble as pleasure . He that makes a good war , makes a good peace . He is wise enough that can keep himself warm . Good watch prevents misfortune . He that hath a head of wax , must not walk in the Sun . Where it is weakest there the thread breaketh . Wealth 's like rheum , it falls on the weakest parts . The greatest wealth , is contentment with a little . The gown 's hers that wears it , and the world 's his who enjoys it . Change of weather is the discourse of fools . Hisp . Expect not fair weather in winter on one nights ice . He that goeth out with often loss . At last comes home by weeping cross . Weight and measure take away strife . He that doth well wearieth not himself . Well to work and make a fire , It doth care and skill require . Such a welcome such a farewel . Welcome death , quoth the Rat , when the trap fell down . As welcome as flowers in May. I wept when I was born , and every day shews why . Whores affect not you but your money . Whoring and bawdery do often end in beggery . A mans best fortune or his worst is a wife . He that lets his wife go to every feast , and his horse drink at every water , shall neither have good wife nor good horse . Ital. Or thus , He that lets his horse drink at every lake , And his wife go to every wake , Shall never be without a whore and a jade . Wife and children are bills of charges , The cunning wife makes her husband her apron . Hispan . The wife is the key of the house . He that hath wife and children wants not business . Where the will is ready , the feet are light . To him that wills , ways are not wanting . With as good a will as ever I came from school . He that doth what he will , oft doth not what he ought . Will will have wilt , though will woe win . Nothing is impossible to a willing mind . Willows are weak , yet they bind other wood . Ital. Pull down your hat on the wind side . A good Winter brings a good Summer . Wine is the masters , but the goodness is the drawers . Wine in the bottle doth not quench the thirst . Ital. Wine is a turn-coat , first a friend , then an enemy . Wine that costs nothing is digested e're it be drunk . You cannot know wine by the barrel . Wine wears no breeches . Gall. i. e. Shews what a man is . You can't drive a windmill with a pair of bellows . You may be a wise man though you can't make a watch . Wise men care not for what they cannot have . None is so wise but the fool overtakes him . Better to have then wish . Better it be done then wish it had been done . It 's wit to pick a lock and steal a horse , but wisdom to let them alone . You have a little wit and it doth you good sometimes . He hath enough to keep the wolf from the door . That is , to satisfie his hunger , latrantem stomachum . Wolves lose their teeth , but not their memory . Who hath a wolf for his mate , needs a dog for his man . Ital. Who keeps company with the wolf , will learn to howl . Chi prattica con lupi impara à hurlar . Ita. Women , priests and poultry have never enough . Donne , preti & polli non son mai satolli . To wo is a pleasure in a young man , a fault in an old . Green wood makes a hot fire . Wood half burnt is easily kindled . You were better give the wool then the sheep . Meglio è dar la lana che lapecora . Ital. Many words will not fill a bushel . Words and feathers are tost by the wind . Hisp . Good words without deeds are rushes and reeds . One ill word asketh another . They must hunger in frost , that will not work in heat . What is a workman without his tools . There needs a long time to know the worlds pulse . This world is nothing except it tend to another . A green wound is soon healed . Wranglers never want words . Y. THe more thy years , the nearer thy grave . Youth and white paper take any impression .

Proverbs and Proverbial observations belonging to Health , Diet and Physick . AN Ague in the Spring is Physick for a King .

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 defaecare , 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 particles which it had contracted in the winter time . And that these may be carried away , after every particular fermentation 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 convenient 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 purgandus est ; incredibile enim dictu quanta morborum vis expurgationis defectu post febres Autumnales subnascatur . Miror tutem hoc à medicis minùs caveri , minùs etiam admoneri Quandocunque enim morborum alterutrum ( Febrem t●rtianam aut quartanam ) paulò provectioris aetatis hominibus accidisse vidi , atque purgationem etiam omissam ; certò praedicere potui periculosum aliquem morbum eosdem postea adoriturum , de quo tamen illi nondum sòmniaverant , quasi perfectè jam sanati .

Agues come on horseback , but go away on foot . A bit in the morning is better then nothing all day . Or , then a thump on the back with a stone . You eat and eat , but you do not drink to fill you .

That much drinking takes off the edge of the Appetite 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 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 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 .

An apple , an egg and a nut , you may eat after a Slut. Pomae , ova atque nuces , si det tibi sordida , gustes . Children an chicken must be always picking .

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 extinguishing 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 .

Old young and old long .

Divieni tosto vechio se vuoi vivere lungamente vecchio . Ital. Maturè sias senex si diu senex esse velis . This is alledged as a Proverb by Cicero in his book de senectute . For as the body is preserved in health by moderate labour or exercise , so by violent and immoderate it is impaired and worn out . And as a great excess of any quality or external violence doth suddenly destroy the body , so a lesser excess doth weaken and partially destroy it , by rendring it less lasting .

They who would be young when they are old must be old when they are young . When the Fern is as high as a spoon You may sleep an hour at noon .

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 afternoon 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 .

When the Fern is as high as a ladle , You may sleep as long as you are able . When Fern begins to look red Then milk is good with brown bread .

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 conceive the reason to be because the cattel drink water abundantly by reason of their heat in Summer , which doth much dilute their milk .

Every man is either a fool or a Physician after thirty years of age . After dinner sit a while , after supper walk a mile .

Post epulas stabis vel passus mille meabis . I know no reason for the difference , unless one eats a greater dinner then supper . For when the stomach is full it is not good to exercise 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 after 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 concoction , 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 bottom of the stomach ; where the natural heat is most vigorous , 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 exercise sitting , though they fare meanly and work hard yet are commonly fat and fleshy . Whereupon also he commends 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 , a young Lawyer .

An old Physician because of his experience ; a young Lawyer , because he having but little practise will have leisure 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 .

A good Chirurgion must have an Eagles eye , a Lions heart , and a Ladies hand . Good keal is half a meal .

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 .

If you would live ever , you must wash milk from your liver .

Vin sur laict c' est souhait , Laict sur vin c' est venin . Gall. This is an idle old saw , for which I can see no reason but rather for the contrary .

Butter is gold in the morning , silver at noon , lead at night . He that would live for ay must eat Sage in May.

That Sage was by our ancestours esteemed a very wholesome herb , and much conducing to longevity appears by that verse in Schola Salernitana , Cur moriatur homo cui Salvia crescit in horto ?

After cheese comes nothing . An egg and to bed . You must drink as much after an egg as after an Ox.

This is a fond and ungrounded old saying .

Light suppers make clean sheets . He that goes to bed thirsty rises healthy . Gall.

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 observes ) 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 corpor 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 . One hours sleep before midnight's worth two hours after .

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 midnight , 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 consider 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 sluggish and unfit for it .

Who goes to bed supperless , all night tumbles and tosses .

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 labouring 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 concoction , 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 concoction and hot brains must to procure sleep eat something at night which may send up gentle vapours into the head , and compose the spirits . Chi ben cena ben dorme . Ital.

Often and little eating makes a man fat . Fish must swim thrice .

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 .

Drink wine and have the gout , and drink no wine and have the gout too .

With this saying , intemperate persons that have or fear the gout , encourage themselves to proceed in drinking wine notwithstanding .

Young mens knocks old men feel . Quae peccamus Juvenes ea luimus senes . Go to bed with the lamb , and rise with the lark . Early to go to bed and early to rise , makes a man healthy , wealthy and wise . Wash your hands often , your feet seldom ; and your head never . Eat at pleasure , drink by measure .

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 misura .

Cheese it is a peevish else , It digests all things but it self .

This is a translation of that old rhythming Latin verse . Caseus est nequàm , quia digerit omnia se quàm .

The best Physicians are Dr. Diet , Dr. Quiet and Dr. Merryman .

This is nothing but that Distich of Schola Salernitana Englished . Si tibi deficiant medici , medici tibi fiant . Haec tria mens laeta , requies , moderata diaeta .

Drink in the morning staring , Then all the day be sparing . Eat a bit before you drink . Feed sparingly and defie the Physician . Better be meales many then one too merry . You should never touch your eye but with your elbow .

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 englishes thus , 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 . Qui vin ne boit apres salade , est en danger estre malade . i. e. He that drinks not wine after salade , is in danger to be sick . 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 supernante pretiofior est . Contra in vase vini pars inferior admixtione 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 .

Proverbs and Proverbial Observations concerning Husbandry , Weather and the seasons of the year . JAniveer freez the pot by the fire . If the grass grow in Janiveer , It grows the worse for 't all the year .

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 .

When Candlemas day is come and gone The snow lies on a hot stone . February fill dike , Be it black or be it white ; But if it be white , It 's the better to like .

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 .

Februeer doth cut and shear . All the moneths in the year curse a fair Februeer . or thus , The Welchman had rather see his dam on the beer , Then so see a fair Februeer . March in Janiveer , Janiveer in March I fear . March hack ham , comes in like a lion , goes out like a lamb . A bushel of March dust is worth a Kings ransome . March grass never did good . March wind and May Sun , make clothes white and maids dun . March many weathers . April showers bring forth May flowers . When April blows his horn , It 's good both for hay and corn .

That is , when it thunders in April : for thunder is usually accompanied with rain .

April borrows three days of March and they are ill . An April floud carries away the frog and her brood . A cold May and a windy , makes a full barn and a findy . The merry moneth of May. May come she early or come she late she 'll make the cow to quake .

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 intent of the Proverb .

A May flood never did good . Look at your corn in May , and you 'll come weeping away : Look at the same in June , and you 'll come home in another tune . Shear your sheep in May , And shear them all away . A swarm of Bees in May , is worth a load of hay : But a swarm in July , is not worth a fly . When the wind 's in the East , It 's neither good for man nor beast .

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 .

When the wind 's in the South , It 's in the rains mouth .

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 pluviòque madescit ab Austro . Homer calles the North wind 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 . 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 reason of this with the ingenious Philosopher Des Cartes I conceive to be , because those countreys which lie under and near to the course of the Sun , being sufficiently 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 require 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 vapours , 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 confirmed by what Pliny reports of Africa , loc. cit . Permutant & 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 detains them , and so partly by compressing , partly by cooling them causes them to condense and descend in showers .

When the wind 's in the South , It blowes the bait into the fishes mouth . No weather is ill , If the wind be still . A hot May makes a fat Church-yard . A green winter makes a fat Church-yard .

This Proverb was sufficiently confuted Anno 1667 , in which the winter was very mild ; and yet no mortality or Epidemical 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 winters that hath lately happened .

Winter never rots in the sky . Ne caldo , ne gelo resta mai in cielo . Ital. Neither heat nor cold abides always in the sky . It 's pity fair weather should do any harm . Hail brings frost i'th'tail . A snow year , a rich year . Anno di neve anno di bene . Ital. A winters thunder 's a summers wonder . Quand il tonne en Mars on peut dire helas . Gall. Drought never bred dearth in England . Whoso hath but a mouth , shall ne're in England suffer drought . v. in Sentent . When the sand doth feed the clay , ( which is in a wet summer ) England wo and well-a-day : But when the clay doth feed the sand , ( which is in a dry summer ) Then it is well with England .

Because there is more clay then sandy ground in England .

The worse for the rider , the better for the bider . Bon pais mauvais chemin . Gall. Rich land , bad way . When the Cuckow comes to the bare thorn , Sell your cow and buy you corn : But when she comes to the full bit , Sell your corn and buy you sheep . If the cock moult before the hen , We shall have weather thick and thin : But if the hen moult before the cock , We shall have weather hard as a block .

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 .

I' th' old o' th' moon A cloudy morning bodes a fair afternoon . As the days lengthen , so the cold strengthens . 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 suddainly 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 remaining internall heat of the earth for as long as the externall 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 hotter and hotter , till it comes to that degree of heat which the fire it is in can give it .

If there be a rainbow in the eve , it will rain and leave : But if there be a rainbow in the morrow , It will neither lend nor borrow . An evening red and a morning gray , Is a sign of a fair day .

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 .

When the clouds are upon the hills they 'll come down by the mills . David and Chad sow pease good or bad .

That is about the beginning of March .

This rule in gardening never forget , To sow dry , and to set wet . When the sloe-tree's as white as a sheet , Sow your barley whether it be dry or wet . Sow beans i' th' mud , and they 'll grow like wood . Till St James his day be come and gone , You may have hops or you may have none . The pigeon never knoweth wo , But when she doth a benting go . If the Partridge had the wood cocks thigh , T' would be the best bird that ever did fly . Yule is good on yule even .

That is , as I understand it , every thing in his season , Yule is Christmas .

Tripe's good meat if it be well wip't . A Michaelmass rot comes n'ere i' th' pot . A nagg with a weamb and a mare with nean . i. e. none . Behind before , before behind , a horse is in danger to be prick't . You must look for grass on the top of the oak tree .

Because the grass seldom springs well before the oak begins to put forth , as might have been observed the last year .

St. Matthie sends sap into the tree . A famine in England begins at the horse-manger .

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 .

Winters thunder and Summers flood , Never boded Englishman good . Butter's once a year in the cows horn .

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 difficult to spread .

Barly-straw's good fodder when the cow gives water . On Valentines day will a good goose lay . If shee be a good goose her dame well to pay , She will lay two eggs before Valentines day . Before S. Chad every goose layes both good and Bad. It rains by planets .

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 .

If Candlemas day be fair and bright Winter will have another flight : If on Candlemas day it be showre and rain , Winter is gone and will not come again .

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 delivered me .

Barnaby bright , the longest day and the shortest night . Lucy light , the shortest day and the longest night . S. Bartholomew brings the cold dew . S. Matthie all the year goes by .

Because in Leap-year the supernumerary day is then intercalated .

S. Matthee shut up the Bee . S. Valentine set thy hopper by mine . S. Mattho , take thy hopper and sow . S. Benedick sow thy pease or keep them in thy rick . Red herring ne're spake word but een , Broyl my back , but not my weamb . Said the Chevin to the Trout , My head 's worth all thy bouk . Meddlers are never good till they be rotten . On Candlemas day you must have half your straw and half your hay . At twelf-day the days are lengthened a Cock-stride . The Italians say at Christmas . A cherry year a merry year : A plum year a dumb year .

This is a puerile and senceless rythme without reason , as far as I can see .

Set trees at Allhallontide and command them to prosper : Set them after Candlemas and entreat them to grow .

This Dr. J. Beal alledgeth as an old English and Welch Proverb , concerning Apple and Pear-trees , Oak and Hawthorn 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.

If you would fruit have , You must bring the leaf to the grave .

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 .

PRimo porco , ultimo cane . i. e. The first pig , but the last whelp of the litter is the best . Cavallo & cavalla cavalcalo in su la spalla , Asino & mulo cavalcalo in su'l culo . i. e. Ride a horse and mare on the shoulders , an Asse and mule on the buttocks . A buon'hora in pescaria & tardi in beccaria . Go early to the fish-market , & late to the butchery . Al amico cura li il fico , Al inimico il Persico . Pill a fig for your friend , and a peach for your enemy .

Proverbs and Proverbial observations referring to Love , Wedlock and Women . LOve me little and love me long . Hot love is soon cold . Love of lads and fire of chats is soon in and soon out . Darbish .

Chats , i. e. chips .

Lads love's a busk of broom , Hot awhile and soon done . Chesh . Love will creep where it cannot go . Chi ha amor nel petto ha le sprone ne i fianchi . Italian .

He that hath love in his breast hath spurs in his sides .

Love and Lordship like no fellowship .

Amor & seignoria non yogliono compagnia , Ital. Amour & feigneutie ne se tindrent jamais compagnie . Gall. The meaning of our English Proverb is , Lovers and Princes cannot endure rivals or partners . Omnisque potestas Impaticus consortis erit . The Italian and French , though the same in words , have I think a different sense , viz. Non bene conveniunt nec in una sede morantur Majestas & amor .

Love is blind . Lovers live by love , as Larks by leeks .

This is I conceive in derision of such expressions as living by love . Larks and leeks beginning with the same letter helped it up to be a Proverb .

Follow love and it will flee , Flee love and it will follow thee .

This was wont to be said of glory , Sequentem fugit , fugientem sequitur . Just like a shadow .

Love and pease-pottage will make their way .

Because one breaks the belly , the other the heart .

The love of a woman and a bottle of wine , Are sweet for a season , but last for a time . Love comes in at the windows , and goes out at the doors . Love and a cough cannot be hid .

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 .

Ay be as merry as be can , For love ne're delights in a sorrowfull man . Fair chieve all where love trucks . Whom we love best , to them we can say least . He that loves glasse without G. Take away L , and that is he . Old pottage is sooner heated , then new made .

Old lovers fallen out are sooner reconciled then new loves begun . Nay the Comedian saith , Amantium irae amoris redintegratio est .

Wedlock is a padlock . Age and wedlock bring a man to his nightcap . Wedding an ill wintering , tame both man and beast . Marriages are made in heaven . Nozze & magistrato dal cielo e destinato . Ital. Marry in haste and repent at leisure . It 's good to marry late or never . Marry your Sons when you will , your Daughters when you can . Marry your Daughters betimes , lest they marry themselves . I 've cur'd her from laying i'th'hedge , quoth the good man when he had wed his daughter . Motions are not marriages . More longs to marriage , then four bare legs in a bed . Like blood , like good , and like age , make the happiest marriage .

Aequalem uxorem quaere . 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 . Unequal marriages seldom prove happy . Si qua voles aptè nubere , nube pari . Ovid. Intolerabilius nibil est quam famina dives . Juvenal .

Many an one for land takes a fool by the hand . i. e. marries her or him . He that 's needy when he is married , shall be rich when he is buried . Who weds e're he be wise , shall die e're he thrive . It 's hard to wive and thrive both in a year . Better behalf hang'd then ill wed . He that would an old wife wed , Must eat an apple before he goes to bed ,

Which by reason of its flatulency is apt to excite lust .

Sweet heart and Honey-bird keeps no house . Marriage is honourable , but house-keeping's a shrew . We batchelours grin , but you married men laugh till your hearts ake . Marriage and hanging go by destiny . It 's time to yoke when the cart comes to the caples , i. e. horses . Chesh .

That is , It 's time to marry when the woman woes the man .

Courting and woing brings dallying and doing . Happy is the woing , that is not long in doing . Widows are always rich . He that woes a maid must come seldom in her sight . But he that woes a widow must woe her day and night . He that woes a maid must fain , lie and flatter : But he that woes a widow , must down with his breeches and at her .

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 .

It 's dangerous marrying a widow because she hath cast her rider . He that would the daughter win , Must with the mother first begin . A man must ask his wife leave to thrive . He that looseth his wife and sixpence , hath lost a tester .

Che perde moglie & un quatrino , ha gran perdita del quatrino . Ital.

He that loses his wife and a farthing hath a great loss of his farthing . There is one good wife in the Countrey , and every man thinks he hath her . Wives must be had , be they good or bad . He that tells his wife news , is but newly married . A nice wife and a back door , do often make a rich man poor . Saith Solomon the wise , A good wife 's a goodly prize . A dead wife 's the best goods in a mans house . Long-tongued wives go long with bairn . A man of straw , is worth a woman of gold .

This is a French Proverb . Un homme de paille vaut une femme d'or .

One tongue is enough for a woman .

This reason they give that would not have women learn languages .

A womans tongue wags like a lambs tail . Three women and a goose make a market .

This is an Italian one , Tre donne & un occa fan un mercato .

A ship and a woman are ever repairing . A spaniel , a woman and a walnut tree , The more they 're beaten the better still they be . Nux , asinus , mulier simili sunt l●ge ligata . Haec tria nil rectè faci●nt si verbera cessant . Adducitur à Cognato , est tamen novum . All women are good , viz , either good for something or good for nothing . Women laugh when they can , and weep when they will .

Femme rit quand elle peut & pleure quand elle veut . Gall.

Women think Place a sweet fish . A woman conceals what she knows not . Women and dogs set men together by the ears . As great pity to see a woman weep , as a goose go barefoot . Winter-weather and womens thoughts change oft . A womans mind and winter-wind change oft . There 's no mischief in the world done , But a woman is always one . A wicked woman and an evil , Is three half pence worse then the Devil . The more women look in their glasses , the less they look to their houses . A womans work is never at an end . Some adde , And washing of dishes . Change of women makes bald knaves . Every man can tame a shrew , but he that hath her . Better be a shrew then a sheep .

For commonly shrews are good housewives .

Better one house fill'd then two spill'd .

This we use when we hear of a bad Jack who hath married 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 further 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.

Old maids lead apes in hell . Batchelours wives and maids children are always well taught .

Chi non ha moglie ben la veste . Chi non ha figlivoli ben li pasce .

Maidens must be seen and not heard . A dogs nose and a maids knees are always cold . Young wenches make old wrenches . As the goodman saith , so say we , But as the good woman saith , so it must be . Better be an old mans darling , then a young mans warling . A grunting horse and a groaning wife seldom fail their master . In time comes she whom Gods sends . He that marries a widow and three children , marries four thieves . Two daughters and a back door are three errant thieves . A black man 's a jewel in a fair womans eye . Fair and sluttish , ( or foolish ) black and proud , Long and lazy , little and loud .

Beautè & folie vont souvent de compagnie . Gall. Beauty and folly do often go hand in hand , are often match't together .

Put another mans child in your bosom , and he 'll creep out at your elbow . Chesh .

That is , cherish or love him , he 'll never be naturally affected toward you .

When the good man 's from home the good wives table is soon spread . The good man 's the last knows what 's amiss at home .

Dedecus ille domûs sciet ultimus .

'T is safe taking a shive of a cut loaf . Wine and wenches empty mens purses . Who drives an Asse and leads a whore , Hath pain and sorrow evermore . The Italians add , & 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.

I 'll tent thee , quoth Wood , If I can't rule my daughter , I 'll rule my good . Chesh . Ossing comes to bossing . Chesh .

Ossing , i. e. offering or aiming to do . The meaning is the same , with Courting and woing brings dallying and doing .

Free of her lips free of her hips . A rouk-town's seldom a good house-wife at home .

This is a Yorkshire Proverb . A Rouk-town is a gossipping house-wife , who loves to go from house to house .

Quickly too'd , [ i. e. toothed ] and quickly go , Quickly will thy mother have moe . Yorksh .

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 Roman History ; M. Curius Dentatus , & Cn. Papyrius Carbo mentioned by Pliny , lib. 7. c. 16. and among our English Kings , Rich. 3.

It 's a sad burden to carry a dead mans child . A little house well fill'd , a little land well till'd , and a little wife well will'd . One year of joy , another of comfort and all the rest of content . A marriage wish . My son 's my son , till he hath got him a wife , But my daughter 's my daughter all dayes of her life . The lone sheep's in danger of the wolf . A light heel'd mother , makes a heavy heel'd daughter .

Because she doth all her work her self , and her daughter the mean time sitting idle , contracts a habit of sloth . Mere pitieuse fait sa fille rogneuse , Gall. A tender mother breeds a scabby daughter .

When the husband drinks to the wife , all would be well : When the wife drinks to the husband , all is well . When a couple are newly married , the first moneth is honey-moon or smick smack : the second is , hither an thither : the third is , thwick thwack : the fourth , the Devil take them that brought thee and I together . Women must have their wills while they live , be-because they make none when they die . England is the Paradise of women .

And well it may be called so , as might easily be demonstrated 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 .

All meat 's to be eaten , all maids to be wed . It 's a sad house where the hen crows lowder then the cock .

Trista è quella casa dove le galline cantano e'l gallo tace . Ital.

If a woman were as little as shee is good , A peas-cod would make her a gown & a hood .

Se la donna fosse piccola come e buona , laminima foglia la farebbe una veste & una corona . Ital.

Many women many words , many geese many t .... Dove sonod nne & ocche non vi sono parole poche . Ital.

Where there are women and geese there wants no noise .

Not what is she , but what hath she .

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 .

AN ALPHABET Of Joculatory , Nugatory And Rustick Proverbs . A. YOu see what we must all come to if we live . If thou be hungry , I am angry , let us go fight . Lay on more wood , Ashes give money . Six Awls make a shoemaker . All asiden as hogs fighten . B. BAck with that leg . Of all and of all commend me to Ball , for by licking the dishes he saved me much labour . Like a Barbers chair , fit for every buttock . A Bargain is a bargain . His Bashfull mind hinders his good intent . The son of a Batchelour . i. e. a bastard . Then the town-bull is a Batchelour . i. e. as soon as such an one . He speaks Bear-garden .

That is , such rude and uncivil , or sordid and dirty language , as the Rabble that frequent those sports , are wont to use .

He that hath eaten a Bear-pye will always smell of the garden . Your Belly chimes , it 's time to go to dinner . You shall have as much favour at Billings-gate for a box on the ear . A Black shoe makes a merry heart . He 's in his better Blew clothes .

He thinks himself wondrous fine .

Have among you blind harpers . Good blood makes bad puddings without groats or suet .

〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 , Nobility is nothing but ancient riches : and money is the idol the world adores .

A Blot in his Escucheon . To be bout , i. e. without , as Barrow was . Chesh . To leave Boyes-play , and go to blow-point . You 'll not believe a man is dead till you see his brains out . Well rhythm'd Tutour , Brains and stairs .

Now used in derision of such as make paltry ridiculous rhythmes .

A brinded pig will make a good brawn to breed on . A red-headed man will make a good stallion . This buying of bread undoes us . If I were to fast for my life I would eat a good breakfast in the morning . She brides it . She bridles up the head , or acts the bride . As broad as long . i. e. Take it which way you will , there 's no difference , it is all one . To burst at the broad side . Like an old womans breech , at no certainty . He 's like a buck of the first-head .

Brisk , pert , forward , Some apply it to upstart Gentlemen .

The spirit of building is come upon him . He wears the Bulls feather .

This is a French proverb , for a cuckold .

It melts like butter in a Sows tail : or , works like sope &c. I have a bone in mine arm .

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 .

Burroughs end of sheep , some one . C. EVery cake hath its make , but a scrape-cake hath two .

Every wench hath her sweet-heart , and the dirtiest commonly the most : make , i. e. match , fellow .

He Capers like a fly in a tarbox . He 's in good carding . I would cheat mine own father at cards . When you have counted your cards you 'll find you have gained but little . Catch that catch may . The cat hath eaten her count .

It is spoken of women with child , that go beyond their reckoning .

He lives under the sign of the eats foot .

He is hen-peckt , his wife scratches him .

Whores and thieves go by the clock . Quoth the young Cock , I 'll neither meddle nor make .

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 .

To order without a Constable . He 's no Conjurer . Marry come up my dirty Cousin .

Spoken by way of taunt , to those who boast themselves of their birth , parentage , or the like .

Cousin germans quite removed . He 's fallen into a Cowturd . He looks like a Cowt — stuck with Primroses . To a Cows thumb . Crack me that nut , quoth Bumsted . To rock the Cradle in ones spectacles . Cream-pot love .

Such as young fellows pretend tō dairy-maids , to get cream and other good things of them .

Cuckolds are christians .

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 .

He has deserved a Cushion .

That is , he hath gotten a boy .

To kill a man with a cushion . A Curtain-lecture .

Such an one as a wife reads her husband when she chides him in bed .

If a Cuckold come he 'll take away the meat . viz. If there be no salt on the table . It 's better to be a-cold then a Cuckold . For want of company wellcome trumpery . That 's the cream of the jest . It 's but a copy of his countenance . His Cow hath calved , or sow pig'd .

He hath got what he sought for , or expected .

With Cost one may make pottage of a stool-foot . D. THe Dasnel dawcock sits among the Doctours .

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 Mallowes , and is much eaten by the Egyptians .

When the Devil is blind . Heigh ho , the Devil is dead . Strike Dawkin , the Devil is i' th' hemp . The Devil is good to some . It 's good sometimes to hold a candle to the Devil .

Holding a candle to the devil is assisting in a bad cause , an evil matter .

The Devil is i' th' dice. When the Devil is a hog you shall eat bacon . To give one the Dog to hold . i. e. To serve one a dog-trick . It 's a good Dog can catch any thing . He looks like a Dog under a door . Make a-do and have a-do . I know what I do when I drink . Drink off your drink , and steal no lambs . Drift is as bad as unthrift . He was hang'd that left his drink behind him .

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 .

A good day will not mend him , nor a bad day impair him . I 'll make him dance without a pipe .

i. e. I 'll do him an injury , and he shall not know how .

E. I 'll warrant you for an Egg at Easter . F. YOu two are finger and thumb . My wife cryes five loaves a penny , i. e. She is in travel . It 's good fish if it were but caught .

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 .

To morrow morning I found an horse-shoe . The Fox was sick , and he knew not where : He clap't his hand on his tail , and swore it was there . That which one most forehets , soonest comes to pass .

Quod quisque vitet nunquam , homini satis cautum est in horas . Horat.

Look to him Jaylour , there 's a frog i' th' stocks . G. THe way to be gone is not to stay here . Good goose do not bite . It 's a sorry goose will not baste her self . I care no more for it then a goose-t .... for the Thames . Let him set up shop on Goodwins sands .

This is a piece of Countrey wit ; there being an aequivoque in the word Good-win , which is a surname , and also signifies gaining wealth .

He would live in a gravel-pit .

Spoken of a wary sparing , niggardly person .

This grow'd by night .

Spoken of a crooked stick or tree , it could not see to grow .

Great doings at Gregories , heat the oven twice for a custard . He hath swallowed a Gudgeon .

He hath swore desperately , viz. to that which there is a great presumption is false : Swallowed a false oath .

The Devils guts . i. e. The surveyours chain . A good fellow lights his candle at both ends . God help the fool , quoth Pedly .

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 .

H. HIs hair growes through his hood .

He is very poor , his hood is full of holes .

You have a handsome head of hair , pray give me a tester .

When Spendthrifts come to borrow money they commonly 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 .

A handsome bodied man i' th' face . Hang your self for a pastime . If I be hang'd , I 'll chuse my gallowes . A King Harry's face . Better have it then hear of it . To take heart of grace . To be hide-bound . This was a Hill in King Harry's dayes . To be loosei'th ' Hilts. Hit or misse for a cow-heel . A hober de hoy , half a man and half a boy . Hold or cut Codpiece point . Hold him to 't buckle and thong . She 's an holy-day dame . You 'll make honey of a dogst ... That horse is troubled with corns . i. e. foundred . He hath eaten a horse , and the tail hangs out at his mouth . He had better put his horns in his pocket , then wind them . There 's but an hour in a day between a good housewife and a bad .

With a little more pains , she that slatters might do things neatly .

He came in hos'd and shod .

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 .

I. I Am not the first , and shall not be the last . To be Jack in an office . An inch an hour , a foot a day . A basket Justice ; a Jyll Justice ; a good forenoon Justice . He 'll do Iustice right or wrong . K. THere I caught a Knave in a purse net . Knock under the board . He must do so that will not drink his cup. As good a knave I know , as a knave I know not . An horse - kiss . A rude kiss , able to beat ones teeth out . L. HIs house stands on my Ladyes ground . A long lane and a fair wind , and always thy heels here away . Lasses are lads leavings . Chesh .

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 'll laugh at the wagging of a straw . Neither lead nor drive . An unto ward , unmanageable person . To play least in sight . To go as if dead lice dropt out of him .

He is so poor and lean and weak , that he cannot maintain his lice .

Thou 'lt lie all manner of colours but blew , and that is gone to the litting . i. e. dying . Tell a lie and find the troth . Listners ne'er hear good of themselves . To lye in bed and forecast . Sick o' th' Lombard feaver , or of the idles . She hath been at London to call a strea a straw , and a waw a wall . Chesh .

This the common people use in scorn of those who having been at London are ashamed to speak their-own Countrey dialect .

She lives by love and lumps in corners . Every one that can lick a dish : as much to say , as every one simpliciter , tag rag and bobtail . It 's a lightning before death .

This is generally observed of sick persons , that a little before they dye their pains leave them , and their understanding and memory return to them ; as a candle just before it goes out gives a great blaze .

The best dog leap the stile first . i. e. Let the worthiest person take place . M. Maxfield measure heap and thrutch . i. e. thrust . Chesh . To find a mares nest . He 's a man every inch of him . A match , quoth Hatch , when he got his wife by the breech . A match , quoth Iack , when he kist his dame . All the matter 's not in my Lord Judges hand . Let him mend his manners , 't will be his own another day . He 's metal to the back . A metaphor taken from knives and swords . 'T is Midsummer moon with you . i. e. You are mad . To handle without mittins . He was born in a mill . i. e. He 's deaf . Samson was a strong man , yet could he not pay money before he had it . Thou shalt have moon-shine i' th' mustard-pot for it . i. e. nothing . Sick o' th' mulligrubs with eating chop 't hay . You make a muck-hill on my trencher , quoth the Bride .

You carve me a great heap . I suppose some bride at first , thinking to speak elegantly and finely might use that expression ; and so it was taken up in drollery ; or else it 's onely a droll , made to abuse countrey brides , affecting fine language .

This maid was born odd .

Spoken of a maid who lives to be old , and cannot get a husband .

N. NIpence nopence , half a groat lacking two pence . Would No I thank you had never been made . His nose will abide no jests . Doth your nose swell [ or eek , i. e. itch ] at that ? I had rather it wrung you by the nose then me by the belly . i. e. a fart . It 's the nature o' th' beast . O. A Small Officer . Once out and always out . Old enough to lye without doors . Old muckhills will bloome . Old man when thou diest give me thy doublet . An old woman in a wooden ruffe . i. e. in an antique dresse . It will do with an onyon . To look like an owl in an Ivy-bush . To walk by owl-light . He has a good estate , but that the right owner keeps it from him . How do you after your oysters ? All one but their meat goes two wayes . P. THere 's a pad i'th'straw . As it pleases the painter . Mock no panyer-men , your father was a fisher . Every pease hath its veaze , and a bean fifteen .

A veaze vescia in Italian is crepitus ventris . So it signifies Pease are flatulent , but Beans ten times more .

You may know by a penny how a shilling spends . Peter of wood , church and mills are all his . Chesh . Go pipe at Padley , there 's a pescod feast .

Some have it , Go pipe at Colston , &c. It is spoken in derision to people that busie themselves about matters of no concernment .

He pisses backwards , i. e. does the other thing . He has pist his tallow .

This is spoken of bucks who grow lean after rutting time , and may be applied to men .

Such a reason pist my goose . He playes you as fair as if he pick't your pocket . If you be not pleased put your hand in your pocket and please your self .

