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COLLECTION

OF

MODERN EGYPTIAN PROVERBS

MADE AND TRANSLATED BY
JOSEPH HANKI
WITH AN INTRODUCTION

BY
Major R. H. BROWN late R. EQ

AL-BAIAN PRINTING OFFICE

BAB-EL-HADID CAIRO (EGYPT)

1897
COLLECTION

OF

MODERN EGYPTIAN PROVER

 

BS

MADE AND TRANSLATED BY
JOSEPH HANKI
a
WITH AN INTRODUCTION

BY
Major R. H. BROWN late R. E.

AL-BAIAN PRINTING OFFICE

BAB-EL-HADID CAIRO (EGYPT)

1897
 

ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

 
INTRODUCTION

—So ev oS

« To understand a proverb and the interpretation ;
_the words of the wise and their dark sayings » is a
task that Mr. Joseph Hanki has endeavoured to make
an easy one for others. It is hoped that his labours
may be so far successful as « to give subtlety to the
simple, to the young man knowledge and discretion. »
For proverbs are the fossil records of the teachings
of the accumulated experience of past generations
preserved in a form that out-lives the experience that
formed them. By their universal applicability to all:
times, since man became a «homo sapiens», the
wisdom they embody is attested.

In this collection many old acquaintances are re-
cognised as being older than our acquaintance with
them, and no doubt the origin of many proverbs;
commonly used in the West, is to be traced to the -
East. We find for example among these Arabic pro-
verbs such familiar friends as the following:

« A soft answer turneth away wrath », one of the
Proverbs of Solomon.

« He who digs a pit for his brother will fall into
it himself», also Biblical.
are:

« Necessity is the mother of Invention ».
« Silence gives consent ».

« If speech is silver, silence is golden ».
and

« You cannot make a silk purse out of a sow’s
ear ».

Those Egyptian official gentlemen, with whom I
have had friendly intercourse, I have found to have a
great appreciation for proverbs and epigrams. This I
remarked almost immediately after I came to their
country, for I soon found it necessary to draw atten-
tion to the axiom that onc man cannot serve two
masters. I did not use that expression, but, instead
of doing so, lremarked (through my interpreter) that
there was only one captain’s berth provided in a ship.
To which the gentleman, whom I was trying to im-
press, replied with his own Arab version, (which will
be found in the following collection), « With two pilots
in the boat, it will sink ». I knew then that I was at
least understood; even if I had not carried my ruint.
Whether, in this particular instance, the use of pro-
verbs was welcome, I cannot say; but I learnt after-
wards that, disassociated from any inconvenient ap-
plication, the use of proverbs in conversation seemed
to give pleasure.

How and when proverbs became stereotyped into
their permanent forms is no easy matter to discover.
From « internal evidence» they might be of any age.
=

« Birds of a feather flock together » may have been
true of the Garden of Eden, if more than one species

had been evolved before the garden was closed to the
public. « Those who live in glass houses should not

throw stones » might be supposed to be of less
respectable antiquity than the Crystal Palace, were
the same proverb not to be found in this collection.
There are no accepted proverbs which seem to have
been born in our time or at all recently. Were there
such proverbs for instance as « That which is fittest
has most survivors, « Light wires carry weighty
words », or « The best machines make least noise »,
or « If wheels with a horse be beyond your means,
be content with wheels without one », we could
recognise them as contemporaries. But there are
none «on the list» which bear witness in themselves
of so recent an origin. We must-therefore assume
them all to come down tous from our distant ancestors
and venerate them accordingly.

Mr Hanki has with considerable patience and
trouble made a collection of the proverbs that are
current in Egypt, has translated them and sought
out their nearest Western relations. He has further
explained the meaning and application of each for,
let us hope, the enlightenment of those to whom they
are « dark sayings »., and for « the wise man to hear

and increase learning ». :
Ro fl. BROWN
PREFACE

 

The Arabic proverbs in the following small collection
from the countless numbers that exist are in constant use
in Egypt at the present time: they have been collected
almost entirely in the course of ordinary conversation and
have been literally translated, whenever it has been possible
by so doing to give their meaning: but in all cases their
real spirit and general application have been faithfully ren-
dered, with occasional explanations of the customs which
gave rise to them. They are written in the ordinary col-
loquial Arabic and, whenever an equivalent in English has
been found, it has been given.

No attempt has been made to arrange alphabetically
or to group the proverbs, for an alphabetical arrangement
would be useless to those who do not read Arabic and
grouping them would have ‘brought one proverb “under
several headings and necessitated much repetition.

The compiler can lay no claim to originality in offering
to the public this work, for early in the ‘present century,
Burckhardt translated a collection of Arabic proverbs, but,
as many of these are now obsolete and as many proverbs,
now constantly used are not included in the collection of
the great traveller, it is hoped that the following may be
found acceptable as a modest supplement, the more so as
many of the proverbs in Burckhardt’s collection, which find
a place here, show that their present application is different
to what it was at the time of Burckhardt.

Major R. Hanbury Brown, late R. E., has not only been
so kind as to write an introduction to this work, but he
has also given me many valuable suggestions during its
compilation and subsequently revised it. I am therefore
emboldened with some confidence to submit it to the public.

J. Flange

Cairo, October 1897.
A SELECTION
OF
MODERN EGYPTIAN PROVERBS

 

bly 8 fe Ebley a.

Stretch your legs to the extent of your carpet
(sleeping rug).

« Cut your garment according to your cloth ».

 

Aah) dee Ke er Ay 198

They told the cock to crow. He replied: every-
thing in its time is good. i

Meaning that there is a time for everything. —

 

cols cob does <

Every one has a detractor and an adulator.

 

SF. zh ool be ro ) etl
The lamb came to teach its father how to graze.
« Teach your grandmother to suck eggs ».
a eics

WS pod bb fue dole of ol
If your friend is honey. do not lick him all up.
Meaning that generosity should not be abused.

 

syladl 3p aL

Lending engenders enmity.

 

Capit abl gle AIT
Much goading will teach donkeys to rear.
« Oppression causeth rebellion ».

 

al fag be dey ae I

He who stretches his legs must not hold out his
hand.

Applied to a needy man who gives himself airs.
Sa a e

Sy ao |L dic gyah|

Humility in asking a favor is manly.

 

Aud) or eles of ie last
_. The wise with a wink, and the ignorant with a
kick.

« A word to the wise ».
east Ys

co jie Id Wy al &
In every ruin we find a devil.

Meaning that, wherever we go, there is always some
one to thwart our plans.

A>9) de we plac oak 3!

He who has no servant must wait upon himself.

Jeb Jes: cl x)

Bad news arrives quickly.
« Ill news travels apace ».

ey sledly Jat y giacall

The bird is pluming itself and the hunter is burning
with impatience.

Applied to a man who listens with equanimity to a
demand urged with the greatest’ warmth.

Zl ye Sl ee, Gb EX

A congenial companion is better than a brother.
a ft

{Sh ceo yaa
He who is bitten by a snake is afraid of an end
of rope.

« The burnt child dreads the fire ».

Sal ole 4 yea) tem oe on i

To him who is replete after starvation, pray God
to give firmness of mind.

Meaning that a state of affluence after poverty is liable to
turn the head.

jel as? Ny plat oslse

Rather the enmity of the wise than the friendship
of the ignorant.

pal ce vI it =) \

mip anil Poa svinuede ab bee
The oenoe-taekes re not gain ee by the.

tearing | of his garments.
oF mins ow nade Orlwoo eng hoilqga

« Those who: in :quarrels interpose — binwaret
Must oft expect a bloody nose ».

3

ci eo aps hide ce He Natta BEN
= ap Mle oe OF pees

Who*shuns you,'shuni him. IRIngQMON A
— 12 —

ie ley zlyal
The impudent have their tears always ready.

Applied to one who, being reproached for misconduct,
takes shelter in tears, but more generally said by a man to
his wife.

SN GN Sa Ls

What can the tire-woman make out of a plain’
face.

« A crow is never the whiter for washiny itself
often ».

wd) Pa =) SN be iS)
Like a field of cabbages, all heads.

Said of acompany everyone of which claims to-be the

head. « Yywo\ ay

\ \ \
ee i Sh GI92 Sool

Love and show ‘hate and hide.
—(VIOLN | Sage Ga yp the Og) 1 boosonamos 5H

ANOTSMIUM. SM1B98G FQN

zemmid is bees 4. es é Jel, at Ins 18 10 bis

pi Lat eo -Tolofet 10
“ What can the ‘wind take from. ‘the stone-paving. “48

« Where thiene' isnothing, the king loses nasedpnag ye
as Ges

Shall ofl albl ges lB

Before the mosque is built, the blind have ranged
in a row.

It is the custom in Egypt to distribute alms to the poor,
many of whom are blind, on the completion of a mosque and
sometimes of a house. The proverb is applied to those who
seek their share of the profit on a transaction before it is
completed.

SP Saal

Make yourself obsequious till you gain your end.

eS Set Go eS Ahly oS

[a grandee and you a grandee, who will drive
the donkeys ?

. © There is no accord where everyman would be
a lord ».

He commenced to trade in « Hennah », and mourn-
ings became numerous.

Said of an unlucky man, « Hennah » being used at times
of rejoicings to dye the fingers, toes and nails, to which it im-
parts a deep orange colour: the dye is produced from the
leaves of the « Hennah » tree or Egyptian privet.
ee

elleai oy ches 3 le 3)\Nl

Power is sweet to nurse, bitter to wean.

om oF de Oy 29
A wasp buzzes on a grind-stone.
« You cannot get blood out of a stone ».

Oe ape Gs alo
Like him who blows into a leaky waterskin.
Said of one engaged in a hopeless task.

 

Jae celal! 3 dh glut)

Equality in injustice is justice.

 

daabols ue JE ax up aly Gl
If you see a town worshipping a calf, mow grass
and feed him.
« When at Rome, do as Rome does ».

 

The clever girl spins with the leg of a donkey.

« A good workman does not quarrel with his
tools ».
Better be cupped with an axe than ask a favor
from others.

Intended to convey the idea that torture, such as would be
caused by substituting a blunt instrument for a lancet or razor;
is the less painful of the two alternatives offered.

 

Jel ob Vy Bl ob

The conjecture of the wise, rather than the certi-
tude of the ignorant.

 

ce fe ole ot
The carpenter’s door is always badly hung.

« The cobbler’s wife is always the worst shod ».

me GAs Vy ul cole

Make an enemy of a governor, but not of the
watchman.

Meaning that a man in humble life may be of more service
to you than one in a high position.

fa) Sy dle SUL

Bashfulness in men engenders poverty.
Sih

SANG ay OA be JF J
She who conceives on the oven will give birth in
the « Gorn ».

The Egyptian peasantry sleep, in winter, on the oven
which occupies one end of a room of every peasant’s hut ;

the «Gorn » is an open space generally in the middle of a
village where the corn is threshed and the market held. The

proverb is used to signify that what has taken place secretly
will eventually become known.

all Gy Vb oy salsil

The eye-witness sees what the absent does not see.

The absent has his excuses.

« The absent party is not so faulty ».

ut oe NI 4 Ns) is)

Like the pups of the bitch, even the white one is
impure.