A jeering expression to such as will not be pleased with the reasonable offers of others .

As Plum as a jugglem ear . i. e. a quagmire . Devonsh . To pocket up an injury .

i. e. To pass it by without revenge , or taking notice .

The difference between the poor-man and the rich is , that the poor walketh to get meat for his stomach , the rich a stomach for his meat . Prate is prate , but it 's the duck layes the eggs . She is at her last prayers . Proo naunt your mare puts . i. e. pushes . It would vex a dog to see a pudding creep . He was christned with pump-water . It is spoken of one that hath a red face . Pye-lid makes people wise .

Because no man can tell what is in a pye till the lid be taken up .

To ride post for a pudding . Be fair condition'd , and eat bread with your pudding . He 's at a forc't put . Q. WE 'll do as they do at Quern , What we do not to day , we must do i' th morn . R. SOme rain some rest , A harvest proverb . The dirt-bird [ or dirt-owl ] sings , we shall have rain .

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 .

Every day of the week a showre of rain , and on Sunday twain . A rich rogue two shirts and a ragge . Right master right , four nobles a year 's a crown a quarter . Chesh . Room for cuckolds , &c. He rose with his A .... upwards . A sign of good luck . He would live as long as old Rosse of Pottern , who liv'd till all the world was weary of him . Let him alone with the Saints bell , and give him rope enough . The lass i'th'red petticoat shall pay for all .

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 .

Neither rhythme nor reason . Rub and a good cast .

Be not too hasty , and you 'll speed the better : Make not more haste then good speed .

S. 'T Is sooner said then done . School-boys are the reasonablest people in the world , they care not how little they have for their money . A Scot on Scots bank . The Scotch ordinary . i. e. The house of office . That goes against the shins . i. e. It 's to my prejudice , I do it not willingly . He knows not whether his shooe goes awry . Sigh not but send , He 'll come if he be unhang'd . Sirrah your dogs , sirrah not me , For I was born before you could see . Of all tame beasts I hate Sluts . He 's nothing but skin and bones . To spin a fair thread . Spit in his mouth and make him a mastiffe . No man ever cryed stinking fish . Stretching and yawning leadeth to bed . To stumble at the truckle-bed .

To mistake the chamber-maids bed for his wives .

He could have sung well before he brake his left shoulder with whistling . Sweet heart and bag pudding . Nay stay , quoth Stringer when his neck was in the halter . Say nothing when you are dead . i. e. be silent . T. HIs tail will catch the kin-cough .

Spoken of one that sits on the ground .

A tall man of 's hands , He will not let a beast rest in 's pocket . He 's Tom Tell-troth . Two slips for a tester . The tears o th' tankard . Four farthings and a thimble make a tailours pocket jingle . To throw snot about . i. e. to weep . Though he saith nothing , he pays it with thinking , like the Welchmans Jackdaw . Tittle tattle , give the goose more hay . Tosted cheese hath no master . Trick for trick , and a stone in thy foot besides , quoth one , pulling a stone out of his mares foot , when she bit him on the back , and he her on the buttock . Are there traitours at the table that the loaf is turn'd the wrong side upwards ? To trot like a Doe . There 's not a t. . to chuse , quoth the good wife by her two pounds of butter . He looks like a Tooth-drawer . i. e. very thin and meager . That 's as true as I am his uncle . Turnspits are dry . V. VEal will be cheap : Calves fall .

A jeer for those who lose the calves of their legs by &c.

In a shoulder of veal there are twenty and two good bits .

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 .

He 's a velvet true heart . Chesh . I 'll venture it as Johnson did his wife , and she did well . Up with it , if it be but a gallon , 't will ease your stomack . W. LOok on the wall , and it will not bite you .

Spoken in jeer to such as are bitten with mustard .

A Scotch warming-pan . i. e. A wench .

The story is well known of the Gentleman travelling in Scotland , who desiring to have his bed warmed , the servant-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 .

She 's as quiet as a wasp in ones nose . Every man in 's way . Water betwitch't . i. e. very thin beer . Eat and wellcome , fast and heartily wellcome . I am very wheamow ( i. e. nimble ) quoth the old woman , when she step't into the milk-bowl . Yorksh. A white-liver'd fellow . To shoot wide of the mark . Wide quoth Wilson . To sit like a wire-drawer under his work . Yorksh. He hath more wit in 's head then thou in both thy shoulders . He hath plaid wily beguild with himself . You may trusse up all his wit in an egg-shell . Hold your tongue husband , and let me talk that have all the wit . The wit of you , and the wooll of a blew dog will make a good medly . This is the world and the other is the countrey . When the Devill is dead there 's a wife for Humphrey . To wrap it up in clean linnen .

To deliver sordid or uncleanly matter in decent language .

A point next the wrist . Y. HE has made a younger brother of him . The younger brother hath the more wit . The younger brother is the ancienter Gentleman . Old and tough , young and tender .

Miscellany Proverbiall Sayings . PUt a miller , a weaver and a tailour in a bag , and shake them , the first that comes out will be a thief . Harry's children of Leigh , never an one like another . A Seaman if he carries a millstone will have a quait out of it . Spoken of the common mariners , if they can come at things that may be eat or drunk . Go here away , go there away , quoth Madge Whitworth , when she rode the mare i'th'tedder . There 's strushion , i. e. destruction , of honey , quoth Dunkinly when he lickt up the henturd . I kill'd her for good will , said Scot , when he kill'd his neighbours mare . Gip with an ill rubbing , quoth Badger when his mare kickt .

This is a ridiculous expression , used to people that are pettish and froward .

He 's a Hot shot in a mustard pot , when both his heels stand right up . Three dear years will raise a bakers daughter to a portion . 'T is not the smalness of the bread , but the knavery of the baker . I hope better quoth Benson , when his wife bade him come in cuckold . One , two , three , four , are just half a score . I 'll make him fly up with Jacksons hens . i. e. undo him : So when a man is broke , or undone , we say he is blown up . I 'll make him water his horse at High-gate .

i. e. I 'll sue him , and make him take a journey up to London .

What have I to doe with Bradshaws windmill ? Leycester . What have I to do with other mens matters ? He that would have good luck in horses , must kiss the Parsons wife . He that snites his nose , and hath it not , forfeits his face to the King . A man can do no more then he can . It 's an ill guest that never drinks to his host . Run tap run tapster .

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 .

He hath got the fiddle , but not the stick .

i. e. The books but not the learning , to make use of them , or the like .

That 's the way , to catch the old one on the nest . This must be if we brew .

That is if we undertake mean and sordid , or lucrative employments , we must be content with some trouble , inconvenience , affronts , disturbance , &c.

Proverbiall Periphrases of one drunk . HE 's disguised . He has got a piece of bread and cheese in 's head . He has drunk more then he has bled . He has been i' th' Sun . He has a jagg or load . He has got a dish . He has got a cup too much . He is one and thirty . He is dag'd . He has cut his leg . He is afflicted . He is top-heavy . The malt is above the water . As drunk as a wheelbarrow . He makes indentures with his legs . He 's well to live . He 's about to cast up his reckoning or accompts . He has made an example . He is concerned . He is as drunk as Davids sow . He has stollen a manchet out of the brewers basket . He 's raddled . He is very weary . He drank till he gave up his half-penny , i. e. vomited . Proverbiall Phrases and Sentences belonging to drink and drinking . LIck your dish . Wind up your bottome . Play off your dust . Hold up your dagger hand . Make a pearl on your nail . To bang the pitcher . There 's no deceit in a brimmer . Sup Simon the best is at the bottom . Ale that would make a cat to speak . Fill what you will , and drink what you fill . He hath pist out all he hath against the walls : She 's not a good house-wife that will not wind up her bottom , i. e. take off her drink . One that hath the Fr. Pox. HE has been at Haddam . He has got the Crinckams . He is pepper'd . He is not pepper-proof . He has got a Kentish ague . He has got the new consumption . He has got a clap . He has got a blow over the nose with a French cowlstaff . He is Frenchified . The Covent-garden ague . The Barnwell ague . To make water . &c. TO make a little maids water . To water the Marigolds . To speak with a maid . To gather a rose . To look upon the wall . A Lier . HE deserves the whetstone . He 'll not let any body lye by him . He shall have the kings horse . He 's a long-bow-man . He lies as fast as a dog can trot . A great Lie . THat was laid on with a trowel . That 's a loud one . That 's a lie with a witness ; a lie with a latchet . That sticks in 's throat . If a lie could have choked him , that would have done it . The dam of that was a whisker . A Bankrupt . HE 's all to pieces . He has sh ..... i' th' plum-bag . He 's blown up . He has shut up shop-windows . He dare not shew his head . He hath swallowed a spider . He hath shewn them a fair pair of heels . He is marched off . He goes on 's last legs . He is run off his legs . A Wencher . HE loves lac't mutton . He 'll run at sheep . He 'll commit poultry . He 'll have a bit for 's cat . He keeps a cast of Merlins . Men of his hair are seen oftner at the B ... court then at the gallows . A Whore . SHe 's like a cat , she 'll play with her tail . She 's as right as my leg . A light-skirts . A kind-hearted soul . She 's loose i' th' hilts . A Lady of pleasure . As errant a wh ..... as ever pist . A Cockatrice . A Leman . Shee 's as common as a barbers chair . As common as the high way . She lyes backward and lets out her fore-rooms . She is neither wife , widow , nor maid . A covetous person . HIs money comes from him like drops of blood . He 'l flay a flint . He 'l not lose the droppings of his nose . He serves the poor with a thump on the back with a stone . He 'll dress an egg , and give the offall to the poor . He 's like a swine , never good untill he come to the knife . Avarus nisi cùm moritur nil recte facit . Lab. His purse is made of a toads skin . Proverbiall Phrases relating to several trades . THe smith hath always a spark in 's throat . The smith and his penny are both black . Nine Taylours make a man . Coblers law , he that takes money must pay the shot . To brew in a bottle and bake in a bag . The Devil would have been a weaver but for the Temples . The gentle craft . S. Hughs bones . A Hangman is a good trade , he doth his work by day-light . It is good to be sure . Toll it again quoth the miller . Any tooth good Barber . A horse-doctour , i. e. a farrier . He should be a ba●er by 's bow-legs . Take all and pay the baker . He drives a subtill trade .

Proverbs that are entire Sentences . A LOng absent soon forgotten

Parallel to this are , Out of sight out of mind , and Seldome seen soon forgotten : And not much different those Greek ones . 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 Friends dwelling afarre off are no friends . And 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 . Forbearance of conversation dissolves friendship .

Adversity makes a man wise not rich .

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 .

He that 's afraid of every grass , must not piss in a meadow .

Chi ha paura d'ogni urtica non pisci in herba . Ital. He that 's afraid of every nettle , must not pisse in the grass .

He that 's afraid of leaves must not come in a wood .

This is a French Proverb englished . Qui a peur de fueilles ne doit aller au bois .

He that 's afraid of the wagging of feathers , must keep from among wild foul .

Mr. Cotgrave in his French Dictionary produces this as an English Proverb , parallel to the precedent .

He that 's afraid of wounds must not come nigh a battell .

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 .

He'st ne're have thing good cheap that 's afraid to ask the price . Il n'aura ja bon marchè qui ne le demande . Gall. Agree , for the Law is costly .

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 accordo che grassa sentenza . A lean agreement is better then a fat sentence .

A man cannot live by the air . Good Ale is meat , drink and cloath . Fair chieve good Ale , it makes many folks speak as they think .

Fair chieve is used in the same sence here as Well-fare sometimes is in the South , that is , Good speed , Good success have it , I commend it . It shall have my good wish , or good word . In vino veritas .

We shall lie all alike in our graves .

Aequa tellus Pauperi recluditur regúmque pueris . Horat. Mors sceptra ligonibus aequat .

No living man all things can .

Non omnia possumus omnes . Virgil. See many sentences to this purpose in Erasmus's Adages .

Almost was never hang'd . Almost and very nigh save many a lie .

The signification of this word Almost having some latitude , men are apt to stretch it to cover untruths .

Angry ( or hasty ) men seldome want woe .

Hasty in our language is but a more gentle word for angry . Anger indeed makes men hasty , and inconsiderate in their actions . Furor iráque mentem praecipitant .

He that 's angry without a cause must be pleased without amends . Two Anons and a by and by is an hour and half . Scald not your lips in another mans pottage .

Parallel hereto is that place , Proverb . Chap. 26. v. 17.

The higher the Ape goes the more he shews his tail .

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 .

Stretch your arm no further then your sleeve will reach .

Metiri se quemque modulo suo ac pede verum est .

Lend you mine A — and sh — through my ribs .

That is , lend you that whereof I have necessary and frequent 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 .

Never be ashamed to eat your meat .

Apud mensam vereeundari neminem decet . Erasm . takes notice that this Proverb is handed down to us from the Ancients , save that the vulgar addes neque 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 refusing 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 .

Every man must eat a peck of Ashes before he dies . Lose nothing for asking . Every Ass thinkes himself worthy to stand with the kings horses . A kindly Aver will never make a good horse .

This is a Scottish Proverb quoted by K. James in his Basilicon Doron . It seems the word Aver in Scottish signifies a colt , as appears also by that other proverb , An inch of a nagg is worth a span of an Aver : in our ancient writings Averium signifies any labouring beast , whether Ox or horse , and seems to be all one with the Latine Jumentum .

Aw makes Dun draw . B. THat which is good for the back is bad for the head . Omnis commoditas sua fert incommoda secum . He loves bacon well that licks the Swine-sty door . Where bad 's the best , naught must be the choice . A bad bush is better then the open field .

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 .

A bad shift is better then none . When bale is hext boot is next .

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 't is as much as to say , When things are come to the worst they 'l mend . Cùm duplicantur lateres venit Moses .

A bald head is soon shaven . Make not balks of good ground .

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 purpose in champian countreys , for boundaries between mens lands or some other convenience .

A good face needs no band ; and a bad one deserves none .

Some make a rhyme of this , by adding . And a pretty wench no land .

More words then one go to a bargain . A good bargain is a pick-purse .

Bon marchè tire l'argent hors de la bourse . Gall. Good cheap is dear , for it tempts people to buy what they need not .

Bare walls make giddy house-wives .

i. e. Idle house-wives , they having nothing whereabout to busie themselves and shew their good housewivery . We speak this in excuse of the good woman , who doth like St. Pauls widow 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 , 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 chambers make women play the wantons ; in a different sence .

The greatest barkers bite not forest : or dogs that bark at distance , bite not at hand .

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 .

Sr John Barley-corn's the strongest Knight . It 's a hard battel where none escapes . Be as it it may be is no banning . Every bean hath its black .

Vitiis nemo sine nascitur . Horat. 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 . Non est alauda sine crista . Omni malo Punico inest granum putre . Ogni grano ha la sua semola . Every grain hath his bran . Ital.

Sell not the bears skin before you have caught him .

Non vender la pelle del orso inanzi che sia preso . Ital.

He must have iron nails that scratches a Bear . A man may bear till his back breaks . If people find him patient they 'll be sure to load him . You may beat a horse till he be sad , and a cow till she be mad . All that are in bed , must not have quiet rest . Where Bees are , there is honey .

Where there are industrious persons , there is wealth , for the hand of the diligent maketh rich . This we see verified in our neighbours the Hollanders .

A Beggar pays a benefit with a louse . Beggers must be no choosers .

The French say , Borrowers must be no choosers .

Set a beggar on horse-back , and he 'll ride a gallop .

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 conosce il parentado . Ital. The villain ennobled will not own his kindred or parentage .

Sue a begger and get a louse .

Rete non tenditur accipitri neque milvio , Terent. Phorm .

Much ado to bring beggers to stocks , and when they come there , they 'll not put in their legs . Beggers breed , and rich men feed . A begger can never be bankrupt . It 's one beggers wo , to see another by the door go .

〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 . Hesiod . Etiam mendicum mendico invidet .

A good beginning makes a good ending .

De bon commencement bonne fin Gall. & de bonne vie bonne fin . A good life makes a good death . Boni principii finis bonus .

Well begun is half done .

Dimidium facti qui coepit habet . Horat. Which some make a Pentameter by putting in bene before coepit .

Believe well and have well . The belly hath no ears .

Venter non habet aures . Ventre affame ●…'a point d'oreilles . 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 rationes . 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 .

Better belly burst then good drink lost . Better belly burst then good meat lost . Little difference between a feast and a belly-full . A Belly full's a belly full , whether it be meat or drink , When the belly is full , the bones would be at rest . The belly is not fill'd with fair words . Best to bend , while 't is a twig .

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 adhuc 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 backing , will whilst he continueth never be lacking . Cotgr.

They have need of a besome that sweep the house with a turf . The best is best cheap .

For it doth the buyer more credit and service .

Make the best of a bad bargain . The best things are worst to come by .

Difficilia quae pulchra : 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 .

Beware of had I wist . Do as you 're bidden and you 'll never bear blame . Birchen twigs break no ribs . Birds of a feather flock together .

Like will to like . The Greeks and Latines have many Proverbs to this purpose , as 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 . Semper Graculus assidet Graculo . 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 . Theocrit . Cicada cicadae chara , formicae formica . 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 . Homer . Odyss. 5. Semper similem ducit Deus ad similem . 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 . Simile gaudet simili . & 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 . Simile appetit simile . unde & 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 . 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 proverbio ) facillimè congregantur .

He 's in great want of a bird that will give a groat for an owl . One bird i' th' hand is worth two in the bush .

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. 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 . Theocr. Praesentem mulgeas , quid fugientem inseq●eris ? 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 Hesiod . He that leaves certainty and sticks to chance , when fools pipe , he may dance .

It 's an ill bird that berays its own nest .

〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 .

Every bird must hatch her own egg .

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 .

Small birds must have meat .

Children must be fed , they cannot be maintained with nothing .

Birth is much , but breeding more . If you cannot bite , never shew your teeth . He that bites on every weed , must needs light on poison . He that is a blab is a scab . Black will take no other hue .

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.

He that wears black , must hang a brush at his back . A black plum is as sweet as a white .

The prerogative of beauty proceeds from fancy .

A black hen lays a white egg .

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 .

It is ill to drive black hogs in the dark . They have need of a blessing , who kneel to a thistle . Blind men can judge no colours .

Il cieco non giudica de colori . Ital. 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 ; Quid coeco cum speculo ?

The blind eat many a fly . A man were better be half blind , then have both his eyes out . Who so bold as blind bayard ?

〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 . Ignorance breeds confidence , consideration , slowness and wariness .

Who so blind , as he that will not see ? Blow first and sip afterwards .

Simul sorbere & flare difficile est .

A blot is no blot unless it be hit . Blushing is vertues colour . Great boast , small roast .

Grands vanteurs petits faiseurs . Gall. 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 . Briarcus esse apparet cùm sit lepus . And 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 .

The nearer the bone , the sweeter the flesh . He that is born to be hang'd , shall never be drown'd . He that was born under a three half-penny planet , shall never be worth twopence . He that goes a borrowing goes a sorrowing . He that borrows must pay again with shame or loss .

Shame if he returns not as much as he borrowed , loss if more , and it 's very hard to cut the hair .

The father to the bough ; and the son to the plough .

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 father had judgement to be hang'd , yet there followed no forfeiture of his estate , but his son might ( a happy man according 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 husbandmans condition .

They that are bound must obey . Bought wit is best , v. in W. Better to bow then break .

Il vaut mieux plier que rompre . Gall. E meglio piegar che scavezzar . Ital.

A bow long bent at last waxeth weak .

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 .

Brag 's a good dog , but that he hath lost his tail . Brag 's a good dog if he be well set on : but he dare not bite . Much bran and little meal . Beware of breed , Chesh . i. e. an ill breed . That that 's bred in the bone will never out of the flesh .

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 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 . Aristoph . You can never bring a crabfish to go straight forwards . 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 . Wood that grows crooked , 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 .

Let every man praise the bridge he goes over . i. e.

Speak not ill of him who hath done you a courtesie , or whom you have made use of to your benefit ; or do commonly make use of .

Bridges were made for wise men to walk over , and fools to ride over . A bribe will enter without knocking . A broken sack will hold no corn .

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 .

A broken sleeve holdeth the arm back . Much bruit little fruit . Who bulls the cow must keep the calf .

Mr Howell saith , that this is a Law Proverb .

The burnt child dreads the fire .

Almost all Languages afford us sayings and Proverbs to this purpose , such are 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 . Hesiod . 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 . 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 .

Busie will have bands .

Persons that are medling and troublesome must be tied short .

Who more busie then they that have least to do ? Every man as his business lies . All is not butter the cow shites .

Non è tutto butyro che fa la vocca . Ital.

What is a pound of butter among a kennel of hounds ? They that have good store of butter may lay it Thick on their bread . [ or put some in their shooes . ]

Cui multum est piperis etiam oleribus immiseet .

That which will not be butter must be made into cheese . They that have no other meat , bread and butter are glad to eat . Who buyes hath need of an hundred eyes , who sells hath enough of one .

This is an Italian Proverb . Chi compra ha bisogno dicent' 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 .

Buying and selling is but winning and losing . C. A Calves head will feast an hunter and his hounds . A man can do no more then he can . Care not would have it . Care will kill a cat .

And yet a Cat is said to have nine lives . Cura facit canos .

Care 's no cure . A pound of care will not pay an ounce of debt .

Cento carre di pensieri non pagerannoun'oncia di debito . Ital. i. e. An hundred cart-load of thoughts will not pay an ounce of debt .

The best cart may overthrow . A muffled cat is no good mouser .

Gatta guantata non piglia mai sorice . Ital. A gloved cat , &c.

That cat is out of kind that sweet milk will not lap . You can have no more of a cat then her skin . The cat loves fish , but she 's loath to wet her feet . Or in rhyme thus .

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 .

The more you rub a cat on the rump , the higher she sets up her tail . The ca● sees not the mouse ever . Well might the cat wink when both her eyes were out . When the cat winketh little wots the mouse what the cat thinketh . Though the cat winks a while , yet sure she is not blind . How can the cat help it if the maid be a fool ?

This is an Italian proverb , che ne puo la gatta se la massara è matta . Not setting up things securely out of her reach or way .

That that comes of a cat will catch mice . Ital.

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.

A cat may look on a King . An old cat laps as much as a young kitlin . When the cat is away , the mice play . 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 ballano Ital.

When candles are out , all cats are gray .

Jone is as good as my Lady in the dark . 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 .

The cat knows whose lips she licks . Cry you mercy , kill'd my cat .

This is spoken to them who do one a shrewd turn , and then make satisfaction with asking pardon or crying mercy .

By biting and scratching cats and dogs come together , Or , Biting and scratching gets the cat with kitlin .

i. e. Men and maid-servants that wrangle and quarrel most one with the other , are often observed to marry together .

Who shall hang the bell about the cats neck ?

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 sarcastically applied to those who prescribe impossible or unpracticable means for the effecting any thing .

A scalded cat fears cold water . v. in S. He that leaves certainty and sticks to chance , When fools pipe he may dance . They may sit i' th' chair that have malt to sell . It chanceth in an hour , that comes not in seven years .

Plus enim fati valet hora benigni Quàm si te Veneris commendet 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 .

There is chance in the cocks spur . Change of pasture makes fat calves . Charity begins at home .

Self-love is the measure of our love to our neighbour . Many sentences occurre in the ancient Greek and Latine Poets to this purpose , as , Omnes sibi meliùs esse malunt quàm alteri . Terent. Andr. Proximus sum egomet mihi . ibid. 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 , &c. V. Erasm Adag . Fa bone á te & tuoi , Epoi à gli altri se tu puoi . Ital. 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 .

When good chear is lacking our friends will be packing . Those that eat cherries with great persons shall have their eyes sprinted out with the stones . Chickens feed capons .

i. e. As I understand it , chickens come to be capons , and capons were first chickens .

It 's a wife child knows his own father .

〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 . Homer . Odyssa .

Childs pig , but fathers bacon .

Parents usually tell their children , this pig or this lambe is thine , but when they come to be grown up and sold , parents themselves take the money for them .

Charre-folks are never paid .

That is , give them what you will they are never contented .

When the child is christned , you may have godfathers enough .

When a mans need is supplied or his occasions over , people are ready to offer their assistance or service .

Children and fools speak truth .

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.

Children and fools have merry lives .

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 .

Children suck the mother when they are young , and the father when they are old . So we have the chink we 'll bear with the stink .

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 .

After a Christmas comes a Lent . The Church is not so large but the Priest may say Service in it . The nearer the Church the further from God .

This is a French Proverb . Pres de l'eglise loin de Dieu .

Church-work goes on slowly . Let the Church stand in the Church-yard . Where God hath his Church the Devil will have his chappell .

Non si tosto si fa un tempio à Dio come il Diavolo ci fabrica una capella appresso . Ital.

Pater noster built Churches , and Our father pulls them down .

I do not look upon the building of Churches as an argument 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 .

Claw a churl by the breech , and he will sh — in your fist .

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 languages 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 .

The greatest clerks , are not always the wisest men .

For prudence is gained more by practise and conversation , then by study and contemplation .

It 's the clerk makes the Justice . Hasty climbers , have sudden falls .

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 reason for it , because such a speedy advancement is apt to beget pride and consequently folly in them , and envy in others , which must needs precipitate them . Sudden changes to extraordinary good or bad fortune , are apt to turn mens brains . A cader va chi troppo alto sale . Ital.

The clock goes at it pleases the clark . Can jack-an-apes be merry when his clog is at 's heels ? Close sits my shirt , but closer my skin .

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.

A close mouth catcheth no flies .

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.

It 's a bad cloth indeed will take no colour .

Cattiva è quella lana che non si puo tingere . Ital.

Cloudy mornings turn to clear evenings .

Non si malè nunc & olim sic erit .

Better see a clout then a hole out . They that can cobble and clout , shall have work when others go without . Glowing coals sparkle oft .

When the mind is heated with any passion , it will often break out in words and expressions , Psalm 39. 1.

You must cut your coat according to your cloth .

Noi facciamo la spese secondo l'entrata . Ital. We must spend according to our income . Selon le pain il faut le couteau . 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.

Every cock is proud on his own dunghill .

Gallus in suo sterquilinio plurimum potest . Senec. in ludicro . The French say , Chien sur son fumire est hardi . A dog is stout on his own dunghill .

Let him that is cold blow the coal . In the coldest flint there is hot fire . Cold of complexion good of condition . A ragged colt may make a good horse .

An unhappy boy may make a good man . It is used sometimes 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 .

Company makes Cuckolds . Comparisons are odious . Conceited goods are quickly spent . Confess and be hang'd . An evill conscience breaks many a mans neck . He 's an ill cook that cannot lick his own fingers .

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 .

God sends meat , and the Devil sends cooks . Salt cooks bear blame , but fresh bear shame . Corn and horn go together .

i. e. for prices , when corn is cheap cattel are not dear , & vice versâ .

Much corn lies under the straw that is not seen . More cost more worship . I 'll not change a cottage in possession for a kingdome in reversion . All covet all lose . Covetousness brings nothing home .

Qui tout convoite tout perd . Gall. & qui trop empoigne rien n'estrain'd . He that grasps at too much , holds fast nothing . 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.

A cough will stick longer by a horse then half a peck of oats . Good counsell lightly never comes too late .

For if good , it must suit the time when it is given .

Count not your chickens before they be hatch't .

Ante victoriam nè canas triumphum .

So many countreys so many customes .

Tant de gens tant de guises . Gall.

A man must go old to the Court and young to a ClOyster , that would go from thence to heaven . A friend in Court is worth a penny in a mans purse .

Bon fait avoir amy en cour , car le proces en est plus court . Gall. A friend in Court makes the process short .

Far from Court far from care . Full of courtesie full of craft .

Sincere and true-hearted persons are least given to complement 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 , either he hath cozen'd you or intends to do it .

Less of your courtesie and more of your purse .

Re opitulandum non verbis .

Call me cousin but cozen me not . Curst cowes have short horns .

Dat Deus immiti cornua curta bovi . Providence so disposes that they who have will , want power or means to hurt .

Who would keep a cow , when he may have a pottle of milk for a penny ? Many a good cow hath but a bad calf .

〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 . Heroum filii noxae . 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 . 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 interest 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 valiant and successful King , Henry the sixth a very unfortunate 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 continual succession , so Joseph Scaliger the son , was in point of scholarship no whit inferiour to Julius the father . Fortes creantur fortibus & bonis , &c.

Where coyn 's not common , commons must be scant . A colliers cow and an ale wives sow are always well sed .

Others say a poor mans cow , and then the reason is evident , why a colliers is not so clear .

Much coyn much care .

Crescentem sequitur cura pecuniam . Horat.

The greatest crabs are not always the best meat

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 somewhat 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 .

Crabs breed babs by the help of good lads .

Country wenches when they are with child usually long for Crabs : or Crabs may signifie Scolds .

There 's a craft in dawbing . or , There is more craft in dawbing then throwing dirt on the wall . There is a mystery in the meanest trade . No man is his crafts-master the first day .

Nessuno nasce maestro . Ital.

Shameless craving must have , &c. V. in S. You must learn to creep before you go . Soon crooks the tree that good gambrell would be .

A gambrell is a crooked piece of wood on which butchers h●ng up the carcasses of beasts by the legs , from the Italian word gamba signifying a leg . Paralel to this Is that other Proverb , It early prick , that will be a thorn . Adcò à teneris assuescere mulium est .

Each cross hath it's inscription .

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 .

No cross no crown . It 's ill killing a crow with an empty sling . The crow thinks her own bird fairest .

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 , biasses 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.

A crow is never the whiter for washing her self often . No carrion will kill a crow . Cunning is no burden .

It is part of Bias his goods , it will not hinder a mans flight when the enemies are at hand .

Many things fall between the cup and the lip .

Multa cadunt inter calicem supremáque labra . 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 . Citantur ab A. Gell●o . De la main à la bouche so perd souvent la soupe . Gall. Between the hand and the mouth , the broth is many times shed . Entre la bouche & le cueillier vient Souvent grand destourbier . Gall.

What cannot be cured , must be endured .

Levius fit patientia quicquid corrigere est nesas . Horat. Od

A bad custome is like a good cake , better broken then kept . A curst curre must be tied short .

A meschant chien courtlien . Gall.

Custome is another nature . Desperate cuts , must have desperate cures . D. HE that will not be ruled by his own dame , must be rul'd by his stepdame . He dances well , to whom Fortune pipes .

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 .

They love dancing well , that dance among thorns . When you go to dance , take heed whom you take by the hand . It 's as good to be in the dark , as without light . Jone's as good as my Lady in the dark . v. in I. One may see day at a little hole . The better day , the better deed .

A bon jour bon oeuvre . Gall. Dicenda bonâ sunt bona verba die .

He never broke his hour that kept his day . To day a man , tomorrow a mouse . To day me , tomorrow thee .

Aujourd'huy Roy , demain rien . Gall.

The longest day must have an end .

Il n'est si grand jour qui ne vienne à vespre . Gall. Non vien di , che non venga sera . Ital.

Be the day never so long , at length cometh evensong . 'T is day still while the Sun shines . Speak well of the dead .

Mortuis non conviciandum , & De mortuis nil nisi bonum . Namque cùm mortui non mordent iniquum est ut mordeantur . ,

A dead mouse feels no cold . He that waits for dead mens shooes , may go long enough barefoot .

A longue corde tire qui d'autruy mort desire . Gall. He hath but a cold suit who longs for another mans death .

After death the Doctour .

This is a French Proverb , Apres la mort le medecin , parallel to that ancient Greek one , 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 . Post bellum auxilium . We find it in Quintilians Dec●am . Cadavirib . pasti , with another of the like import ; Quid quod medicina mortuorum sera est ? Quid quod nemo aquam infundit in cineres ? After a mans house is burnt to ashes , it s too late to pour on water .

Who gives away his goods before he is dead , Take a beetle and knock him on the head .

Chi dona il suo inanzi morire il s' apparecchia assai patire . Ital. He that gives away his goods before death , prepares himself to suffer .

He that could know what would be dear , Need be a merchant but one year .

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 .

Out of debt , out of danger .

〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 , Happy he that owes nothing .

Desperate cuts must have , &c. v. in C. There 's difference between staring and stark blind [ or mad . ]

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 soccrúmque Vitelli. and is a reprehension to those who put no difference between extremes , as perfect blindness and Lynceus his sight .

He that would eat a good dinner let him eat a good breakfast . Dinners can't be long , where dainties want . He that saveth his dinner , will have the more for his supper .

This is a French Proverb , Qui garde son disne il a mieux 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 .

An ounce of discretion , is worth a pound of wit .

The French say , An ounce of good fortune , &c. 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 . Nazianz. Gutta fortunae prae dolio sapientiae .

I will not make my dish-clout my table-cloth . It 's a sin to belie the Devil . Give the Devil his due . He that takes the Devil into his boat , must carry him over the Sound . He that hath shipt the Devil , must make the best of him . Seldom lies the Devil dead in a ditch .

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 diabolical persons , when they seem most mortified . Perchance this Proverb may allude to the fable of the fox , which escaped by feigning himself dead . I know no phrase more frequent 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 .

Talk of the Devil and he 'll either come or send . As good eat the Devil , as the broth he is boil'd in . The Devil rebukes sin .

Clodius accusat moechos . Aliorum medicus ipse ulceribus scates .

The Devils child the Devils luck . He must needs go , whom the Devil drives . He had need of a long spoon , that eats with the Devil . The Devil shites upon a great heap . The Devil is good when he is pleased . The Devil is never nearer then when we are talking of him . The Devils meal is half bran .

La farine du diable n'e que bran , or s' en va moitie en bran . Gall.

What is gotten over the Devils back , is spent under his belly .

Malè parta malè dilabuntur . What is got by oppression or extortion is many times spent in riot and luxury .

Every dog hath his day , and every man his hour . All the dogs follow the salt bitch . Love me and love my dog .

Qui aime Jean aime son chien . Gall. Spesse volte si ha rispetto al cane per il padrone .

He that would hang his dog , gives out first that he 's mad .

He that is about to do any thing disingenuous , unworthy , or of evil fame , first bethinks himself of some plausible pretence .

The hind most dog may catch the hare . He that keeps another mans dog , shall have nothing left him but the line .

This is a Greek Proverb , 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 . 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 .

What ? keep a dog and bark my self .

That is , must I keep servants , and do my work my self .

There are more ways to kill a dog then hanging . Hang a dog on a crabtree , and he 'll never love verjuyce .

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 smarted . 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 . Amphis in Ampelurgo apud Stoboeum . Et mea cymba semel vastâ percussa procellâ , Illum quo leasa est , horret adire locum . Ovid.

Dogs bark before they bite . It 's an ill dog that deserves not a crust .

Digna canis pabulo . 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 . Eras . ex Suida .

A good dog deserves a good bone . It is an ill dog that is not worth the whistling . Better to have a dog fawn on you then bite you . He that lies down with dogs , must rise up with fleas .

Chi con cane dorme con pulce si leva . Ital. Qui se couche avec les chiens se leve avec des puces . Gall.

Give a child till he craves , and a dog while his tail doth wave , and you 'll have a fair dog , but a foul knive . The dog that licks ashes trust not with meal .

The Italians say this of a cat , Gatto che lecca cenere non sidar farina .

Into the mouth of a bad dog , often falls a good bone .

Souvent à mauvais chien tombe un bon os en gueule . Gal.

Hungry dogs will eat dirty pudding .

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 amiss . l'Asino chi ha fame mangia d'ogni strame . Ital.

It 's an easie thing to find a staff to beat a dog : or a stone to throw at a dog .

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 . 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 . To do evil , a flight pretence or occasion will serve mens turns . A petite achoison le loup prend le mouton . Gall.

An old dog will learn no tricks , v. in O. Do well and have well . Draffe is good enough for swine . He that 's down down with him . Drawn wells are seldom dry . Drawn wells have sweetest water .

Puteus si hauriatur melior evadit . 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 . Basil . in epist. ad Eustachium medicum . All things , especially mens parts , are improved and advanced by use and exercise . Standing waters are apt to corrupt 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 , especially in this our native Countrey , of which it is said , Anglia ventosa , si non ventosa venenosa .

Golden dreams make men awake hungry . After a dream of a wedding comes a corps . Draff was his errand , but drink he would have . Drunken folks seldom take harm .

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 .

Ever drunk , ever dry .

Parthi quo plus bibunt ed plus sitiunt .

What soberness conceals drunkenness reveals .

Quod est in corde sobrii est in ore ebrii . 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 . Plutarch . 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 . Erasmus cites to this purpose a sentence out of Herodotus , 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 , 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 ebrietas designat ? operta recludit .

He that kills a man when he is drunk , must be hang'd when he is sober . The ducks fare well in the Thames . Dumb folks get no lands .

This is parallel to that , Spare to speak and spare to speed , and that former , A close mouth catcheth no flies .

E. EArly up and never the nearer . Early sow early mow . It early pricks that will be a thorn .

Soon crooks the tree that good gambrel would be .

The early bird catcheth the worm . A penny-worth of ease is worth a penny . The longer East the shorter West . You can't eat your cake , and have your cake .

Vorrebbe mangiar la forcaccia & trovar la in tasca . Ital.

Eating and drinking takes away ones stomack .

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 .

He that will eat the kernel must crack the nut .

Qui nucleum esse vult nucem srangat oportet . No gains without pains .

Madam Parnel crack the nut and eat the kernel . Eaten bread is forgotten . It 's very hard to shave an egg .

Where nothing is , nothing can be had .

An egg will be in 3 bellies in 24 hours . Better half an egg then an empty shell .

Better half a loaf then no bread .

Ill egging makes ill begging .

Evil persons by enticing and flattery , draw on others to be as bad as themselves .

All ekes [ or helps ] as the Geni-wren said , when she pist in the sea .

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 .

Empty vessels make the greatest sound .

The Scripture saith , A fools voice is known by multitude 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 .

Empty hands no hawks allure . A right Englishman knows not when a thing is well . Whoso hath but a mouth , shall ne're in England suffer drought , v. supra .

For if he doth but open it , it s 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 consumptions ; diseases the one scarce known , the other but rare in hotter Countries .

Every thing hath an end , and a pudding hath two . All 's well that ends well .

Exitus acta probat .

There 's never enough where nought leaves .

This is an Italian Proverb , Non vi è à bastanza se niente auvanza . It is hard so to cut the hair , as that there should be no want and nothing to spare .

Enough is as good as a feast .

Asser y a , si trop n'y a. Gall.

Better be envied then pitied .

This is a saying in most languages , although it hath little of the nature of a Proverb in it . 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 . Herodot . in Thalia . 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 . Pindar . Piu tosto invidia che compassione . Ital.

Essex stiles , Kentish miles , Norfolk wiles many men beguiles .

For stiles Essex may well vie with any County of England , 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 pretend 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 .

Where every hand fleeceth , &c. v. fleeceth . Evening orts are good morning fodder . The Evening crowns the day .

La vita il fine , e ' l di loda la sera . Ital. The end or death commends the life , and the evening the day . Dicique beatus Ante obitum nemo supremáque funera debet . Ovid.

Of two evils the least is to be chosen .

This reason the Philosopher rendred why he chose a little wife .

Exchange is no robbery . A bad excuse is better then none at all . Experience is the mistress of fools .

Experientia stultorum magistra . Wise men learn by others harms , fools by their own , like Epimetheus , 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 .

What the eye sees not , the heart rues not .

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 .

Better eye out then always aking , [ or watching ] He that winketh with one eye , and seeth with the other , I would not trust him , though he were my brother .

This is only a Physiognomical observation .

He that hath but one eye sees the better for it .

Better then he would do without it : a ridiculous saying .

F. A Good face , &c. v. band . Faint heart ne're won fair Lady .

〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 . Suidas ex Eupolide , Timidi nunquam statuêre tropaeum . Ja couard n'aura belle amie . Gall. For , audentes fortuna juvat .

Fair feathers make fair fowls .

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.

Fair words , &c. v. words . Fair and softly goes far in a day .

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 .

Fair in the cradle , and foul in the saddle . A fair face is half a portion . Praise a fair day at night .

Or else you may repent , for many times clear mornings turn to cloudy evenings . La vita il fine e ' l di loda la sera . The end commends the life , and the evening the day .

The fairest silk is soonest stained .

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 .

Men speak of the Fair , as things went with them there . If a man once fall , all will tread on him .

Dejecta arbore quivis ligna colligit . Vulgus sequitur fortunam & odit damnatos . Juven. When the tree is fallen every man goeth to it with his hatchet . Gall.

There 's falshood in fellowship . Common fume's seldome to blame .

A general report is rarely without some ground . No smoke without some fire . 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 . Hesiod .

Too much familiarity breeds contempt .

Nimia familiaritas contemptum parit . E tribus optimis rebus tres pessimae oriuntur ; è veritate odium , è familiaritate contemptus , è felicitate invidia . Plutarch .

Fancy passes beauty . Fancy may boult bran and think it flour . You can't fare well , but you must cry roast-meat .

Sasse bonne farine sans trompe ny buccine . Gall. Boult thy fine meal , and eat good past , without report or trumpets blast . 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 . They that are thirsty drink silently . Si corvus tacuisset haberet

Plus dapis & rixae multò minùs invidiaeque . Horat. Far fetch 't and dear bought's good for Ladies .

Vache de loin a laict assez . Gall.

Far folks fare well , and fair children die .

People are apt to boast of the good and wealthy condition of their far-off friends , and to commend their dead children .

It 's good farting before ones own fire . A man far from his good , is near his harm .

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 .

As good be out of the world as out of the fashion . Fat drops fall from fat flesh . Fat sorrow is better then lean sorrow .

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 conditioned .

Little knows the fat sow what the lean one means . The father to the bough , &c. v. in B. Where no fault is there needs no pardon . Every man hath his faults , or He is liveless that is faultless .

Ut vitiis nemo sine nascitur . Quisque suos patimur manes .

They that feal [ i. e. hide ] can find . It 's good to fear the worst , the best will save it self . No feast to a Misers .

Il n'est banquet que d'homme chiche . Gall.

Little difference between a feast and a belly-full . Better come at the latter end of a feast , then the beginning of a fray . Feeling hath no fellow . No fence against a flail . Ill fortune .

Some evils and calamities assault so violently that there is no resisting or bearing them off .

No man loves his fetters though of gold .

Next to health and necessary food , no good in this world more desireable then liberty .

The finest lawn soonest stains . The finest shoe often hurts the foot . There is no fire without some smoke .

Nul feu sans fumée . Gall.

Fire and water are good servants , but bad masters . First come first served .

Qui premier arrive au moulin , premier doit mouldre . Gal.

It 's ill fishing before the net . One would rather think after the net . No fishing to fishing in the sea .

Il fait beau pescher en eau large . Gall. It 's good fishing in large waters .

Fishes are cast away , that are cast into dry ponds . It 's good fishing in troubled 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 .

Fresh fish and new come guests , smell by that they are three days old .

L'hoste & le poisson passe trois jours puent . Gall. Piscis nequam est nisi recens , Plaut. Ordinary friends are welcome at first , but we soon grow weary of them .

The best fish swim neer the bottom . Still he fisheth that catcheth one .

Tousjours pesche qui en prend un . Gall.

When flatterers meet the Devil goes to dinner . Where every hand fleeceth the sheep goes naked . All flesh is not venison .

This is a French Proverb , Toute chair n'est pas venaison .

Flesh stands never so high but a dog will venture his legs . A flow will have an ebb . No flying without wings , or , He would fain fly , but he wants feathers .

Sine pennis volare haud facile est . Plaut. in Poenulo . Nothing of moment can be done without necessary helps , or convenient means . Non si puo volar senza ale , Ital.

How can the fole amble , when the horse and mare trot . A fool and his mony are soon parted . No fool to the old fool . Every man hath a fool in his sleeve . Fools will be medling . A fool may ask more questions in an hour , then a wise man can answer in seven years . A fool may put somewhat in a wise bodies head . A fools bolt is soon shot .

De fol juge brieve sentence . Gall. A foolish judge passes a quick sentence .

As the fool thinks , so the bell tinks , or clinks . Fools set stools for wise folks to stumble at . Fools build houses , and wise men buy them . Fools make feasts and wise men eat them .

Le fols font la feste & lessages le mangent . Gall. The same almost for word .

Fools lade water and wise men catch the fish . The fool will not part with his bable for the Towre of London . If every fool should wear a bable fewell would be dear .

Si tous les fols portoient le marotte , on ne seait de quel bois s' eschaufferoit . Gall.

Send a fool to the market and a fool he will return again .

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 .

Fortune favours fools , or fools have the best luck .

Fortuna favet fa●uis . It 's but equall , Nature having not that Fortune should do so .

It 's good to go on foot when a man hath a horse in his hand .

Al aise marche à pied qui mene son cheval par la bride . Gall.

Forbearance is no acquittance . In the forehead and the eye the lecture of the mind doth lie .

Vultus index animi .

To forget a wrong's the best revenge .

Delle ingiurie il remedio è lui scordarsi . Ital. Infirmi est animi exiguique voluptas Ultio . Juv.

It 's not good praising a ford till a man be over . Forewarn'd forearm'd . Praemonitus , praemunitus . Forecast is better then work-hard . Every ones faults are not written in their foreheads . The fox prey 's furthest from 's hole .

To avoid suspicion . Crafty thieves steal far from home .

The fox never fares better , then when he 's ban'd [ or curst . ] Populus me sibilat , at mihi plaudo Ipse domi , quoties nummos contemplor in area . Horat. It 's an ill sign to see a fox lick a lamb . When the fox preaches , beware of your geese . Fire quoth the fox , when he pist on the ice . He saw it smoak't , and thought there would be fire e're long .

This is spoken in derision to those which have great expectation from some fond design or undertaking , which is not likely to succeed .

Fie upon heps ( quoth the fox ) because he could not reach them . The fox knows much , but more he that catcheth him . Every fox must pay his own skin to the flayer .

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 .

What 's freer then gift ? It 's good to have some friends both in heaven and hell . He is my friend , that grindeth at my mill .

That shews me real kindness .

A friend in need is a friend indeed . Prove thy friend e're thou have need . All are not friends , that speak us fair . He 's a good friend that speaks well on 's behind our backs . No longer foster no longer friend . As a man is friended , so the law is ended . Where shall a man have a worse friend , then he brings from home ? Friends may meet , but mountains never greet .

Mons cum monte non miscebitur : Pares cum paribus Two haughty persons will seldom agree together . Deux hommes se rencontrent bien , mais jamais deux montagnes . Gall.

Many kinsfolk , few friends .

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 .

One God no more , but friends good store .

〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 . Unus Deus , sed plures amici parandi .

Where ever you see your friend , trust your self . A friend is never known till one have need .

Amicus certus in re incerta cernitur . Cic. ex Ennio . Scilicet ut fulvum spectatur in ignibus aurum , Tempore sic duro est inspicienda fides . Ovid.

〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 . Friends stand afar off , when a man is in adversity . What was good , the Frier never lov'd . When the Frier 's beaten , then comes Iames.

〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 . Sic est ad pugnae partes re peractâ veniendum .

The Frier preach't against stealing when he had a pudding in his sleeve .

Il srate predicava , che non si dovesse robbare & lui haveva l'occha nel scapulario . Ital. The same with the English , only goose instead of pudding .

To fright a bird is not the way to catch her .

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 .

Take away fewel take away flame .

Remove the tale-bearer and contention ceaseth . Sine Cercre & Libero friget Venus .

The furthest way about 's the nearest way home .

What is gained in the shortness may be lost in the goodness of the way . Compendia plerumque sunt dispendia .

Fields have eyes , and woods have ears .

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 .

G. TOuch a galled horse on the back , and he 'll kick , [ or wince . ] Try your skill in galt first , and then in gold .

In care periculum , subaudi fac . Cares olim notatisunt . quód primi vitam mercede locabant . They were the first mercenary souldiers . Practise new and doubtfull experiments in cheap commodities , or upon things of small value .

You may gape long enough , e're a bird fall in your mouth . He that gapeth untill he be fed , well may he gape untill he be dead . C' est folie de beer contre un four . Gall.

No gaping against an oven .

Make not a gauntlet of a hedging glove . What 's a Gentleman but his pleasure . A Gentleman without living , is like a pudding without sewet . Gentry sent to market , will not buy one bushel of corn . Gentility without ability , is worse then plain beggery . Giff gaff was a good man , but he is soon weary . Giffe gaffe is one good turn for another . Look not a gift horse in the mouth .

It seems this was a Latine Proverb in Hieroms time , Erasmus quotes it out of his preface to his commentaries on the epistle to the Ephesians , Noli ( ut vulgare est proverbium ) equi dentes inspicere donati . A caval donato non guardar in bocca . Ital. A cheval donne il ne saut pas regarder aux dens . Gall. It is also in other modern Languages .

There 's not so bad a Gill but there 's as bad a Will . Giving much to the poor , doth increase a mans store . Give a thing and take a thing , &c. Or , give a thing and take again , And you shall ride in hells wain .

Plato mentions this as a childrens Proverb in his time . 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 , which with us also continues a Proverb among children to this day .

Better fill a gluttons belly then his eye .

Les yeux plus grands que la pance . Gall. Piu tosto si satolla il ventre chel'occhio . Ital.

A belly full of gluttony will never study willingly , i. e. the old proverbial Verse .

Impletus venter non vult studere libenter .

Man doth what he can , and God what he will . When God wills , all winds bring rain .

Deus undecunque juvat modò propitius . Eras . La ou Dieu veut il pleut . Gall .

God sends corn , and the Devil marres the sack . God sends cold after clothes .

After clothes , i. e. according to the peoples clothes . Dieu donne le sroid selon le drap . Gall.

God is where he was .

Spoken to encourage People in any distress .

Not God above , gets all mens love .

〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 . Theogn .

God knows well which are the best Pilgrims . What God will , no frost can kill . Tell me with whom thou goest , and I 'll tell thee what thou doest .

La mala compagnia è quella che mena huomini à la furca , Ital.

Gold goes in at any gate except Heavens .

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 .

All is not gold that glisters .

Toutce qui luit n'est pas or . Gall. Non è oro tutto quel che luce . Ital. Fronti nulla fides . Juven.

A man may buy gold too dear . Though good be good , yet better is better , or better carries it . That 's my good that does me good . Some good things I do not love , a good long mile , good small beer , and a good old woman . Good enough is never ought . A good man can no more harm then a sheep . Ill gotten goods , seldom prosper .

Della robba di mal acquista non se ne vede allegrezza . Ital. And , Vien presto consumato l'ingiustamente acquistato . De mal è venu l'agneau & à mal retourne le peau . Gall. To naught it goes that came from naught . 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 . Hesiod . Mala lucra aequalia damnis . Malè parta malè dilabuntur : and , De malè quaesitis vix gaudet tertius haeres . Juven.

That that 's good sawce for a goose , is good for a gander .

This is a womans Proverb .

There 's meat in a gooses eye . As deep drinketh the goose , as the gander . Goose , and gander and gosling are three sounds , but one thing . A Goshawk beats not at a bunting .

Aquila non capit muscas .

Grace will last , favour will blast . While the grass grows , the steed starves .

Caval non morire , che herba dè venire . Ital.

Grass grows not upon the high way . Gray and green make the worst medley .

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 .

Gray hairs are deaths blossoms . Great gifts are from great men . The Gull comes against the rain . H. HAckney mistress hackney maid .

〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 . Cic. Epist. Att. 5. Qualis hera tales pedijsequae . Et , 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 . Catulae dominam imitantur . Videas autem ( inquit Erasmus ) & Melitaeas , opulentarum mulierum delicias , fastum , laseiviam totàmque ferè morum imaginem reddere .

Had I fish is good without mustard . Half an acre is good land . No halting before a cripple .

For fear of being detected . Il nè faut pas clocher devant un boiteux . Gall.

Half an egg , &c. v. egg . Half a loaf , v. loaf . Help hands for I have no lands . He is handsom that handsom doth . Half an hours hanging hinders 5 m. riding . It 's better to be happy then wise .

E meglio esser fortunato che savio . Ital. Gutta fortunae 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 .

Happy is he whose friends were born before him . i. e. Who hath rem non labore parandam sed relictam . Happy man happy dole , or Happy man by his dole . Happy is the child whose father went to the Devil .

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 .

Some have the hap , some stick i' th' gap . Hap , and half-penny goods enough , i. e. Good luch is enough , though a man hath not a penny left him . Set hard heart against hard hap .

Tu-ne cede malis , sed contra audentior ito . In re mala enimo si bono utare adjuvat .

Hard with hard makes not the stone wall .

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 .

Hard fare makes hungry bellies . It 's a hard winter , &c. v. winter . It 's a hard battel , &c. v. battel . Where we least think , there goeth the hare away . Harm watch , harm catch . King Harry lov'd a man , i. e. valiant men love such as are so , hate cowards . Most haste worst speed .

Come s' ha fretta non si fa mai niente che stia bene . Ital. Qui trop se haste en cheminent , en beau chemin se fourvoye 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 .

Haste makes waste , And waste makes want , And want makes strife between the good man and his wife . As the man said to him on the tree top . Make no more haste when you come down then when you went up . Nothing most be done hastily but killing of fleas . Hasty climbers , &c. v. climbers . A hasty [ or angry ] man never wants woe , v. A. Hasty People will never make good Midwives . Hasty gamesters oversee . No haste to hang true men . It 's good to have a hatch before the door . High flying hawks are fit for Princes . Make hay while the sun shines . A great head and a little wit .

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 .

Better be the head of a pike , then the tail of a sturgeon . Better be the head of a dog , then the tail of a lion .

Meglio è esser capo di lucertola che coda di dragone . Ital.

Better be the head of an ass , then the tail of a horse . Better be the head of the yeomanry , then the tail of the gentry .

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 .

He that hath no head needs no hat .

Qui n'a point de teste n'a que faire de chaperon . Gall.

A man is not so soon healed as hurt . You must not pledge your own health . Health is better then wealth . The more you heap , the worse you cheap .

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 .

He that hears much and speaks not all , shall be wellcome both in bower and hall .

Parla poco , ascolta assai , & non fallirai . Ital.

Where the hedge is lowest commonly men leap over .

Chascun joue au Roy despouille . Gall. They that are once down shall be sure to be trampled on .

Take heed is a good read .

Or as another Proverb hath it , Good take heed doth surely speed . Abundans cautela non nocct .

One pair of heels is often worth two pair of hands .

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 .

They that be in hell think there 's no other Heaven . Every herring must hang by his own gill . Every tub must stand upon its own bottom . Every man must give an account for himself . Hide nothing from thy Minister , Physician and Lawyer .

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 .

Look not too high , lest a chip fall in thine eye .

Noli altum sapere . Mr Howel hath it , Hew not too high , &c. according to the Scottish Proverb .

The higher standing the lower fall .

Tolluntur in altum ut lapsu graviora ruant . The higher floud hath always the lower ebb .

The highest tree hath the greatest fall . Celsae graviore casu decidunt turres . Horat. Up the hill favour me , down the hill beware thee . Every man for himself , and God for us all . Ogniun per se & Dio per tutti , Ital. It is hard to break a hog of an ill custom . Ne're lose a hog for an half-penny-worth of tarr .

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 .

A man may hold his tongue in an ill time .

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 hapned , that when the enemies did come indeed , they were surprised and taken . There is a time to speak as well as to be silent .

Who can hold that they have not in their hand , i. e. a fart . Home is home though it be never so homely .

〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 . Because there we have greatest freedom . v. Eras . Bos alienus subinde prospect at for as .

An honest mans word is as good as his bond . An honey tongue a heart of gall . Honours change manners .

Honores mutant mores . As poverty depresseth and debaseth a mans mind . So great place and estate advance and enlarge it ; but many times corrupt and puff it up .

Where honour ceaseth , there knowledge decreaseth .

Honos alit artes . Quis enim virtutem amplectitur ipsam praemia si tollas ? On the other side . Sint Mecaenates non deerunt Flacco Marones : Virgiliumque tibi vel tua rura dabunt .

A hook well lost to catch a Salmon .

Il faut perdre un veron pour pescher un Saulmon . Gall.

If it were not for hope , the heart would break .

Spes alunt exules . Spes servat afflictos . 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 . Spes bona dat vires , animum quoque spes bona firmat . Vivere spe vidi qui moriturus crat . Hope well and have well , quoth Hickwell .

You can't make a horn of a pigs tail .

Parallel hereto is that of Apostolius , 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 . An asses tail will not make a sieve . Ex quovis ligno non sit Mercurius .

Horns and gray hairs do not come by years . Who hath horns in 's bosom , let him not put them on his head . Let a man hide his shame , not publish it . It 's a good horse that never stumbles : and a good wife that never grumbles .

Il n'y a si bon cheval qui ne bronche . Gall. Quandóque bonus dormitat Homerus .

A good horse cannot be of a bad colour . A good horse often wants a good spur . It 's an ill horse will not carry his own provender . It 's an ill horse can neither whinny nor wag his tail . Let a horse drink when he will , not what he will . A man may lead a horse to the water , but he cannot make him drink unless he will .

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 .

A resty horse must have a sharp spur . A scal'd horse is good , &c. v. scald . The common horse is worst shod . A short horse , &c. v. short . The best horse needs breaking , and the aptest child needs teaching . Where the horse lies down , there some hair will be found . Fullers Worth . The horse that 's next the mill , &c. v. mill . A gall'd horse will not endure the comb . Touch a gall'd horse , &c. v. gall'd .

Il tignosa non ama il pettine . Ital. Jamais tigneux n'aime le pigne . Gall. & Cheval roigneux n'a cure qu' on l'estrille . Gall.

You may know the horse by his harness . They are scarce of horse-flesh where two and two ride on a dog . A short horse is soon wisp't , And a bare a — soon kist . The horse that draws his halter , is not quite escaped .

Non á scappato chi strascina la catena dietro . Ital. Il n'est pas eschappée qui traine son lien . Gall.

Trust not a horses heel , nor a dogs tooth .

Ab equinis pedibus procul recede .

He that hires the horse must ride before . The fairer the hostess the fouler the reckoning .

Belle hostesse c' est un mal pour la bourse . Gall.

Hot sup , hot swallow . It chanceth in an hour , &c. v. chanceth . Better ones house too little one day , then too big all the year after . When thy neighbours house is on fire , beware of thine own .

Tua res agitur paries cùm proximus ardet .

A mans house is his castle .

This is a kind of Law Proverb , Jura publica savent privato domîls .

He that builds a house by the high-way side , it 's either too high or too low .

Chi fabrica la casa in piazza , ô che è troppo alta ô troppo bassa . Ital.

He that buyes a house ready wrought , hath many a pin and nail for nought .

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 .

When a mans house burns , it 's not good playing at chess . A man may love his house well , and yet not ride on the ridge .

A man may love his children and relations well , and yet not cocker them , or be foolishly fond and indulgent to them .

Huge winds blow on high hills .

Feriúntque summos fulmina montes , Horat.

Hunger is the best sawce .

Appetito non-vuol salsa . Ital. Il n'y a saulce que d'appetit . Gall. This Proverb is reckoned among the Aphorisms of Socrates , Optimum cibi condimentum fames sitis potûs . Cic. lib. 2. de finibus .

Hunger will break through stone walls . Hungry flies bite sore .

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 .

Hungry dogs , &c. v. dogs . They must hunger in frost that will not work in heat . A hungry horse makes a clean manger . Hunger makes hard bones sweet beans .

Erasmus relates as a common Proverb ( among the Dutch I suppose ) Hunger makes raw beans relish well or taste of Sugar . Manet holiéque vulgò tritum proverbium . Famem efficere ut crudae ctiam fabae saccharum sapiant . Darius in his slight drinking puddle-water defiled with dead carcasses , is reported to have said , that he never drank any thing that was more pleasant , for saith the story , Neque enim sitiens unquam biberat : he never had drank thirsty . The full stomach loatheth the honey-comb , but to the hungry , every bitter thing is sweet . Prov. 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 .

All are not hunters that blow the horn . I. EVery Iack must have his Gill.

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 .

A good Iack makes a good Gill.

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 .

Iack would be a gentleman , if he could but speak French .

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 .

More to do with one Iack-an apes , then all the bears . Iack would wipe his nose if he had it . Iack sprat would teach his Grandame .

Ante barbam doces senes .

Of idleness comes no goodness . Better to be idle , then not well occupied .

Praestat otiosum esse quàm nihil agere . Plin. epist. Better be idle then do that which is to no purpose , or as good as nothing ; much more then that which is evil .

An idle brain is the Devils shop . Idle folks have the most labour . Idle folks lack no excuses . No jesting with edge tools , or with bell-ropes .

Tresca con i fanti & lascia stari santi . Ital. Play with children , and let the saints alone .

When the demand is a jest , the fittest answer is a scoff . Better lose a jest then a friend . Ill gotten goods , &c. v. goods . Ill news comes apace . Ill weeds grow apace .

Mauvaise herbe croist tous jours . Gall. Pazzi crescono senza inaffiargli . Ital. Fools grow without watering . A mauvais chien la queüe luy vient . Gall. Herba mala praesto cresce , Ital.

Ill will never said well . An inch breaks no squares . Some add , in a burn of thorns .

Pour un petit n'avant n'arriere . Gall.

An inch in a miss is as good as an ell . Ione's as good as my Lady in the dark .

〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 . 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 .

No joy without annoy .

Extrema gaudii luctus occupat : & Usque adeò nulla est sincera voluptas , Sollicitumque aliquid laetis intervenit .

Strike while the iron is hot .

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 .

He that hath many irons in the fire , some of them will cool . Ill luck is worse then found money . He that will not endure to itch must endure to smart . K. KA me and I 'll ka thee .

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 . Commend me and I 'll commend you . & Pro Delo Calauriam . Neptune changed with Latona Delos for Calauria .

Keep some till furthermore come . The kettle calls the pot black a —

La padella diee al paiuolo vati in la , che tu mi non tinga . Ital. Il lavezzo fabeffe de la pignata . Ital.

All the keys hang not at one mans girdle . A piece of a kid's worth two of a cat . Who was kill'd by a cannon bullet , was curst in his mothers belly . He that kills a man when he 's drunk , v. in D. The kiln call's the oven burnt-house . It 's good to be near of kin to an estate . A kings favour is no inheritance . The Kings cheese goes half away in parings . Kissing goes by favour . Better kiss a knave then be troubled with him . He that kisseth his wife in the market-place , shall have enough to teach him . If you can kiss the mistress , never kiss the maid . To kiss a mans wife or wipe his knife , is but a thankless office . Many kiss the child for the nurses sake . A carrion kite will never make good hawk .

On ne seauroit faire d'une buse un espreuvier . Gall ,

Many kinsfolks , &c. v. friends . Knaves and fools divide the world . When knaves fall out , true men come by their goods .

Les larrons s' entrebatent , les larcins se descouvrent . Gall. When High-way men fall out , robberies are discovered .

Knavery may serve for a turn , But honesty is best at long run . The more knave the better luck . Two cunning knaves need no broker : or a cunning knave , &c. It 's as hard to please a knave as a Knight . It is better to knit then blossom .

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.

Where the knot is loose , the string slippeth . They that know one another salute afar off . L. AN unhappy lad may make a good man .

A ragged colt , &c.

A quick landlord makes a carefull tenant . He that hath some land must have some labour . No sweet without some sweat , without pains no gains . Land was never lost for want of an heir .

A i ricchi non mancano parenti . Ital. The rich never want kindred .

One leg of a lark 's worth the whole body of a kite . He that comes last makes all fast .

Le dernier ferme la porte , ou la laisse ouverte . Gall.

Better late then never .

Il vaut mieux tard que jamais . Gall. Meglio tarde che non mai . Ital.

It 's never too late to repent .

Nunquam sera est . &c ▪

Let them laugh that win .

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 .

He that buys lawn before he can fold it , shall repent him before he have sold it . They that make laws must not break them . Patere legem quam ipsc tulisti . In commune jubes siquid censésve tenendum , Primus jussa subi , tunc observantior aequi Fis populus , nec ferre vetat cùm viderit ipsum , Autorem parere sibi . Claudian . Better a lean jade then an empty halter . Never too old to learn .

Nulla aetas ad perdiscendum sera est , Ambros .

The least boy always carries the greatest fiddle .

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 .

Better leave then lack . Leave is light .

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 ,

While the leg warmeth , the boot harmeth . He that doth lend will lose his friend .

Qui preste al amis perd au double . Gall. He that lends to his friend , loseth double , i. e. both mony and friend .

Learn to lick betimes , you know not whose tail you may go by . Shew me a liar , and I 'll shew you a thief . Life is sweet . While there 's life there 's hope .

Infin que v' è fiato v' è speranza , Ital. Aegroto dum anima est spes est . Tull. ad Attic. 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 . When all diseases fled out of Pandora's box , hope remained there still .

There 's life in a muscle , i. e. There is some hopes though the means be but weak . Life lieth not in living , but in liking .

Martial saith , Non est vivere , sed valere vita .

Light gains make a heavy purse .

Le petit gain remplit la bourse . Gall. They that sell for small profit , vend more commodities and make quick returns , 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. Little and often fills the purse .

Light burdens far heavy .

Petit far deau poise à la longue , or Petite chose de loing poise , Gall.

Light cheap lither yield .

That that costs little , will do little service , for commonly the best is beast cheap .

Lightly come lightly go . The light is nought for sore eyes .

Al'oeil malade le lumiere nuit . Gall. He that doth evil hateth the light , &c.

There 's lightning lightly before thunder . A heavy purse makes a light heart . The lion's not half so fierce as he is painted .

Minuunt prasentia famam , is a true rule . Things are represented at a distance , much to their advantage beyond their just proportion and merit . Fame is a magnifying glass .

Every one as they like best , as the good man said when he kist his cow . Like will to like ( as the Devil said to the Collier . ) Or as the scab'd Squire said to the mangy Knight , when they both met in a dish of butter'd fish .

Ogni simile appetisce il suo simile , Ital. Chascum cherche son semblable , or , demande sa sorte , Gall. Cascus eascam ducit , i. vetulus anum . Significat a. similis similem delectat .

Like lips like lettuce .

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 ignorant 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 .

Like saint like offering . Like carpenter like chips . Trim tram , like master like man .

Quel maistre tel valet , Gall. Tal Abbate tali i monachi . Ital.

A liquorish tongue is the purses canker . A liquorish tongue a liquorish lecherous tail . A little pot 's soon hot .

Little persons are commonly cholerick .

Little things are pretty . 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 . Many littles make a mickle .

〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 . 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 . 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 number 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 .

Little pitchers have ears .

Ce quel'enfant oit au fouyer , est bien tost cogneu jusques 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 puero reverentia .

By little and little the poor whore sinks her barn . Little said soon amended . Little strokes fell great oaks .

Multis ictibus dejicitur quercus . Many strokes fell , &c.

Assiduity overcomes all difficulty . 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 .

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 .

A little good is soon spent . A little stream drives a light mill . Live and let live , i. e. Do as you would be done by . Let such pennyworths as your Tenants may live under you ; sell such bargains , &c. Every thing would live . They that live longest , must go furthest for wood . Longer lives a good fellow then a dear year . As long lives a merry heart as a sad . One may live and learn .

Non si finisce mai d'imparare , Ital. 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 , A famous saying of Solon , Discenti assiduè multa senecta vexit .

And well might he say so , for Ars longa vita brevis , As Hippocrates begins his Aphorisms .

They that live longest must fetch fire furthest . They that live longest must die at last . All lay load on the willing horse .

On touche tous jours sur le cheval qui tire , Gall. The horse that draws is most whipt .

Half a loaf is better then no bread . It 's a long run that never turns . The longest day , &c. v. day . Long lookt for comes at last . Look to the main chance . Look before you leap , For snakes among sweet flowers do creep . Look not too high , &c. v. high . Where the knot is loose , &c. v. knot . No great loss , but some small profit .

As for instance , he whose sheep die of the rot , saves the skins and wooll .

It 's not lost that comes at last . All is not lost that is in danger . In love is no lack . Love thy neighbour , but pull not down thy hedge . Better a louse i' th' pot then no flesh at all .

The Scotch Proverb saith a mouse , which is better sense , for a mouse is flesh and edible .

He must stoop that hath a low door . Lowly sit richly warm .

A mean condition is both more safe and more comfortable , then a high estate .