Said of a family or a community of such bad renown, that,

even though one member be not corrupt, it will not be cre-
dited.

4B) a Se) AT
Much laughter dispels gravity.
— 7

GEV ahh oye le
He escapes death and goes mad.

« Out of the frying pan into the fire »

nbs) La Goll pad Uh
When the angels arrive, the devils abscond.

Said facetiously by a guest who, on arriving, sees another
leaving.

Wb Go a te

An evident loss rather than a distant profit.

Repetition will teach the donkey.

« Practice makes perfect »

ob de kag, 2 Mi de je pe orl sy

Like thé son of the captain: a burden on the boat
and a drain on the food.

Said of one who is not only useless, but an encumbrance
at the same time.
= f—

Cad guall ge Motel

The friend who causes you to lose is a true
enemy.

2B BYs ¢ gil day
The egg of to-day and not the hen of to-morrow.

« A bird in the hand is worth twa in the bush »

\ sya
var Wh ad 5 ab
He left the Fair without parched peas.

It is a custom to take parched peas from a Fair in Egypt,
as ginger bread is taken from a country Fair in England.

Said of one who has been baulked in an enterprise and
returns empty-handed.

He whom we call Moses turns out to be Pharoah.

Meaning he whom we supposed to be a good man turned
out to be a villain. « Ibn Faraon », son of Pharoah, or « Gins
Faraon », of the. nature of Pharoah, is used as term of
reproach.
319.

ule alalis ee dil

He who is contented with his lot will live long.

The basket that has two handles can be carried
by two.

The clever thief does not steal from his own street.

dc lets dade Yo €' Ke

Bran constantly rather than fine flour seldom.

« Better be meals many than one too merry ».

id ed v5) or oe a> \e

No one comes from the west and gladdens the
heart.

Formerly applied to merchants from the African Ports of
the Mediterranean and especially to those from Morocco who,

by greater cunning and rapacity, got the better of the Arab
trader.
—

Like a Turkish bath without water.

Said of an assembly in a state of turmoil.

 

te SSI aka Gib

The answer to insolence is silence.

SNS. sl BU

When the cow falls down, knives are plentiful.

« When a man is going downhill, everybody
gives him «a kick ».

we lt he Be ele

A servant who steals rather than a partner who
exacts accounts.

Any \ Aaagacs oles, ole | eo asl de 5\

Tether the mule near the donkey: he will learn
either to «Hee» or to « Haw ».

« He that lives with wolves will learn to howl »
aes

BB bb Sly GE lbs 4 EVI dee oo)
Like an assembly of crows; it begins with a

«Caw» and ends with a « Caw ».

Said derisively of a meeting dispersing without arriving
at any conclusion.

cet oll ale ce oy Ugh JSS Ie

The words of the night are coated with butter ;
as soon as the day shines upon them, they melt
away.

« Words spoken in the evening the wind car-
rieth away ».

eS det le SB gd le Cos! ,

How do you feel to-day ? Like a dog on a mound.

The pariah dogs becoming sick and incapable of defend-
ing themselves seek shelter on the mounds of rubbish outside
the town. Used to express a dismal condition.

Alb \e Aaah) Mola cr

He, who treats you as himself, does you no in-
justice.
ear DO a

Ad cp DSM oy IT oo!

If speech is silver, silence is golden.

When thieves quarrel, the stolen things are visible.

« When rogues fall out, honest men come by
their own ».

adhe lel Sy aly Gal

To the face he is a mirror, and in the neck a thorn.
Said of a back-biter.

Necessity is the mother of invention.

29 > Yl che Yo o9 yall he

The morning of the monkeys and not of the
beardless.

Meaning that itis preferable to meet a monkey the first
thing in the morning, rather than to meet a beardless man. For
in Egypt it is considered unfortunate by most natives, if, upon
leaving the house in the morning, the first person met should
be ugly, one-eyed or beardless. When this happens many will
return and start again.

The monkey is regarded as the spirit of ugliness and the
beardless as the spirit of evil.
=

Npbi at WN lay (AS b Stes

The porter thinks not of God, save when under
the weight of his burden. ,

> gall Je iB plat Lely eM 3 (ws aa

She le‘t her dough in the dough-pan and went to
play on the mandoline.

« The more women look in their glasses, the
less they look to their houses ».

ill oy oned| coe aes

»

His face cuts off the yeast from the house.

Nearly every family in Egypt makes its own bread; there-
fore yeast is a necessity and the lack of it would be a calamity.
The proverb is quoted in speaking of a man of forbidding
appearance.

 

old 3 Sudely ey! 3 og\ all

Enmity is found in relatives and envy in neigh-
bours.

 

ell call ww ro he
Poverty wilhout debt is real wealth.
« He, that gets out of debt, grows rich. »
= 8a os

led IS ay otal Ud Se LN

In a town where you are not known, you may
walk and swing your sleeves.

The sleeves of an Egyptian townsman’s garment usually
extend some inches beyond the hand, and being swung they
give the wearer a swaggering appearance.

cre Gte Vo Colne i

A smooth lie is better than a distorted truth.

Lis) Si) tm Sytey LI! 2b peas Ely

Your friend chews gravel for you and your enemy
counts your faults.

« When love fails we espy all faults. »
asl Al oa S80 Vy al toge

Marry from the sheepfold and not from your rela-
tives.

Quoted to a man about to marry a relative.

Che Gia Et ofa,

He who chatters to you will chatter of you.
Ohh. & 3 ole +!
The beetle in its hole is a sultan.
« Every cock is a king on his own dunghill. »

Je Gel com oly A Geel cite ol

If you love, Jove a moon, andif you steal. steal a
camel.

Do nothing by halves. In the East, a beautiful girl is com-
pared to the moon and a camel is a most valuable animal.

oe IS ss ey

He who likes a thing will mention it often.

deo dey Gael ced JS peel J

He who does not make me as « Kohl» in hisveye.
I would not wear as a slipper.

Kohl is ablack powder commonly composed of the smoke-
black which is produced by burning a kind of « Liban », an
aromatic resin. It 1s used for blackening the edge of the eyelids
and eye-brows of the Egyptian women, as adornment. The
expression used figuratively means that if a neighbour does not
pay the speaker attention the latter will treat the former with
contempt, a slipper being frequently employed as aterm of
reproach. In the streets of Cairo, « you, son of an old slipper »
is constantly heard.
— 6 —

ap SM Bote

Two pilots in the boat it will sink
« Too many cooks spoil the broth, »

 

Je (gant |e gel

The womb does not bring forth an enemy.

 

Be present at the measuring of your corn and it
will increase.

« The master’s eye makes the horse fat. »

 

Ia gtd 5 USL cal Zé 5

Like the old women at a wedding, they eat and
mock. :
Rebuking discontent. Applied to one who, though perhaps

gratified even beyond his expectations, affects to despise what
has been bestowed upon him.

ld eos SV oe I

He who digs a pit for his brother will fall into
it himself.
— 27

J sis C22 Ose! se
When the stomachs are concerned, wits are
missing.
« An empty belly hears nobody. »

Gall gol Jbl gol JB wall lb JA! 138

They said: A camel ascended a minaret. He
said: Here is the camel and there is the minaret
let us see).

Used as a retort to a man who talks of an impossibility.

So ja Ny de Ls

A cat to oneself and not a carmel in partnership.

dele By dele lie

Suffering for an hour but not suffering for every
hour.

« Better eye out than always aching. »

nas Oo 3s Ss —_ ll

The stranger is blind, even though he see.

Said of one newly transferred from his usual ‘occupation
to one in which he is not yet experienced.
je ar) Aas Bnet RY

He who steals an egg will steal a camel.

 

wail GL As OSI GL Gol

Spend what is in your pocket, there will come
what you may not expect.

« Spend and God will send. »

 

BL bly ge sel JB Ol LAY I Ll» oy ob

oak 2 gah ie SB ath Las J loll oy e )
at os ae

A mouse fell from the roof. Said. the cat: May

God guard thee! Replied the mouse; Keep thy dis-
tance and please God [ain in excellent condition.

Quoted by one in misfortune who distrusts false sympathy.

 

A chance meeting is better than an appointment,

yb PLAN Je Go Ub JB 2% sla Lb 1b

They said « Boo» to (.righten) the camel car-
rying the drums. He said: What is this to the thumps
of the drums beaten over head.

A man under a great misfortune is insensible to a smaller
one. ;
=

Gl HS os a
If you are a liar recollect.
« Liars should have good memories. »

 

aid) ad ad GIS Le LI

He who never tasted meat will be contented
with lung.

Ay Mb be pe ab

Every one sleeps on the side which gives him
mest comfort.

« Let every man play his own game. »

 

cle BN pale 5%, JB Side GL! he chy dels
go lb ch

One went to the mosque to say his prayers and
found it closed. He said: So much the better, O
mosque ! but: it comes from you not from me.

Used by one who, when reluctantly resolved upon a good
act, is prevented from carrying it out, much: to his own sa-
tisfaction.

 

re SET oe ual

Little from the miser is much.
ot Af ee

A laugh without motive shows lack of education.
« The loud laugh bespeaks the vacant mind. »

sai ley 6S Sely

Dissipation has passed and reflection has come.

Applied to one who, ina moment of excitement, has
committed an act of folly, and who, upon returning to his
sober senses, is the victim of remorse.

gic Se N, wale Jb Ko fH ae

Take a friend in every town, but not an enemy
in a province.

oul eles dh 5

A pigeon-dung, yet it tries to stem the current.

Running one’s head against a stone wall. »

39 eA! ey
An onion with a friend, is a (roast) lamb.
A modest repast is a feast where friendship prevails.
a e

Sod pb IS J OS

It may be in your mouth, yet it may fall to
others.

« There’s many a slip ’twixt the cup and the lip. »

 

# dels 37 4A o bul

The world is like the dancing girl, it dances
before every one a little.

At an Egyptian feast, the dancing girl dances for a space
before each guest in turn, paying marked attention, in the hope
of obtaining a present. The proverb is quoted by a man to ano-

ther as a token of sympathy in a misfortune that has befallen
him.

 

Spud oye ade b be Sy 22S)

If you wish to learn, do not be bashful in asking
questions. .'

o yall en oy YI Je B

He delivers judgment upon a needle and swallows
a pole.

« He strains at a gnat and swallows a camel. »
— 3fi—

agli aw Vi de Y

No friendship except after cent

ote) 3 a3 Je’

For the rose the thorn is watered.

A worthless fellow is often rendereda.service out of
regard for relatives or connections, as the thorn gets watered
from its growing in proximity to a rose.

Wo SL eal Bb ST suall ols oS”

Everything has a remedy in patience, but for the
lack of patience there is no remedy.

(Le AT baba le
The dreams of the cats ‘are all of mice.

« A lover dreams of his mistress. »

i bi Soe
Like ihe hired donkeys who rej oice at the word
« Woa ».

Applied to a lazy fellow who seats with reluctance and
who,.on the slightest pretext, will leave off working.
leg nad Gad leh a

The hand that you cannot bite kiss.

A tA Sol
rr te ee ae
If you are brothers keep accounts.