The lower millstone grinds as well as the upper . Ill luck is worse , &c. v. Ill. What is worse then ill luck ? Give a man luck , and throw him into the sea . The honester man , the worse luck , v. honester . Thieves and rogues have the best luck , if they do but scape hanging . He that 's sick of a feaver lurden must be cured by the hasel gelding . No law for lying . A man may lie without danger of the law . M. YOu 'll ne're be mad , you are of so many minds . There are more maids then Maukin , and more men then Michael , i. e. little Mal or Mary . Maids say nay and take . Who knows who 's a good maid ? Every maid is undone . Look to the main , &c. v. look . Make much of one , good men are scarce . Malice is mindfull . Man proposes , God disposes .

Homme propose , mais Dieu dispose , Gall. Humana confiiia divinitus gubernantur .

A man 's a man though he hath but a hose on 's head . He that 's man'd with boys and hors'd with colts , shall have his meat eaten and his work undone . Many hands make light [ or quick ] work .

Multorum manibus grande levatur onus .

〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 . Homer . Unus vir nullus vir . 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 . Euripid.

He that hath many irons , &c. v. irons . Many sands will sink a ship .

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 .

Many littles , &c. v. little . So many men so many minds .

Tant● teste tanti cervelli , Ital. Autant de testes autant d'opinions , Gall. Quot homines tot sententiae , Terent.

There are more mares in the wood then Grisell . You may know by the market-folks , how the market goes . He that cannot abide a bad market deserves not a good one . Forsake not the market for the toll . No man makes haste to the market , where there 's nothing to be bought but blows . The masters eye makes the horse fat .

l'occhio del padrone ingrassa il cavallo , Ital. L'oeil du maistre engraisse le cheval . Gall. 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 . Arist. Oeconom . 2. The answers of Perses and Libys are worth the observing . The former being asked , 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 impertinent 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 .

That is not always good in the maw that is sweet in the mouth . Who that may not as he will , &c. v. will . Every may be hath a may not be . Two ill meals make the third a glutton . Measure is a treasure . After meat comes mustard .

When there is no more use of it .

Meat is much , but manners is more . Much meat much maladies .

Surfetting and diseases often attend full tables . Our nation 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 .

Meat and mattens hinder no mans journey .

In other words , Prayers and provender , &c.

He that will meddle with all things , may go shoe the goslins .

C ' e da fare per tutto , diceva colui che fer●ava l'occha . Ital.

Of little medling comes great ease . It 's merry in the hall when beards wag all .

When all are eating , feasting or making good chear . By the way we may note that this word chear , which is particularly with us applied to meats and drinks , seems to be derived from the Greek word 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 signifying joy : As it doth also with us in those words chearly and chearfull .

Merry meet merry part . Be merry and wise . The more the merrier , the fewer the better chear . Merry is the feast-making till we come to the reckoning . As long lives a merry , &c. v. lives . Can Jack-an-apes be merry , &c. v. clog . Who doth sing so merry a note , &c. v. sing . Mickle ado and little help . Might overcomes right . No mill no meal .

〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 . Qui sugit molam sugit sarinam . 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 . 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 .

Much water goes by the mill , the miller knows not of .

Assai acqua passa per il molino the il molinaio non vede , Ital.

An honest miller hath a golden thumb . In vain doth the mill clack , if the miller his hearing lack . Every miller draws water to his own mill .

Amener eau au moulin , or ; Tirer eau en son moulin , Gall. Tutti tira l'acqua al suo molino . Ital.

The horse next the mill , carries all the grist . My mind to me a kingdom is . A pennyworth of mirth is worth a pound of sorrow . Mischiefs come by the pound , and go away by the ounce .

I mali vengono à carri & suggino a onze . Ital.

Better a mischief , then an inconvenience .

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 Proverb 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 .

There 's no feast to the misers , v. feast . Misfortunes seldom come alone .

The French say , Malheur ne vient jamais seul . One misfortune 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 .

Misreckoning's no payment . Misunderstanding brings lies to town .

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 circumstance or particular ; the second him , and so at last the truth is lost , and a lie passes currant .

Money will do more then my lords letter . It 's money makes the mare to go .

Pecuniae obediunt omnia . 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 &c. I danari san correre i cavaili . Ital.

Prate is but prate , it 's money buyes land . Beauty is potent , but money is omnipotent .

Amour fait beaucoup , mais a gent fait tout . & Amour fait rage , mais argent fait marriage , Gall. Love makes rage , And money makes marriage .

God makes , and apparel shapes , but money makes the man .

Pecunia vir . 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 . Tanti quantum habeas fis , Horat.

Tell money after your own father . Do as the most do , and fewest will speak evil of thee . The moon 's not seen where the sun shines . A mote may choke a man . A child may have too much of his mothers blessing .

Mothers are oftentimes too tender and fond of their children . Who are ruined and spoiled by their cockering and indulgence .

The mouse that hath but one hole is easily taken .

Tristo è quel topo , che non ha ch' un sol pertuggio per salvarsi . Ital. La souris qui n'a qu' une entrée est incontinent happée , Gall. Mus non uni fidit antro . Good riding at two anchors , having two strings to ones bow . This sentence came originally from Plautus in Truculento , v. Erasm . Adag .

A mouse in time may bite in two , &c. v. time . God never sends mouths , but he sends meat .

This Proverb is much in the mouth of poor people : who get children , but take no care to maintain them .

Much would have more .

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 .

Muck and money go together .

Those that are slovenly and dirty usually grow rich , not they that are nice and curious in their diet , houses and clothes .

Murder will out .

This is observed very often to fall out in the immediate sense , as if the Providence of God were more then ordinarily manifested in such discoveries , It is used also to signifie , that any knavery or crime or the like will come to light .

Men muse as they use , measure other folks corn by their own bushel , When a musician hath forgot his note , he makes as though a crum stuck in his throat .

〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 . When a singing-man or musician is out or at a loss , to conceal it he coughes . 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 . Some seeking to hide a scape with a cough , render themselves doubly ridiculous .

He loves mutton well , that dips his bread in the wooll . N. IF ones name be up he may lie in bed .

Qui a bruit de se lever matin peut dormir jusques a disner , Gall. Etiam trimestres liberi felicibus , Sue .

He that hath an ill name is half hanged . Take away my good name and take away my life . Naught is never in danger . Near is my petticoat , &c. v. petticoat . Necessity hath no law .

〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 . La necessita non ha legge , Ital. Ingens telum necessitas . Cic. de Amic .

Necessity is cole-black . They need much whom nothing will content . Need makes the old wife trot .

Bisogno la trottar la vecchia , Ital. Besoign fait vieille trotter , Gall. All the same , word for word .

Need will have it's course . Need makes the naked man run , [ or the naked quean spin . ] A good neighbour , a good goodmorrow .

Qui à bon voisin à bon matin , Gall. Chi ha cattivo vicino ha il mal matino , Ital. Aliquid mali propter vicinum malum , Plaut. in Merc. 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 , 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 .

Love thy neighbour , &c. v. in L. Neighbour-quart is good quart , i. e. Giffe gaffe is a good fellow . He dwells far from neighbours [ or hath ill neighbours ] that 's fain to praise himself .

Proprio laus sordet in ore . Let another man praise thee and not thine own mouth , a stranger and not thine own lips .

Here 's talk of the Turk and Pope , but it 's my next neighbour does me the harm . You must ask your neighbour if you shall live in peace . The rough net 's not the best catcher of birds . New lords new laws .

De nouveau seigneur nouvelle mesnie , Gall.

Every one has a penny to spend at a new Ale-house . A new broom sweeps clean . No penny no , &c. v penny . No mill no , &c. v. mill . No silver no , &c. v. silver . No living man all , &c. v. all . One may know by your nose , what pottage you love . Every mans nose will not make a shooing horn .

Non cuivis homini contingit adire Corinthum , Horat.

Where nothing is a little doth ease . Where nothing 's to be had , the King must lose his right .

Ninno da quello che non ha , Ital. Le Roy perd sa rente ou il n'y a que prendre , Gall.

One year a nurse and seven years the worse .

Because feeding well and doing little she becomes liquorish and gets a habit of idleness .

Fair fall nothing once by the year .

It may sometimes be better to have nothing then something . So said the poor man , who in a bitter snowy morning could lie still in his warm bed , when as his neighbours who had sheep and other cattel , were fain to get up betimes and abroad , to look after and secure them .

O. AN unlawfull oath is better broke then kept . He that measureth oil , shall anoint his fingers .

Qui mesure l'huile il s' en oingt les mains , Gall.

To cast oil in the fire 's not the way to quench it . Old men are twice children .

〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 . And that not in respect of the mind only , but also of the body .

Old be or young die . Never too old to learn . v. learn . Older and wiser .

Discipulus est prioris posterior dies , Senec. Nunquam ita quisquam benè subductâ ratione ad vitam suit , quin res , aetas usus semper aliquid apportet novi , &c. Terent. 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 .

You can't catch old birds with chaff .

Annosa vulpes non capitur laqueo .

If you would not live to be old , you must be hang'd when you are young . Young men may die , old men must . The old woman would never have look't for her daughter i' th' oven , had she not been there her self .

Se la madre non fosse mai stata nel forno , non vi cercarebbe la figlia . Ital. The same to a word .

An old ape hath an old eye . An old dog biteth sore .

Un vieil chien jamais ne jappe en vain , Gall.

Of young men die many , of old men scape not any .

De Giovane ne muoiono di molti , di vecchi ne scampa nessuno , Ital.

An old fox needs learn no craft . An old sack asketh much patching . Old men and far travellers may lie by authority .

Il à beau , mentir qui vient de loin . Gall.

Better keep under an old hedge , then creep under a new furze-bush . As the old cock crows , so crows the young [ or so the young learns . ]

Chi di gallina nasce convien che rozole , Ital. Some have it ,

The young pig grunts like the old sow .

An old thief desires a new halter . Old cattel breed not .

This I believe is a true observation , for probable it is , that all terrestrial 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 effaete or ceases to breed . In birds these seeds or eggs are visible , and Van Horn hath discovered them also in beasts .

An old naught will never be ought . An old dog will learn no tricks .

It 's all one to physick the dead , as to instruct old men . 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 . Senis mutare inguam is an absurd impossible thing . Old age is int●actable , 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 .

An old man hath one foot in the grave . An old man is a bed full of bones . The old withy tree would have a new gate hung at it . Old mares lust after new cruppers . That that 's one mans meat 's another mans poison .

l'un mort dont l'autre vit , Gall.

One swallow makes not a spring , nor one woodcock a winter .

This is an ancient Greek Proverb . Arist. Ethic. Nicom . lib. 1. 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 .

One shoulder of mutton draws down another .

En mangeant l'appetit vient . Gall.

One mans breath 's another mans death . One man may better steal a horse , then another look over the hedge .

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 other children .

One beats the bush and another catcheth the bird .

Il bat le buisson sans prendre l'oisillon . Gall. Alii sementem faciunt , alii metent . This Proverb was used by Henry the fifth , at the siege of Orleans : when the citizens besieged 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 offend the Duke , that he made peace with the French , and withdrew from the English .

One doth the scath and another hath the scorn , i. e. One doth the harm and another bears the blame . Scath signifies loss or harm . Opportunity makes the thief .

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 .

It is good to cry ule at other mens costs . Ule that is Christmass . It 's time to set in when the oven comes to the dough ,

i. e. Time to marry when the maid woes the man : parallel to that Cheshire Prov. It's time to yoke when the cart comes to the caples , i. e. horses .

All 's out is good for prisoners but naught for the eyes .

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 .

God send us of our own when rich men go to dinner . Let him that owns the cow take her by the tail . T is good christening a mans own child first . The ox when weariest treads surest .

Bos lassus fortiùs sigit pedem . Those that are slow are sure .

P. A Small pack , &c. v. small . Pain is forgotten where gain follows . Great pain and little gain make a man soon weary . Without pains no gains .

Dii laboribus omnia vendunt .

It 's good enough for the Parson unless the parish were better

It s here supposed that if the Parish be very bad the Parson 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 .

Fat paunches make lean pates , &c.

Pinguis venter non gignit sensum tenuem . This Hierom mentions in one of his Epistles as a Greek Proverb . The Greek is more elegant .

〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 .

All the honesty is in the parting . Patch by patch is good husbandry , but patch upon patch is plain beggery , or One patch on a knee , &c. Two patches on a knee , &c. Patience with poverty , is all a poor mans remedy . Patience perforce is a medicine for a mad dog . Patience is a plaister for all sores . Pauls will not always stand . A fair pawn never sham'd his master . A good pay-master needs no surety , or Starts not at assurances . Once paid never craved . He that pays last , never pays twice . He that cannot pay , let him pray . They take a long day that never pay . He that would live in peace and rest , must hear and see and say the best .

Oy , voy , & te tais , si tu veux vivre en paix , Gall. Ode , vede , tace , Sevuoi viver in pace , Ital.

Pen an ink is wits plough . A penny in my purse will bid me drink when all the friends I have will not . Penny in pocket's a good companion . No penny no pater noster . That penny is well spent that saves a groat .

Bonne la maille qui suave le denier , Gall. The halfpenny is well spent that saves a penny .

Penny and penny laid up will be many . Who will not keep a penny shall never have many .

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 .

Near is my petticoat , but nearer is my smock .

Mu chemise m' est plus proche que ma robe . Gall. Tocca piu la camisia ch' il gippone , Ital. i. e. Tunica pallio propior . 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 . 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 .

If Physick do not work , Prepare for the kirk . I 'll not buy a pig in a poke .

The French say chat en poche , i. e. a cat in a poke .

Pigs love that lie together .

A familiar conversation breeds friendship among them who are of the most base and fordid natures .

When the pig's profer'd hold up the poke .

Never refuse a good offer .

He that will not stoop for a pin , shall never be worth a point . He can ill pipe , that wants his upper lip .

Things cannot be done without necessary helps and instruments .

No longer pipe no longer dance . Piss not against the wind .

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 wearies 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 .

The pitcher doth not go so often to the water , but it comes home broken at last .

Tant souvent va le pot à l'eau que l'anse y demeure , Gall. Quem saepe transit aliquando invenit . Sen. Trag.

Foolish pity spoils a city . Plain dealing 's a jewel but they that use it die beggers . He plays well that wins . As good play for nothing as work for nothing . He that plays more then he sees forfeits his eyes to the King . He had need rise betimes that would please every body . He that would please all and himself too , Undertakes what he cannot doe .

〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 .

Pleasing ware is half sold .

Chose qui plaist est à demi vendu . Gall. Mercantia chi piace è meza venduta . Ital.

Short pleasure long lament , v. in S. Plenty makes dainty . The plow goes not well if the plow-man holds it not . He that by the plow would thrive Himself must either hold or drive . There belongs more then whistling to going to plow . A man must plow with such oxen as he hath . He is poor indeed that can promise nothing . Poor folks are glad of pottage . Poor and proud , fie , fie . The devil wipes his tail with the poor mans pride . A poor mans table is soon spread . Possession is eleven points of the Law , and they say there are but twelve . A cottage in possession , &c. v. cottage . If you drink in your pottage , you 'll cough in your grave . When poverty comes is at the doors , love leaps out at the windows . Plain of poverty and die a begger . Poverty parteth good fellowship . Pour not water on a drown'd mouse . i. e. Add not affliction to misery . Praise a fair day , &c. v. fair . Praise the sea , &c. v. sea . Prayers and provender hinder no mans journey . They shall have no more of our prayers then we of their pies ( quoth the Vicar of Layton . ) He that would learn to pray , let him go to sea .

Qui veut apprendre à prier , Aille souvent sur la mer , Gal.

Prettiness makes no pottage . Pride will have a fall . Pride feels no cold . Pride goes before , shame follows after . It 's an ill procession where the Devil carries the cross . A proud mind and a beggers purse agree not well together . There 's nothing agrees worse then a proud mind and a beggers purse . As proud come behind as go before .

A man may be humble that is in high estate , and people of mean condition may be as proud as the highest .

It 's good beating proud folks , for they 'll not complain . The Priest forgets that he was a clerk .

Proud upstarts remember not the meanness of their former condition .

He that prieth into every cloud , may be stricken with a thunderbolt . Proffer'd service [ and so ware ] stinks .

Merx ultronea putet , apud Hieronym . Erasmus saith , Quin vulgo etiam in ore est , ultro delatum obsequium plerunque 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 .

All promises are either broken or kept .

This is a flam or droll , used by them that break their word .

The properer man [ and so the honester ] the worse luck .

Aux bons meschet il , Gall.

Better some of a pudding then none of a pie . There 's no deceit in a bag pudding . The proof of the pudding is in the eating . Pull hair and hair , and you 'll make the carle bald .

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 ridiculous to all the company . Piuma à piuma se pela l'occha . Ital. Feather by feather the goose is pluckt .

Like punishment and equal pain , both key and key-hole do maintain . Let your purse be your master .

Messe tenus propria vive .

All is not won that is put in the purse . He that shews his purse longs to be rid of it . Be it better or be it worse , be rul'd by him that bears the purse . That 's but an empty purse that is full of other mens money . Q. QUick at meat , quick at work .

Bonne beste s' eschausse en mangeant , Gall. A good beast will get himself on heat with eating . Hardi gaigneur hardi mangeur , Gall.

We must live by the quick , and not by the dead . Any thing for a quiet life . Next to love quietness . R. SMall rain lays great dust .

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 .

After rain comes fair weather . Raise no more spirits then you can conjure down . Thou art a bitter bird , said the Raven to the Sterling . Raw leather will stretch . There 's reason in roasting of eggs .

Est modus in rebus .

No receiver no thief . The receiver's as bad as the thief .

〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 . Phocyl .

He that reckons without his host , must reckon again .

Chi fa conto senza l'hoste fa conto due volte , Ital. Qui compte sans son hoste , il lui convient compter deux sois , Gal.

Even reckoning keeps long friends .

A vieux comptes nouvelles disputes , Gall. Old reckonings breed new disputes or quarrels . Conto spesso è amicitia longa . Ital.

Never refuse a good offer . If I had reveng'd all wrong , I had not worn my skirts so long . 'T is brave scrambling at a rich mans dole . Soon ripe soon rotten .

Citò maturum citò putridum . Odi puerulum praecoci sapientia , 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.

Why should a rich man steal ? Men use to worship the rising sun .

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 declaring her successour .

All 's lost that 's put in a riven dish .

All is lost that is bestowed upon an ungratefull porson ; he remembers no courtesies . Perit quod facis ingrato . Senec.

He loves roast-meat well , that licks the spit . Many talk of Robin Hood , that never shot in his bow . And many talk of little John that never did him know . Tales of Robin Hood are good enough for fools .

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 about Shirewood forest in Notingham-shire . Camden calls him , praedonem mitissimum . Of his stollen goods he afforded good penny-worths , Lightly come lightly go . Molti parlan di Orlando chi non viddero mai suo brando . Ital. Non omnes qui citharam tenent citharoedi .

Spare the rod and spoil the child . A rogues wardrobe is harbour for a louse . A r●lling stone gathers no moss .

Saxum volutum non obducitur musco . 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 . 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 was not built in one day .

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 .

Name not a rope in his house that hang'd himself . No rose without a thorn . Nulla est sincera voluptas . The fairest rose at last is withered . The rough net , &c. v. net . At a round table there 's no dispute of place .

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.

He may ill run that cannot goe . He that runs fastest , gets most ground . There 's no general rule without some exception . S. AN old sack , &c. v. old . Set the saddle on the right horse .

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 .

Where saddles do lack , better ride on a pad , then the bare horse-back .

〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 .

Sadness and gladness succeed each other . It 's hard to sail o're the sea in an egg shell . A young saint an old devil , v. young . A good salade is the prologue to a bad supper . Ital. There 's a salve for every sore .

A ogni cosa è rimedio fuora qu' alla morte . Ital. There 's a remedy for every thing but death .

Save something for the man that rides on the white horse .

For old age , wherein the head grows white . It 's somewhat a harsh Metaphor to compare age to a horse .

Some savers in a house do well . Every penny that 's saved is not gotten . Of saving cometh having . Learn to say before you sing . He that would sail without danger , must never come on the main sea . Saying and doing are two things .

Du dire au faict y a grand traict , Gall.

Say well and do well end with one letter , Say well is good , but do well is better . One scab'd sheep will marr a whole flock .

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 .

Scald not your lips in another , &c. v. another . A scalded cat fears cold water .

Can scottato d'acqua calda ha paura poi della fredda , Ital. Chat eschaudè craint l'eau froide . Gall.

A scal'd head is soon broken . A scal'd horse is good enough for a scab'd squire .

Dignum patellâ operculum .

Among the common people Scoggin's a doctour .

〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 . Est autem Corydus vilissimum aviculae genus miniméque canorum .

Who more ready to call her neighbour scold , then the errantest scold in the parish ? Scorning is catching .

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 .

Scratch my breech , and I 'll claw your elbow .

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 .

Praise the sea , but keep on land .

Loda il mare & tienti à terra , Ital.

The second blow makes the fray . Seldom seen soon forgotten . Seeing is believing .

Chi con l'occhio vede , col cuor crede . Ital.

Seek till you find , and you 'll not lose your labour . Seldom comes a better . To see it rain is better then to be in it . The self-edge makes shew of the cloth . Self do , self have . Self-love's a mote in every mans eye . Service is no inheritance . A young serving-man , &c. v. young . It 's a shame to steal , but a worse to carry home . Shameless craving must have shamefull nay . A bon demandeur bon refuseur , Gall. It 's very hard to shave an egg , v. egg . A barber learns to shave by shaving of fools .

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 .

It 's ill shaving against the wooll . He that makes himself a sheep , shall be eaten by the wolf .

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 ferendo injuriam invitas novam , Terent. Post folia cadunt arbores , Plaut.

Shear sheep that ha's them . The difference is wide that the sheets will not decide . He that shews his purse , &c. v. purse . Hang him that hath no shifts . A bad shift , &c. v. bad . A good shift may serve long , but it will not serve ever . Close sits my shirt , &c. v. close . Shitten luck's good luck . The wearer best knows where the shooe wrings him . Every shooe fits not every foot .

It is therefore an instance of absurd application , Eundem calceum omni pedi induere . Or Eodem collyrio omnibus mederi .

Who goes worse shod then the shooemakers wife ? or , Who goes more bare then the shooemakers wife and the smiths mare . The shooe will hold with the sole .

La suola tien con la Scarpa , Ital. i. e. The sole holds with the shooe .

Every man will shoot at an enemy , but few will go to fetch the shaft . Keep thy shop , and thy shop will keep thee . Short and sweet .

i. e. Sermonis prolixitas fastidiosa . Cognat . è Ficino .

Short acquaintance brings repentance . A short horse is soon curried . Short shooting loseth the game . Short pleasure long lament .

De court plaisir long repentir , Gall.

A short man needs no stool to give a great lubber a box on the ear . A sharp stomack makes short devotion . Out of sight out of mind .

This is ( I suppose ) also a Dutch Proverb . For Erasmus saith , Jam omnibus in ore est , qui semotus sit ab oculis eundem quoque ab animo semotum esse . Absens hares non erit .

Silence is consent . Chi tace confessa , Ital.

〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 , Euripid. Qui tacet consentire videtur , inquiunt Juris consulti . Assez consent qui nè mot dit , Gall.

White Silver draws black lines . No silver no servant .

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 .

Who doth sing so merry a note , as he that cannot change a groat ?

Cantabit vacuus coram latrone viator .

The brother had rather see the sister rich then make her so . As good sit still as rise up and fall . If the sky falls we shall catch larks .

Se rouinâsse il cielo si pigliarebbon di molti uccelli , Ital. Sile ciel tomboiles cailles scroyent prinses , Gall.

A broken sleeve , &c. v. broken . Good to sleep in a whole skin . The sluggards guise , Loath to go to bed and loath to rise . Sluts are good enough to make slovens pottage . A small sum will serve to pay a short reckoning . A small pack becomes a small pedler .

Petit mercier , petit panier , Gall.

Better are small fish then an empty dish . The smoke follows the fair . No smoke without some fire , i. e. There is no strong rumour without some ground for it . Cognatus hath it among his Latine Proverbs , Non est fumus absque igne , though it be no ancient one . Snotty folks are sweet , But slavering folks are weet . Others have it . Slavering folks kiss sweet , but snotty folks are wise . Ride softly , that we may come sooner home . Soft fire makes sweet malt . Something hath some savour . Soon hot soon cold . Soon ripe , &c. v. ripe . Soon crooks the tree , &c. v. crooks . Sorrow and an evil life , maketh soon an old wife . Sorrow comes unsent for . Mala ultro adsunt . Sorrow will pay no debt . Sorrow is always dry . A turd's as good for a sow as a pancake .

Truy aime mieux bran que roses , Gall.

Every sow to her own trough . In space comes grace . Better spared , then ill spent . Better spare at the brim , then at the bottom . Ever spare and ever bare . Spare the rod , &c. v. rod. What the goodwife spares the cat eats . It 's too late to spare when the bottom is bare .

Sera in fundo parsimonia . Seneca Epist. 1. 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 . Hesiod .

Spare to speak , and spare to speed . Speak fare and think what you will . He that speaks lavishly , shall hear as knavishly .

Qui pergit ea quae vult dicere , ea quae non vult audict . Terent.

Speak when you are spoke to , come when you are call'd .

Ad consilium nè accesseris antequam voceris .

Great spenders are bad lenders . Raise no more spirits , &c. v. raise . Spend and God will send .

A qui chapon mange chapon lui vient , Gall. He that eats good meat shall have good meat .

A man cannot spin and reel at the same time . You must spoil before you spin . That is well spoken , that is well taken . The worst spoke in a cart breaks first . No sport no pye . Sport is sweetest , when no spectatours . Do not spur a free horse .

Non opus admisso subdere calcar equo , Ovid.

A spur in the head 's worth two in the heel . It 's a bad stake will not stand one year in the hedge . Nothing stake nothing draw . Standing pools gather filth . Standers by , see more then gamesters .

Plus in alieno quàm in suo negotio vident homines .

He that will steal an egg , will steal an ox . He that will steal a pin , will steal a better thing . When the steed is stoln , the stable door shall be shut .

Serrar la stalla quando s' han perduti i buovi , Ital. Il est temps de sermer l'estable quand les chevaux en sontalles , Gall. 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 .

Quandoquide accepto claudenda est janua damno , Juv. Sa. 13. Serò clypeum post vnlnera sumo , Ovid.

〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 . Lucian .

Blessed be S. Stephen , ther 's no fast on his even . He that will not go over the stile must be thrust through the gate . The still sow eats up all the draff . Whoso lacketh a stock , his gain 's not worth a chip . Store is no sore . Stretch your arm , &c. v. arm . Strike while the iron , &c. v. iron . He must stop that hath a low door . After a storm comes a calm .

Doppo il cattivo ne vien il buon tempo , Ital. Apres la pluye vient le beau temps , Gall.

No striving against the stream .

Contra torrentem niti . 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 . Stultus ab obliquo qui cum discedere possit , Pugnat in adversas ire natator aquas , Ovid.

Of sufferance comes ease . That suit is best that best fits me . No sunshine but hath some shadow . Put a stool in the sun , when one knave rises another comes , viz. to places of profit . They that walk much i' th' sun , will be tann'd at last . Sure bind sure find .

Bon guet chasse mal aventure , Gall. Abundans cautetela non nocet .

If you swear you 'll catch no fish . No sweet without some sweat .

Nul'pain sans peine , Gall.

Sweet meat must have sowre sauce . He must needs swim , that 's held up by the chin .

Celuy peut hardiment nager à qui l'on soustient le menton , Gall.

Put not a naked sword in a mad mans hand .

Nè puero gladium . For they will abuse it to their own and others harm .

He that strikes with the sword , shall be beaten with the scabbard . Sweep before your own door . T. MAke not thy tail broader then thy wings , i. keep not too many attendants . A tailours shreds are worth the cutting . Good take heed doth surely speed . A good tale ill told , is marr'd in the telling . One tale is good till another is told .

Therefore a good Judge ought to hear both parties . Qui statuit aliquid parte inauditá alterâ , Aequum licet statuerit haud aquus fucrit .

The greatest talkers are always the least doers .

〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 . Non verbis sed fact is opus est . Nec mihi diccre promptum , nec facere est lsti . Ovid. Verba importat Hermodorus .

He teacheth ill , who teacheth all . Nothing dries sooner then tears .

Niente piu tosto se secca che lagrime , Ital.

When I 've thatch't his house , he would throw me down .

〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 . I have taught thee to dive , and thou seekest to drown me .

He that thatches his house with T — shall have more teachers then reachers . Set a thief to take a thief . All are not thieves that dogs bark at . Save a thief from the gallows , and he 'll be the first shall cut your throat .

Dispiccha l'impicchato che impicchera poi te , Ital. Ostez un vilain du gibet il vous y mettra , Gall.

Give a thief rope enough , and he 'll hang himself . One may think that dares not speak . And it 's as usual a saying , Thoughts are free .

Humane laws can take no cognizance of thoughts , unless they discover themselves by some overt actions .

Where ever a man dwells , he shall be sure to have a thorn-bush near his door .

No place no condition is exempt from all trouble . Nihil 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 .

He that handles thorns , shall prick his fingers . Thought lay a bed and besh — himself .

Certo su appiccato per ladro . Ital. i. e. Truly or certainly was hang'd for a thief .

Threatned folks live long . Three may keep counsel , if two be away .

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 .

If you make not much of three pence you 'll ne'xe be worth a groat . Tickle my throat with a feather , and make a fool of my stomach . He that will thrive , must rise at five : He that hath thriven may lie till seven . The thunderbolt hath but his clap . Tidings make either glad or sad . Time fleeth away without delay .

Cito pede praeterit atas , Fugit irrevocabile tempus .

A mouse in time may bite in two a cable . Time and tide tarry for no man . Time and straw make medlars ripe .

Col tempo & la paglia si maturano mespoli , Ital. Avec le temps & la paille l'on meure les mesles , Gall.

Take time when time is , for time will away . Timely blossom timely ripe . A tinkers budget's full of necessary tools . Too much of one thing is good for nothing .

Assez y a si trop n'y a , Gall. Nè quid nimis . 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 . 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.

Too too will in two , Chesh . i. e. Strain a thing too much and it will not hold . Touch a gall'd horse , &c. v. gall'd . He that travels far , knows much . Trash and trumpery is the highway to beggery . Tread on a worm , &c. v. worm . There 's no tree but bears some fruit . Such as the tree is , such is the fruit .

Telle racine , telle fueille . Gall. De fructu arborem cognosco . Mat. 12. 34. The tree is known by its fruit .

If you trust before you try , you may repent before you die .

〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 . Theogn . Therefore it was an ancient precept . 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 . Non vien ingannato se non che si fida . Ital. There is none deceived but he that trusts .

In trust is treason . Speak the truth and shame the devil . Truth may be blamed , but it shall never be shamed . Truth finds foes where it makes none .

Obsequium amicos , veritas odium parit , Terent.

Truth hath always a fast bottom . All truth must not be told at all times . Tout vray n'est pas bon à dire , Gall. That is true which all men say .

Vox populi , vox Dei .

Fair fall truth and day-light . Let every tub stand on it 's own bottom .

Chascun ira au moulin avec son propre sac , Gall. Every one must go to the mill with his own sack , i. e. bear his own burden .

A t — is as good for a sow , v. sow . Where the Turks horse once treads , the grass never grows . One good turn asks another .

Qui plaisir fait plaisir requiert , Gall. Gratia gratiam parit . 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 , Sophocl . He that would have friends , must shew himself friendly . Fricantem refrica , 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 . It is meet and comely , just and equal to requite kindnesses , and to make them amends who have deserved well of us . Mutual offices of love , and alternate help or assistance , are the fruits and issues of true friendship .

Swine , women and bees cannot be turn'd . For one good turn another doth itch , claw my elbow , &c. All are not turners that are dish-throwers . As good twenty as nineteen . If things were to be done twice , all would be wise . Two heads are better then one .

〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 . Unus vir nullus vir .

Two good things are better then one . Two eyes see more then one .

Deux yeux voyent plus clair qu' un , Gall. Plus vidont oculi quàm oculus .

Two of a trade seldom agree . Two ill meals , &c. v. meals . Between two stools the breech cometh to the ground .

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 .

Two dry sticks will kindle a green one . Two to one is ods .

Noli pugnare duobus , Catull. & Nè Hercules quidem adversus duos . It 's no uncomely thing to give place to a multitude . Hard to resist the strength , or the wit , or the importunity of two or more combin'd against one . Hercules was too little for the Hydra and Cancer together .

Two cats and a mouse , two wives in one house , two dogs and a bone never agree in one .

Deux chiens ne s' accordent point à un os , Gall.

Good riding at two anchors men have told , For if one break 'tother may hold .

Duabus anchoris fultus . 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 , Aristid . 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 . Pindar . It 's good in a stormy or winter night , to have two anchors to cast out of a ship .

Two dogs strive for a bone , and the third runs away with it . V. HE that stays in the valley , shall never get over the hill . Valour would fight , but discretion would run away . You cannot make velvet of a sows ear . Venture a small fish to catch a great one .

Il faut hazarder un petit poisson pour prendre un grand , Gall. Butta una sardola per pigliar un luccio . Ital.

Venture not all in one bottom . Nothing venture nothing have .

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 .

Where vice is , vengeance follows .

Rarò antecedentem scelestum deseruit pede poena claudo , Horat.

Unbidden guests , &c. v. in G. Better be unborn then unbred . Make a vertue of necessity .

Il savio fa della necessita virtu , Ital. 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 . Erasmus makes to be much of the same sense , That is , to do or suffer that patiently which cannot well be avoided . Levius fit patientia , 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 resigned their lands into King Henry the eight his hands , made a vertue of necessity .

Ungirt unblest . Better be unmannerly , then troublesome . Unminded unmoned . Use makes perfectness .

Usus promptos facit .

Use legs and have legs . Once an use and ever a custom . To borrow on usury brings suddain beggery .

Citiùs usura currit quam Heraclitus . The pay days recur before the creditour is aware . Of the mischiefs of usury I need say nothing , there having been two very ingenious treatises lately published upon that subject , sufficient to convince any desinteressed person of the evil consequences of a high interest and the benefit that would accrue to the common wealth in general , by the depression of interest .

W. NO safe wading in an unknown water . It 's not good to wake a sleeping dog ; or lion . Ital. Good ware makes quick markets .

Proba merx facilè emptorem reperit , Plaut. poen .

When the wares be gone , shut up the shop windows . One cannot live by selling ware for words . War must be wag'd by waking men . Wars bring scars . No marvell if water be lue .

Lue , i. e. enclining to cold , whence comes the word lukewarm .

Foul water will quench fire . Where the water is shallow , no vessel will ride . It 's a great way to the bottom of the sea . There are more ways to the wood then one . The weakest must go to the wall .

Les mal vestus devers le vent , Gall. The worst clothed are still put to the wind-ward .

Weak men had need be witty . Wealth makes worship . The wearer best knows where the shooe , &c. v. shooe . Never be weary of well doing . It 's hard to make a good web of a bottle of hay . There goes the wedge where the beetle drives it . One ill weed marrs a whole pot of pottage . An ill-spun weft , will out either now or est . Weft , i. e. web . This is a Yorkshire Proverb . Great weights hang on small wires .

Tutte le gran facende si fanno di poca cosa . Ital.

Welcome is the best chear .

〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 . In muncribus res praestantissima mens est . Super omnia vultus accessêre boni .

That that is w●ll done is twice done . Well well , is a word of malice , Chesh .

In other places , if you say well well , they will ask , whom you threaten .

If well and them cannot , then ill and them can , Yorksh. A whet is no let . As good never a whit as never the better . A white wall is a fools paper .

Muro bianco carta da matti , Ital Some put this in rhyme ; He is a fool and ever shall , that writes his name upon a wall .

Two whores in a house will never agree . A young whore an old saint . Once a whore and ever a whore .

Qui semel scurra nunquam patersamilias , Cic. Orat. Aliquando qui lusit iterum ludet .

Wide will wear but narrow will tear . Who so blind , as they that will not see ? v. in B. Who so deaf , as they that will not hear ?

Il n'est de pire sourd que celuy qui ne veut ouïr , Gall.

He that will not when he may , when he wills he shall have nay . Nothing is impossible to a willing mind . Will is the cause of wo. They who cannot as they will , must will as they may : or must do as they can .

Chi non puo sare come voglia faccia come puo , Ital. and Chi non puo quel che vuol , quel che puo voglia . Quoniam id fieri quod vis non potest , velis id quod possis . Terent. Andria .

Puff not against the wind . It is an ill wind blows no body profit .

A quelque chose malheur est bonne , Gall. Misfortune is good for something .

The wind keeps not always in one quarter . Good wine needs no bush .

Al buon vino non bisogna frasca , Ital. A bon vin il ne faut point d'enseigne , Gall. Vino vendibili hederâ suspensâ nihil est opus .

When the wine is in , the wit is out .

In Proverbium cessit , Sapientiam vino obumbrari , Plin. lib. 27. cap. 1. Vin dentro , senno fuora . Ital.

The sweetest wine , makes the sharpest vineger .

Vineger , i. e. Vinum acre . Forte e l'aceto di vin dulce , Ital. Corruptio optimi est pessima .

Wink at small faults . It 's a hard winter , when one wolf eats another .

This is a French Proverb , Mauvaise est la saison quand un loup mange l'autre .

Winter is Summers heir . He that passeth a winters day , escapes an enemy .

This is also a French Proverb , Qui passe un jour d'hyver passe un de ses ennemis mortels .

Winter finds out what Summer lays up . By wisdom peace , by peace plenty . Wise men are caught in wiles . A wise head makes a close mouth . Some are wise , and some are otherwise . Send a wise man of an errand , and say nothing to him . Wishers and woulders are never good householders . If wishes were butter-cakes beggers might bite . If wishes were thrushes , beggers would eat birds . If wishes would bide , beggers would ride .

Si souhaits furent vrais pastoureaux seroyent rois , Gall. If wishes might prevail , shepherds would be Kings .

It will be long enough ere you wish your skin full of holes . I never fared worse , then when I wish't for my supper . Wish in one hand and sh — in the other , and see which will be full first . Bought wit is best .

Duro flagello mens docetur rectiús . 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 , Nazianz. 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 , Nocumenta documenta , Galeatum serò duelli poenitet .

Good wits jump . Wit once bought , is worth twice taught . A wonder lasts but nine days . A wooll-seller knows a wooll-buyer . Yorksh . A word is enough to the wise .

A buon intenditor poche parole , Ital. A bon entendeuril 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 apprehensive .

Many go out for wooll and come home shorn . Words are but wind , but blows unkind .

〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 .

Words are but sands Its money buys lands . Fair words make fools fain , i. e. glad .

Douces promesses obligent les fols , Gall. I fatti sono maschii , le parole femine . Ital. Deeds are males , words are females .

Few words are best .

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 .

Fair words butter no parsnips .

Re opitulandum non verbis : the same in other terms ,

Good words fill not a sack . Good words cost nought . Good words cool more then cold water . Soft words hurt not the mouth .

Douces or belles paroles ne scorchent pas la langue , Gall. Soft words scald not the tongue .

Words have long tails ; and have no tails . Soft words break no bones . Soft words and hard arguments . Many words hurt more then swords . An ill workman quarrels with his tools .

Meschant ouvrier ja ne trouvera bons outils , Gall.

He that kills himself with working must be buried under the gallows . The better workman the worse husband .

Though this be no Proverb , yet it is an observation generally true ( the more the pity ) and therefore as I have found it , I put it down .

Account not that work slavery , That brings in penny savoury . All work and no play , makes Jack a dull boy . The world was never so dull , but if one will not another will . It 's a great journey to the worlds end . I wote well how the world wags , he is most lov'd that hath most bags .

〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 . Felicium multi 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 .

Tread on a worm and it will turn .

Habet & musca splcnem . 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 . 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 injured and abused , will endeavour to revenge it self .

Every thing is the worse for wearing . He that worst may , still holds the candle .

Au plus debile la chandelle a la main , Gall.

The worth of a thing , is best known by the want .

Bien perdu bien connu , or Chose perdue est lors connue , 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 .

He that wrestles with at — is sure to be besh — whether he fall over or under .

That is , he that contends with vile persons , will get nothing but a stain by it . One cannot touch pitch without being defiled .

Y. AS soon goes the young lambs skin to the market , as the old ews .

Aussi tost meurt veau comme vache , Gall. Cosi tosto muore il capretto come capra , Ital.

Young men think old men fools , and old men know young men to be so .

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 .

A young saint an old Devil .

De jeune Angelote vieux diable , Gall. A Tartesso ad Tartarum .

A young serving-man an old begger .

Chi vive in corte muore à pagliaro . Ital.

A young whore an old saint . v. in W. Young men may die , but old men must . v. in O. If youth knew what age would crave , it would both get and save .

Proverbial Phrases and forms of Speech that are not Entire Sentences . A. TO bring an Abbey to a Grange .

To bring a noble to nine-pence . We speak it of an unthrift . 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 thwitten amill-post to a pudding-prick .

To commit as many absurdities as a clown in eating of an egg . Afraid of far enough . Chesh . Of that which is never likely to happen . Afraid of him that died last year . Chesh . Afraid of the hatchet lest the helve stick in 's a — Ches . Afraid of his own shadow . More afraid then hurt . They agree like cats and dogs . They agree like harp and harrow .

This hath the same sense with the precedent . Harp and harrow are coupled , chiefly because they begin with the same letter .

They agree like bells , they want nothing but hanging . He is paced like an Alderman . The case is alter'd , quoth Ployden .

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 . Plowden 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 Plowden , 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 .

To angle with a silver hook .

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 .

If you be angry you may turn the buckle of your girdle behind you . To cut large shives of another mans loaf . To cut large thongs of another mans leather .

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 .

To hold by the Apron-strings . i. e. in right of his wife . To answer one in his own language .

Ut salutaris ita resalutaberis .

A bit and a knock [ or bob ] as men feed apes . Arsy versy . 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 . She is one of mine Aunts that made mine uncle go a begging . A pretty fellow to make an axle-tree for an oven . Chesh . B. HE knows not a B from a battledoor . His back is broad enough to bear jests . My Lord Baldwin's dead .

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 .

You 'll not believe he 's bald till you see his brains . Never a barrell better herring . Bate me an ace , quoth Bolton .

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 English 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 .

You dare as well take a bear by the tooth . If it were a bear it would bite you . Are you there with your bears . To go like a bear to the stake . He hath as many tricks as a dancing bear . If that the course be fair , again and again quoth Bunny to his bear . I bear him on my back .

That is I remember his injuries done to me with indignation and grief , or a purpose of revenge .

To bear away the bell . You 'll scratch a begger before you die .

That is , you 'll be a begger , you 'll scratch your self .

It would make a begger beat his bag . I 'll not hang all my bells on one horse .

That is , give all to one son .

Better believe it then go where it was done to prove it .

Voglio piu tosto crederlo che andar a cercarlo . Ital.

The belly thinks the throat cut . To have the bent of ones bow . There 's ne're a best among them , as the fellow said by the Fox-cubs . Between hawk and buzzard . To look as big as if he had eaten bull-beef . He 'll have the last word though he talk bilk for it .

Bilk , i. e. nothing . A man is said to be bilkt at Cribbets when he gets nothing , when he can make never a game .

Bill after helve . He 'll make 19 bits of a bilberry .

Spoken of a covetous person .

To bite upon the bridle .

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 away 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 .

Though I be bitten I am not all eaten . What a Bishops wife ? eat and drink in your gloves ? To wash a Blackmore white .

Aethiopem lavare or dealbare , 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 seu 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 . Labour in vain . Parallel whereto are many other Latine Proverbs , as laterem lavare , arenas arare .

You cannot say black is his eye [ or nail ]

That is you can find no fault in him , charge him with no crime .

Blind-mans holiday , i. e. twilight , almost quite dark . As the blind man shot the crow . He hath good blood in him if he had but groats to it .

That is , good parentage , if he had but wealth . Groats are great oatmeal of which good housewives are wont to make black puddings .

To come bluely off . He 's true blue , he 'll never stain .

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 .

To make a bolt or a shaft of a thing . There 's a bone for you to pick.

Egli m' ha dato un osso da rosegar . Ital.

To be bought and sold in a company . She hath broken her elbow at the Church door .

Spoken of a housewively maid that grows idle after marriage .

You seek a brack where the hedge is whole . His brains are addle . His brains crow . His brains will work without barm. Yorksh. He knows which side his bread is butter'd on . 'T would make a horse break his bridle , or a dog his halter . One may as soon break his neck as his fast there . Break my head , and bring me a plaister .

Taglia m' il naso & soppi me poi nelle orecchie . Ital.

Spare your breath [ or wind ] to cool your pottage . You seek breeches of a bare-ars'd man .

Ab asino lanam .

His breech makes buttons .

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 animals 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.

As they brew e'en so let them bake .

Some have it , so let them drink , and it seems to be better sence so . Tute hoc intrîsti tibi omne exedendum est . Terent. Phorm . Ut sementem feceris ita metes . Cic. de Orat. lib. 2.

To make a bridge of ones nose .

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 .

To leave one i' th' briers or suds . He hath brought up a bird to pick out his own eyes .

〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 . Tal nutre il corvo che gli cavera poi gli occhi . He brings up a raven , &c. Ital.

He 'll bring buckle and thong together . To build castles in the air .

Far castelli in aria . Ital.

He thinks every bush a boggard , i. e. a bugbear or phantasm . Bush natural , more hair then wit . No butter will stick to his bread . To buy and sell and live by the loss . To have a breez , i. e. a gad-fly , in his breech .

Spoken of one that frisks about , and cannot rest in a place .

The butcher look't for his knife when he had it in his mouth . His bread is buttered on both sides .

i. e. He hath a plentifull estate : he is fat and full .

C. I Think this is a butchers horse , he carries a calf so well . His calves are gone down to grass .

This is a jeer for men with over-slender legs .

His candle burns within the socket .

That is , he is an old man , Philosophers are wont to compare mans life not ineptly to the burning of a lamp , the vitall 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 necessary to the maintaining of the one as of the other .

If his cap be made of wooll .

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 .

They may cast their caps at him .

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 overtaking him .

He carries fire in one hand and water in the other .

Alterâ manu sert aquam , alterâ ignem . 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 , &c. Plutarch . Il porte le feu & l'eau , Gall. Alterâ manu sert lapidem , alterâ panem ostentat . Plaut.

To set a spoke in ones cart . To set the cart before the horse .

Currus bovem trahit . Metter il carro inanzi aibuoi . Ital. La charrue va devant les boeufs . Gall.

The cat's in the cream-pot .

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 .

Before the cat can lick her ear . You shall have that the cat left i th' malt-heap . They are not catercousins . He hath good cellarage . That char is char'd ( as the good wife said when she had hang'd her husband . )

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 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 .

To go cheek by jowl with one . To chew the cud upon a thing .

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 .

The child hath a red tongue like its father . Children to bed , and the goose to the fire .

I cannot conceive what might be the occasion , nor what is the meaning of this saying . I take it to be senseless and nugatory .

A chip of the old block .

Patris est silius . He is his fathers own son ; taken always in an ill sense .

Like a chip in a pottage-pot , doth neither good nor harm . It goes down like chop 't hay . I 'll make him know churning days . To clip ones wings .

Pennas incidere alicui .

He hath a cloak for his knavery . He is in the cloth-market , i. e. in bed . To carry coals to Newcastle .

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 .

To set cook on hoop .

This is spoken of a Prodigal , one that takes out the spigget and lays it upon the top of the barrel , drawing out the whole vessel without any intermission .

His cockloft is unfurnished .

i. e. He wants brains . Tall men are commonly like high houses , in which the uppermost room is worst furnished .

To have a colis tooth in his head .

It is usually spoken of an old man that 's wanton and petulant .

To cut ones comb .

As is usually done to cocks when gelded ; to cool ones courage .

They 'll come again , as Goodyers pigs did , i. e. never . Come and wellcome , go by and no quarrel . Command your man and do 't your self . Ask my companion if I be a thief .

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 complain of ease . To outrun the Constable .

To spend more then ones allowance or income .

You might be a Constable for your wit . Cook-ruffian , able to scald the devil in 's feathers . To cool ones courage . He 's corn-fed . A friend in a corner . To take counsell of ones pillow .

La nuict donne conseil . Gall. Noctu urgenda consilia . Inde nox 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 dicitur , 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 . La notte e madre di pensieri . Ital. The night is the mother of thoughts .

Counsel's as good for him as a shoulder of mutton for a sick horse . What is got in the County is lost in the hundred .

What is got in the whole sum is lost in particular reckonings ; or in generall , what is got one way is lost another .

Court holy-water .

Eau beniste de la cour . Gall. Fair words and nothing else .

One of the Court but none of the Counsell . All the craft is in the catching . To speak as though he would creep into ones mouth . He hath never a cross to bless himself withall .

i. e. No money which hath usually a cross on the averse side .

To have crotchets in ones crown . You look as if you were crow-trodden . You look as if you would make the crow a pudding , i. e. die . I have a crow to pluck with you . You need not be so crusty , you are not so hard baked . Here 's a great cry and but a little wooll ( as the fellow said when he shear'd his hogs . )

Assai romor & poca lana . Ital. A sinum tondes . Parturiunt montes , &c.

You cry before you 're hurt . Let her cry , she 'll piss the less . To lay down the cudgels . His belly cries cupboard . To curse with bell , book and candle . To be beside the cushion .

Aberrari a janua .

To stand for a cypher . D. TO take a dagger and drown ones self . To be at daggers drawing . To look as if he had suckt his dam through a hurdle . To dance to every mans pipe or whistle . To burn daylight . Dead in the nest . To deal fools dole .

To deal all to others and leave nothing to himself .

Good to send on a dead bodies errand . To work for a dead horse or goose .

To work out an old debt or without hope of future reward . 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.

If thou hadst the rent of Dee-mills thou would'st spend it . Chesh .

Dee is the name of the river on which the city Chester stands : the mills thereon yield a great annual rent , the biggest of any houses about that city .

As demure as if butter would not melt in 's mouth .

Some add , And yet cheese will not choke him .

To get by a thing as Dickson did by his distress .

That is , over the shoulders , as the vulgar usually say . There is a coincidence in the first letters of Dickson and distress : otherwise who this Dickson was I know not .

Hold the dish while I shed my pottage . To lay a thing in ones dish . He claps his dish at a wrong mans door . To play the Devil i' th' bulmong , i. e. corn mingled of pease , tares and oats . If the Devil be a vicar thou wilt be his clerk , Do and undoe , the day is long enough . To play the dog in the manger , not eat your self nor let any body else .

〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 . 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 .

Dogs run away with whole shoulders .

Not of mutton , but their own ; spoken in derision of a misers house .

We dogs worried the hare . To serve one a dog-trick . It would make a dog doff his doublet . Chesh . A dogs life , hunger and ease . To dote more on 't then a fool on 's bable . He 'll not put off his doublet before he goes to bed ,

i. e. part with his estate before he die .

You need not doubt you are no Doctour . A drachm o' th' bottle .

This is the Seamens phrase for a draught of brandy wine or strong waters .

To dream of a dry summer . One had as good be nibled to death by ducks , or pecked to death by a hen . To take things in dudgeon , or to wear a dudgeon-dagger by his side . To dine with Duke Humphrey .

That is , to fast , to go without ones dinner . This Duke Humphrey was uncle to K. Henry the sixth , and his Protectour 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 twenty miles off : seeing this Duke was buried in the Church of St Albans , to which he was a great benefactour .

She 's past dying of her first child , i. e. she hath had a bastard . E. HE dares not for his ears . To fall together by the ears . In at one ear and out at the other .

Dentro da un orecchia & fuora dal altra . Ital.

To eat ones words . You had as good eat your nails . He could eat my heart with garlick .

That is , he hates me mortally . So we know some of the Americans feast upon the dead carcases of their enemies .

There 's as much hold of his word as of a wet cel by the tail .

〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 .

I have eggs o' th' spit .

I am very busie . Egges if they be well roasted require much turning .

Neither good egg nor bird . You come with your five eggs a penny , and four of them be rotten . Set a fool to roast eggs ; and a wise man to eat them . An egg and to bed . Give him the other half egg and burst him . To smell of elbow-grease .

Lucernam olere .

She hath broken her elbow .

That is , she hath had a bastard ; another meaning of this phrase see in the letter B , at the word broken .

Elden hole needs filling . Darbysh .

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 .

To make both ends meet . To bring buckle and thong together . To have the better end of the staff . He 'll have enough one day when his mouth is full of moulds . A sleeveless errand . Find you without an excuse and find a hare without a muse .

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 .

I was by , ( quoth Pedley ) when my eye was put out .

This Pedley was a natural fool of whom go many stories .

To cry with one eye , and laugh with the other . F. TO set a good face on a thing .

Faire bonne mine . Gall.

I think his face is made of a fiddle , every one that looks on him loves him . To come a day after the fair .

〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 . Post festum venisti . Plat. in Gorg.

It will be fair weather when the shrews have dined . He pins his faith on another mans sleeve . To fall away from a horse-load to a cart-load . Fall back , fall edge . Farewell and be hang'd , friends must part . Farewell frost , Nothing got nor nothing lost . He thinks his fart as sweet as musk . He farts frankincense .

This is an ancient Greek Proverb , 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 . Self-love makes even a mans vices , infirmities and imperfections to please him . Suus cuique crepitus bene 〈◊〉 .

He makes a very fart a thunderclap . All the fat 's i' th' fire . To feather ones nest well . To go to heaven in a featherbed .

Non est è terris mollis ad astra via .

Better fed then taught . All fellows at foot-ball .

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 .

Go fiddle for shives among old wives . Fight dog , fight bear .

Nè depugnes in alleno negotio .

To fight with ones own shadow .

〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 . To fight with shadows , to be afraid of his own fancies ; imagining danger where there is none .

To fill the mouth with empty spoons . To have a finger i' th' pie . He had a finger i' th' pie when he burnt his nail off . He hath more wit in 's little finger then thou in thy whole body . To put ones finger i' th' fire .

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.

To foul ones fingers with . To have a thing at his fingers ends .

Scire tanquam ungues digitósque .

His fingers are lime-twigs , spoken of a thievish person . All fire and tough . To come to fetch fire . To go through fire and water to serve or do one good .

Probably from the two sorts of Ordeall by fire and water

To add fewell to the fire .

Oleum camino addere .

All is fish that comes to net . You fish fair and catch a frog . Neither fish , nor flesh , nor good red herring . I have other fish to fry . By fits and starts , as the hog pisseth . To give one a flap with the foxes tail , i. e. to cozen or defraud one . He would flay a flint , or flay a groat , spoken of a covetous person . To send one away with a flea in his ear .

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 .

It 's the fairest flower in his crown or garden . To fly at all game . More fool then fidler . The vicar of fools is his ghostly father . To set the best foot forward . He hath a fair forehead to graft on . Better lost then found . Too free to be fat . He 's free of Fumblers hall . Spoken of a man that cannot get his wife with child . He may e'en go write to his friends .

We say it of a man when all his hopes are gone .

To fry in his own grease . Out of the frying-pan into the fire .

Cader dalla padella nelle bragie . Ital. Saulter de la poile & se jetter dans les braises . Gall. De fume in flammam ( which Ammianus Marcellinus cites as an ancient Proverb ) hath the same sense , Evitatâ Charybdi in Scyllam incidere . Nè cinerem vitans in prunas incidas . 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 . Lucian .

You are never well full nor fasting . G. THe gallows groans for you . To gape for a benefice . He may go hang himself in 's own garters . All your geese are swans .

Suum cuique pulchrum . Ill suo soldo val tredeci danari . Ital. His shilling's worth 13 pence .

You 're a man among the geese when the gander is away . What he gets he gets out of the fire . To get over the shoulders . All that you get you may put in your eye and see never the worse . He bestows his gifts as broom doth honey .

Broom is so far from sweet that it 's very bitter .

I thought I would give him one and lend him another , i , e. I would be quit with him . Give a loaf and beg a shive . There 's a glimmer i' th' touch-box . Out of Gods blessing into the warm sun .

Ab equis ad asinos .

Go in Gods name , so ride no witches . Go forward and fall , go backward and marr all .

A fronte praecipitium , à tergo lupi .

I 'll go twenty miles on your errand first . To give one as good as he brings , or his own .

Qui quae vult dicit quae non vult audiet . Terent. ut salutaris ita resalutaberis .

One Yate for another , good fellow . v. in O. I am a fool , I love any thing that is good . To come from little good to stark naught .

Ab equis ad asinos . Mandrabuli in morem . Mandrabulus 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 .

Some good some bad , as sheep come to the fold .

Sunt bona , sunt quaedam mediocria , sunt mala plura Quae legis , &c. Mart.

I 'll do my good will , as he said that thresht in 's cloak .

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 .

He did me as much good as if he had pist in my pottage . To brag of many goodmorrows . A goose cannot graze after him . He hopes to eat of the goose shall graze on your grave . Steal my goose and stick me down a feather . He cannot say shooh to a goose . You 're a pretty fellow to ride a goose a gallop through a dirty lane . You find fault with a fat goose . You 'll be good when the goose pisseth . All is not Gospel comes out of his mouth . He must have his grains of allowance . A knave or a rogue in grain .

That is of a scarlet dye , The Alkermes berry where-with they dye scarlet is called in Greek , 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 . that is granum in Latine , and in English grain .

It goeth against the grain .

The grain , Pecten ligni , longways the wood , as the fibres run . To go transversly to these fibres is to go against the grain .

Teach your grandame to grope her ducks . Teach your grandameto sup sowre milk .

Aquilam volare , Delphinum natare doce . Il ne faut apprendre 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 .

He 's gray before he is good . To grease a fat sow on the A —

On ne doit pas à gras porceau le cul oindre . Gall.

To grease a man i' th' fist .

That is to put money into his hand ; to fee or bribe him .

I 'll either grind or find . All brings grist to your mill . To grow like a cows tail , i. e. downwards . He has no guts in 's brains .

The anfractus of the brain , look'd upon when the Dura mater is taken oft , do much resemble guts .

He has more guts then brains . Out of gunshot . H. TO be hail fellow well met with one . It goes against the hair .

The hair of most animals lies one way , and if you stroke them down that way the hair lies , your hand slides smoothly down ; but if you stroke the contrary way , the hair rises up and resists the motion of your hand .

To take a hair of the same dog .

i. e. To be drunk again the next day .

To cut the hair .

i. e. To divide so exactly as that neither part have advantage .

You halt before you 're lame . To make a hand of a thing . To live from hand to mouth .

In diem vivere , or as Persius , Ex tempore vivere . ,

Hand over head , as men took the Covenant . Two hands in a dish and one in a purse . To have his hands full .

I' ay assez á faire environ les mains . Gall.

I 'll lay my hand on my halfpenny e're I part with it . To hang ones ears .

Demitto auriculas ut iniquae mentis ascllus . Horat.

They hang together like burs , or like pebbles in a halter . To catch a hare with a tabret .

On ne prend le lievre au tabourin . Gall. One cannot catch a hare with a tabret . Bove venari leporem .

You must kiss the hares foot , or the cook .

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 .

Set the hares head against the goose giblets .

i. e. Ballance things , set one against another .

It 's either a hare or a brake-bush .

〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 . Aut navis , aut galerus . Something if you knew what .

To be out of harms way .

Ego ero post principia . Terent.

To harp upon the same string .

Eandem cantilenam recinere ; & eâdem chordâ aberrare . Horat.

He is drinking at the harrow when he should be following the plow . To make a long harvest of a little corn . To hear as hogs do in harvest , or with your harvest ears . He is none of the Hastings .

Spoken of a slow person . There is an aequivoque in the word Hastings which is the name of a great family in Leicestershire , which were Earls of Huntington . They had a fair house at Ashby de la zouch , now much ruined .

Too hasty to be a parish Clerk . He knows not a hawk from a hand-saw . To be as good eat hay with a horse . To have his head under ones girdle . He cannot hear on that ear . He may be heard where he is not seen . His heart fell down to his hose or heels . Animus in pedes decidit . He is heart of oak . Hell is broken loose with them . Harrow [ or rake ] hell , and scum the devil . To help at a dead lift . To throw the helve after the hatchet .

To be in despair . Ad perditam securim manubrium adjicere .

To fish for a herring , and catch a sprat . To be high in the instep . To hit the nail o' th' head .

Toucher au blanc . Gall. To hit the white .

To hit the bird o' th' eye . Hobsons choice .

A man is said to have Hobsons choice , when he must either take what is left him , or chose whether he will have any part or no. This Hobson was a noted Carrier in Cambridge in K. James his time , who partly by carrying , partly by grazing raised himself to a great estate , and did much good in the Town ; relieving the Poor , and building a publick Conduit in the Market-place .

To make a hog or a dog of a thing . To bring ones hogs to a fair market . To hold with the hare and run with the hound .

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 refusing 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 .

He 'll find some hole to creep out at . He 's all honey or all t — As honest a man as ever brake bread . As honest a man as ever trode on shooe leather . An honest man and a good bowler . By hook or by crook .

Quo jure , quâque injuriâ . Terent. Soit à droit ou à tort . Gall.

You 'll ride on a horse that was foal'd of an acorn .

That is the gallows .

They cannot set their horses together . He hath good skill in horse-flesh to buy a goose to ride on . See how we apples swim quoth the horse-t — To throw the house out of the windows .

〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 .

He is so hungry he could eat a horse behind the saddle . I. TO be Iack on both sides .

〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 . A turn-coat , a weathercock .

To play the Iack with one . To break the ice .

Romper il giaccio . Ital. Scindere glaciem . To begin any hazardous or difficult thing .

Sick o' th' idles . Sick o' th' idle crick , and the belly-wark i' th' heel .

Belly-wark , i. e. belly-ake . It is used when People complain of sickness for a pretence to be idle upon no apparent cause .

You 'll soon learn to shape idle a coat . Give him an inch and he 'll take an ell . He hath no ink in 's pen , i. e. no money in his purse , or no wit in his head . K. TO lay the key under the threshold . To kill with kindness .

So the Ape is said to strangle her young ones by embracing 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 .

Kim kam . It comes by kind , it costs him nothing . A man of a strange kidney . Whosoever is king thou 'lt be his man . I 'll make one , quoth Kirkham , when he danc't in his clogs . You 'ld kiss my a — before my breeches are down . She had rather kiss then spin . Kit after kind .

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 .

Kit careless , your a — hangs by trumps . As very a knave as ever pist . Knit my dog a pair of breeches and my cat a codpiece . He hath tied a knot with his tongue that he cannot untie with all his teeth . Meaning matrimony . It 's a good knife ; it will cut butter when 't is melted . A good knife , it was made fives miles beyond Cutwell . You say true , will you swallow my knife ? It does me Knights service . He got a knock in the cradle . To know one from a black sheep . To know one as well as the begger knows his dish . To know one no more then he does the Pope of Rome . Better known then trusted . L. To have nothing but ones labour for ones pains .

Avoir l'aller pour le venir . Gall. To have ones going for ones coming .

You 'll go up the ladder to bed , i. e. be hang'd . At latter Lammas .

Ad Graecas calendas , i. e. never . 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 . Cùm muli pariunt . Herodot .

Help the lame dog over the stile . He was lap 't in his mothers smock . The lapwing cries most furthest from her nest . To laugh in ones face and cut his throat .

As bottled Ale is said to do . Da una banda m' onge , da l'altra me ponge . Ital.

He can laugh and cry both in a wind . To laugh in ones sleeve . More like the devil then S. Laurence . He 'll goe to Law for the wagging of a straw . To have the Law in ones own hand . She doth not leap an inch from a shrew . To leap over the hedge before you come at the stile . She hath broken her leg above the knee , i. e. had a bastard . He 's on his last legs . To have the length of ones foot . To lick ones self whole again . To lick honey through a cleft stick . To lie as fast as a dog can lick a dish . That 's a lie with a latchet , All the dogs i' th' town cannot match it . To tell a man a lie , and give him a reason for it . To stand in ones own light . Like me , God bless the example . If the Lions skin cannot the Foxes shall .

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 .

If he were as long as he is lither , he might thatch a house without a ladder . Chesh . To send by Tom Long the carrier . He looks as if he had neither won nor lost . He stands as if he were mop't , in a brown study , unconcern'd .

To lose ones longing .

He 'll not lose the droppings of his nose . He 'll not lose the paring of 's nails .

Egli scortarebbe un pedocchio per haverne la pelle . Ital. He would flay a louse to get the skin . Aquam plorat cùm lavat fundere . Plaut.

Ware skins , quoth Grubber when he flung the louse into the fire . There 's love in a budget . To love at the door and leave at the hatch . See for your love , and buy for your money . I could not get any neither for love nor money . To leave one i' th' lurch . M. MAdge good cow gives a good pail of milk , & then kicks it down with her foot . To correct or mend the Magnificat .

i. e. To correct that which is without any fault or errour . 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 quaerere .

She 's a good maid but for thought , word and deed . There are never the fewer maids for her .

Spoken of a woman that hath maiden children .

For my peck of mault set the kiln on fire .

This is used in Cheshire and the neighbour Countries . They mean by it , I am little concerned in the thing mentioned : I care not much come on it what will .

One Lordship is worth all his manners .

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 .

You know good manners , but you use but a few . To miss his mark .

Aberrare a scopo , non attingere scopum , or extra scopum jaculare .

She hath a mark after her mother .

That is , she is her mothers own daughter . Patris est filius .

The gray mare is the better horse .

i. e. The woman is master , or as we say wears the breeches .

I 'll not go before my mare to the market .

I 'll do nothing preposterously : I 'll drive my mare before me .

All is well , and the man hath his mare again . Much matter of a wooden platter .

〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 . Mira de len●e . A great stir about a thing of nothing .

One may know your meaning by your gaping . You measure every ones corn by your own bushel .

Tu misuri gli altri col tuo passetto . Ital.

To measure his cloth by anothers yard . To bring meat in its mouth . Meddle with your old shoes . I 'll neither meddle nor make , said Bill Heaps when he spil'd the butter-milk . To mend as sowre ale does in summer . I cry you mercy , I took you for a joyn'd stool . To spend his Michaelmas rent in Midsummer moon . You 'd marry a midd●n for muck . Either by might or by sleight . I can see as far into a milstone as another man . A Scotch mist , that will wet an English man to th' skin . Mock not ( quoth Montford ) when his wife called him cuckold . To have a moneths mind to a thing .

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 .

Tell me the moon 's made of a green cheese .

Quid si coelum ruat ?

You may as soon shape a coat for the moon . To make a mountain of a molehill .

Areem ex cloaca sacere , ex elephanto museam .

To speak like a mouse in a cheese . Your mouth hath beguil'd your hands . You 'st have his muck for his meat . Yorksh . He hath a good muckhill at 's door , i. e. he is rich . N. HE had as good eat his nails . You had not your name for nothing . 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 . I took him napping , as Moss took his mare .

Who this Moss was is not very materiall to knew : I suppose some such man might find his mare dead , and taking her to be only asleep might say , have I taken you napping ?

I 'll first see thy neck as long as my arm . To seek a needle in a bottle of hay . I may see him need , but I 'll not see him bleed .

Parents will usually say this of prodigal or undutifull children ; meaning I will be content to see them suffer a little hardship , but not any great misery or calamity .

As much need on 't as he hath of the pip , or of a cough . Tell me news . More nice then wise . Nichils in nine pokes or nooks . Chesh . i. e. nothing at all . To bring a noble to ninepence , and ninepence to nothing .

Il fait de son teston six sols . Gall. To bring an Abby to a Grange .

He hath a good nose to make a poor mans sow .

Il seroit bon truy à pauvre homme . Gall.

To hold ones nose to the grindstone . To follow ones nose . To lead one by the nose .

Menar uno per il naso , Ital. 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 . 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 .

To put ones nose out of joint . You make his nose warp . It will be a nosegay to him as long as he lives . It will stink in his nostrils , spoken of any bad matter a man hath been engaged in . O. TO cut down an Oak and set up a Strawberry .

Cavar un chiodo & piantar una cavicchia . Ital. To dig up a nail and plant a pin .

To have an oar in every mans boat . Be good in your office , you 'll keep the longer on . To give one a cast of his office . He hath a good office , he must needs thrive . To bring an old house on ones head . To rip up old sores . To cast up old scores . Once at a Coronation . Never but once at a Wedding . Once and use it not . One yate for another , Good fellow .

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 .

A man need not look in your mouth to know how old you are .

Facies tua computat annos .

To make orts of good hay . Over shoes over boots .