« « Short reckonings make long friends. »

Aan call 2, gil el
The name is for the depilatory and the action

for the orpiment.

The depilatory called « Noorah » is often employed in the
Arab baths. It is composed of quick-lime and an eighth part of
orpiment made into a paste which removes superfluous hair
when it is washed off. The proverb is said of one who has’ the
credit whilst another has done the work.

JNA) oS
Silence gives consent.
eas nat Vg tna fees
“An onion for 5 (farthings) or 5 (farthings) for an
onion.

«Sta of the ane and halfa dozen of the other ».
1S Baclae Mh si oe all Gace IN

He whose finger is in the water is not’ like him
whose finger is in the fire. ,

Quoted by one in adversity to a friend who regards his
trouble with equanimity.

o yall ILS Vy sl 31

Avoid the-fault and you will not have to-ask
pardon.

 

Cxinay e de OS sles Cu

The mistress and two slaves for frying two eggs.
« Much ado about nothing. » |

 

ep we wey

To put to death one who renders up his arms is
unlawful.

One who openly confesses should be treated with cle-
mency.

—_—_——.

Solitude is preferable to a bad companion.
ow BS oe

oylats Cd oy Al
Flight is half wisdom.
~ Said half in praise half in ridicule.. ©

« He who fights and runs away
Lives to fight another day: » "+

 

w

A stone-turning is sure to be chipped.

Meaning that a man of dissolute habits is sure someday to
regret it. Also that one constantly doing wrong is sure to be
detected.

Poor and yet he talks much.

 

de AV EA Fab choad et Hace Oe ot

If you have a worthless (friend or servant) do
not part with him for fear of getting a worse.

« Better the ills we know than those we know,
not of. »

lal oles Glut!

The-tongue is: the interpreter of the heart.
_ ie

Nee Gy ily ob clic
You have your own mind, do as you please.

Said to one by his friend who persists in an action, con-
trary to his friend’s warning that ill may come of it.

Who praises the bride, if it be not her mother
and. father ?
« Every potter cracks up his own vessel ».

Calculate upon a south wind and if the north wind
blows it will be a -Godsend,

To ascend the Nile a northerly wind is essential ; in
descending the sail may-be taken in and the barque allowed to
drift with the current. The proverb is used as a recommen-
dation to be prepared for the worst in any transaction, then if
all goes well it will be the more appreciated.

oy le bo dw bate 2
He. “who has ‘(abundance) of. « «henna » », _ may,
stain . his. donkey’s. tail. :

« They that have good- sare of. butter -may Be
some in their shoes ». ;
=A =

le 409 Ns ol> ce

An ounce of power and not a ton of wealth.

St al JJG BU Ad LG 2 ow de ble fe
La psd oi Ji

Goha constructed a water-wheel to draw water
from the river and to pour it back again. They said
to him: What is the advantage of this ? He said: Its
creaking is sufficient for me.

Used to signify the pleasure of possession even though the
thing possessed be useless.

eb Gaually 41> CIS

Falsehood is sickness and truth is health.

ASTM dusye G)

Like the invitation of the (passing) boatmen.

The Nile boatmen, whenever meeting and passing in dif-
ferent directions on the Nile invariably hail and invite each
other to come and eat, a mere custom with no meaning at-
tached to it on either side; hence the expression is quoted
upon receiving a hollow invitation.
Sal Spy Gy bit Ja lhl os5

Like the silly druggist, he, ‘preserves the inser
paper and scatters the gum-mastic. 5

« Penny wise and pound foolish ».

 

The ‘merit belongs to the beginner even if the -
follower does better.

AM b lLLI, sl G

A profit in dirt rather than a loss in musk.

 

ty ne SSH
He gets drowned in a span of water.

Applied to a man incapable of. helping himself or any one
else.

bye eo Vy ob

A dog loose rather than a lion chained.
Me yt be ell EF cals ol
If I lit for you the ten (fingers, as candles), . you
would regard them as if they were in darkness.
« Where there is no love, all are faults ».

og! O29 dean b SI

The dog does not bite the ear of another dog.

An expression much used, and applied to one who defends
his absent friend from the aspersion of the company.

giles gp pti dll

How many in prison are there: unjustly.

Sell Gans le Jer Jo

He who makes himself a camel must not grumble
at the burden.

Said to one who after: boasting of his capacity. grumbles
at the work put upon him.

Catch the cat and she will scratch you.

Said to one who has been rebuffed for his pleasantry
with a cross-grained individual.
Sreal ge Bol

The baboon, in the eyes of its mother, is a
gazelle. an

« Every mother thinks her own goose a swan »

 

The world was not created ina day.

« Rome was not built in a day ».

 

Kia ® geea’ cls wae chs ad Sh.

Wealth brought by the wind is scattered by the
hurricane.

« Easy come easy go ».

 

“ph

Truth is bitter.

i

je cs

His cat is a camel.

« All his geese are swans ».
— ;

lag a abe cl,
He (the matchmaker) went to engage . her (for
another) and he married her.

_ Said of one who being commissioned to arrange a matter
‘transacts the business for his own’ ‘profit.

 

oy \be3\ }s a ylaLl

Loss teaches wisdom.

len yy ‘ya dloeall \

Haste is of the devil.

~  « More haste worse speed ». '

oll fe May Mtl de hal
Catch the halter-rope and it will lead you to
the donkey.

If you want to get at the root of a matter commence
at its origin.

a> Lol Ale +66 was a

- He who destroys a thing should repair it.
2

Gije b Lh

The reed-player of (your own) street’ does. not
charm.

“« No one isa prophet in his own country ie
dale als le abet Call ade Fol ra

I was about to call God's wrath upon him when
I saw the wall leaning towards him. a 13

Used to signify that it is not worth while to seek to injure
a man already on the brink of destruction.

 

plat Le Jluts ell coo sl 13

If you ‘would be obeyed ask what is feasible.

 

wel ctl Coles en! giz JA.
He tells the thief to steal and ihe -owner: of the
house to beware. eR

« To hunt with the hounds and run with the
hare ». as ch

——

Aly Ala

Money is a salve.
0S Ney El pydl ob ae

Take me by the hand to-day and I will take ~
you by the leg to-morrow.

Used to express that:for a small service rendered, a greater
will be returned.

 

osah| oe all Cae LS

Before buying the cow he built the manger.

« Do not count your chickens before they are
hatched ».

 

BE > go be dily SB opt acl ye ho b chek $l
Sl So

_ They said: oh lucky cock. From the white to the
red (hen). He replied: By God, what is all this to
the drawing of the knife.

A man envies his friend his good fortune without consi-
dering that there may be drawbacks to his position.

de dl dle Coll oll

As long as the head is well the body is well.

_« When the head acheth all the body. is the
orse ». SETS Ey :
Bye sles A ie Ol

If there is no: accord, better to separate.

 

SG GA ae Shel

Men, when they desire a thing, become ‘like
women.
In the East, a woman is supposed to lead a life of subser-

viency, hence a man is likened to a women when he becomes
subservient.

 

weliéen vit

Too many reproaches beget animosity.

 

let oy OLS ub )

The head of the lazy is the house of the devil.

« Satan fnds sone mischief still for idle hands.
to. do ».

 

“ple aslo oy onl eos Adon §

An ugiy woman fruitful rather than .a--pretty.
woman sterile. -
Ae

tle de fy pas be ob 4

He who has. a back (to protect him) will not be
struck in his stomach.

A man menaced with a blow in the stomach which would
be serious, if not fatal but for the interposition of a friend’s
back upon which the blow falls. The proverb means that one
in trouble, if powerfully protected, need not fear tor his
position.

ie, uN. Be at bees 3 th

The donkey has a sound in his head; he is
uneasy till rid of it.

« Every ass loves to hear himself bray ».

diac 3 ghlas ds 3 9 2
He beats me in a procession and makes peace
with me ina bye-way.

Applied commonly to one who is insolent when many are
about, counting on their interposition, but humble’ when
alone and unaided.

dla ge gto Vy stall Le ga0 ll

A- thousand‘ enemies without the. house und Mh
one within. ;
—.46 —

HLS ey KL

_ It-is not every time that the pitcher is* saved.

« The pitcher that goes often to the well comes
home broken at last ».

oh joa) als Sy

I gave him a ride Behind me and he put his
shand in the saddle-bags.

Ingratitude. Returning evil for good.

JIL Canad Galt

Fairness is half the beauty.

 

ad] Sdente «gall dye
Like is attracted by like. _
« Birds of a feather flock together ».

 

fi jam je Ve dey be
The shadow of a man and not the. shadow of a
wall.

An expression used to induce a girl to get married.
— 47 —

Shed oll ptt JL ok Jw UI

He. who covets wealth without means, is like him
who would carry water in a sieve.

 

L229 Lae etl 65

Like the play of the donkeys. biting and kicking.

« Jest with an ass and he will flap you in the
face with his tail ».

3 wo ib yl Jb abil ee de gv ly one Je yl \ Sls

They told the mouse to take a guinea and walk
on the moustaches of the cat. He said: the pay is
good, but the path is troublesome.

The reply of a man to whom a proposition is made in-
volving too much risk.

Se ee eeeneaeenemeeaneeel

Byebls & lb| che Amit © yeanl Alles SM

What the brunette gains, she spends in cos-
metics.

« Fair faces need no paint »
Bath llr abs JG

A right with a claimant does not die out.

lal gy ASI

Profit emboldens the heart.

jel el gus aldy-ey. Us e °

It is but a day and a night and the pilgrims. ca-
ravan will arrive at Romela.

Romela (Menshiyah nowadays), situated at the foot of the
Citadel of Cairo, is the starting place of the Mahmal or Holy
carpet for Mecca and where this carpet is brought after
covering the prophet’s tomb at Mecca for a year. The saying is
commonly used to council patience. A day and a night only
and the long wearisome journey will have come to an end.

Chl ip Ue gen lag be ih al

What you do not much care for, you may en-
trust to your step-father.

Divorces in Egypt not being unfrequent, the husband of
the mother is most likely not the child’s father, and as gene-
rally happens, there is no love lost between them. Quoted as a
reproach to one who, from indifference, has not carried out
what was entrusted to him.
— 49 —

Dress the reed and it will resemble a bride.

« Fine feathers make fine birds ».

 

ghee . a8les »

Poverty and anger do not agree.

 

Erect of stature and not a bean in his pocket.
« Poor but proud ».

 

Oh my aunt, your bread is so sweet! She said: It
is my bad luck, oh daughter of my sister.

Applied to one who thrusts himself where he is not
welcome.

Ae ee) a LA Gah ce

Throw mud upon a.wall; if it does not stick, it
will leaye a mark.
— 15)

As we Ny aw oul
Walk for a year and cross not a water-course.
« Better go round than fall into the ditch ».

Do not feed me with a fat hen and make me
sleep uneasily.

‘Said by a wife to her husband who, though providing
for her creature comforts, is otherwise indifferent. It is also
applied to an employer who, though liberal as to payment,
abuses his servant.

ean l ls
* Every dog that barks does not bite.
osldl jbo ole3

The walls are the registers of fools.
« White walls are fools writing paper ».

Jans bone SI ys

A dog’s tail is never straight.

Applied to one whose misconduct is invariable.
a

<2 ee oe

A live dog better than a dead lion.

 

ail SS a 210

A mild word turns away wrath.

« A soft answer turneth away wrath ».
Proverbs XV. —I.

Gals IB Ue Gas leas Dadi El Jib ath Gls WN
Adee Vl Els 5
Who has seen it? One answered: Would to God

whoever saw it may be slain by it. He (the questioner)
said: How did you know it was a knife.

Said to one who, out of his own mouth, convicts himself.

 

Se ¢ I ace th daze |

Every knot has an unraveller in God.

 

ll heb fadly Ue Os

The words are those of the wise; the deeds: are
those of devils.
he

Ov gle> as tls gly OxBd> 39 Gatly Saal
Dine and recline if for two minutes; sup and”

walk if for two paces.

« After dinner sit a while :
After supper walk a mile. »

 

die ogy 49 Ane

He has his eyes upon it and yet he spits upon it.

Said of one who covets a thing whilst affecting to
despise it.

 

(Dle of Olshyds
Take your news from the little ones.

« What the children hear at home soon Mes
abroad ».

 

ola) Ss de 392 uo
Wuo seeks,a thing findsjit.

fate le See Ao le

Who is without shame will do as he likes -
(without regard to others).

 
des Vb gy by BSS as S22 Let ye b Oo)

When an «Ardab» (of corn) which does’ not, be-
long to you is measured do not be present, for * ‘your
beard will be dusty and you may have to carry it.

Do not interfere in what does not concern you, for it
may get you into trouble.

An « Ardeb » is equivalent, very nearly, to five English
bushels.

Elet ye be il
Who does not know you ignores you.

Said in excuse to one who had been harshly treated
before his identity became known.

“Ak oy» Gogh dl
Who does not see through the sieve is blind.

« There are none so blind as those who will
not see ».

 

a2 VI Je

_ Nobody is , perfect save Mohamed.

Used by a Mohamedan in reply to a friend’s censure
upon his pet vice.
bl a SF al Si fl

What the hand possesses palls upon the soul.

« Possession begets satiety »

 

Ass 3 as JaPats le Ja

Instead of deceiving him tell him to his. face.

sl se ox oe

Far from the sight, far from the heart.
« Out of sight out of mind ».

3 le Olas NY daw Lis

A «Kirat» of luck and not a « feddan » of ability.
A «kirat» is a very small patch of ground, a «feddan»

is approximately equal to an acre. The proverb is applied to
one who invariably succeeds although seemingly déveid: of:
intelligence.

F 6 * oy ca

Take from your debtor even a stone.

.
365 MY Gl cas b
Who gains in the market extols it.

_« Let every man praise the bridge he goes over ».

cole sae Jb | é Ge Syl

What has your father left you? He replied a
he-goat and it died.

- A company of friénds sat down to eat. One of them
asked another, not the most intelligent of the party, what he
had inherited: whereupon he narrated a long story which
was not finished till the last dish was brought ; then, seeking
to avenge himself, he asked the same question of another
who replied briefly as above, in order not to lose his share
of the repast. Hence the proverb is frequently used to denote
reluctance to being questioned.

Ssbebl oll tary LSI Ge ee dl

' He whose house is of glass must not throw stones
at, others.

Polges palsy o o aug ls cy ope

A hair from here, a hair from there, will make
a beard.

« Many a mickle makes a muckle ».
— B—

alee SLI sl b 3B dull oe Che awle zh

O my daughter! Iam anxious for you on account
of his family. She repliéd; O my mother, I have my
tongue.

Maternal solicitude on the eve of a daughter's niarriage.

One about to transact business with an lastute person, on
being warned by his friend to be careful, quotes: the proverb
to indicate‘that he considers himself equal to the occasion.

 

Glog Ub glad! od glhok iG

Speak cautiously, for walls have ears.

cnbey pal 58
Falsehood has no legs.

« A liar cannot escape detection ».
lale US le
In «kohling» her (eyes) he blinded her.

In rendering a service he unintentionally did an injury.

vey be otal sl aI
One hand cannot applaud.
Need of cooperation.
ctl lab) 5 j01 ley be
- When engaged ‘she was coy, when freed she re-
pented.

An offer not appreciated till withdrawn.

cob Glo ht al
A well of sweet water is always empty.

Applied to one whose generosity: leaves him frequently
penniless.

old Gb babs Sl

What is in his heart is on the tip of his tongue.

Applied to one whose natiiral candour obliges him to give
utterance to his thought.

Bay ode é2\ Ane Jt us Mot ey
Close the door from which comes the draught,
and be tranquil. ,

Get rid of the source of your discomfort and make no
more ado about it. ie
ol pl choy esl ¢
Follow the owl, it will lead you to a ruin.
Illustrative of the evil. of bad company.

 

The white coins will serve in the black day.
The-results of economy will be serviceable in adversity.

pisces S> 3p enill cl be se
After he went to the tomb (i. e. died), you find
that he had sugar in his mouth.

Said to one who, after having broken with his friend,
discovers his merits.

oyle | cp ale b L S es
The words are (addressed) to you, oh neighbour,
only you are a she-ass.

Quoted to one who pretends not to understand: remarks
made against him.

 

A ty Atk, G29

Stop one ear with mud-and the other with paste.
An advice to pay no attention to disagreeable remarks.
egclis Gb de de 5
His anger is at the tip of his nose. ~ -
Said of a quick tempered man.

= rae) be oth
‘Two blows on the head will hurt.

One misfortune may be supportable, but two over whelm-
ing.

Jeo f GAS LS dee

A blow on the purse of another is like a blow on
a sand-hill.

Any thing that does not affect oneself is easy to bear.

fae Mss a ih a

. He who receives the blows is not like him who
counts them.

 

A witness, however sympathetic, cannot feel like the
sufferer.

Sle pd Ghib
From knocking till Good-bye.
Signifying from beginning to end.
ale gel ey Gall ile

Be patient with your mischievous neighbour ; he
“may either quit or get the plague.

Said to one who is annoyed by another whom time tay
some day remove in one way or another.

 

«oth Ul gol thea, Saal eeall Uh Noe fo oth wg
A mosquito slept on a tree. In the morning: she
said to the tree: take care I am going to fly.

Applied to one who thinks his most trivial action is of
mportance to others.

as te ee Gal Jol
The foot treads where you love.

Meaning that a person frequents only the abode of one for
whom he has love and esteem.

 

oe IS Sa
- BOP pe as asi a ifn ee
Of that whith costs (me) nothing give (me) ) plenty.

Said 40 one who takes to excess that which he gets for
nothing.
oH

ol 6) PS Mob pyr JS

Before they see him, they say he is.as handsome
as his father. _

Said of a child not yet born. Generally applied to those
who laud.one before acquaintances.”

Older than you by a aie wiser ian you by a
“year. - ‘

i

LEZ ge BALE Sy SLE b U8

They said: O Goha, the wife of your father loves
you. He replied: She is gone mad ‘then.

The ill will of the step-mother is generally acknowledged.

Odes dosad Alt es)

Like the female-singer who gives herself airs in
the client’s house.

The principal singers in Egypt know that their services
at a feast are indispensable and they. give themselves great airs
in‘cOnsequence, and the proverb is-quoted to one who, in

return for. the hospitality he receives, makes nuaeeL dis-
agreeable.
— 62:—

ab ILI G2 JL

Ask from the ee rather ‘than :.from: the
physician. — ae Olathe

Intended to. convey. the dehy at prattivap knowledge is‘
better than theory.

PMA CLP est
* Do not’ rejoice over him “who | goes, before’ ‘you | see

him who comes.

However objectionable may be the one who is leaving,
he may be succeeded by one more objectionable still.

al) NAN gel Th SB IE bg! ELL Sel

‘When were your happiest days, oh Goha? ee re-
plied: when I filled my cap with earth: '

The children of poor people wear white cotton caps ahd
they amuse themselves by filling them with earth, as children :
in the West amuse themselves by making mud pies. ‘ <=

(One cried). The - news for a "farthing! Another
answered : to-morrow it will be: for nothing. :

Quoted to one unwilling to impart information whith
must sooner or later be made public. : BG ;
=) Ca

cer call gsiadl

The old ferryman is blessed.
'- Frequently used in reference to a chief who has retired,
he ee suecééded by one still more exacting.

 

ol Jae Ns sa ly

The oppression of the Turks rather than the justice « :

of the Arabs.

absg ib yo Guy aba Jb

They said to the cat: your excrement is a neIneUys
She made-a hole and buried it.

Quoted to one who will not render a service, enough
having the means of doing so.

 

Ly Blige LI8 las 5 JB LC Ile GS alam gall Lgl
Vode AW oye kB IB Sas

They told the Qadi: A dog has defiled the wall.
The Qadi said: Knock it down. But said they: it is
the division wall between you and us. Oh! replied
the Qadi ::a little water then will purify it.

' ., Self-interest modifying one’s views..
doles. ol bi

I have baked him and kneaded him.
Referring to one known intimately to you.

 

‘If the name had to be beught, the Fellah would

name his son « dirt ».
Showing. the thrift of the Egyptian peasant.

Say ge Si RL

Your insulter is he who brings you the report.

« He who repeats the ill he hears of another is
the true slanderer ». e

1 add ele o> Jie vu oe crake! oe

’ The lupins of Embabeh are better than almonds :
He said: (oh no!) That is but a consolation for the
poor (who cannot afford buying almonds).

The lupins of Embabeh, a village opposite Cairo, ‘on the
West bank of the Nile, are famous throughout Egypt, but they
are not of course to be compared to almonds, and the proverb
is quoted by one who endeavours to content himself with what
is within his means. .
etl US» 5 ra <

To Abu-Zeid’s there are many paths.
« All roads lead to Rome ».

a> cary lag) ls 25| o>

She went to revenge her father and returned
pregnant.

Said of a person who goes to quarrel with somebody but
ends by becoming his friend.

oll IL aS

If there were no fault, there would be no pardon.

Quoted to one who hesitates in accepting a proferred
excuse for an offence.

lag Z ab che Vaaasl 13) 9K
Three, if united against a village, will ruin it.

Referring to the power of combination for evil as well
as for good.

acal Ja C4 Sled ad

The bad boy is a curse to his parents.
The unlucky and the hopeless have inet.
A saying, often addressed in fun to two friends when found

together by an acquaintance.
Cnet Plow Ig le cyatitte |e

Naked and shivering, yet with the price of their
supper they bought jasmin.

Said of those who spend their money foolishly.

be Aal- uw tt ae e

Everything ails him except his swallow.

Said of one who shams sickness.

yy a te Co gl fl

He who has no friend has God.
Said by one in need of assistance.

 

A al b>

We thought there was a saint under the dome.

A dome indicates the burying place of a « Sheikh» or
holy man and the proverb is quoted by one who has been
misled by externals.
— 67 —

aye Bl de £1

Cover this news with an earthenware vessel.

Used by one who has made a communication to his friend
and wishes to enjoin secrecy.

GAs DU Wole bk Oy

Die, oh donkey, till the fodder arrives.

One seeking help and being put off for a period, quotes
the above, meaning that he will have to suffer in the mean-
time.