This hath almost the same sense with that , Ad perditam securim manubrium adjicore .

A shive of my own loaf . A pig of my own sow . To outshoot a man in his own bow . The black ox never trode on his foot .

i. e. He never knew what sorrow or adversity meant .

P. MAke a page of your own age .

That is ▪ Do it your self .

To stand upon ones pantofles . To pass the pikes . He is pattring the Devils Pater noster .

When one is grumbling to himself and it may be cursing those that have angred or displeased him .

To pay one in his own coyn . He is going into the pease-field , i. e. falling asleep . To be in a peck of troubles . To take one a peg lower . Penny-wise and pound foolish .

〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 , i. e. Ad mensuram aquam bibunt , sinc mensura offam comedentes . He spares at the spiggot and lets it out at the bung-hole .

He thinks his penny good silver . To take pepper in the nose . To take physick before one be sick . To pick a hole in a mans coat . He knows not a pig from a dog . Pigs play on the Organs .

A man so called at Hogs Norton in Leicestershire , or Hocks Norton .

Pigs fly in the air with their tails forward . To shoot at a pigeon and kill a crow . Not to high for the pie , nor to low for the crow . If there be no remedy then wellcome Pillvall . To be in a merry pin .

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 accounted 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.

As surly as if he had pist on a nettle . To piss in the same quill . To stay a pissing-while . He 'll play at small game rather then stand out .

Auloedus sit qui citharoedus esse non potest .

Let the plough stand to catch a mouse . To be tost from Post to Pillory . To go to pot . I know him not should I meet him in my pottage dish . To prate like a Parrot . To say his prayers backward . To be in the same Predicament . To have his head full of proclamations . Provender pricks him . To come in pudding time . Her pulse beats matrimony . To no more purpose then to beat your heels against the ground or wind . To as much purpose as the geese slurr on the ice . Chesh . To as much purpose as to give a goose hay . Chesh . Q. TO be in a quandary . To pick a quarrel . Ha'll be Quartermaster where e're he comes . To touch the quick , or to the quick . R. TO lie at rack and manger . If it should rain pottage he would want his dish . He is better with a rake then a fork , & vice versâ .

Most men are better with a rake then a fork , more apt to pull in and scrape up then to give out and communicate .

No remedy but patience . Set your heart at rest . You ride as if you went to fetch the midwise , You shall ride an inch behind the tail . He 'll neither do right nor suffer wrong . Give me roastmeat , and beat me with the spit or run it in my belly . You are in your roastmeat when others are in their sod .

Priusquam mactaris excorias .

To rob the spittle . To rob Peter to pay Paul .

Il oste à S. Pierre pour donner à S. Pol. Gall.

He makes Robin Hoods pennyworths .

This may be used in a double sense ; either he sells things for half their worth : Robin Hood afforded rich pennyworths 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 .

To have rods in piss for one . You gather a rod for your own breech .

Tel porte le baston dont à son regret le bat on . Gall. 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 . Hesiod . 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 . In tuum ipsius caput lunam deducis .

Right Roger , your sow is good mutton . To twist a rope of sand .

〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 .

A rope and butter , if one slip the other may hold . I thought I had given her rope enough , said Pedley when he hang'd his mare . He rose on his right side . To give one a Rowland for an Oliver .

That is Quid pro quo , to be even with one . Je lui bailleray Guy contre Robert . Gall.

To run through thick and thin . His shooes are made of running leather . To run the wild goose chase . To row one way and look another .

As skullers do , 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 . Aristoph . apud Suidam . Altera manu fert lapidem , panem ostentat alterâ . Plaut.

S. MOre sacks to the mill . To come sailing in a sows ear . To scape a scowring . You make me scratch where it doth not itch . The sea complains it wants water . That would I fain see said blind George of Hollowee . To set up ones staff .

i. e. To resolve to abide in a place .

To set up his sail to every wind .

Faire voile à tout vent . Gall. Evannare ad omnem auram . Nazianzen .

Share and share like , some all , some never a whit .

Leonina Societas .

To cast a sheeps eye at one . To cast an old shooe after one . Not worth shooe-buckles . To make a fair show in a Countrey Church . Good to fetch a sick man sorrow and a dead man woe . Chesh . To pour water into a sieve .

Cribro aquam haurire .

To sing the same song .

Cantilenam candem canere . Terent. Phorm . Crambe bis cocta . Nothing more troublesome and ungratefull then the same thing over and over .

Thou singest like a bird call'd a swine . Sink or swim . To call one Sir and something else , i. e. Sirrah . To set all at six and seven . To sit upon ones skirts . To slander one with a matter of truth . To sleep dogs sleep . Slow and sure . This might have been put among the Sentences . I smell a rat . To drive snails : A snails gallop .

Testudineus gradus . Plaut. Vicistis cochleam tarditate . Idem .

Tell me it snows . To take a thing in snuff . To have a soft place in 's head . Fair and softly , as Lawyers goe to Heaven . As softly as foot can fall .

Suspensos pedes ponere . Quintil. Suspenso gradu ire . Terent.

To take a wrong sow by the ear . A sow to a fiddle .

〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 . Asinus ad lyram .

To sow his wild oats . As they sow so let them reap .

Ut sementem seceris ita metes .

To be tied to the sowre apple-tree . i. e. To be married to an ill husband . To call a spade a spade . You never speak but your mouth opens . Spick and span new .

From spica an ear of corn , and the spawn of fishes , saith Mr Howel : but rather as I am informed by a better 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 .

Spare at the spigget and let it out at the bung-hole .

E tien su dalla spina & spande dal coccone . Ital.

He hath spit his venome . Spit in your hand and take better hold . You would spy faults if your eyes were out . To make one a stalking horse . What starve in a cooks shop ?

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.

To go through stich with a business . To stick by the ribs . He hath swallowed a stake , he cannot stoop . The more you stir the worse you stink .

〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 . Plus foetent stercora mota . Quanto piu si ruga tanto piu puzza il stronzo . Ital. The more you stir a t — &c.

To strain at a gnat , and swallow a camel . To stumble at a straw , and leap over a block .

These two Proverbs have the same sense : the former is used by our Saviour . Matth. 23. 24.

When two Sundays meet , i. e. never . Ad Graecas Calendas . To swallow an ox , and be choak't with the tail .

It hath the same sense with the two last save one .

He 'll swear through an inch board . He 'll swear dagger out of sheath . He 'll swearthe devil out of hell . T. TO thrust his feet under another mans ' table .

Alienâ vivere quadrâ .

To take from ones right side , to give to ones left . To take one up before he is down . Tell you a tale , and find you ears . A tale of a tub . To tell tales out of school . To talk like an Apothecary . Tenterden steeple's the cause of Goodwins sands .

This Proverb is used when an absurd and ridiculous reason is given of any thing in question : an account of the original whereof I find in one of Bishop Latimers sermons in these words . Mr Moore was once sent with commission 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 company ) 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 arrive 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 hundred 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 ? Forsooth sir ( quoth he ) I am an old man , I think that Tenterton-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 .

I 'll thank you for the next , for this I am sure of . There 's a thing in 't ( quoth the fellow ) when he drank the dish-clout . I 'll not pull the thorn out of your foot and put it into my own . To stand upon thorns . Thrift and he are at a fray . When thrift's in the field , he 's in town . He strook at Tib , but down fell Tom. His tongue 's no slander . Your tongue runs before your wit .

This is an ancient form of speech ; I find it in Isocrates his oration to Demonicus , 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 .

His tongue runs on wheels [ or at random . ] To have a thing at ones tongues end , or at the tip of ones tongue . Tooth and nail .

Manibus pedibúsque . Remis velisque .

To have an aking tooth at one . From top to toe . Topsie turvie . I 'de not touch him with a pair of tongs . To it again , no body comes .

Nemo nos infequitur aut impellit , Erasmus è Platone ; who tells us that this Proverb continues to this day in common use ( among the Dutch I suppose ) to signifie that it is free for us to stay upon any business [ immorari in re aliqua . ]

To drive a subtill trade . To put one to his trumps . I 'll trust him no further then I can fling him , or , then I can throw a millstone . You may trust him with untold gold . To turn with the wind , or tide . To turn over a new leaf . To turn cat in pan . In the twinkling of an eye . To stop two gaps with on bush . To stop two mouths with one morsel .

Duas linit parietes eâdem sideliâ . Unicâsiliâ duos parare generos : This is a modern Proverb , but deserves ( saith Erasmus ) to be numbred amongst the ancient ones . I find it among the French , D'une fille deux gendres . To get himself two sons in law with one daughter .

To kill two flies with one flap . To kill two birds with one shaft [ or stone . ]

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 .

To carry two faces under one hood .

Il a une face à deux visages , Gall. Due visi sotto una beretta , Ital.

To have two strings to ones bow .

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 .

Two hands in a dish , and one in a purse . To have thwitten a mill-post to a pudding prick . She 's cured of a tympany with two heels . U. TO nourish a viper in ones bosom .

Tu ti allevi la biscia in seno , Ital. 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 , Theocr. in hodoep . Colubrum in sinu fovere . Est apud Aesopum Apologus de rustico quodam in hanc rem .

Nothing but up and ride ? To be up the Queen apple-tree . No sooner up , but the head in the Aumbrey , and nose in the cup. W. A warrant seal'd with butter . To look to ones water . To cast water into the Thames .

Lumen soli mutuari , &c.

You cant't see green cheese , but your teeth must water . I 'll not wear the wooden daggar , i. e. lose my winnings . Wear a horn , and blow it not . To come home by weeping cross .

This weeping cross which gave occasion to this phrase , is about two miles distant from the town of Stafford .

You may make as good musick on a wheel-barrow . Without welt or guard . All shall be well , and Jack shall have Jyll . With a wet finger .

Levi brachio & molli trachio .

But when , quoth Kettle to his mare ? Chesh . Whist whist , I smell a birds nest . You 'll make an end of your whistle though the cart overthrow . Whist and catch a mouse . To let leap a whiting .

i. e. To let slip an opportunity .

Shee 's neither wife , widow nor maid . Your windmill dwindles into a nut-crack . All this wind shakes no corn . Either win the horse or lose the saddle .

Aut ter sex aut tres tesserae . 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 . 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 .

Wind and weather doe thy worst . To goe down the wind . Win it and wear it . To have one in the wind . To have windmills in 's head . Keep your wind , &c. v breath . You may wink and chuse .

〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 . Thrax ad Thracem compositus ▪

He shews all his wit at once . God send you more wit , and me more money . You were born when wit was scant . Your wits are on wooll gathering . You have wit enough to drown ships in . You give the wolf the weather to keep .

Ha dato la pecora in guardia al lupo , Ital. Ovem lupo commisisti .

To have a wolf by the ears .

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 .

To be in a wood . You cannot see wood for trees .

In mari aquam quaeris .

To make woof or warp of any business . A word and a blow . When he should work , every finger is a thumb . If any thing stay let work stay . The world is well amended with him . To have the world in a string . He has a worm in 's brain . Not worthy to carry his books after him . Not worthy to be named the same day . Not worthy to wipe his shooes .

Indignus qui illi matellam porrigat . Dispeream si tu Pyladi praestare matellam Dignus es , aut porcos pascere Pirithoi . Martial .

Not worthy to carry guts after a Bear .

Proverbial Similies , in which the quality and subject begin with the same letter . AS bare as a birds arse , or as the back of my hand . As blind as a beetle or bat .

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 very small and lying hid in the furr . So that it must be granted , that a mole sees but obscurely , yet so much as is sufficient 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 against a mans face or any thing else which happens to be in its way ; which other insects as Bees , hornets , &c. will not doe .

To blush like a black dog . As bold as blind bayard . As bold as Beauchamp .

Of this sirname there were many Earls of Warwick , amongst 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 Normans , and giving the whole fleet means to land .

As brisk as a body louse . As busie as a bee . As clear as crystal . As cold as charity . As common as Coleman hedge . As coy as Crokers mare . As cunning as Craddock , &c. As dead as a door nail . As dull as dun in the mire . To feed like a farmer ; or freeholder ▪ As fine as five pence . As fit as a fiddle . As flat as a flounder . As grave as an old gate-post . As hard as horn . As high as three horse loaves As high as a hog all but the bristles .

Spoken of a dwarf in derision .

As hungry as a hawk , or horse . As kind as a kite , all you cannot eat you 'll hide . As lazy as Ludlams dog , that lean't his head against a wall to bark . As mad as a March hare .

Foenum habet in cornu .

As merry as the maids . As nice as a nuns hen . As pert as a Pearmongers mare . As plain as a packsaddle , or a pike staff . As plump as a Partridge . As proud as a peacock . As seasonable as snow in summer . As soft as silk . As true as a turtle to her mate . As warm as wooll . As wise as Walthams calf , that ran nine miles to suck a bull . As wise as a wisp , or woodcock . As welcome as water into a ship , or , into ones shooes . As weak as water . Others . AS angry as a wasp . As bald as a coot . As bare as the back of my hand . As bitter as gall . Ipsa bile amariora . As black as a coal ; as a crow or raven ; as the Divell ; as jet ; as ink ; as soot . As busie as a hen with one chicken . As busie as a good wife at oven ; and neither meal nor dough . He 's like a cat ; fling him which way you will he 'll light on 's legs . She 's like a cat ; she 'll play with her own tail . He claws it as Clayton claw'd the pudding , when he eat bag and all . As clear as a bell .

Spoken principally of a voice or sound without any jarring or harshness .

As clear as the Sun . As comfortable as matrimony . It becomes him as well as a sow doth a cartsaddle . As crowse as a new washen louse .

This is a Scotch and Northern Proverb . Crowse signifies brisk lively .

As dark as pitch .

Blackness is the colour of darkness .

As dead as a herring .

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 .

As dear as two eggs a penny . As like a dock to a daisy .

That is very unlike .

As dizzy as a goose . As drunk as a begger .

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 .

As dry as a bone . As dull as a beetle . As dun as a mouse . As easie as pissing a bed ; as to lick a dish . As false as a Scot.

I hope that nation generally deserves not such an imputation ; and could wish that we English men , were less partial to our selves , and censorious of our neighbours .

As fair as Lady Done . Chesh .

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 .

As fast as hops . As fat as butter ; as a Fool ; as a hen i th' forehead . To feed like a freeholder of Macklesfield , who hath neither corn nor hay at Michaelmas . Chesh .

This Macklesfield or Maxfield is a small market town and borough in Cheshire .

As fierce as a goose . As fine [ or proud ] as a Lords bastard . As fit as a pudding for a Friers mouth . As fit as a shoulder of mutton for a sick horse . As flattering or fawning as a spaniel . As fond of it as an Ape of a whip and a bell . To follow one like a St. Anthonies pig .

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 patrons 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 .

As freely as S. Robert gave his cow .

This Robert was a Knareburgh Saint , & the old women there can still tell you the legend of the cow .

As hollow as a gun ; as a kex .

A Kex is a dried stalk of Hemlock or of wild Cicely .

As free as a blind man is of his eye . As free as an ape is of his tail . As free as a dead horse is of farts . As fresh as a rose in Iune . As full as an egg is of meat .

E pieno quanto un novo . Ital.

As full as a pipers bag ; as a tick . As full as a toad is of poison . As full as a Jade , quoth the Bride . As gant as a greyhound . As glad as a fowl of a fair day . To go like a cat upon a hot bake stone . To go out like a candle in a snuff . As good as George of Green .

This George of Green was that famous Pinder of Wakefield who fought with Robin Hood & little John both together , and got the better of them , as the old ballade tells us .

As good as goose-skins that never man had enough of . Chesh . As good as ever flew in the air . As good as ever went endways . As good as ever the ground went upon . As good as ever water wet . As good as ever twang'd . As good as any between Bagshot and Baw-waw ,

There 's but the breadth of a street between these two .

As greedy as a dog . As green as grass ; as a leek . As hail as a roch , Fish whole .

E sano come un pesce . Ital.

As hard-hearted as a Scot of Scotland . As hasty as a sheep , so soon as the tail is up the t — is out . To hold up his head like a steed of ten pounds . As hot as a tost . To hug one as the Divell hugs a witch . As hungry as a Church-mouse . As innocent as a Devill of two years old . A conscience as large as a shipmans hose . As lawless as a Town-bull . As lazy as the tinker who laid down his budget to fart . As lean as a rake . To leap like a cock at a black-berry .

Spoken of one that desires and endeavours to doe harm but cannot .

As lecherous as a he-goat . As light as a fly . To lick it up like Lim hay . Chesh .

Lim is a village on the river Mersey that parts Cheshire and Lancashire , where the best hay is gotten .

As like his nown father as e're he can look . As like one as if he had been spit out of his mouth . As like as an apple to an oyster . As like as four pence to a groat . As like as nine pence to nothing . No more like then chalk and cheese . To look like the picture of ill luck . To look like a strain'd hair in a can . Chesh . To look like a droun'd mouse . To look like a dog that hath lost his tail . To look as if he had eaten his bedstraw . To look on one as the Devill looks over Lincoln .

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 devotion , 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 .

As loud as a horn . To love it as a cat loves mustard . To love it as the Devill loves holy water . To love it as a dog loves a whip . As good luck as had the cow , that stuck her self with her own horn . As good luck as the lowsy calf , that liv'd all winter and died in the summer . As melancholy as a gib'd cat . As merry as cup and can . As merry as a cricket . As mild [ or gentle ] as a lamb . As natural to him as milk to a calf . As necessary as a sow among young children . As nimble as an Eel . As nimble as a cow in a cage . As nimble as a new gelt dog . As old as Charing-Cross . As plain as the nose on a mans face . As poor as Iob.

This similitude runs through most Languages . In the University of Cambridge the young Scholars are wont to call chiding Jobing ,

As proud as a cock on 's own dunghill . As proud as an Apothecary . To quake like an Aspen leaf . To quake like an oven . He 's like a Rabbet , fat and lean in 24 hours . As red as a cherry ; as a petticoat . As rich as a new shorn sheep . As right as a rams horn ; as my leg . As rotten as a t — As rough as a tinkers budget . As safe as a mouse in a cheese ; in a malt-heap . As safe as a crow in a gutter . As safe as a thief in a mill . As scab'd as a cuckow . To scold like a cut-purse ; like a wych-waller . Chesh .

That is a boiler of Salt : Wych houses are Salt-houses , and walling is boyling .

To scorn a thing as a dog scorns a tripe . As sharp as a thorn ; as a rasour ; as vinegar . Aceto acrius . As much sib'd as sieve and ridder , that grew in the same wood together .

Sib'd that is a kin : In Suffolk the banes of matrimony are called Sibberidge .

As sick as a cushion . She simpers like a bride on her wedding day . She simpers like a riven dish . She simpers like a furmity kettle . To sit like a frog on a chopping block . As slender in the middle as a cow in the wast . As slippery as an Eel . As smooth as a carpet : Spoken of good way . As softly as foot can fall . As sound as a trout . As sour as verjuice . As spruce as an onyon . To stink like a poll-cat . As streight as an arrow . As streight as the back-bone of a herring . Thou 'lt strip it as Slack stript the cat , when he pull'd her out of the churn . As strong as mustard . To strut like a crow in a gutter . As sure as a gun [ or as death . ] As sure as check or Exchequer pay .

This was a Proverb in Q. Elizabeths time ; the credit of the Exchequer beginning in and determining with her reign , saith Dr Fuller .

As sure [ or as round ] as a Juglers box . As sure as a louse in bosome . Chesh . As sure as a louse in Pomfret . Yorksh . As sure as the coat 's on ones back . As surly as a Butchers dog . As sweet as honey , or as a nut . As tall as a May-pole . As tender as a chicken . As tender as a parsons leman , i. e. whore . As tender as Parnell that broke her finger in a posset-curd . As testy as an old cook . As tough as whitleather . As true as God is in heaven . As true as steel . As warm as a mouse in a churn . As wanton as a calf with two dams . As wellcome as Hopkin , that came to jayl over night , and was hang'd the next morning . As white as the driven snow . As wild as a buck. As wily as a fox . As much wit as three folks , two fools and a mad-man . Chesh . As well worth it as a thief is worth a rope . Like Goodyers pig , never well but when he is doing mischief . Chesh . He stands like Mumphazard , who was hang'd for saying nothing . Chesh . Like the parson of Saddleworth , who could read in no book but his own . Chesh . To come home like the parsons cow with a calf at her foot . Chesh . To use one like a Jew .

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 foretold , that they should become a by-word and a reproach among all nations . Dr Fuller .

He 's like a swine , he 'll ne're doe good while he lives . Undone as a man would undoe an oyster . He feeds like a boar in a frank . He 's like a bagpipe , he never talks till his belly be full . Like Hunts dog , that will neither goe to Church nor stay at home . She goes as if she crack't nuts with her tail . As willfull as a pig , he 'll neither lead nor drive . As honest a man as any is in the cards when all the kings are out . As good as ever drave top over til'd house . You been like Smithwick , either clem'd or borsten . Chesh .

Proverbial Rhythmes and old saws . THe crab of the wood is sawce very good For the crab of the sea . But the wood of the crab is sawce for a drab , That will not her husband obey . Snow is white and lies in the dike . And every man lets it lie : Pepper is black and hath a good smack , And every man doth it buy .

Alba ligustra cadunt , vaccinia nigra leguntur . Virg.

My horse pisseth whey , my man pisseth amber , My horse is for my way , my man is for my chamber . The higher the plum-tree the riper the plum . The richer the cobler , the blacker his thumb . When Adam delv'd and Eve span , Where was then the gentleman : Upstart a churl and gathered good , And thence did spring our gentle bloud .

Le robbe fanno il primo sangue . Ital.

With a red man reade thy read ; With a brown man break thy bread : At a pale man draw thy knife ; From a black man keep thy wife . Bounce buckram , velvet's dear , Christmas comes but once a year ; And when it comes it brings good chear , But when it 's gone it's never the near . He that buys land buys many stones ; He that buys flesh buys many bones : He that buys eggs buys many shells , But he that buys good Ale buys nothing else . Jack Sprat he loved no fat , and his wife she lov'd no lean : And yet betwixt them both , they lick't the platters clean . He that hath it and will not keep it , He that wants it and will not seek it , He that drinks and is not dry , Shall want money as well as I. The third of November the D. of Vendosme past the water , The fourth of November the Queen had a daughter , The fifth of November we scap't a great slaughter , And the sixth of November was the next day after . A man of words and not of deeds , Is like a garden full of weeds . Fridays hair and Sundays horn Goes to the D'ule on munday morn . Our fathers which were wondrous wise , Did wash their throats , before they wash't their eyes . When thou dost hear a toll or knell , Then think upon thy pasting bell . If Fortune favour I may have her , for I go about her ; If Fortune fail you may kiss her tail , and go without her . A red beard and a black head , Catch him with a good trick and take him dead . He that hath plenty of good shall have more ; He that hath but little he shall have less ; And he that hath right nought , right nought shall possess .

Cardinal Wolsey .

A whip for a fool , and a rod for a school , Is always in good season .

Will . Summers .

A halter and a rope for him that will be Pope , Without all right or reason . The shape of a good greyhound . A head like a snake , a neck like a drake , A back like a beam , a belly like a bream , A foot like a cat , a tail like a rat . Punch Cole , cut candle , set brand on end , Neither good housewife , nor good housewives friend . Alum si sit stalum non est malum . Beerum si sit eleerum est syncerum . If one knew how good it were , To eat a hen in Janivere ; Had he twenty in the flock , He 'd leave but one to go with the cock . Children pick up words as pigeons pease , And utter them again as God shall please . Deux ace non possunt & six cinque solvere nolunt Omnibus est notum quater trois solvere totum . As a man lives so shall he die , As a tree falls so shall it lie . Aegrotat Daemon monaechus tunc esse volebat : Daemon convaluit Daemon ut ante fuit . The Devill was sick , the Devill a monk would be , The Devill was well the devill a monk was he . Thither as I would goe I can go late , Thither as I would not goe I know not the gate . No more morter no more brick , A cunning knave has a cunning trick . Tobacco hic If a man be well it will make him sick . Tobacco hic Will make a man well if he be sick .

Per ander salvo per ill mondo bisogna havere occhio di Falcone , orecchie di Asino , viso di Scimia , parole 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 Merchants words , a camells back , a hogs mouth , and a Harts legs .

It would make a man scratch where it doth not itch , To see a man live poor to die rich . Est furor haud dubius simul & manifesta phrenests , Ut locuples moriar is egenti vivere fato . Juvenal .

Out of Doctour Fullers Worthies of England , such as are not entred already in the Catalogues . Barkshire . THe Vicar of Bray , will be Vicar of Bray still .

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 Protestant 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 .

Bedfordshire . AS plain as Dunstable road .

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 allusion to the first syllable of this name Dunstable , for there are other roads in England as broad , plain and well beaten as this .

As crooked as Crawley brook .

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 Bayliff of Bedford is coming .

The Ouse or Bedford river is so called in Cambridgeshire , because when swoln with rain , &c. in the winter time it arrests the Isle of Ely with an inundation , bringing down suddenly abundance of water .

Buckinghamshire . BUckinghamshire bread and beef .

The former as fine , the latter as fat in this , as in any other County .

Here if you beat a bush , it's ods you 'll start a thief .

No doubt there was just occasion for this Proverb at the original thereof , which then contained a Satyrical truth , proportioned 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 .

Cambridgeshire . CAntabridgia petit aequales or aequalia .

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 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 , club alike : or in respect of Degree , all of the same degree are fellows well met . The same degree levels , although of different age .

Cambridgeshire . camels .

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 .

An Henry-sophister .

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 preferment .

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 Sophisters 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 stature , 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 ( before they took them ) would be rewarded and maintained .

Twittle twattle , drink up your posset-drink .

This proverb had its original in Cambridge , and is scarce known elsewhere .

Cheshire . CHeshire chief of men .

It seems the Cestrians have formerly been renowned for their valour . v. Fuller .

She hath given Lawton gate a clap .

Spoken of one got with child and going to London to conceal it . Lawton is in the way to London from several parts of Cheshire .

Better wed over the Mixon then over the Moor.

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 amity between them .

Every man cannot be vicar of Bowden .

Bowden , it seems , is one of the greatest livings near Chester , otherwise doubtless there are many greater Church-preferments in Cheshire .

The Maior of Altringham lies in bed while his breeches are mending .

The Maior of Altringham and the Maior of Over . The one is a that cher the other a dauber .

These are two petty Corporations whose poverty makes them ridiculous to their neighbours .

Stopford law , no stake no draw . Neither in Cheshire nor Chawbent

That is , nither in Kent nor Christendome . Chawbent is a town in Lancashire .

The Constable of Oppenshaw sets beggers in Stocks at Manchester . He feeds like , a Freeholder of Maxfield [ or Macklesfield , ] who hath neither corn nor hay at Michaelmas .

Maxfield is a market town and burrough of good account in this County , where they drive a great trade of making and selling buttons . When this came to be a Proverb , it should seem the inhabitants were poorer or worse husbands then now they are .

Maxfield measure heap and thrutch , i. e. thrust . Cornwall . BY Tre , Pol , and Pen , You shall know the Cornish men .

These three words are the Dictionary of such sirnames as are originally Cornish ; and though Nouns in sense , I may fitly term them Prepositions . 1. Tre signifieth a Town , hence Tre-fry , Tre-lawney , Tre-vanion , &c. 2. Pol signifieth an head hence Pol-wheel . 3. Pen signifieth a Top. hence Pentire , Pen-rose , Pen-kevil , &c.

To give one a Cornish Hug.

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 design their overthrow whom they openly embrace .

Hengsten down well ywrought , Is worth London town dear ybought .

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-scarcity . As for the Diamonds which Doctour Fuller fancieth may be found there , I believe they would be little worth .

He is to be summoned before the Major of Halgaver .

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 .

When Dudman and Ram-head meet .

These are two forelands , well known to sailers , nigh twenty miles asunder , and the Proverb passeth for the Periphrasis of an impossibility .

He doth sail into Cornwall without a bark .

This is an Italian Proverb , where it passeth for a description ( 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 .

Cumberland . IF Skiddaw hath a cap , Scruffell wots full well of that .

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 sympathize in their sufferings by reason of the vicinity of their habitations .

Skiddaw , Lauvellin and Casticand . Are the highest hills in all England .

I know not how to reconcile this rhythme with another mention'd by the same Author , Camden . Britan. in Lancashire .

Ingleborough , Pendle and Penigent , Are the Highest hills between Scotland and Trent .

Unless it be , that the later ternary are highest in Yorkshire mens account ; the former in Cumberland mens account : every County being given to magnifie ( not to say altifie ) their own things .

Devonshire . TO Devonshire or Denshire land .

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 .

A Plymouth cloak .

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 .

He may remove Mort-stone .

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 remove it but such as are masters of their wives .

First hang and draw ; Then hear the cause by Lidford law .

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 preproperous justice .

Dorsetshire . AS much a kin as Lenson-hill to Pilsen pen.

That is no kin at all . It is spoken of such who have vicinity of habitation or neighbourhood , without the least degree 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 .

Stab'd with a Byrdport dagger .

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 statute ( though now difused and neglected ) that the cable ropes for the Navy-royal were to be made thereabouts .

Dorsetshire dorsers .

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 .

Essex . ESsex stiles .

See the catalogue of Sentences .

Essex calves .

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 .

As valiant as an Essex lion , i. e. a calf . The Weavers beef of Colchester .

That is sprats , caught hereabouts , and brought hither in incredible abundance , whereon the poor Weavers ( numerous in this Town ) make much of their repast , cutting ●ands , rumps , Surloyns , chines , &c. out of them , as he goes on .

Jeering Cogshall .

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 .

Braintree for the pure , and Bocking for the poor , Cogshall for the jeering Town , and Kelvedon for the whore . Gloucestershire . AS sure as God's in Gloucestershire .

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 Malmesbury , 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 England besides .

You are a man of Duresley .

It is taken for one that breaks his word , and fails in performance 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 as long in coming as Cotswald barely .

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 .

He looks as if he had liv'd on Tewksbury mustard .

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 exceptions .

The Traceys have always the wind in their faces .

This is sounded on a fond and false tradition , which reporteth , 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 whether 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.

As fierce as a lion of Cotswald .

i. e. A sheep .

Hampshire . MAnners make a man , Quoth William of Wickham .

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 .

Canterbury is the higher Rack but Winchester is the better Manger .

W. Edington Bishop of Winchester was the Authour of this expression , rendring this the reason of his refusal to be removed to Canterbury , though chosen thereunto . Indeed though Canterbury be graced with an higher honour ; the revenues of Winchester are greater . It is appliable to such , who preferre a wealthy privacy before a less profitable dignity .

The Isle of Wight ath no Monks , Lawyers nor Foxes .

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 .

Hartfordshire . HArtfordshire clubs and clouted shoon .

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 other place . Yet though some may smile at their clownishness , let none laugh at their industry ; the rather , because the high-shoon of the tenant , payes for the Spanish leatherboots of the Landlord .

Hartfordshire hedgehogs .

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 covetousness 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 .

Ware and Wades-mill are worth all London .

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 .

Hartfordshire kindness .

It is , when one drinks back again to the party , who immediately 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 .

Herefordshire . BLessed is the eye , That is between Severn and Wye .

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 impressions .

Sutton wall and Kenchester hill Are able to buy London were it to sell .

These are two fruitfull places in this Countrey , saith Mr Howell .

Lemster Bread and Weabley Ale .

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 .

Every one cannot dwell at Rotheras .

A delicate seat of the Bodmans in this County .

Huntingtonshire . AN Huntington Sturgeon . This is the way to Beggers-bush .

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 .

Nay stay quoth Stringer when his neck was in the halter . Ramsey the rich .

This was the Croesus of all our English Abbeys , for having 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 proportion 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 .

Kent . NEither in Kent nor Christendom .

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 understood it . I rather think that it is to be understood by way of opposition , and that it had its original upon occasion 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 .

A Knight of Cales , a Gentleman of Wales , and a Laird of the North-countree , A Yeoman of Kent with his yearly rent , will buy them out all three .

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 making 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 Kentish Yeoman ( by the help of an Hyperbole ) may countervail , &c.

Yeomen contracted for Gemen-mein from Gemein signifying 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 .

Kentish long-tails .

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 pretended many miles off , nigh Cerne in Dorsetshire . I conceive it first of outlandish extraction , and cast by forreigners as a note of disgrace on all English men , though it chanceth to stick onely on the Kentish at this day . What the original 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 English 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 .

Dover-court all speakers and no hearers .

The Doctour understands this Proverb of some tumultuous Court kept at Dover , the confluence of many blustering sea-men , who are not easily ordered into any awful attention . It is appliable to such irregular conferences , where the people are all tongue and no ears .

A jack of Dover .

I find the first mention of this Proverb in our English Ennius , Chaucer in his Proeme to the Cook .

And many a jack of Dover he had sold , Which had been two times hot , and two times cold .

This he makes parallel to Crambe his cocta ; and appliable to such as grate the eares of their Auditours with ungrateful 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 .

Lancashire . LAncashire fair women .

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 attributed 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 degree , 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 , proceeds 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 .

It is written upon a wall in Rome , Ribchester was as rich as any town in Christendome .

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 .

As old as Pendle hill . If Riving pike do wear a hood , Be sure that day will ne're be good .

A mist on the top of that hill is a sign of foul weather .

He that would take a Lancashire man at any time or tide , Must bait his hook with a good egge-pie or an apple with a red side . Leicestershire . BEan-belly Leicestershire .

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 .

If Bever hath a cap , You churls of the vale look to that .

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 Counties of Leicester , Lincoln and Notingham .

Bread for Borrough - men , At Great Gleu there are more great dogs then honest men . Carleton wharlers . I 'll throw you into Harborough field . A threat for children , Harborough having no field . Put up your pipes , and goe to Lockington wake . The last man that he kill'd keeps hogs in Hinckley field . Spoken of a coward that never durst fight . He has gone over Asfordby bridge backwards . Spoken of on that is past learning . Like the Maior of Hartle pool , you cannot doe that . Then I 'll thatch Groby pool with pancakes . For his death there is many a wet cye in Groby pool . In and out like Billesdon I wote . A Leicestershire plover , i. e. a Bag-pudding . Bedworth beggers . The same again , quoth Mark of Bellgrave . What have I to doe with Bradshaws wind-mill , i. e. What have I to doe with another mans business ? Lincolnshire . LIncolnshire , where hogs shite sope and cows shite fire .