NI Se By Lew otal ol S)
Like the lamb that bleats with the teat in its

mouth.

Applied to one constantly grumbling without reason.

Shine fat Le thle oye
The yeast of your neighbour will not make your
bread rise.

Quoted to one who would count upon others ton what he
should do for himself,
Mail 4, EL’ OS 5!

If you have wind in your sail shake it out.
A scornful reply to an idle threat.

 

eg \b 2a il sl te s4>\s \

No one upon the mond who has not seen a
(happy) day.

Women of the lowest class or of bad repute in Cairo were
obliged to dwell upon the rubbish mounds near the town,and
the above is quoted to indicate however miserable any one’s
present position may be, he must have spent some happy
days.

 

le LAS dally 2 ool

Their beards have grown white and yet wisdom
has not yet come to them.

Applied tu one to whom | time and experience bring no
knowledge.

cag th LN

The Sultan is vilified in his absence.

Said to appease one who complains. that. ial his abe
sence he has been ill spoken.of. ar
re Le cy one (Sa iz oe Jl

He who has a_lame donkey is better off than he
who has none.

The donkey being almost universally employed by the
Egyptian peasants as a means of locomotion and transport, no
one will walk from one village to another who possesses even
a maimed animal.

wi del basil

Little drops will not fill a water skin.

Said in reply to an exhortation to be saving on small
means.

Good have we not done, whence comes this evil,

A reflection on the tendency to return evil for good.

SW eb diag ¥ oply delay \e J

Him whom his father and mother have not edu-
cated, the days and nights will educate.

Said of one who, not having had his faults corrected by his
parents, will learn by experience.

'
es
as as

Silo ob Je tbe be Kol

If your neighbour dislikes you, change your ‘en-
trance.

os eels le Aa

The heart cannot hold two.

45d) Bb Sy89 ase ay, Sly ail
Like the bug that produces a hundred daily and
exclaims: oh lack of offspring.

Said of a mother of many children still desirous of more.
Also of one who is never satisfied whatever he is granted.

 

ea”. ode ls ole oe yh je

A camel is lying down from iilness. They said:
put a burden upon him and he will rise.

Said ironically by one already over-hurthened with work,
at a fresh demand upon his endurance.

Vet Sw o dae die SN

He who ties a knot can undo it.

Said to an official who has so wantonly complicated an,
affair that he only can unravel it.
eM,

dab OF cp quel dais 45

Every sleep and yawn is better than attending a
marriage of Tita.

Tita is said to have been a rich Copt and renowned for
the splendour of the festivities he gave on the marriages of his
children, and the proverb is quoted in reply to an invitation
which would be inconvenient to accept.

cle SLI de lel ye tel ob

When your lot falls from heaven. the match-
maker is struck with blindness.

Said to console one who has married a plain bride, the
match-maker having represented her as lovely.

age) SIT Co guell LAL

For ‘worm-eaten grain a one-eyed measurer.

_ Applied to two friends whose mutual defects seem to ren-
‘der them suited to each other.

They asked the mule: who is your father? He
said: my uncle is a horse.

- Applied to one who by giving an indirect answer, avoids
committing himself.
Ned bw Silas es MM

What you can ford yourself may drown others.

A difficulty that you may easily surmount may prove fatal
to another.

oF pat jy Joy ae 4 ton

A kite mail become Sinnanes for a crow. They
said: they would fly away | together.

Quoted to a man without means wishing to guarantee
another penniless man.

oh pd er

The untidy girl rejoices in the days of mourning.

It is the custom, among the lower classes, to cover the
head and smear the face with mud or ashes when mourning.
On such occasions, therefore, the habitual slut is not to be
distinguished from others.

A My oy ost

The funeral is sad, yet the dead is a dog.

Said of a worthless person or thing which is not worth
making a fuss about.

10
pe BB ee

ely vy 3 aclu S LL ab S)

‘Like the towel of a (public Turkish) bath, évery
hour it girdles a different man’s waist..

Said of a Mohammedan woman who has been often di-
vorced.

Sle Je 2all goa SW ea, dle de dl ly b

Oh you who have taken a monkey for his wealth,
the wealth will disappear and the. monkey remain
as before.

Quoted to a man who would marry for money, neglecting
beauty and accomplishments.

Ola! de er Up ObsLI Ly Shag de

After sleeping with the goats, you have now a
window overlooking the neighbours.

Said to one who has risen from extreme poverty to
affluence.

42 » le acm ate Y a ay

He who taiks about what does-not concern ‘him
will hear what does not please him. .. :

wt
lp call pal

Beating the dead is a sin.

Meaning it is useless to reproach a man with no feelings.
Also useless to seek. payment from a penniless man.

Of him who gets angry we will skin the face.

. Often used by one friend to another who is beginning to
lose his temper at a remark made by a third person present.

eM pad JB Ga Ge Aspe Gal Jb

What prevents you from dancing? He replied :
The shortness of the sleeves.

Said by one who, wishing to embark upon an enterprise
or speculation, is prevented from want of means.

He whom you know is better than he whom you
do not know.

Quoted to recommend forbearance in cases where someone
wishes to dismiss a servant.for anew one. _
— ee

SU de S86 4 fall ll aL Glee bee

We were prepared for the serpent but gave no
thought to the scorpion.

We were’ prepared for the palpable but not for the hidden
danger.

 

calle Si lel sid 138

They told the thief to swear: He said (to him-
self): Liberation is approaching.

Said by one in trouble and who will hesitate at nothing
in order to get out of the difficulty.

One 48 rN ele

The desire of a blind-man is for a basketful of
eyes.

The reply of one who is offered what he has a great desire
for.

tbls gt! AAS Ot) bl

Do not deal with the mad and donot let the
mad deal with you.

That is, have no dealings with rogues.
col a U cen Lal

Beat the innocent until the suspected confesses.

Used to imply that cunning and duplicity are essential for
a man to arrive at the truth.

rile 4 2
A blow from him and th> grave.

Applied to a man of a ferocious character: also to an
usurer whose rates of interest are killing.

by Up atallew pial
Under every down-hanging head dwell a thou-

sand mischiefs.

The habit of bending the head in token of servility is
taken as a sign of evil design.

Choy se Gna S945! Gee

Give hospitality to a Bedwin and he will steal
your garment.

Said as a caution against entertaining the worthléss. -
—_-W=-

Sy cp OS B94 all Ab AN ow OS ze” A

- Pinching.is enmity even from a silver finger’ and
biting is affection even from a dog’s mouth.

hl t- M28 Joe

Him who makes himself bran, the swine will eat

He who does not maintain his position will not be
respected.

call Ugh SIS le ab G2)

The wolf will not attack the lamb of the bleat-
ing sheep.
Generally applied to one who escaped mishap (such as

the loss of his post) by the importunities of his relatives or
friends.

Gal By Woy tp Sa be ASTM 5

Like the sailors who only pray when about to
be wrecked. ?

“Quoted to, one who, in his prosperity, was arrogant :
misfortune arising he abases himself to those he fprensely
neglected. .

avsiaat mar eS . co

SS ay Ss eats
|

Z ond cr lal \J ol oy)! cp d oscli key

We went to help him to bury his father; he left
his spade and. went away. : ‘

- Said of.one who induces his friend to participate in “his
difficulty and then leaves him in the lurch,

 

oe GA ol

A spark may burn a street.

 

2d Be Bh

He finds bone in, lung.

Lung is eaten by the poorer classes in the towns and the
proverb is applied to a man proverbially unlucky. ‘°°:

Mes oy ze i call oy 1b 24 fas Nt

They came to milk a she-monkey. She drew back
coyly. They said: Let the milk that. comes from, one
with your face ‘go to the devil.

A favor granted ungraciously i is sea di with aversion or:
rejected with scorn. ‘ eee:
ii

USGI de dle SUM

Confusion is a sign of guilt.

Applied to one under interrogation whose answers are
given with hesitation. Also to a Government scribe who un-
necessarily prolongs and complicates a simple matter for the
purpose of obtaining a present.

 

Gree ye tn Geb BE det et Je

Oh Goha. A thief is in your house. He said: Is he
not far from my trunk ?

Said by one who, so long as that which belongs to him, is
not touched, is indifferent as to what may occur to the pro-
perty of others.

Sale > cis 2

Moonlight and oil (together) are the ruin of a
house.

« Burning the candle at both ends »

otl ay oy cyt

A drink outside will save the pitcher.

As water is carried in pitchers by women from the Nile
or a Canal frequently at a distance from their village, this
saying is used to inculcate forethought.
dlany ye Dell com os al ole 6)
Like the donkey of the dancing-girl, on hearing
the drum it wags its hind quarters.

The « Ghaziah » or dancing-girl is nearly always accom-
panied by a small donkey used for carrying the instruments
and it sometimes performs to the sound of the « Darabokka »

or drum. The proverb is used to signify that habit becomes a
second nature.

Say} Vi chee cent le

Nothing wipes your tears away but your own
hand.

Self-dependence.

Col STY, GL

Affability rather than eating bread.

« It is a sin against hospitality to open your
door and shut up your countenance ».

CooNsl dst sib at Sel

I tell you he is a eunuch, you ask me how many
children he has.

Quoted to one who makes an irrelevant reply.

rv
— Sf

bs 448 SLY ob de

At the door ofa deaf man you may knock as
long as you like.

Said to one who has vainly sant a service from a noto-
riously indolent or effete person.

Saw bad bb col I) we ct ag

If you owe a dog anything, call him « Sir».

 

AIF O39 CY AP ag tla \.

A silk purse cannot be made out of a sow’s ear.

Learn politeness from the impolite.
« Learn wisdom by the follies of others ».

Be tb 2 ‘
dol 79 OF oye cyarl dol » fall Je day ST
All sleep on the clods with ‘comfort is better thaw

on.a: pillow and mattress.

Poverty with tranquillity rather than riches with
anxiety:
— 92

agile) el Gald} cys onsel ciall cal!

He who owes for bread excuse him,
_. He who owes for meat: (also) beat him.

Quoted by one in reply to a reproach upon his imdebted-
ness to show that he has incurred no debt upon luxuries.

SS pe Me
Dearness, yet false measure:

_ Generally said toa merchant who charges exorbitantly
and at the same time endeavours to cheat.

Rather shortsight than blindness.

_ « Half a loaf is better than no bread ».
: ads JAN AS,
The knife of relatives is blunt.

Applied in the same sense as « Blood is thicker than
water ».

 

(2s OS Gan ES i

If you are ugly, be winsome.
— 83 —

CE: SF 4> (5)

Like a snake under the straw.

Bearing the same significance as the English «Like a
snake in the grass ».

ANA 9 Vy Hyde os
Show your reason rather than be thought avari-

cious.

It is better to avow your inability to comply with a
request than be thought mean.

 

ae gill

The collector is (always) hated.

Especially so in Egypt, as it is obligatory for a new tenant
on his first arrival to pay the amount of a month’s rent in ad-
vance to the rent-collector upon the delivery of they key of the
house or flat. This demand is called « Muftahiah » or key-tax-

pb,» Bll gd ob

The naked in a caravan enjoys tranquillity.

Having nothing to lose, he need not concern himself about
robbers during the journey.

« The beggar may sing before the thief ».
on oe

os GLY cea cal Ab

A lenient demand destroys a strong right.

« When the demand is a jest, the fittest answer
is a scoff ».

Ae hg es tle

She went hungry to bed, though her husband is
a baker. -

Applied in cases of needless suffering.

 

res psfll tle

Frequent the suspected you will be suspected.
« A man is known by the company he keeps »

 

Gb SA

The ox that is ploughing is not to be muzzled.

« Thou shalt not muzsle the ox that treadeth
out the corn ». Scrip. ‘

 

do gy ©

Everything forbidden is sweet.
« Forbidden fruit is sweet ».
= Sm

Spl bl JB od be od ne

They invited’ an ox' ‘fo a wedding. He’ said: Is it
to. turn the water-wheel or the mill.

Said by one who suspects that he is to be entertained for
an ulterior motive.

Ol ty Gm Obl

Tle flies know the face of the milkman.
Said of one who knows where to go for what he wants.

BALES

Like the Maltese, the older he grows the madder
he becomes. "A

Said of a man or boy who does not grow wiser as he
grows older. a

Opal de Ela? coll Coy
" Kissing the hands is lauglting at the beards.

Said of aman who flatters another to get something by
him. ‘ eRe 5A
ea Gb JB ashe othe
Your mother-in-law is quarrelsome. He ‘said :

Divorce her daughter.
Meaning that there is always a way out of a difficulty.
eo d>!99 bo daw ol a'l 06) Mi

- Like the Nubians, nine suis and one listens.

The « Berberi » is notorious for his incessant chattering
and the proverb is indulgent in allowing even one listener
among them, so universal is. their jabbering propensity. Said
playfully to a party of friends who are all talking at the same

time.

cel Ng WS SNL os}

Like the female slaves, the olden _they, grow. the
less- their value.

oll ZO al bl
i \
Féed the mouth, the eye’ will be bashful."

Give abribe and the delinquency will be passed over.
Sl cy Bl oss
The excuse is worse than the fault.
Quoted to one who aggravates his offence by lame excuses.

 

og his 195% yale JB cele yl oles Wb

They said to the Sultan: the people are starving :
He said: Let them eat pastry.

‘Said of one who ignorantly judges of another’s circum-
stances by his own.

 

dike \pin of 53 Vs SM bp ylls Sal
Eating « Doqqah » and sleeping in the bye-lanes,

rather than a roast hen followed by fatigue.

The « Doqqah » is a cheap mixture of pounded seed,
(cumin, wild marjoram, or mint) salt and pepper, for flavour-
ing the bread.

Better the tranquillity of a modest competence than the
trouble of riches.

oleh. Ets gl choy,

He can lead you to the river and bring you back
thirsty.

« He can twist you round his little finger ».
se Ge =

GIENs ald ey cal lal SN
The unlucky auctioneer pleases neither the seller
nor the buyer.

Said of one who intervenes between two and pleases
neither.

aS |b, Vy ay a,

An ounce of fat rather than a pound of tripe.

A small thing that will prove useful rather than a bulky
object which is useless.

wD
4a al e> o> dell

This man’s crop is narrow.

Said of one with little patience or of one whose means
are restricted.

e jek oe alos all 3 eb

He sleeps in the water aud he is afraid of the rain.

Said of one whoputsa brave face on an almost overwhelm-
ing misfortune and yet complains of a trifle.

12
ct I bi atl oie S

If it were going to rain, there would be clouds.

« Coming events cast their shadows before ».

He who marries two is either a merchant or a
wanton.

By the word merchant inthe East is meant a man of
wealth.

lo» 4 Jie Ces Se

It is not to every face that « Welcome » is said.

Quoted to one who complains of having been coldly
received.

MS ge GiB

He is afraid of his own shadow.
Applied to a timid person.

aed) Gi WYN all 938 Gp oo b

‘We never know the worth of water till the well
is dry.
ae Oe

Gal 3 Sell Sse 144 ov

Who can affirm that the mule entered the jug?

This proverb is frequently quoted to show that, though
one may conscientiously believe ina thing which may seem
extravagant in itself, it is better not to repeat it from fear of
being disbelieved. It arises from the following arabic legend.

An Arab who denied the existence of genii bought a mule
and took it home. When performing his evening ablutions, he
saw the mule enter a jug, and this so scared him, that he ran
shouting to the neighbours and told them what he had seen ;
they, thinking him mad, endeavoured to app2ase him, but all
in vain ; he vociferated more and more, so that the authorities
sent him to the madhouse. When the doctor came to see him,
he repeated the account of what he had seen ; whereupon the
doctor ordered him to be detained. He continued, upon each
visit of the doctor, to repeat his statement until his friends
succeeded in persuading him that, if he wished to regain his
freedom, he must recant: this he did and the doctor set him
at liberty to the great joy of his family and friends. On making
his ablutious as before, he again saw the mule this time peep-
ing out of the jug, but on this occasion he contented himself
with remarking to the mule : — « Oh yes — I See you well
enough, but who would believe me ? and I have had enough
of the mad-house ». Needless to say that the genii, to avenge
themselves for his disbelief in them, had transformed one of
themselves into a mule and as such entered the jug.

of oF WN

What has been may be.
ell aca JU ASS ost tl Ga SI Sle
The mountains of « Kohl » will be exhausted by

the Kohl-sticks and the treasures of gold in time.

Quoted to one who spends without forethought.

The provision of the summer will serve for the

winter.

« Lay by, like ants, a little store
For summer lasts not evermore ».

By >| le BSI yy
He who remembers me, does not despise me.

Quoted by one who, having received a small attention,
desires to testify his appreciation.

a) et le Sage Mead
Another day, like that which is passing, will not
come again.

« Make hay while the sun shines ».

Quoted on a festive occasion, as a recommendation to
make the most of it.
aan OO)

os 2.741 33 oy o ee

A bristle from the hog’s beard is a gain.

Meaning that a trifle from a miser is to be looked upon as
a gain.

FB ne oyel ooty ol

When you see a one-eyed man pass, turn up a
stone.

The Egyptian is superstitious and is careful to avoid the
influence of the evil eye and adopts various measures to this
end, amongst others that of. turning a stone upon meeting a
one-eyed person, especially early in the morning. Also said
by one friend to another who has not been perceived by an
obnoxious person seeking him, to remind him of his lucky
escape !

Se JueNs gh 2

A monkey that amuses me rather than a gazelle
that saddens me. 7

Used to express that amiability in a wife is preferable to
beauty.

Je Se

It is not all that is known which is to be said.
Quoted to one who has betrayed a confidence.
ai OB

JP) 23 gue, ell BL

He who eats honey must expect the sting of the
bees.

You must be prepared to take the consequences of your
acts.

ot 23M JB al Ogle G5 Cla 38
They said to the crow: Why do you steal soap?
He said: doing evil is my nature

Applied to one who continually does harm without any
advantage to himself.

to le (els dm yles 0) 9¢

One- eyed (woman), lame and out at elbows.

Said of one with every vice and not one redeeming
quality.

tide Bip lhl at U
When the donkey has eaten his fill he scatters
his fodder.

Applied to one who, from a state of poverty, has become
rich and squanders his fortune.
as, OA ie

Se Foz le all os)

Like the tomb; it does not give back the dead.
Referring to a bad debtor.

WoL) 81S Soe Ss

What do donkeys know of preserved ginger.
« Do not cast pearls before swine ».

SZ 405 ge le be

He is not worth his ears full of bran.
« Not worth his salt ».

 

4 cle > jell or ets J

Who fears the devil, the devil will appear to him.

: Quoted to one who has taken every precaution against an
Impending evil and thereby expects to escape it.

 

a . od
LAY. og | acs \ a

Paupers, yet they walk like grandees.
ar es

ab ll Je pL AT

Many salutations lessen acquaintainship.

Repetition of salutations is common in the East and the
above is quoted by one seeking a truce to them.

Ke pom CBEST fe te Eady SB Wa, cx OSS

If two tell you your head is not on your shoul-
ders feel for it.

Do not hastily contradict an assertion however extra-
vagant it may seem.

i lae Sih Soll ad Se Lele cart

If you thus laud the onion, what will you do
when you see the sugar.

Said to one who makes a fuss about a small matter. Sugar
was scarce and dear, while onions in Egypt have always been
plentiful and cheap.

435 chee, \e vy RY

~ Who plays upon the flute does not cover his
beard.

Quoted to show that a man committing evil is no
more able to conceal his act than a man playing upon the
flute is able to cover his beard,
x OR

SV SB My Chal pally Alyl SI UB Cav cade bb Si

Oh my father! teach me manners. He said: (treat)
your elder as your father, your junior as your son
and your equal as your brother.

ht a oe

If the cat absent himself, play oh mouse.
« When the cat’s away, the mice will play ».

#S Ses Anw She)

He keeps silent for a year and (then) utters a
blasphemy.

Applied to one dogged in his silence, only opening his
mouth to utter an absurdity. ,

 

‘ wtb eat eh
Before cutting the cloth, take the measure.
Before entering upon any business count the cost.

 

In hel] there are no fans.
25 O97!

Whe So SS dl AE ONIN aarye cle bye

‘An ogress gave a feast. They said: It is to be
hoped there was enough for herself and her children.

Quoted to one notoriously parsimonious who makes a
hollow promise to help another out of a difficulty.

 

J} clay Ut ols

An hour for your heart and an hour for your
God.

« All work and no play makes Jack a dull
boy ».

 

“ls 16 Lal tb

The rat could not reach the honey and said it
was bitter.

The fox in the Fable, when he could not reach the
grapes, said they were sour.

ons ele SAAS spat Jl. odie J

He whose wealth perplexes him may buy pigeons
and let them fly.

Meaning that there are many ways of scattering money.
dew Ctl CI

Are you a seven months child ?

Said to a man always in sucha hurry that one would
think he could not even have waited the usual time to be
born.

He counts by thousands and sleeps on a mat.

Said of one who, though employed in looking after the
riches of anovther, is himself poor.

stall ee le aad ge
Between me and him is what the black-smith
“made.

Quoted to signify that he is on the worst of terms with
such a one.

BS oll ge adl_p2> ol
When there is bread, curds and whey are an

extravagance.

. Quoted to one in poor circumstances to reconcile him to
his lot.
Bol food dt 28
I told you to roast not to burn it.

Quoted to inculcate moderation.

Who teaches me one letter I will be his slave.

de OSI Ny Clb

Cured or both blind?

This proverb is constantly used and the story of its origin
is that a man having a son who had entirely lost th2 sight of
one eye and had the other alfected, s:nt hin undor th3 care of
his mother to the oculist, and on their return, he anxiously
enquired : Is he cured or are both eves blind? and is often
said to one returning from a commission, who, if h2 has suc-
ceeded, replies « Cured» but if on the contrary he has failed
he replies « Both blind ».

SLL 52s Ja gals 9A a BE oS by

‘‘ God abhors three: the proud pauper, the rich
miser and the ignorant old man.
— 100 —

2b) Oo Ss he) eel
Give me a loaf of bread and let it be clean.