The inhabitants of the poorer sort washing their clothes with hogs dung , and burning dried cow-dung for want of better fuel .

Lincolnshire bagpipes .

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 .

As loud as Tom of Lincoln .

This Tom of Lincoln is an extraordinary great bell hanging in one of the towers of Lincoln Minster ; how it got the name I know not , unless it were imposed on it , when baptized by the Papists . Howbeit this present Tom was cast in King James his time , Anno 1610.

All the carts that come to Crowland are shod with silver .

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 .

As mad as the baiting bull of Stamford .

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 .

He was born at little Wittham .

Little Wittham is a village in this County . It is applied to such as are not overstock't with acuteness , being a nominal allusion ; of the like whereto we have many current among the vulgar .

Grantham gruel , nine grits , and a gallon of water .

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 .

They hold together as the men of Marham , when they lost their common .

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 .

Middlesex . MIddlesex clowns .

Because Gentry and Nobility are respectively observed according to their degree , by people far distant from London , less regarded by these Middlesexians ( frequency breeds familiarity ) because abounding there abouts . It is generally true where the common people are richer , there are they more surly and uncivil : as also where they have less dependence on the Gentry , as in places of great trade .

He that is at a low ebb at Newgate , may soon be aflote at Tiburn . Mr Bedwell descript. of Tottenham , Chap. 3. When Tottenham wood is all on fire , Then Tottenham street is nought but mire .

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 insurrection 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 .

London . A London Jury , hang half and save half .

Some affirm this of an Essex , others of a Middlesex Jury : and my charity believes it equally true , that is equally untrue 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 divide themselves in aquilibrio between justice and mercy , though it were meet the latter should have the more advantage , &c.

The falseness of this suggestion will appear to such , who by perusing history , do discover the London Jurors most conscientious 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 .

London lick-penny .

The countrey man coming up hither , by his own experience will easily expound the meaning thereof .

London bridge was made for wise men to goe over , and fools to goe under . A London Cockney .

This nickname is more then four hundred years old . For when Hugh Bigot added artificial fortifications to his naturally strong Castle of Bungey in Suffolk , he gave out this rhythme , therein , vaunting it for impregnable ,

Were I in my castle of Bungey , Upon the river of Waveney , I would ne care for the King of Cockney .

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 , delicately bred and brought up , so as when grown up to be able to endure no hardship . 2. One utterly ignorant of countrey affairs , of husbandry and housewivery as there practised . 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-gate language .

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 .

Kirbes castle and Megses glory , Spinola's pleasure and Fishers folly .

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 .

He was born within the sound of Bow-bell .

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 .

St Peters in the poor , Where no Tavern , Alehouse , or sign at the door .

Under correction I concelve it called in the Poor , because the Augustinian friers professing willful poverty for some hundreds of years , possessed more then a moiety thereof . Otherwise this was one of the richest Parishes in London , 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 .

Good manners to except my Lord Major of London .

This is a corrective for such , whose expressions are of the largest size ; and too general in their extent .

I have dined as well as my Lord Major of London .

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 .

As old as Pauls , or as Pauls steeple .

Different are the dates of the age thereof , because it had two births or beginnings , one when it was originally cofounded by King Ethelbert , with the body of the Church , Anno 610. another when burnt with lightning , and afterwards rebuilt by the Bishops of London , 1087.

He is onely fit for Ruffians-hall .

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 .

A loyal heart may be landed under Traitors bridge .

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 .

To cast water into the Thames .

That is , to give to them who had plenty before ; which notwithstanding is the Dole general of the world .

He must take a house in Turn-again Lane .

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 .

He may whet his knife on the threshold of the Fleet.

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.

All goeth down Gutter-lane .

Guttur-lane ( the right spelling whereof is Guthurn-lane , from him the once owner thereof ) is a small Lane ( inhabited 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 .

As lame as St Giles Cripple-gate .

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 , lameness on lameness ; and in common discourse is spoken rather merrily then mournfully of such , who for some sleight hurt lag behind ; and sometimes is applied to those who out of laziness counterfeit infirmity .

You are all for the Hoistings or Hustings .

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 principal and highest Court in London ( as also in Winchester , Lincoln , York , &c. ) so called from the French word haulser to raise or lift up .

They agree like the clocks of London .

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 .

Grayes Inne for walks , Lincolns Inne for a wall , The Inner Temple for a garden , and the Middle for a hall . Westminster . THere is no redemption from Hell .

There is a place partly under , partly by the Exchequer chamber , commonly called Hell , ( I could wish it had another name , seeing it is ill jesting with edg'd tools ) formerly appointed a prison for the Kings debtors , who never were freed from thence , until they had paid their utmost due .

As long as Megg of Westminster .

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 .

Norfolk . Norfolk dumplings .

This referres no● to the stature of their bodies ; but to the fare they commonly feed on and much delight in .

A Yarmouth Capon .

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 .

He is arrested by the Bayliff of Mershland .

That is , clapt on the back by an ague , which is incident to strangers at first coming into this low , fenny and unwholesome Countrey .

Gimmingham , Trimmingham , Knapton and Trunch , North Repps and South Repps are all of a bunch .

These are names of Parishes lying close together .

There never was a Paston poor , a Heyden a coward , nor a Cornwallis a fool . Northamptonshire . THe Major of Northampton opens oisters with his dagger .

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 before they came there .

He that would eat a butter'd faggot , let him go to Northampton .

I have heard that king James should speak this of Newmarket ; 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 breed , better to hang then feed .

Brackley is a decayed Market town and borough in Northamptonshire , not farre from Banbury , which abounding with poor , and troubling the countrey about with beggers , came into disgrace with its neighbours . I hear that now this place is grown industrious and thriving , and endeavours to wipe off this scandal .

Like Banbury tinkers that in mending one hole make three . Northumberland . From Barwick to Dover , three hundred miles over .

That is from one end of the land to the other , parallel to that Scripture expression , From Dan to Beer-sheba .

To take Hectors cloak .

That is to deceive a friend , who confideth in his faithfulness . When Thomas Percy Earl of Northumberland , 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 County , having confidence he would be true to him , who notwithstanding , for money betrayed him to the Regent 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 continued to this day among them , in the sence above mentioned .

We will not lose a Scot.

That is , any thing how inconsiderable soever that we can save or recover . During the enmity between the two nations , they had little esteem of , and less affection for a Scotchman in the English border .

A Scottish man and a Newcastle grindstone , travel all the world over .

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 carried far and near .

If they come they come not . and , If they come not they come .

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 borderers . If therefore those Borderers came , their cattel came not : if they came not , their cattel surely returned .

Notinghamshire . As wise as a man of Gotham .

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 Abderita 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 governour as that age did afford . Sapientum octavus . Hor.

The little smith of Notingham , Who doth the work that no man can .

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 , 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 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 .

Oxfordshire . You were born at Hogs Norton .

This is a village properly called Hoch Norton , whose inhabitants ( it seems formerly ) were so rustical in their behaviour , 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 .

To take a Burford bait .

This it seems is a bait not to stay the stomack , but to lose the wit thereby , as resolved at last into drunkenness .

Banbury veal , cheese and cakes .

In the English edition of Camdens Brit. it was through the correctours mistake , printed Banbury zeal , &c. vide Autorem .

Oxford knives , and London wives .

Testons are gone to Oxford to study in Brazen-nose .

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. Nummus capitatus , money with a head upon it .

Send Verdingales to Broad-gates in Oxford .

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 dominion , and they call them by a name signifying cover-infant ; 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 .

Rutlandshire . Draitons Polyolbion . RUtland Raddleman .

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 neighbouring Countries for the marking of sheep .

Stretton i' th' street , where shrews meet . An Uppingham trencher . Shropshire . HE that fetcheth a wife from Shrewsbury , must carry her into Staffordshire , or else he shall live in Cumberland .

The staple wit of this vulgar Proverb , consisting solely in similitude of sound is scarce worth the inserting .

Somersetshire . ‛ CH was bore at Taunton Dean , where should I be bore else .

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 .

The beggers of Bath .

Many in that place ; some natives there , others repairing thither from all parts of the land , the poor for alms , the pained for ease .

Bristol milk .

That is Sherry-sack , which is the entertainment of course , which the courteous Bristolians present to strangers , when first visiting their city .

Staffordshire . Camdens Britan. in this County . IN April Doves flood . Is worth a Kings good .

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 .

The Devill run through thee booted and spurred , with a sithe on his back .

This is Sedgeley curse . Mr Howel .

Suffolk . SUffolk milk .

This was one of the staple commodities of the land of Canaan , and certainly most wholesome for mans body , because of Gods own choosing for his own people . No County in England affords better and sweeter of this kind , lying opposite to Holland in the Netherlands , where is the best dairy in Christendom .

Suffolk fair maids .

It seems the God of Nature hath been bountiful in giving them beautiful complexions ; which I am willing to believe , so far forth as it fixeth not a comparative disparagement on the same sex in other places .

You are in the high-way to Needham .

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 .

Beckles for a puritan , Bungey for the poor , Hallsworth for a drunkard , and Bliborouh for a whore . Between Cowhithe and merry Cassingland , The Devilish — Benacre , look where it stands .

It seems this place is infamous for its bad situation .

Surrey . THe vale of Holms-dale Was never won , ne ever shall .

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 .

Sussex . A Chichester lobster , A Selfey cockle , an Arundel mullet , a Pulborough eel , an Amberley trout , a Rie herring ; a Bourn wheat-ear ,

Are the best in their kind , understand it of those that are taken in this Countrey .

Westmorland . LEt Uter Pendragon do what he can , The river Eden will run as it ran .

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 .

As crafty as a Kendale fox . Wiltshire . IT is done secundùm usum Sarum .

This Proverb coming out of the Church hath since enlarged 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 .

Salisbury plain is seldom without a thief or twain . Yorkshire . FRom Hell , Hull and Halifax — deliver us .

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 government , 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 the very act of stealing cloth , are instantly beheaded with an engine ; without any further legal proceedings . Doubtless the coincidence of the initial letters of these three words , help't much the setting on foot this Proverb .

A Scarborough warning .

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 .

As true steel as Rippon rowels .

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 .

A Yorkshire way-bit .

That is an overplus not accounted in the reckoning , which sometimes proves as much as all the rest . Ask a countreyman , How many miles it is to such a Town , and he will return 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 pronounced , but wee-bit , a pure Yorkshirism , which is a small bit in the Northern language .

Merry Wakefield .

What peculiar cause of mirth this Town hath above others , 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 .

Pendle , Ingleborough and Penigent . Are the three highest hills between Scotland and Trent .

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 Settle 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 Plimllimmon are higher .

If Brayton bargh , and Hambleton hough , and Burton bream , Were all in thy belly 't would never be team .

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 .

When Dighton is pull'd down . Hull shall become a great Town .

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 in the clay , Bring in two soles and carry one away .

Cleveland is that part of Yorkshire , which borders upon the Bishoprick of Durham , where the ways in winter time are very foul and deep .

When Sheffield Park is plowed and sown , Then little England hold thine own .

It hath been plow'd and sown these six or seven years .

You have eaten some Hull cheese .

i. e. Are drunk , Hull is famous for strong Ale .

When all the world shall be aloft , Then Hallam-shire shall be Gods croft . Winkabank and Temple brough , Will buy all England through and through .

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 : besides 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 .

Miscellaneous locall Proverbs . Dunmow bacon and Doncaster daggers , Monmouth caps and Lemster wooll , Derby ale and London beer .

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 depose both of them that they had been married a twelve moneth , and neither of them had at any time repented .

You may sip up the Severn and swallow Mavern as soon . Little England beyond Wales , i. e. Pembrokeshire . Little London beyond Wales ; i. e. Beaumaris in the Isle of Anglesey : both so called because the inhabitants speak good English : indeed in Pembrokeshire many of the people can speak no Welsh . There 's great doings i' th' North when they barre their doors with tailours . There 's great stirring in the North when old wives ride scout . Three great evils come out of the North , A cold wind , a cunning knave , and a shrinking cloth .

Proverbs communicated by Mr Andrew Paschall of Chedsey in Somersetshire , which came not to hand till the copy of this second Edition was delivered to the Bookseller , and so could not be referred to their proper places . STeal the horse , & carry home the bridle . What are you good for ? to stop bottles ? I 'll not pin my faith on your sleeve . A fine new nothing . What wine blew you hither ? As nimble as a cow in a cage . Set a cow to catch a share . Is the wind in that corner ? I 'll watch your water . One's too few , three too many . He put a fine feather in my cap.

i. e. Honour without profit .

All Ilchester is Gaol , say prisoners there .

i. e. The people hard-hearted , Somers .

The Bird that can sing and will not sing must be made to sing . After a lank comes a bank ;

Said of breeding women .

There or thereabouts , as Parson Smith sayes . Proverbial about Dunmow in Essex . I wip't his nose on 't . Tomorrow come never . Choak up , the Church-yard's nigh . Sow or set beans in Candlemas waddle .

i. e. Wane of the Moon . Somerset .

You are right for the first — miles . Eat thy meat and drink thy drink , and stand thy ground old Harry . Somerset . Blow out the marrow and throw the bone to the dogs .

A taunt to such as are troublesome by blowing their nose .

'T were well for your little belly if your guts were out . Murder will out .

This is remarkably true of murder however secretly acted , but it is applied also to the discovery of any fault .

To put out the millers eye .

Spoken by good-housewives when they have wet their meal for bread or paste too much .

As your wedding-ring wears your cares will wear away . Somerset . She stamps like an Ewe upon yeaning . Somers . Pinch on the Parsons side . A old as Glaston-bury torre . Somerset .

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 .

On Candlemas day throw candle and candlestick away . Share & share-like , some all , some n'ere a white . To help at a dead lift . To water a stake . As welcome as water into ones shooes . March birds are best . I will not want when I have & when I han't too . Somerset . So many frosts in March so many in May. 'T is year'd . Spoken of a desperate debt . The Snite need not the woodcock betwite . Som. You shall have the Whetstone .

Spoken to him that tells a lie .

You have no more sheep to shear . Somerset . That 's a dog-trick . You shall have the basket . Taunton .

Said to the journeyman that is envied for pleasing his master .

You are as fine as if you had a whiting hanging at your side , or girdle . April cling good for nothing . Somerset . You must goe into the countrey to hear what news at London . 'T will not be why for thy . Somerset .

Of a bad bargain or great loss for little profit .

The lamentation of a bad market . The chicken crammes the capon . Somerset . I have victualled my camp : ( filled my belly . ) Parsley fried will bring a man to his saddle , and a woman to her grave .

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 .

I 'll make you know your driver . Somerset . I 'll vease the. ( i. e. hunt , drive thee . ) Somerset . Better untaught then ill taught . Snapping so short makes you look so lean . Wondring makes you look so lean . T' is long of your eyes , the crows might have helped it when you were young . Quick and nimble , 't will be your own another day .

In some places they say in drollery , Quick and nimble , more like a bear then a squirrel .

Upon S. Davids day put oats and barley in the clay .

With us it is accounted a little too early to sow barley ( which is a tender grain ) in the beginning of March .

Be patient and you shall have patient children . Too hot to hold . Moderata durant . Talk is but talk , but 't is money buys lands . You cry before you are hurt . Cradle-straws are scarce out of his Br. God send me a friend that may tell me my faults ; if not , an enemy , and to be sure he will . He is a fool that is not melancholy once a day . He frets like gum'd tasfaty . You speak in clusters , you were begot in nutting . Hee 'll turn rather then burn . I never see 't but once and that was at a wedding . Hang him that hath no shift , and him that hath one too many . How doth your whither goe you ? ( your wife . ) Farewell and be hang'd , friends must part . What she wants in up and down she hath in round about . He 's steel to the back . A man every inch of him . Cut off the head and tail , and throw the rest away . To play fast and loose . You are mope-ey'd by living so long a maid . Your horns hang in your light . What do you come or send . Look to the Cow , and the Sow , & the Wheat-mow , and all will be well enow . Somerset . Better have it then hear on 't . Heer 's to our friends , and hang up the rest of our kindred . Doe , jeer poor folks , and see how 't will thrive . You love to make much of naught . ( your self . ) In the shooe-makers stocks . Neck or nothing . They two are hand and glove . Somerset . They love like chick . Somerset . To give one the goe-by . I 'll not play with you for shooe-buckles . God make you an honester man then your father . One may wink and choose . Want goes by such an ones door . Somerset . Maids want nothing but husbands , and when they have them they want every thing . Som. Often to the water often to the tatter . ( of linnen . ) Beware of him whom God hath marked . Most take all . A Somerton ending . Somers .

i. e. When the difference between two is divided .

Truth fears no colours . Never good that mind their belly so much . Old head and young hands . Somerset . Lend and lose , so play fools . Cast not thy cradle over thy head . The dunder clo gally [ affright ] the beans .

Somers . Beans shoot up fast after thunder-storms .

Wheat will not have two praises . ( Summer and Winter . ) If size cinque will not , and deuce ace cannot , then quatre trey must .

The middle sort bear publick burthens Taxes , &c. most .

Deux ace non possunt & size cinque solvere nolunt : Est igitur notum quatre trey solvere totum . Take all and pay the baker . Never sigh but send . My son , buy no stocks . Good counsel at Gleek . There 's never a why but there 's a wherefore . Spend not where you may save ; spare not where you must spend . Listners seldome hear good of themselves . Where there is whispering there is lying . Happy is the bride the Sun shines on , and the corse the Rain rains on . By fits and girds , as an ague takes a goose . Will you snap [ or bite ] off my nose ? You will tell another tale when you are tryed . You eat above the tongue like a calf . Recipe scribe , scribe solve .

A good rule for stewards .

He needs a bird that gives a groat for an owl . You goe as if nine men held you . Under the furze is hunger and cold ; Under the broom is silver and gold . Nine tailours make but one man . I am loath to change my mill . Somerset .

i. e. Eat of another dish .

Your horse cast a shooe . To hit over the thumbs . Win at first and loose at last . Hee 'll bear it away , if it be not too hot or too heavy . Spoken of a pilferer . Hickledy pickledy , one among another .

We have in our language many the like conceited , rhyming words or reduplications to signifie any confusion or mixture , as hurly burly , hodge podge , minlge mangle , arsy versy , kim kam , hub bub , crawly mauly , hab nab .

Londoner-like ask as much more as you will take . So got so gone . Oysters are not good in a moneth that hath not an R. in it . I love thee like pudding , if thou wert pie I 'de eat thee . Heer 's nor rhythm , nor reason .

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 .

Take all and pay all . A penny saved is a penny got . A lisping lass is good to kiss . When the shoulder of mutton is going 't is good to take a slice . Make the vine poor and it will make you rich . ( prune off its branches . ) Not a word of Pensants . You may if you list , but doe if you dare . Set trees poor and they will grow rich , set them rich and they will grow poor . Remove them always out of a more barren into a fatter soil . No cut to unkindness . A good saver is a good server . Somerset . To slip ones neck out of the collar . I will keep no more cats then will catch mice ( i. e. no more in family then will earn their living ) Somerset . Blind-mans holy-day . If you would a good hedge have , carry the leafes to the grave . As yellow as the golden noble . As good be hang'd for an old sheep as a young lamb . Somerset . She loves the poor well , but cannot abide beggers . Somerset . ( of pretenders to charity . ) You put it together with an hot needle and burnt thread . Like a loaders horse that lives among theeves . ( the countrey man near a town . ) Som. Apples , pears , hawthorn-quick , oak , set them at All-hollontide and command them to prosper , set them at Candlemas and intreat them to grow . 'T is good sheltring under an old hedge . Let not a child sleep upon bones . Somerset .

i. e. The nurses lap .

The more Moors the better victory . No man hath a worse friend then he brings from home . Defend me and spend me . ( saith the Irish churle . ) To fear the loss of the bell more then the loss of the steeple . Nab me , I 'll nab thee . He hath a conscience like a Cheverels skin .

( That will stretch ) A Cheverel is a wild goat . Somers .

If you touch pot you must touch penny . Somers .

( Pay for what you have . )

He hath a spring at his elbow . ( spoken of a Gamester . ) Pull not out your teeth but with a leaden instrument . When Tom pitcher's broken I shall have the sheards .

( i. e. Kindness after others have done with it ; or refuse . )

A childs bird and a boys wife are well used . Som. Be it weal or be it wo , Beans blow before May doth goe . Little mead little need . Somerset .

( A mild winter hoped for after a bad summer . )

A good tither a good thriver . Somerset . Who marries between the sickle and the sithe will never thrive . Shee will assoon part with the crock as the porridge . Somerset . You shall have the red cap. Somerset . ( Said to a marriage-maker . ) Let them buckle for it . Somerset . She is as crousty as that is hard bak'd . Somerset . ( One that is surly and loath to doe any thing . ) Money is wise , it knowes its way . Somerset . Sayes the poor man that must pay as soon as he receives . After Lammas corn ripens as much by night as by day . If you will have a good cheese and have'n old , you must turn'n seven times before he is cold . Som. He is able to bury an Abbey . ( a spendthrift . ) When elder 's white brew and bake a peck ; When elder 's black brew and bake a sack . Som. More malice then matter . Somerset . He builds cages for oxen to bring up birds in . ( Disproportionable . ) Where there is store of oatmeal you may put enough in the crock [ pot . ] Somerset . He that hath more smocks then shirts in a bucking , had need be a man of good fore-looking . Chaueer . You never speak but your mouth opens . The charitable gives out at door and God puts in at the window . All the leavers you can lay will not doe it . Som. Hampshire ground requires every day of the week a shower of rain , & on Sunday twain . As cunning as captain Drake . Let him hang by the heels . Som.

( 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 . )

He is ready to leap over nine hedges . She look't on me as a cow on a bastard calf . Som. I will wash my hands and wait upon you . The death of wives and the life of sheep make men rich . April fools . ( People sent on idle errands . ) After a famine in the stall , Comes a famine in the hall . Somerset . Wellington round-heads .

Proverbial in Taunton for a violent fanatick .

None so old that he hopes not for a year of life . The young are not always with their bow bent .

i. e. Under rule .

To catch two pigeons with one bean . Every honest miller hath a golden thumb .

They reply , None but a cuckold can see it . Somerset .

In wiving and thriving a man should take counsel of all the world . 'T is good grafting on a good stock . The eye is a shrew . To measure the meat by the man .

( i. e. The message by the messenger . )

He suckt evil from the dug . They are so like that they are the worse for it . Out of door out of debt . Somerset .

Of one that payes not when once gone .

Words may pass , but blows fall heavy . Som. Poverty breeds strife . Somerset . Every gap hath its bush . A dead woman will have four to carry her forth . K. Harry rob'd the church , and died a beggar . To take the birds by its feet . The hogs to the honey-pots . Their milk sod over . He hath good cards to shew . 'T is best to take half in hand and the rest by and by .

( The trades-man that is for ready money . )

To heave and theave . Somers .

( The labouring husbandman . )

Here is Gerards Bailiff , work or you must die with cold . Somers . Come every one heave a pound . Som. As fond as an Ape of a whip . Som. You make the better side the worse . Som.

Northern Proverbs communicated by Mr Fr. Brokesby of Rowley , in Yorkshire . AS blake [ i. e. yellow ] as a paigle . Hee 'll never dow [ i. e. be good ] egg nor bird . As flat as a flaun , i. e. a custard . I 'll foreheet [ i. e. predetermine ] nothing but building Churches and louping over them . Meeterly [ indifferently ] as maids are in fairness . Weal and women cannot pan , i. e. close together . But woe and women can .

SCOTTISH PROVERBS . A. ALl things hath a beginning ( God excepted ) A good beginning makes a good ending . A slothful man is a beggers brother . A vaunter and a liar is both one thing . All is not tint that is in peril . All is not in hand that helps . A toom purse makes a bleat merchant . As long runs the fox as he feet hath . A hasty man never wanted wo. A wight man wanted never a weapon . A fools bolt is soon shot . A given horse should not be lookt in the teeth . A good asker should have a good naysay . A dear ship stands long in the haven . An oleit mother makes a sweir daughter . A carless hussie makes mony thieves . A liar should have a good memory . A black shooe makes a blithe heart . A hungry man sees far . A silly bairn is eith to lear . A half-penny cat may look to the King . A greedy man God hates . A proud heart in a poor breast , hes meikle dollour to dree . A scald mans head is soon broken . A skabbit sheep fyles all the flock . A burnt bairne , fire dreads . Auld men are twice bairnes . A tratler is worse then a thief . A borrowed len should come laughing hame . A blithe heart makes a blomand visage . A year a nurish , seven years a daw . An unhappy mans cairt is eith to tumble . An old hound bites fair . A fair bride is soon buskt , and a short horse soon wispt . As good haud as draw . A man that is warned , is half armed . An ill win penny will cast down a pound . All the corn in the countrey , is not shorn by pratlers . Ane begger is wae that another be the gate gae . A travelled man hath leave to lie . Ane ill word meets another , and it were at the bridg of London . A hungry louse bites fair . A gentle horse would not be over fair spurred . A friends dinner is soon dight . An ill cook wald have a good claver . A good fellow tint never , but at an ill fellows hand . At open doors , dogs comes in . A word before , is worth two behind . A still sow eats all the draff . A dumb man holds all . All fails that fools thinks . A wooll seller kens a wooll buyer . All fellows , Jock and the Laird . As the sow fills , the draff soures . A full heart lied never . As good merchant tynes as wins . All the speid is in the spurs . As fair greits the bairne that is dung afternoon , as he that is dung before noon . An ill life , an ill end . Anes wood , never wise , ay the worse . Anes pay it never cravit . A good rufer , was never a good rider . All the keys in the countrey hangs not at ane belt . A dumb man wan never land . As soon comes the lambs skin to the market , as the old sheeps . As many heads , as many wits . A blind man should not judge of colours . As the old cock craws , the young cock leares . A skabbed horse is good enough for a skald squire . A mirk mirrour is a mans mind . As meikle up with , as meikle down with . An ill shearer gat never a good book . A tarrowing bairn was never fat . A good cow may have an ill cals . A cock is crouse in his own midding . A new bissome soupes clean . As fair fights wranes as cranes . A yelt sow was never good to gryses . As the carle riches he wretches . A fool when he hes spoken hes all done . An old seck eraves meikle clouting . An old seck is ay skailing . A fair fire makes a room flet . An old knave is na bairne . A good yeaman makes a good woman . A man hath no more good then he hath good of . A fool may give a wise man a counsel . A man may speir the gate to Rome . As long lives the merry man as the wretch for all the craft he can . All wald have all , all wald forgive . Ane may lead a horse to the water , put four and twenty cannot gar him drink . A bleat cat makes a proud mouse . An ill willy kow should have short horns . A good piece steil is worth a penny . A shored tree stands lang . A gloved cat was never a good hunter . A gangand foot is ay getting , an it were but a thorn . All is not gold that glitters . A swallow makes not summer or spring-time . A man may spit on his hand and do full ill . An ill servant will never be a good maister . An hyred horse tyred never . All the winning is in the first buying . Anuch [ enough ] is a feast ( of bread and cheise . ) A horse may stumble on four feet . All thing wytes that well not faires . All things thrives but thrice . Absence is a shroe . Auld sin new shame . A man cannot thrive except his wife let him . A bairne mon creep or he gang . As long as ye serve the tod , ye man bear up his tail . All overs are ill , but over the water . A man may wooe where he will , but he will wed where he is weard . A mean pot [ where several share in it ] plaid never evin . Among twenty four fools not ane wise man . Ane mans meat , is another mans poison . A fool will not give his bable for the tower of Lon. A foul foot makes a full weamb . A man is a lion in his own cause . A hearty hand to give a hungry meltith . A cumbersome cur in company , is hated for his miscarriage . A poor man is fain of little . An answer in a word . A beltless bairn cannot lie . A yule feast may be quat at Pasche . A good dog never barket bout a bone . A full-seek will take a clout on the side . An ill hound comes halting home . All things help ( quod the Wran ) when she pished in the sea . All cracks , all beares . A houndless man comes to the best hunting . All things hes an end , and a pudding hes twa . All is well that ends well . As good hads the stirrep , as he that loups on . A begun work is half ended . A Scottish man is ay wise behind the hand . A new sound , [ per onomatop . ] in an old horn . As broken a ship hes come to land . As the fool thinks , ay the bell clinks . A man may see his friend need , but he will not see him bleed . A friend is not known but in need . A friend in court , is better nor a penny in the purse . All things is good unseyed . A good goose indeed , but she hes an ill gander . All are not maidens that wears bair hair . A mache and a horse-shoe are both alike . Airlie crooks the tree , that good cammok should be . An ounce of mothers wit is worth a pound of Clergy . An inch of a nag is worth the span of an aver . B. BEtter sit idle then work for nought . Better learn by your neighbours skaith nor by your own . Better half egg nor an empty shell . Better apple given nor eaten . Better a dog fan nor bark on you . Bodin [ offered ] geir stinks . Bourd [ jest ] neither with me , nor with my honour . Buy when I bid you . Better late thrive then never . Better hand louse nor bound to an ill baikine . Better lang little nor soon right nought . Better give nor take . Better bide the cookes nor the mediciners . Better saucht with little aucht , nor care with many kow . Bring a kow to the hall , and she will to the byre again . Bear wealth , poverty will bear it self . Better good sale nor good ale . Better wooe over midding nor over moss . Blaw the wind never so fast it will lower at the last . Bind fast , find fast . Better auld debts nor auld saires . Better a fowl in hand nor two flying . Better spaire at the breird nor at the bottom . Bind the seck before it be full . Better be well loved nor ill won geir . Better finger off nor ay warking . Better rew sit , nor rew flit . Bourd not with bawty , fear lest he bite you . Better say , Here it is , nor here it was . Better plays a full weamb , nor a new coat . Better be happy nor wise . Better happy to court , nor good service . Better a wit bought , nor twa for nought . Better bow nor break . Better two seils , nor ane sorrow . Better bairnes greit nor bearded men . Betwixt twa stools , the arse falls down . Better na ring nor the ring of a rush . Better hold out nor put out . Better sit still , nor rise and get a fall . Better leave nor want . Better unborn nor untaught . Better be envied nor pitied . Better a little fire that warms , nor a meikle that burns . Be the same thing that thou wald be cald . Black will be no other hew . Beauty but bounty avails nought . Beware of had I wist . Better be alone , nor in ill company . Better a thigging mother , nor a ryding father . Before I wein and now I wat. Bonie silver is soon spendit . Better never begun nor never endit . Biting and scratching is Scotsfolks woing . Breads house skiald never . Bairns mother burst never . Bannoks [ a tharfecake oat bread ] is better nor na kin bread . Better a laying hen nor a lyin crown . Better be dead as out of the fashion . Better buy as borrow . Better have a mouse in the pot as no flesh . C. COurt to the town , and whore to the window . Cadgers [ meal-men ] speaks of packsaddles Changing of words is lighting of hearts . Charge your friend or you need . Cats eats that hussies spares . Cast not forth the old water while the new come in . Crabbit was , and cause had . Comparisons are odious . Come not to the counsel uncalled . Condition makes , and condition breaks . Cut duelles in every town . Cold cools the love that kindles over hot . Cease your snowballs casting . Come it aire , come it late , in May comes the cow-quake . Courtesie is cumbersom to them that kens it not . Chalke is na sheares . D. DO in hill as ye wald do in hall . Do as ye wald be done to . Do weill and have weill . Dame deem warily . Dead and marriage makes tearm-day . Draff is good enough for swine . Do the likliest , and God will do the best . Drive out the inch as thou hast done the span . Dead men bites not . Daffling [ jesting ] good for nothing . Dogs will red swine . Dirt parts company . Drink and drouth comes sindle together . Daft talk dow not . Do well and doubt na man , and do weill and doubt all men . Dead at the one door , and heirship at the other . Dummie [ a dumb man ] cannot lie . E. EArly maister , lang knave . Eaten meat is good to pay . Eild [ old age ] wald have honour . Evening orts is good morning fodder . Every land hes the lauch , and every corn hes the caffe . Every man wishes the water to his own mylne . Every many can rule an ill wife but he that hes her . Eat measurelie and defie the mediciners . Every man for himself ( quoth the Merteine ) Every man flames the fat sows arse . Experience may teach a fool . Every man wates best where his own shoe binds him . Efter lang mint , never dint . Efter word comes weird . Efter delay comes a lette . F. FAir fowles hes fair feathers . Fair hights makes fools fain . Fools are fain of flitting . Falshood made never a fair hinder end . Freedom is a fair thing . For a lost thing care not . Fool haste is no speed . Fools let for trust . For love of the nurse , mony kisses the bairne . Folly is a bonny dog . Fair words break never bone ; foul words breaks many ane . Foul water slokens fire . Far fought , and dear bought , is good for Ladies . For fault of wise men , fools sit on binks . Fools makes feasts , and wise men eats them . Fools are fain of right nought . Forbid a thing , and that we will do . Follow love and it will flee thee , flee love and it will follow thee . Fegges after peace . Fools should have no chappin sticks . Frindship stands not in one side . Few words sufficeth to a wise-man . Fire is good for the farcie . Fidlers dogs and flies comes to feasts uncalled . Fill fow and had fow makes a stark man . G. GRace is best for the man . Giff gaff [ one gift for another ] makes good friends . Good wine needs not a wispe . Good cheir and good cheap garres many haunt the house . God sends men cold as they have clothes to . Gods help is neirer nor the fair evin . Give never the wolf the wether to keep . Good will should be tane in part of payment . God sends never the mouth but the meat with it . Girn when ye tie , and laugh when ye louse . Go to the Devil and bishop you . Go shoe the geese . God sends meat , and the Devil sends cooks . H. HUnger is good kitchine meat . He that is far from his geir , is neir his skaith . Had I fish , was never good with garlick . He mon have leave to speak that cannot had his tongue . He that lippens to lent plows , his land will ly ley . He rides sicker that fell never . He that will not hear motherhead , shall hear stepmotherhead . He that crabs without cause , should mease without mends . He that may not as he would , mon do as he may . He that spares to speak , spares to speed . He is weil easit that hes ought of his own , when others goes to the meat . He that is welcome , faires weil . He that does ill hates the light . He that speaks the thing he should not , hears the things he would not . He that is evil deemd is half hanged . Help thy self , and God will help thee . He that spends his geir on a whore , hes both shame and skaith . He that forsakes missour , missour forsakes him . Half a tale is enough to a wise man . He that hewes over hie , the spail will fall into his eye . He that eats while he lasts , will be the war while he die . He is a weak horse that may not bear the saidle . He that borrows and bigs , makes feasts and thigs , drinks and is not dry , these three are not thrifty . He is a proud Tod that will not scrape his own hole . He is wise when he is well , can had him sa . He is is poor that God hates . He is wise that is ware in time . He is wise that can make a friend of a foe . Hair and hair , makes the cairles head baire : Hear all parties . He that is redd for windlestraws , should not sleep in lees . He rises over early that is hangit or noon . He is not the fool that the fool is , but he that with the fool deals . He that tholes overcomes . He loves me for little , that hates me for nought . He that hes twa herds , is able to get the third . He is a sairie begger that may not gae by ane mans door . Hall binks are sliddery . He is not the best wright that hewes the maniest speals . He that evil does , never good weines . Hooredome and grace , can never bide in one place . He that compts all costes , will never put plough in the earth . He that slays , shall be slain . He that is ill of his harberie , is good of his way kenning . He that will not when he may , shall not when he wald . Hanging ganges be hap . He is a fool that forgets himself . Happy man , happy cavil . He that comes uncalld , sits unservd . He that comes first to the hill , may sit where he will . He that shames , shall be shent . He gangs early to steal , that cannot say na . He should have a long shafted spoon that sups kail with the Devil . He sits above that deals aikers . He that ought the cow , goes nearest her tail . He is worth na weill that may not byde na wae . He should have a hail pow , that calls his neighbour nik●ienow . He that hes gold may buy land . He that counts without his hoste , counts twise . He that looks not or he loup , will fall or he wit of himself . Haste makes waste . Hulie [ softly ] and fair , men rides far journeys . He that marries a daw [ slut ] eats meikle dirt . He that marries or he be wise , will die or he thrive . Hunting , hawking , and paramours , for ane joy , a hundred displeasures . Hald in geir , helps well . He is twise fain , that sits on a stean . He that does his turn in time , sits half idle . He plaints early , that plaints on his kail . He is good that faild never . Half anuch , is half fill . He is a sairie cook that may not lick his own finger . Hunger is hard in a heal maw . He should wear iron shone that bydes his neighbours deed . Hame , is hamelie . He that is hated of his subjects , cannot be counted a king . Hap and a half-penny , is warlds geir enough . He cals me skabbed , because I will not call him skade . He is blind that eats his marrow , but far blinder that lets him . Have God , and have all . Honesty is na pride . He that fishes afore the net , lang or he fish get . He tint never a cow , that grat for a needle . He that hes na geir to lose , hes shins to pine . He that takes all his geir fra himself , and gives to his bairns , it were weill ward to take a mallet and knock our his brains . He sits full still that hes a riven breech . He that does bidding , deserves na dinging . He that blaws best bears away the horn . He is weill staikit within , that will neither borrow nor len . Hea will gar a deaf man hear . He is fairest dung when his awn wand dings him . He hes wit at will , that with angry heart can hold him still .