Said of a man who begs and imposes conditions, although
« Beggars should not be choosers ».

Sil ga NN ie

He steals kohl from the eye.

Said of a marvellously dexterous person.

Seer wll Je x

gl

When he had grown old they sent him to school. —

« What tutor shall we find for a child of sixty
years old? ».

Treat your grown-up son as a brother.
dlej ur O So

A gleed will come to ashes.
« Hot love ts soon cold ».
— 101 —

A bird by its note and a man by his talk.

ue Se 3 Ok Ls * 3 4\ ie OlLSI

The thirsty dreams of being in a river and the
hungry in the bread-market.

 

Distract a dog with a bone.

Used in several ways: Thieves who have been observed
should give the observer something to silence him; to one
demanding a loan, give him asmall sum and let him go.

PU GI all fe VLEs yall oes le

False coin is passed upon none but the shrewd
money-changer.

Used to show that the most shrewd, by over confidence,
may be taken in.

ogi ae opuc Ns il Bryne

A bird in the hand and not ten on a tree.
— 102 —

cP alls

Like the tassel of a saddle-bag.

Said of a man absolutely of no utility or influence in a
matter. The saddle-bags in the East are generally made of a
piece of carpet with a fringe of worsted tassels.

fe

nh le + SF

Who abandons a thing may live without. it.

233 bby SI Glo

Man proposes and God disposes.

Ss yea We

Dearness yet false measure.

Said to a merchant who charges exorbitantly and at the
same time endeavours to cheat.

“ee JB lt ose JB

He said: your enemy loves you. The other re-
plied : he has gone mad then.

Indicating his sense of the implacability of his enemy.
— 103 —

49 le a6! Cal Cole

The owner (or the imaster) of the houxe best
knows what it contains.

-..« A-fool knows more in his own house than a
wise man in another's ».

Lrlesl S) psn
He swims like lead.
coe b Saul LA 6 3 Ele!
I taught you to steal and you thrust your hand

in my pocket.

Said to one who returns evil for good.

Wald Jats oo at Ys a2 Ll oN

The hand that threatens without striking deserves
to be cut off.

oP, as oe dsl o lb Ns\ iS)

Like the street-children, a sound of music collects
them and a blow disperses them.

Said of those easily distracted from their work.
— 104 —

lagadl GasNI le os
He left him on the black ground.

Said of one who has deprived another of all his means
leaving him absolutely penniless.

Caw (2. (S> {¢ Yo isi
More penniless than a Jew on a Saturday.

Quoted by one who is either unwilling or unable to com-
ply with a request for a loan, it being well known that a Jew
‘will undertake no transaction on a Saturday.

Wide pnt a aly be LN

He who has a wound on the head will touch it.

Implying that a man who has committed an offence is
sure, however inadvertently, to call attention to it, and the
proverb is quoted generally by one who is charged with an
offence of which he is innocent.

aly dary Aas id SM
Whoever has eaten raw meat will have a sto-
mach ache.

Applied as the preceding proverb.
14
— 105 —

la psd laa rae

The riches of Egypt are for others.

Quoted by Egyptians when they see the capital and enter-
prise of Europeans prospering: pl

STN, ole. a L3 joke

He wants a wooden cat that catches mice and
does not eat.

Applied to one who is exacting and grudges payment..

JA Gye Gate Gp oe

Who can recognise « Eyshah» in the market of
the cotton-yarn ?

Quoted to show that where you are unknown, an unwon-
ted licence will not be remarked.

seo) Je bail lbh le (aad

He could not get the better of the donkey and he
turned against the saddle.

Quoted to a vituperative man who, having met with
more than his equal in vituperation, turns upon a diftident
man.
i

Most condolers are revengers.

Said by one to an old enemy who comes to sympathise
with him in his misfortune.

a wll at a) | Aor) gle, \

Nothing disturbs the sheep-fold like a strange
sheep.

Quoted by a bride on finding herself coldly received by
her husband’s family : Also by one who on taking up a new
post perceives that his colleagues look askance.at him.

 

Jingle (your coins) and they (people) will gather.

Said to a niggardly fellow complaining of want of
company.

cap Je oly ELA AN tee SG SSB de ghals 55 ole
ities
Frequent those of your age, spend according to

your means, eat the bread of him who loves you and
enter the house of him who regards you.
— 107 —

o lal Syl wes 4 ll asl

The hand of the stranger ruins flourishing houses.

Said to one who has married his daughter to a stranger
who turns out to be a spend-thrift, instead of having married
her to a near connection or relative, as is customary in the
East.

Jb ob PU eM 5

Like the pit-saw that eats up and down.

Applied to one notoriously addicted to taking bribes.

cal 3 Jo! enl Ge JN de ol
If the captain likes you, you may wipe your
hands on the sail.

Ifone is well with his chief, his shortcomings will be
overlooked.

dD AN tell do

The stars in heaven are nearer to you.

Quoted to one engaged in a wild scheme to indicate the
impossibility of a favourable issue.
as 108 =

The salutations are over and the searching in the
sleeves has begun.

The sleeves of an Arab’s garment are both wide and long
and thus afford easy concealment ; the above is quoted by one
who has been ostensibly invited out of politeness and who finds
himself cross-examined by his host in order to extract infor-
mation upon acertain subject. It is commonly quoted by any
one persistently questioned.

Olt Sees re y\ ele \> ll de cA) L

Would to God it were a boy after all this labour,
but it isa girl and the neighbours rejoice at our mis-
fortune.

Quoted by one who, after infinite pains and trouble to
attain his end, finds himself at the last moment unexpectedly
baulked.

sal JS LI ge Stl

Ask about the neighbour before (taking) the house.

3 IS SS G3)

Choose the companion before (commencing) the
journey.
— 709 —

ghd o gle ole lew ii

What is gained by the monkey only serves for
the donkey.

A popular show in Cairo is that of a performing monkey
and avery small donkey. The showmin makes the above re-
mark to show that he has gained no more than his expenses.
The proverb is quoted by any one whose gains barely suffice
to keep his family.

Like the gypsies: with no care for the absent and
indifference for those present.
Generally applied to one devoid of family affection.

 

gop iy Ae et

The stable is narrow and t!:e donkey is restive.

Said to one ofa company ina small room who by awk-
ward movements causes inconvenience.

ee be ok. Ub ph edt
The wall that has a support does not fall.

Said to encourage a man who fears that he may ‘lose his
post, but who is befriended by a man of influence.
a AU ees

Aes poe > 9 Anal oe lil 3
At their rejoicings I am forgotten and to their
mourning I am invited.

Said by Arab women, of one who is more free with her
invitations when services are to be rendered, as at a funeral,
than when guests have to be entertained, as at a wedding.

le peecceer

The water gives the lie to the (pretended) diver.

Quoted by one whose prowess is questioned and who is
desirous of being put to the test.

INI fe bin SIE Je oltsle

We taught him begging and he had the start of
us at the doors. a

Said of one whom you have informed of your intentions
and who forestals you.

The misfortunes of some are advantages to others.
« Its an tll wind that blows nobody any good ».
— 111 —

tes EIS SB WU lle, dled Ji

He said : the fish throw out fire. He replied: the
water would have extinguished it.

Quoted to one making a highly improbable statement.

pill 2 Np els Io

Is it your face or the moonshine ?

Said by one friend to another paying a visit after a pro-
longed absence. In English. « Yuu are quite a stranger ».

bay ble Lal 6 GI

We thought of the cat and it came leaping.
« Talk of the devil and he is sure to appear ».

Ve Jew Liles Gell.
He is blind and would be a money-changer.

Said of a man who seeks a post for which he is mani-
festly unfit.

wl be Gib ob al

The drowning man sighs for a straw.
— 112 —

£22 OSs cells Pp CIS Ss 1M GLI 133: Tat Soe
yell cx dy J yaSls

Three things will make a man feel subdued: A
woman if she were a balm. A debt of even a drachm.
A question, even if it be only to know the road.

wt
.

Seda Se ois

™
=

The flute is in my sleeve and the breath in my
mouth.

Often quoted among friends to express: «Iam ready »,
«at your service ».

eee

The mat of summer is wide.

It is customary in summer in Egypt for the villagers
to sleep outside their huts for coolness, hence the sleeping mat
or Open space is wide.

3

coe ee

-

Make it light and it will float.

Said toa man to induce him to pay at least part of his
debt in order to avoid trouble befalling him.
= 113 =

aly 3 pal Sahl be ol

If Government gets rid of you, roll yourself in
its dust.

The desire to be in Government service is universal in
Egypt: aman in easy circumstances will work for a nominal
pay for this coveted privilege ; another will refuse a lucrative
post in a private establishment for a pittance in the Govern-
ment service.

The following story is current in illustration of this. A
merchant brought two fine donkeys from Arabia and sold them
inthe market. One was bought by a rich merchant and the
other for the Scavenging Dept. of the Government. The
merchant’s donkey was led to the river, soaped and scrubbed
every morning ; was fed with a liberal allowance of beans ;
had a handsome blue cloth saddle, embroidered reins, silver
nose and curb chains ; was lightly worked, having nothing to
do but carry the merchant from his house to business in the
morning and back in the evening. The other donkey had a
very different lot, being harnessed to a dust cart, dirty, ill
fed, overworked and beaten. One day the two met and, recog-
nizing each other, the merchant’s donkey remarked upon his
old friend’s dirty condition. Yes, replied he, but I am in Go-
vernment service. At this moment the driver vociferated and
beat him to make him drag the heavy cart which he could
hardly move, and, upon his friend’s condoling with him,
replied as before « Yes, but I am in the Government service ».

tery Oy 85)

His luck (lies) between his legs.
Said of one who invariably succeeds in his undertakings.
— 114 —

Nye at il aS

‘What you dislike another may like.

Quoted to one who affects to despise an offer.

 

aoe cn be pl

The people are of the religion of their kings.
« Like priest like people ».

 

oa as ada ao

Everything new has its pleasure.
« Novelty gives pleasure ».

 

Obes tle So Vo Ola Abse de Oss

Pass by your enemy hungry but do not pass him
naked.

Keep up a good appearance under difficulties.

 

bla of ot |

More cunning than a prison rat.
— 115 —

wl

That is for the apricots.

The above is most frequently quoted and is employed
jokingly in reply to a request too preposterous to be granted :
somewhat as « Don’t you wish you may get it?» is used.

It originated from the association of two fruit sellers, an
Egyptian and a Syrian, who took it by turns to hold the scale,
and to fill it. The Egyptian held the scale during the
apricot season and, whilst he was occupied weighing, he ob-
served his partner, the Syrian, frequently eating the ripest
apricots. When the grape season came, the Egyptian, while
his partner was engaged in weighing, ate the grapes by the
bunch ; the Syrian remonstrated, saying that he should take
them one by one; upon which the Egyptian replied: Da fil
meshmesh : or « That is for (or applies to) the apricots.

SIKH le ys IOI WB 5

From lack of horses they saddled the dogs.

For want of people of worth the unworthy were taken.
Li ci . t - 4

tle eS ISLE AS Biel go OSB

 

They said to the dogs: It is going to rain cakes.
They replied: (If so) it would have drizzled barley-
bread.

There is generally some indication of what is going to
happen. 7 . : -
— 116 —

Ako Cy ogte U9 aw |e

He does not know his enemy from his friend.

Meaning that such an one’s meeltigene is not of a high
‘order.

Spr Wy» gee ls a Le Sir

My husband has not controlled me, yet my lover
runs after me with a club.

Said to an interfering person.

 

When a merchant becomes poor, he will rummage
amongst his old books.

In the hope of finding an overlooked debtor.

SA EY

No darkness like ignorance.

“l= \> cn “by Vy ce d gail wi iS)
Like the tombs of the Jews: marble without and
filth within.

Applied to a double-faced man or to one of dirty persom
though cleanly dressed.
— 117 —

bye ct, bat

Our own barley and not the wheat of another.

Meaning it is preferabie to eat the frugal meal prepared.
at home to eating that of another however sumptuous it

may be.

ty 1H ge Vy the lal of eal
Do not trust a woman if she prays, nor the sun

when it is clouded.

Meaning that the semblance of sanctity may cloak vice as
clouds over the sun may indicate rain.

2 , z
cad ge db a& b aly tol

If you do not push forward, nothing will fall in
your wallet.
« A closed mouth catcheth no flies ».

ol Sy Jb ee Sai Jl

Why is the cauldron boiling? He said: from
abundance of heat.
“Said ofa man bubbling over with rage.
perenne

= 419 =

>
SV Glo one MN os)
(He eats) as though he had never tasted food in
his life.
Said of a glutton.

ec hdc obec
The satiated breaks the bread for the hungry too
slowly.

Said by one seeking aid and being kept in suspense.

eb Gully Le aol i
He who has the moon cares not for the stars.

Meaning that he who has the chief with him need not care
about the subordinates.

aide Joh ab OI) She
He who makes known to the beggar his door lays
himself open to lengthy importunities.

Used as a caution against complying with the first request
of an impecunious person.
— 119 —

SB, pls Ow
A bulky body and an unfaithful heart.

Said of one who receives his prosperity in a thankless
spirit.

eat be sel S Gl Sib!

If the world belonged to one it would not suffice.
Applied to one whose greed for wealth is insatiable.

al de By Wal

What is manifest is for us; what is hidden for
God.

Said of one whose appearance of innocence may be only
the cloak of hypocrisy.

aS |e 433 Ye sol ca ul

The worst jug has a solid handle.

Implying that the more precious things are liable to be
lost while the commoner things remain.

we t
Cpiadl oy 4 Ae Sane a tals J Cem | or

Who does good to me and ill to others, I con-
sider him a benefactor.

« Speak of a man as you find him »,
— 120 —

gli en Cnet l gue y

The litigants were of accord and the « Cadi » ob-
jected.

The « Cadi » or judge is said not always to be immaculate
but sometimes to have an eye to self interest.

gi FE NyeSiy EBS a ot) G5 gd Jeol

Enter with something and you will be somebody:

they will prepare for you the bed and present you
with everything.

When seeking hospitality or returning home from a voy-
age, do not be empty-handed. Also used to recommend a pre-
sent being given in order to attain your end.

ri taht os ey So gm ole Sl

Who lives sees, but who travels sees more.

Sel oye RE be 5 yell Jal

The old mule is not scared at the jingling of the
bells.

16
— 121 —

oP gril tos 73 BS

Who goes by himself to the « Cadi » returns
contented.

Said of one who, having made his plaint alone to one in
authority, returns contented, the suggestion being that, had
his adversary been present, things might have taken another

turn.
ee aig oN Gals

Our villlage is small and we all know each other.

Said to one whose mendacity is well known.

He made him see the stars at mid-day.

Meaning that by ill usage he made his life a burden
to him.

 

cle cl Soe eld S

Like the pigeons, they fly from one dove-cot to
another.

Said of a man with whims and fancies.
— 122 —

ial be eal I be op 3”

Much sorrow teaches weeping and much joy teach-
es mirth.

93) 3S GE once) Ail

Too big a mouthful will stick in the throat.
Too great mendacity or peculation will be found out

\es) GAs esl de 055 das cel S>

Like a candle, giving light to others and consum-
ing itself.

Said of one who impoverishes himself in serving others

Shes ec) wb dh be lol. AM Jib ble Cras oe!
Ske al b ctl,

What did your mother-in-law ask you. He Said:
something I should not have imagined. Well! and
what did your wife ask for: She asked how was my
business.

The wife thought only of her husband’s interest, but the
mother-in-law sought something quite disproportionate to his
means. Quoted to show real friendship .
— 123 —

es GF lel B, St sl

Who eats the Sultan’s soup will have his lips
burnt.

« He that eats the king’s goose shall be choked
with the feathers ».

hs ee AIS
Like the blind man, he shuts his eyes and re-
viles.

« Anangry man opens his mouth and shuts his
eyes ». Cato.

aly oe Al ok!

The devil does not destroy his own house.

Applied to a man of ill-gotten wealth, squandering reck-
lessly, implying that he is unlikely to be ruined, for « the devil
will take care of hisown ». Or in discussing the probability
of a sick man recovering, the above proverb is often employed

3 9 “ Olelu > 5? “ cles
Tobacco without coffee is like a prince without
furs:

The « Chibouque » or a cigarette is always presented
with coffee in the East.
— 124 —

4at\> 3 SJ an ol CB a Sl

Why are you so silent. He said: I am medita-
ting a mischief fo you.

oA.c esl Jb S294! \ go k|
They required a service from a Jew. He said: to-
day is my festival.

Said of a person unwilling to oblige.

ey le od>|s + \

e
One-hand cannot applaud.

Used to show the need of co-operation.

Jy Udy ad

Every rise has a fall.
« Every tide has its ebb »

ore) oo Jo Layal| my

Cold in summer is sharper than a sword.
— 125 —

op) L hele sel oytls Clb b> diss

Instead of blacking your eye-brows and eyelids
and painting your cheeks, wipe the rheum (from
your eyes ), oh hussey.

Said to a woman who neglects personal cleanliness.

IF 48 peg b de 5 oy

In the well from which you drink, throw no
stone.

Do not destroy that from which you derive benefit.

daze pM Jeb dass cx asl

Either two lamps and a candle, or darkness for
a week.

Said in reproach’of reckless extravagance.

 

Mabe fics lle iad NN oe

Do not pray for the destruction of the tree that
shades you.

Do not pray for the destruction of your benefactor.
— 126 —

A thief without witnesses (against him ) is the
Sultan of his time.

By the Moslem law, a conviction is seldom obtained
except upon the production of at least two witnesses.

alg) Obs lal cb

The morning broke and defects were apparent.

Said of a disappointing bride. The bridegroom, having
only seen his bride by the deceptive light of the chandeliers, is
sometimes disappointed at her appearance by day.

pila Hletthas <P

To feed a satiated man is waste.

It is idle to bestow alms where there is no need.

Ya ol Gilly ado pls rly
One carries (or wears) his beard and another is

tired of it.

Quoted to one who reproaches another for acting as he
pleases.
— 127 —

kt 5% \\ y\ eae, le le co 3g

Like matches, he does not believe till he touches
fire.

Said of one so incredulous that he will not believe even
in fire till he has burnt his fingers.

cen lo del Gx! 6

Like the water-vessel, always oozing.

Said of a man constantly perspiring.

Sa é> de wa lk: wr 3 S

Like the fruit of the Carob-tree, a « kantar » of
wood to a« drachm » of sugar.

Applied to one whose mental powers are not developed in
proportion to his bodily physique.

sh) asa Lal

The fire is the dessert of the Winter.

Being generally lightly clad, the Egyptian peasants sleep
in winter on the top of the capacious oven to be found in all
their huts, and the upper classes sit round a brazier of glowing
charcoal in the morning and evening.
 

— 128 —

i252 3 Lb}

Our oil is in our flour.

Said by a relative to induce two relatives to marry.

cl oe ALG eal oe

The lion’s den is not free from bones.

Quoted to a man who has money to spare, though he
denies it.

428\ 5 odo\9 031» odes Je Ele Se \= L \ Sl

They said: Oh Goha! count your sheep ! He said:
One is lying down and one standing up.

Intended to indicate restricted means.

ok elas sa |

Do not limp before cripples.

« Name not a rope in his house that hanged
himself ».

co Jal 2D SITU ol
If you have no relatives, get married.
17
— 129 —

fa74l Je Joly folo cIB dus oo al 136
They told the she-monkey to veil her face. She
said: I am too brazen.

Applied to one utterly devoid of shame. The use of the
veil is almost universal with Mohamedan women and is con-
sidered as a token of modesty and self-respect.

Coleg Gar
A barber opened his shop and his first customer
was scurfy.

 

Quoted to signify that the day’s work has commenced
mauspiciously.

SYK gle Lye abl gl abet
Over the low wall the dogs will leap.

« All lay the load on the willing horse ».

cgalall Jar cgeis Jbl Cle U

When the patient is cured he forgets the healing
hand.

Said of an ungrateful man.
— 130 —

cst de LISI 35,

Food for dogs (is provided for) by fools.

Said to or of one easily duped.

ald! fam Jab! Sl oI

When the camel breaks down, load the donkey

Used to inculcate content with your reduced fortune.

LH ox) 255 celys baw Yel oil

She left her own child weeping and went to ap-
pease the child of the neighbours.

Mistaken sense of duty.

 

bill fe lads & 3
She is scabby-headed, yet she quarrels about the
comb.

“applied to one who makes a disturbance about something
for which he has no use or need.
— 131 —

din cplog fate Ul IB ed fely aa JB

He said: Put him in his shroud and wind his tur-
ban. He replied: Am I a corpse-washer and para-
dise ensurer.

Said in reply to a request for two services widely
different.

piiog jum Jably + pay cot filet
The wise will dig and bury; the fool will wash

and display.
Said in illustration of thrift and extravagance.

Shue 3 ce d! Sones bb oF Jl Chi

Your friend is he who grieves at your griefs and
your enemy is he who rejoices at your misfortune.

oy \lasi| No JI 3 92
Misfortune itself rather than suspense.

4i\ p> of rls aler| Of Gk hed

Man can do without his friends, but not without
his neighbours.
— 132 —

vb) ean Oly peg) Lo? Ol
eo} Sol oly ea} SH oO

When you strike, hurt; when you feed (a man)
satiate him.
Do nothing by halves.

tle. sl

Fear makes the body tremble.

 

es oe.
dey Co! Hae a oye

A light mind will tire the legs.

Said derisively to one who comes seeking a service
which cannot be rendered.

Greed wil! lose what has been amassed.

« Grasp all lose all ».

 

Oe Gy shell ve

In adversity the friends are known.
« Adversity tries friends ».
— 133 —

Sle alles Je Nb Sleds Y ott

Two are not satiated: the seeker of knowledge
and the seeker of wealth.

GM coe ly die aE sols Syed oa
435) a cite le

When the minds were distributed, every man was
contented with his own mind; but when property was
distributed, no one was contented with his lot.

Meaning that everyone is contented with his own know-
ledge however small, but no one is contented with his wordly
goods however great.

Lae 5 Al

Affairs are by their issue.

« All’s well that ends well ».

THE END