Proverbial speeches of persons given to such vices or vertues as follows . Of greedy persons it is said , HE can hide his meat and seek more . He will see day at a little hole . He comes for drink , though drafft be his errand . Of well skilled persons . He was born in August . He sees an inch before his nose . Of willful persons . He is at his wits end . He hears not at that ear . He wald fain be forwart if he wist how . He will not give an inch of his will , for a span of his thrift . Of vousters or new upstarts . His wind shakes no corn . He thinks himself na payes peir . He counts himself worthy meikle myce dirt . Henry Cheike never slew a man until he came to him . Of fleyit persons . His heart is in his hose . He is war frighted nor he is hurt . He looks as the wood were full of thieves . He looks like the laird of pity . He looks like a Lochwhaber axe , Of false persons . He will get credit of a house full of unbored mill-stones . He looks up with the one eye , and down with the other . He can lie as weill as a dog can lick a dish . He lies never but when the holen is green . He bydes as fast as a cat bound with a sacer . He wald gar a man trow that the moon is made of green cheis , or the cat took the heron . Of misnortured persons . He hes a brasen face . He knows not the door be the door bar . He spits on his own blanket . Of unprofitable foolish persons . He harpes ay on ane string . He robs Peter to pay Paul . He rives the kirk to thatch the quier . He wags a wand in the water . He that rides or he be ready , wants some of his geir . Of weillie persons . He can hald the cat to the sun . He kens his oatmeal among other folks kail . He changes for the better . He is not so daft as he pretends him . Of angry persons . He hes pisht on a nettle . He hes not gotten the first seat of the midding the day . He takes pepper in the nose . Of unconstant persons . He is like a widder cock . He hes changed his tippet , or his cloak on the other shoulder . He is like a dog on a cat . His evening song and morning song are not both alike . He is an Aberdeens man , taking his word again . Of persons speaking pertinently . He hes hit the nail on the head . He hes touched him in the quick . Of weasters and divers . He hes not a heal nail to claw him with . He hes not a penny to buy his dog a leaf . He is as poor as Job . He is as bair as the birch at Zule evin . He begs at them that borrowit at him . He hes brought his pack to a fit spead . He is on the ground . His hair grows through his hood . He hes cryed himself diver . Of proud persons . He counts his half-penny good silver . He makes meikle of his painted sheits . He goes away with lifted up head . He answers unspoken to . He hes not that bachell to swear by . Of untymous persons : He is as welcome as water in a rivin ship . He is as welcome as snaw in harvest . Of rash persons : He sets all on sex or sevin . He stumbles at a strea and loupes at a bank . Of ignorant persons . He does as the blind man when he casts his staff . He brings a staff to his own head . He gars his awn wand ding him . He takes after the goat that casts all down at evin . He hes good skill of rosted wooll , when it stinks it is enough . Of effeminate persons : He is John Thomsones man , coutching carle . He wears short hose . Of drankards . His head is full of bees . He may write to his friends . His hand is in the panyer . He is better fed nor nortured . He needs not a cake of bread at all his kin . Of hypocrites . He hes meikle prayer , but little devotion . He runs with the hound and holds with the hair . He hes a face to God , and another to the Devil . He is a wolf in a lambs skin . He breaks my head , and since puts on my hood . He can say , my joy , and think it not . He sleeps as dogs does , when wives sifts meal . He will go to hell for the house profit . I. IT is a sairie brewing , that is not good in the newing . It is tint that is done to child and auld men . Ill weids waxes weill . In some mens aught mon the auld horse die . It is a sooth bourd that men sees wakin . In space comes grace . It is ill to bring out of the flesh that is bred in the bane . Ill win , ill warit . It is a silly flock where the yowe bears the bell . It is a sin to lie on the Devil . It is eith till , that the awn self will . It is good mowes that fills the womb . It is na time to stoup when the head is asf . It is fair in hall , where beards wags all . It will come in an hour that will not come in a year . If thou do na ill , do na ill like . If thou steal not my kail , break not my dyke . If ye may spend meikle , put the more to the fire . If I can get his cairt at a wolter , I shall lend it a put . If I may not keep geese , I shall keep gesline . It is kindly that the poke savour of the herring . It is eith to cry zu●o on another mans cost . like [ each ] a man as he loves , let him send to the cooks . It is eith to swim where the head is holden up . It is well warit they have sorrow that buyes it with their silver . If ane will not , another will . It is ill to take breeches off a bare arse . It is dear bought honey that is lickt off a thorn . If God be with us , wha will be against us . It is weill warit that wasters want geir . It is ill to bring up the thing that is not therein . It that lyes not in your gate , breaks not your shins . It is na play where ane greits , and another laughs . If a man knew what wald be dear , he wald be but merchant for a year . It is true that all men says . I have a good bow , but it is in the castle . It is hard to fling at the brod [ a stick that children use , when they play at penny prick ] or kick at the prick . Ilk man mend ane , and all will be mendit . It is a fairie collope that is tain off a Capone . Ill bairnes are best heard at home . It is ill to wakin sleeping dogs . Ill herds makes fat wolffs . It is hard to wife , and thrive in a year . It is good sleeping in a heal skin . It is not tint that is done to friends . It is ill to draw a strea before an auld cat . It is a paine both to pay and pray . It is good fishing in drumbling waters . It is little of Gods might , to make a poor man a knight . It is good baking without meal . It is a good goose that drops ay . It is not the habite that makes the monk . It is not good to want and to have . It hes neither arse nor elbow . I shall sit on his skirt . It is a bair moore that he goes over and gets not a cow . I shall hold his nose on the grindstone . It goes as meikle in his heart as in his heel . It goes in at the one ear , and out at the other . It is na mair pittie to see a woman greit , nor to see a goose go bare fit . It is weill said , but wha will bell the cat . It is short while seen the louse boore the langelt . I have a sliddrie eill by the tail . It is as meit as a sow to bear a saddle . It is as meit as a thief for the widdie . I wald I had as meikle pepper as he compts himself worthy myse dirt . It will be an ill web to bleitch . I cannot find you baith tales and ears . It is ill to make a blown horn of a tods tail . If ever ye make a lucky pudding I shall eat the prick . It that God will give , the Devil cannot reave . In a good time I say it , in a better I leave it . It 's a silly pack that may not pay the custome . I have seen as light green . It 's a cold coal to blow at . It 's a fair field where all are dung down . It 's a fair dung bairn that dare not greit . I wat where my awn shoe bindes me . If ye wanted me and your meat , ye wald want ane good friend . K. KAme single , kame sair . Kindness comes of will . Kindness will creep where it may not gang . Kindness cannot be bought for geir . Kail spaires bread . Kamesters are ay greasie . Knowledge is eith born about . Kings are out of play . Kings and Bares oft worries their keepers . Kings hes long ears . Kings caff is worth other mens corn . Kindness lies not ay in ane side of the house . L. LIttle intermeddling makes good friends . Long tarrying takes all the thank away . Little good is soon spendit . Lang lean makes hameald cattel . Little wit makes meikle travel . Learn young , learn fair . Like draws to like , and a skabbed horse to an ald dyke . Laith to the bed , laith out of the bed . Little may an ald horse do , if he may not nye . Let them that are cold blow at the coal . Lang standing , and little offering makes a poor prise Love hes na lack . Leave the court , before the court leave thee . Light supper makes long life . Lykit geir is half bought . Lordships changes manners . Light winning makes a heavy purse . Live and let live . Liveless , faultless . Little said , soon mendit . Laith to the drink , and leath fra it . Lightly comes , lightly goes . Last in the bed , best heard . Lata is lang and tedious . Little waits an ill hussie what a dinner holds in . Laddes will be men . Lauch and lay down again . Likelie lies in the myre , and unlikelie goes by it . Let him drink as he hes brewed . Like to die mends not the kirk yard . Luck and a bone voyage . Lang or ye cut Falkland wood with a pen knife . Love me little and love me lang . Let alone makes mony lurdon . Little troubles the eye , but far less the soul . Little kens the wise that sits by the fire , how the wind blows cold in hurle burle swyre . M. MOny yrons in the fire part mon coole . Maidens should be meek until they be married . Men may buy gold over dear . Mony purses holds friends together . Meat and cloath makes the man . Mony hands make light work . Make not twa mews of ane daughter . Meat is good , but mense is better . Mony masters , quoth the frog to the harrow , when every tooth took her a knock . Mint [ offer ] or ye strike . Measure , is treasure . Mony men does lack , that yat wald fain have in their pack . Misterfull folk mon not be mensfull . Many smals makes a great . Maisterie mawes the meadows down . Mony speaks of Robin Hood , that never shot in his bow . Mister makes men of craft . Meikle water runs where the miller sleeps . Meikle mon a good heart endure . Mony cares for meal that hes baking bread enough . Meikle spoken , part mon spill . Messengers should neither be headed nor hanged . Men are blind in their own cause . Mony words wald have meikle drink . Man propons , but God dispons . Mony man serves a thankless master . Mony words fills not the furlot . Mony kinsfolk , but few friends . Men goes over the dyke at the ebbest . Might oftentimes overcomes right . Mends is worth misdeeds . Meikle head , little wit . Mustard after meat . Millers takes ay the best toll with their own hand . Mony man speirs the gate he knows full well . Mussel not the oxens mouth . Meikle hes , wald ay have mair . Money tynes the half mark whinger , for the half-penny thong . Make not meikle of little . Mony man makes an errand to the hall , to bid the Lady good-day . Mony brings the raike , but few the shovell . Make no balkes of good bear land . March whisquer was never a good fisher . Meat and masse never hindred no man . N. NAture passes norture . Na man can baith sup and blaw at once . Nothing enters in a close hand . Need makes vertue . Need hes na law . Neirest the Kirk , farrest fra God . Neirest the King , neirest the widdie . New lords , new laws . Na man may puind for unkindness . Neirest the heart , neirest the mouth . Never rode , never fell . Need gars naked men run , and sorrow gars websters spin . Neir is the kirtle , but neirer is the sark . Nothing is difficile to a well willit man . Na man makes his awn hap . Na reply is best . Nothing comes sooner to light , then that which is long hid . Na man can play the fool sa weill as the wise man . Na penny , na pardon . Na man can seek his marrow in the churne , sa weill as he that hes been in it himself . O. OVer fast , over louse . Of anuch men leaves . Over great familiarity genders despite . Oft compting makes good friends . Over narrow compting culzies na kindness . Out of sight , out of langer . Of twa ills choose the least . Of other mens lether , men takes large whanges . Over jolly dow not . Of the abundance of the heart , the mouth speaks . Of all war , peace is the final end . Of ill debtours , men takes oats . Of need make vertue . Of the earth mon the dyke be builded . Of ane ill , comes many . Over hote over cold . Over heigh , over low . Over meikle of ane thing , is good for nathing . P. PEnny wise , pound fool . Priest and doves makes foul houses . Pride and laziness wald have meikle uphald . Put your hand na farder nor your sleive may reach . Poor men are fain of little thing . Play with your peirs . Pith is good in all plays . Put twa half-pennies in a purse , and they will draw together . Painters and Poets have leave to lie . Possession is worth an ill chartour . Pride will have a fall . Poverty parts good company , and is an enemy to vertue . Put not your hand betwixt the rind and the tree . Poor men they say hes na souls . Patience perforce . Provision in season , makes a rich house . Put that in the next parcel . Peter in , and Paul out . Plenty is na dainty . Puddings and paramours wald be hotelie handlit . Q. QUhair [ where ] the Deer is slain , some bloud will lie . Quhen the eye sees it saw not , the heart will think it thought not . Quhen wine is in , wit is out . Quhen the steed is stowen , shut the stable door . Quhen the Tod preaches , beware of the hens . Quhen the cup is fullest , bear it evinest . Quhat better is the house that the da rises in the morning . Quhen theeves reckons , leall men comes to their geir . Quhen I am dead , make me a cawdle . Quhiles the hawk hes , and whiles he hunger hes . Quhen the craw flees , her tail follows . Quhen the play is best , it is best to leave . Quha may wooe without cost . Quhiles thou , whiles I , so goes the bailleri . Quhen a man is full of lust , his womb is full of leesings Quha may hold that will away . Quhen taylours are true , there little good to shew . Quhen thy neighbours house is on fire , take heed to thy awn . Quhen the iron is hot , it is time to strike . Quhen the belly is full , the bones wald have rest . Quhom God will help , na man can hinder . Quhen all men speaks , na man hears . Quhen the good man is fra hame , the tablecloths tint . Quhair stands your great horse . Quhair the pig breaks , let the shells lie . Quhen friends meets , hearts warmes . Quhen the well is full , it will run over . R. REason bound the man . Ruse [ praise ] the foord as ye find it . Ruse the fair day at evin . Rackless youth , makes a goustie age . Ryme spares na man . Reavers should not be rewers . Rule youth weill , and eild will rule the sell . Rome was not biggit on the first day . S. SIke man , sike master . Seldom rides , tynes the spurs . Shod in the cradle , bairfoot in the stubble . Sike lippes , sike latace . Sike a man as thou wald be , draw thee to sike company . Soothe bourd is na bourd . Seldome lies the Devil dead by the dyke side . Saying goes good cheap . Spit on the stane , it will be wet at the last . Soft fire makes sweet malt . Sorrows gars websters spin . Sturt pays na debt . Sillie bairns are eith to lear . Saw thin , and maw thin . Soon rype , soon rotten . Send and fetch . Self deed , self ha . Shame shall fall them that shame thinks , to do themselves a good turn . Sike father , sike son , &c. Seill comes not while sorrow be gone . Shee s a foule bird that fyles her own nest . Speir at Jock thief my marrow , if I be a leal man . Soon gotten , soon spendit . Sike priest , sike offering . She is a sairie mouse that hes but ane hole . Surfet slays mae nor the sword . Seik your sauce where you get your ail . Sokand seall is best . Sike answer as a man gives , sike will he get . Small winning makes a heavy purse . Shame is past the shedd of your hair . Send him to the sea and he will not get water . Saine [ bless ] you weill fra the Devil and the Lairds bairns . She that takes gifts her self , she sels , and she that gives , does not ells . Shroe the ghast that the house is the war of . Shew me the man , and I shall shew you the law . Swear by your burnt shines . Sairie be your me●l poke , and ay your fist in the nook of it . T. THe mair haste the war speid . Tyde bydes na man . Twa daughters and a back door , are three stark theeves . There was never a cake , but it had a make . There came never a large fart forth of a Wrans arse . Toome [ empty ] bagges rattles . The thing that is trusted , is not forgiven . Take part of the pelf , when the pack is a dealing . Tread on a worm , and she will steir her tail . They are lightly robbed that hes their awn . The Craw thinks her awn bird fairest . There is little to the rake to get after the bissome . They buy good cheap that brings nathing hame . Thraw [ twist ] the wand while it is green . The shooemakers wife is worst shod . The worst warld that ever was , some man wan . They will know by a half-penny if a Priest will take offering . Tyme tryes the truth . The weeds overgaes the corn . Take tyme while time is , for time will away . The piper wants meikle that wants the nether chaps . They are welcome that brings . The langer we live , the mae strange sights we see . There are many soothe words spoken in bourding . There is na thief without a receiver . There is many fair thing full false . There came never ill of a good advisement . There is na man sa deaf , as he that will not hear . There was never a fair word inhicding . The mouth that lyes , slayes the soul . Trot mother , trot father , how can the foal amble . They were never fain that shrugged . Twa wolfs may worrie ane sheep . Twa fools in ane house is over many . The day hes eyne , the night hes ears . The tree falls not at the first straike . The mair ye tramp in a turde , it grows the breader . There is none without a fault . The Devil is a busie Bishop in his awn diocie . There is no friend to a friend in need . There is na fool to an auld fool . Touch a good horse in the back , and he will fling . There is remeid for all things but stark deid . There is na medicine for fear . The weakest goes to the walls . That which hussies spares , cats eats . Thou wilt get na mair of the cat but the skin . There mae madines nor makine . They laugh ay that winnes . Twa wits is better nor ane . They put at the cairt that is ay gangand . Three may keep counsel if twa be away . They are good willie of their horse that hes nane . The mae the merrier , the fewer the better chear . The blind horse is hardiest . There mae ways to the wood nor ane . There is meikle between word and deed . They that speirs meikle , will get wot of part . The less play the better . The mair cost , the mair honour . There is nothing more precious nor time . True love kyths in tyme of need . There are many fair words in the marriage making , but few in the portion paying . The higher up , the greater fall . The mother of mischief is na mair nor a gnat wing . Tarrowing bairns were never fat . There little sap in dry pease hulls . This bolt came never out of your bag . Thy tongue is na slander . Take him up there with his five eggs , and four of them rotten . The next time ye daunce , wit whom ye take by the hand . The goose pan is above the rost . Thy thumb is under my belt . There is a dog in the well . The malt is above the beir . Touch me not on the fair heel . The pigs overgaes the ald swine . Take a man by his word , and a cow by her horn . There meikle hid meat in a goose eye . They had never an ill day that had a good evening . There belongs mair to a bed nor four bair legs . The greatest clarks are not the wisest men . Thou should not tell thy foe when thy fit slides . The grace of god is geir enough . Twa hungry meales makes the third a glutton . This warld will not last ay . The Devil and the Dean begins with a letter , when the Devil hes the Dean , the kirk will be the better . They are as wise that speir not . There is nothing so crouse as a new washen louse . W. WRang hes nea warrand . Will hes that weill is . Well done , soon done . Weapons bodes peace . Wiles helps weak folk . Wishers and walders are poor house halders . Words are but wind , but dunts are the Devil . Wark bears witness wha weill does . Wealth gars wit waver . Weill bydes , weill betydes . Wrang compt , is na payment . Wrang hears , wrang answer gives . With empty hand , na man should hawkes allure . Weill wat s the mouse , the cats out of the house . Well worth aw , that gars the plough draw . We hounds slew the hair , quoth the messoun . Wonder lasts but nine nights in a Town . Women and bairns keeps counsel of that they ken not . Wont beguilt the Lady . Waken not sleeping dogs . We have a craw to pluck . Well good mother daughter . Wood in wilderness , and strength in a fool . Wit in a poor mans head , mosse in a mountain avails nothing . Weils him & wooes him that hes a Bishop in his kin . Use makes perfectness . Unskild mediciners , and horsemarshels , slays both man and beast . What reakes of the seed , where the friendship dow nought . Y. YE will break your crag and your fast alike in his house . Ye strive against the stream . Youth never casts for perrill . Ye seek hot water under cold yce . Ye drive a snail to Rome . Ye ride a bootless errand . Ye seek grace at a graceless face . Ye learn your father to get bairns . Ye may not sit in Rome and strive with the Pope . Youth and age will never agree . Ye may puind for debt , but not for unkindness . Ye breid of the cat , ye wald fain eat fish , but ye have na will to weet your feet . Ye breid of the gouk , ye have not a ryme but ane . Ye should be a king of your word . Ye will get war bodes before Belten . Ye may drink of the bourn , but not byte of the brae . Ye wald do little for God an the Devil were dead . Ye have a ready mouth for a ripe cherry . Ye breid of the millers dog , ye lick your mouth or the pok be open .

Adagia Hebraica . 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 The axe goes to the wood , from whence it borrowed its helve :

It is used against those who are injurious to those from whom they are derived , or from whom they have received their power .

〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 If any say that one of thine ears is the ear of an ass , regard it not : If he say so of them both , procure thy self a bridle .

That is , it is time to arm our selves with patience when we are greatly reproached .

〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 Do not speak of secret matters in a field that is full of little hills .

Because it is possible some body may lie hid there and here what is said .

〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 That city is in a bad case whose Physitian hath the gout . 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 Do not dwell in a city whose governour is a Physitian . 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 A myrtle standing among nettles does notwithstanding retaine the name of a myrtle . 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 i. e. Where there is a man , there do not thou shew thy self a man :

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 .

〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 i. e. At the door of the fold words , within the fold an account .

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 :

〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 i. e. He is pleased with guourds , and his wife with cucumbers .

A Proverb by which is expressed that both the man and his wife are vitious much alike .

〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 i. e. It is not as thy mother sayes , but as thy neighbours Say :

The meaning is that we are not to regard the praises of a near relation , but to listen to what is said by the neighbourhood .

〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 i. e. If the dog bark , go in ; if the bitch bark , go out . 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 i. e. We may not expect a good whelp from an ill dog . 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 i. e. Sichem marries the wife ( viz. Dinah ) and Mifgaeus is circumcised ( i. e. punished . )

Delirant Reges plectuntur Achivi .

〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 A Camel in Media dances in a little cab :

This Proverb is used against those who tell incredible things .

〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 i. e. The Camel going to seek hornes , lost his ears .

Against those who being discontented with what they have , in pursuit of more lose what they once had .

〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 i. e. Many old Camels carry the skins of the young ones to the market . 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 i. e. The great Cab , and the little Cab go down to the grave . 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 i. e. He that hires one garden ( which he is able to look after ) eats birds ; He that hires more then one will be eaten by the birds . 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 i. e. As is the garden such is the gardiner . 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 i. e. If I had not lifted up the stone you had not found the Jewell .

It is used when one man reaps the fruit of the labours of another .

〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 i. e. When the Sun rises , the disease will abate .

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 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 .

〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 i. e. Whoever hath a divided beard , the whole world will not prevaile against him :

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 thoughtfull , they are said to divide .

〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 i. e. Go down the ladder when thou marriest a wife , go up when thou choosest a friend .

The meaning is , that we should not marry a wife above our rank , though we choose such a friend .

〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 i. e. Rather sell then be poor . 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 i. e. He that buys and sells is called a merchant .

This Proverb is used in derision of those who buy and sell to their loss .

〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 i. e. While the dust is on your feet sell what you have bought .

The meaning is that we should sell quickly ( though with light gaines ) that we may trade for more .

〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 i. e. Cast your staff into the aire , and it will fall upon its root , or heavy end .

Naturam expell as furcâ licet usque recurret .

〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 i. e. The wine is the masters , but the goodness of it is the butlers . 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 When an ass climbs a ladder we may find wisdom . in women . 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 i. e. An ass is cold even in the summer solstice .

The meaning is , that some men are so unhappy that nothing will do them good .

〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 i. e. Asinario — Camelarius :

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 how to go forward or backward ; For the Asse will not lead , nor the Camel be driven . It is applicable to him who hath to do with two persons of contrary humors , and knows not how to please both , nor dares he displease either of them .

〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 i. e. They had thought to have put others into a sleeve and they are put in themselves . 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 i. e. The poor man turns his cake and another comes and takes it away . 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 i. e. Open thy purse ( viz. to receive thy money ) and then open thy sack ; i. e. then deliver thy goods . 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 i. e. An hungry dog will eat dung . 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 i. e. If you take away the salt you may throw the flesh to the dogs . 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 i. e. The servant of a King is a king . 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 i. e. Do not dwell in a city where an horse does not neigh , nor a dog bark :

The meaning is that if we would be safe from danger we must not dwell in a city where there is neither horse against an enemy , nor dogs against thieves .

〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 i. e. Make hast when you are purchasing a field ; but when you are to marry a wife , be slow . 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 When the shepheard is angry with his sheep he sends them a blind guide . 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 i. e. In the time of affliction , a vow ; in the time of prosperity an inundation : or a greater increase of wickednes .

The Devil was sick , the Devil a monk would be ; The Devil was well , the Devil a monk was he .

〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 i. e. An old man in an house is a good signe in an house .

Old men are fit to give wise counsel :

〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 i. e. Wo be to him whose advocate becomes his accuser .

This Proverb is accommodable to various purposes : God required propitiatory sacrifices of his people ; when they offered them up , as they should , they did receive their pardon upon it ; But if they offered the blind or lame , &c. they were so far from gaining their pardon , that they increased their guilt : And thus their advocate became their accuser .

〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 i. e. While thy shooe is on thy foot tread upon the thornes . 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 i. e. Your surety wants a surety .

This Proverb is used of an infirm argument that is not sufficient to prove what it is alledged for .

〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 i. e. One bird in the net is better then an hundred flying . 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 i. e. Little and good . 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 i. e. Never cast dirt into that fountain of which thou hast sometime drank .

The meaning is that we should not proudly despise or reproach that person or thing which formerly have been of use to us .

〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 i. e. Do not look upon the vessel , but upon that which it contains . 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 i. e. A lie hath no feet . 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 i. e. One sheep follows another .

So one thief , and any other evil doer , follows the ill example of his companion .

〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 i. e. We never find that a fox dies in the dirt of his own ditch :

The meaning is that men do rarely receive any hurt from the things to which they have accustomed themselves .

〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 i. e. If a word be worth one shekel , silence is worth two .

Nunquam etenim tacuisse nocet , nocet esse locutum .

〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 i. e. If the Ox fall , whet your knife .

The meaning is , we must not let slip the occasion of getting the victory over an Enemy .

〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 i. e. When the Ox falls , there are many that will help to kill him .

The meaning is , that there are many ready to trample upon him that is afflicted .

〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 i. e. We must fall down before a fox in season :

The meaning is that we ought to observe cunning men and give them due respect in their prosperity .

〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 i. e. Choose rather to be the taile of Lions then the head of Foxes . 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 i. e. When the weasil and the cat make a marriage it is a very ill presage .

The meaning is that when evil men , who were formerly at variance , and are of great power , make agreement , it portends 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 .

〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 i. e. In two Cabs of dates there is one Cab of stones and more .

The meaning is that there is much evil mingled with the good which is found in the world .

〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 i. e. If the whole world does not enter yet half of it will .

'T is meant of Calumny and reproach , where many times some part is believed though all be not . Calumniare fortiter , & aliquid adhaerebit .

〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 i. e. He that hath been bitten by a Serpent is afraid of a rope .

The meaning is , he is afraid of any thing that hath the least likeness to a Serpent .

〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 i. e. She playes the whore for apples and then bestows them upon the sick :

This Proverb is used against those who give Almes of what they get unjustly .

〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 i. e. The door that is not opened to him that begs our almes , will be opened to the Physitian . 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 Let but the drunkard alone , and he will fall of himself . 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 i. e. Thou hast dived deep in to the water and hast brought up a potsherd . 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 i. e. If thou hast increased thy water , thou must also increase thy meale .

Thus he that raiseth many objections is obliged to find solutions for them also .

〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 i. e. There is nothing so bad , in which there is not something of good . 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 i. e. He that hath had one of his family hanged , may not say to his neighbour hang up this fish .

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 .

〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 i. e. O thou Nazarite go about , go about and do not come near the Vineyard .

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 .

〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 i. e. Thy secret is thy prisoner , if thou let it go thou art a prisoner to it .

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 revealing 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 thou wouldest have kept as a secret reveale not to thy friend . And they elsewhere say , that He who hath a narrow heart : i. e. but a little wisdom , hath a broad tongue . i. e. Is apt to talk at large .

〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 i. e. The Magician mutters and knows not what he mutters .

This is Proverbially used against those who pray in an unknown Tongue ; or do any thing which they do not understand .

〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 i. e. If thy daughter be marriageable set thy servant free , and give her to him in marriage . 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 i. e. To expect , to expect is worth four hundred drachms .

Zuz is the fourth part of the Sacred Shekel . This Proverb is used to recommend to us the advantage of deliberation in our actions .

〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 i. e. They can find money for mischief , when they can find none to buy Corn. 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 In my own City my Name , in a strange City my Cloaths procure me a respect . 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 i. e. 'T is not a basket of hey but a basket of flesh which will make a lion roar .

That is , it must be flesh and not hey which will give courage and strength to a lion .

〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 i. e. Let thy grandchild buy wax and do not thou trouble thy self . 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 i. e. Pull off the skin in the streets and receive thy wages .

That is , we were better submit to the meanest emploiment then want necessaries .

〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 i. e. One graine of sharp pepper is better then a basket full of guourds .

That is , One wise man , how mean soever is more valuable then many that are unwise .

〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 i. e. As if a man that is killed should come home upon his feet :

This is used proverbially of those things which we give for lost .

These that follow are the sentences of Ben Syra , a man of great fame and antiquity among the Jews . 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 i. e. Honour a Physitian before thou hast need of him :

That is , we must honour God in our health and prospetity that he may be propitious to us in our adversity .

〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 i. e. Thy Child that is no child leave upon the waters and let him swim .

That is , where our Child is not reclaimable by fair means we may not hinder him from condigne punishment .

〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 i. e. Gnaw the bone which is fallen to thy lot :

That is , He that hath an ill wife must patiently beare with her : It may also be applyed to other things .

〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 i. e. Gold must be beaten , and a child scourged . 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 i. e. Be good , and refrain not to be good . 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 i. e. Wo be to the wicked , and wo be to them that cleave to them . Or , to their neighbours that live near them . 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 If we would avoid a mischief we must not be very kind and familiar with an evil man . 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 i. e. Withhold not thine hand from shewing mercy to the poor . 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 i. e. The Bride goes to her marriage bed , but knows not what shall happen to her .

The meaning is , that we ought not confidently to promise 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.

〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 i. e. A nod for a wise man , and a rod for a fool . 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 i. e. He that gives honour to his enemy is like to an Ass . 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 i. e. A little fire burns up a great deal of Corn.

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 . 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 . Jam. 3. 5.

〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 i. e. An old man in an house is a good sign in an house . 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 Spread the table and contention will cease . 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 i. e. If thou must deal , be sure to deal with an honest man . 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 Be not ungratefull to your old friend . 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 Though thou hast never so many Counsellers , yet do not forsake the Counsell of thy own soul . 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 i. e. The day is short , and the work is much .

Ars long a vita brevis .

FINIS .

Books sold by W. Morden Bookseller in Cambridge . DR Henry Mores Philosophicall Collections , Fol. Mystery of Iniquity , Fol. Enchyridion Metaphysicum Lat. 4ᵒ. cum Fig. Enchyridion Ethicum Lat. 8o . Divine Dialogues in 2 Vol. 8o . His Epist. to the 7 Churches with an Antidote against Idolatry 8o . Introductio ad Cartesium , 8o . Observations on Antroposophia Theomagica . Merceri in Job Proverb . Eccles. & Cant. Fol. Cocceius in Prophetas Minor . Fol. Bullialdi Astro . Fol. Origines contra Celsum ; Ejusdem Philocalia , cum Ann. Gulielmi Spenceri , 4ᵒ. G. L. Edit. secund. Scheyneri Fundamenta Optica , 4o . Glissoni de Natura Substantiae , 4o . Cartesii Epistolae , 4o . Causabons Letter against the Royal Society , 4o . Smiths select Discourses , 4o . Enjedini in Vet. & Novum Testament . 4o . Letter of Resol . concerning the chief of Orig. Opinions , 4o . Warrens no Praeexistence , 4o . Godmans Sermon , 4o . Officium Concionatorium , 8o . Epicteti Enchyridion cum Cebetis Tabula . Accesserunt Simplicii & Arriani Comment. G. L. 8o . Gassendi Astronomia , 8o . Billingsly's Idea of Arithmetick , 8o . Rami Logica cum Comment. Amesii , 8o . Ray's Collection of English and Scotch Proverbs , 8o . Templeri Idea Theolog. Leviathanis , 8o . Psalterium Lat. 8o . Gazaei Pia Hilaria . Tomus alter cum Indice Philologico , 12o . Lucretius cum not . Tan. Fabri , 12o . Florus Germanicus , 16o . Dr Templers Sermon at the Bishops Visitation Camb. 1676.